Operations

Restaurant Leadership Conference is canceled

The annual conference in Scottsdale, Ariz., has been called off amid coronavirus concerns.
RLC

It is with great regret that Winsight LLC, the parent company of Restaurant Business, announces the unavoidable cancellation of this year’s Restaurant Leadership Conference, scheduled for March 22-25 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Given that this event draws more than 2,000 of the most progressive and influential professionals in the restaurant industry every year, Winsight explored numerous options to keep it on schedule and understands the disappointment of sponsors and operators who had spent months planning to attend.

Yet there were three overriding concerns that have mandated this result:

First, amid the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, Winsight feels that the safety of staff and attendees is paramount. Everybody must be kept safe.

Second, an increasing number of government and public health officials have called for banning events with more than 1,000 people, and more than 250 in some states. Arizona has declared a state of emergency, and every professional and major college sports program has been forced to suspend events. It is clear that the officials responsible for maintaining public health are moving in only one direction.

Third, Restaurant Leadership’s sponsors and partners support the conference at considerable expense and are entitled to a high return on investment, which has become impossible based on the current and growing pace of attendee cancellations.

“We are so thankful for the support that has already been shown to us,” said Kurt Reisenberg, president of Winsight LLC. “Many of our sponsors and attendees rightly see themselves as friends and members of the extended Winsight/RLC family. This is precisely why we consulted transparently with our stakeholders and took every step possible to keep this event going. In the end, the health and well-being of our community requires that RLC not go forward at this time.  We thank you for your patience and understanding as we all work through this difficult time together.”

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

In the fast-food world, growth is coming from drinks and desserts

The Bottom Line: The highest-growth quick-service chains cannot be found in traditional sectors but among coffee, beverage and dessert brands. What does this say about the restaurant industry?

Emerging Brands

Forget coffee. Salad is rising as the next drive-thru concept

The fast-casual Greenlane is plotting growth across Florida with investor and NFL star Rob Gronkowski working the drive-thru window.

Technology

DoorDash wants to be everywhere

Tech Check: The delivery company is gobbling up more of the restaurant tech ecosystem. Is that a good thing for restaurants?

Trending

More from our partners