The Main Street Strong Conference: New Speakers, Agenda, Registration Details and More!
By Darshini Patel, B2B Marketing
Back in August, DoorDash announced plans to host our first ever merchant conference in the fall. A conference to celebrate our community of partners is something we’ve always aspired to, but this year it seemed more important than ever to create a merchant-led and inspired event.
Since then, we’ve been working hard to develop a program built on restaurant feedback that provides small business owners and operators with the resources, education, and networking opportunities they’ve been asking for — a day to learn, inspire, and foster collaboration during the most challenging time in the restaurant industry’s history. The free event will tackle pertinent issues facing restaurant owners including supply chain management, marketing to today’s consumers, redesigning the dine-in experience, and people management. As the effects of COVID-19 continue to impact restaurants globally, we hope that restaurants will be able to walk away with actionable insights to apply across their business needs while feeling more connected to restaurants from across the country.
With less than two weeks until the conference, we are excited to announce new speakers, the official agenda, and what you can expect from the virtual event on October 8th.
Here’s a sneak peek at a few of the sessions on our agenda.
Innovative Approaches that Stick with Nicole Milnthorpe (Chief Financial Officer, Smokey Bones), Mahesh Sadarangani (Chief Operating Officer, Wingstop Restaurants Inc.), and Derreck Johnson (Founder, Home of Chicken & Waffles) and moderated by Andy Hooper (President and COO of &Pizza)
Learn how restaurants — from the large national chain to the local neighborhood favorite — have pivoted their operations, implemented unique tactics, and fostered new business streams to find success during COVID-19.
Navigating Supply Chain Unpredictability with Alex Susskind (Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Food and Beverage Management, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration) and Christopher Gaulke (Cornell University)
Changes in pricing, an unpredictable food supply, and a growing demand for dining out has made managing supply chains increasingly difficult. Join Alex Susskind and Christopher Gaulke as they share their insights on distribution challenges, the rise of food prices, and navigating the new world of packaging.
Redesigning the Dining Experience with Taki Kastanis (CEO & Founder, Yolk), Charles Bililies (Founder, Souvla), and Randi Sirkin (VP Creative Services, STARR Restaurant Group)
Restaurants have had to find creative dine-in and takeout solutions during the pandemic. Learn from top local restaurants on what’s worked best and how to reimagine the dining experience moving forward to align with safety concerns, CDC guidelines, and operational concerns.
The day-long event will also feature live Q&As with keynote speakers Tanya Holland and Stephanie Izard and registered guests can experience discussion forums to connect with peers on a host of topics from winter weather operations to peer support .
We’re excited to welcome you in a few short days!
Visit our conference website to see the entire agenda— and if you’re interested in registering, there are still open spots for DoorDash and Caviar Partners with 15 or fewer locations! Reserve your spot from our registration page.
