Keynote and Content Sessions
We are incredibly excited to bring you an exceptional opening keynote and panel discussion at RestaurantPoint West. This is an opportunity for you to gain valuable insights and be inspired by some of the most respected and accomplished professionals in the industry.
Kick-off Session
Sunday, March 1
🎤 Opening Session | Brian Walter: Infotainment That Connects
RestaurantPoint West kicks off with a high-energy, humor-filled session led by Brian Walter, an engagement and communication expert, Hall of Fame speaker, and President of Extreme Meetings. With over 25 years of experience crafting unforgettable event moments, Brian blends infotainment with insights to fuel fresh thinking and spark connection.
Brian’s customized “Power of Three” program combines rapid-fire humor, interactive audience moments, and a motivating message designed to open minds and set the tone for collaboration. Brian’s bold experiences—such as holding a Guinness World Record (the world’s shortest TV commercial!) and performing a corporate sketch with Dwight Schrute from The Office for Microsoft—highlight his unique approach to engaging audiences.
If you’re ready to laugh, think, and walk away buzzing with energy from engaging moments, this is the kickoff you don’t want to miss.
🎤 Speaker Spotlight | Unlocking ROI Through People-First Leadership
Monday, March 2
Daniel Batty
Author, builder, and culture architect Daniel J. Batty brings decades of real-world leadership experience to the stage, combining business strategy with deep emotional intelligence. From scaling iconic brands like McDonald’s, Carl’s Jr., Dunkin’, and Dutch Bros to mentoring emerging leaders, Daniel’s approach is rooted in integrity, authenticity, and lasting impact.
His bestselling book, No EGO Policy: Culture Reimagined—Leading with Love & Authenticity, challenges leaders to rethink the way they engage teams and build organizations that thrive from the inside out. Through storytelling and practical insight, Daniel shows how empathy isn’t soft, it’s strategic. And when culture leads, ROI follows.
Get ready for a motivating session that blends hard-earned lessons, heart, and high performance.
🏪 Speaker Spotlight | Brands Don’t Fail. Stores Do.
Monday, March 2
How 2026 Will Change Your Assumptions
Industry averages can hide uncomfortable truths. In this session, we’ll explore why store-level performance is emerging as the defining factor in 2026—and what that means for strategic reinvestment priorities.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the gap between brand-level metrics and unit-level reality
- Identifying performance patterns that traditional analysis overlooks
- Reframing capital allocation decisions for maximum impact
Presenters:Â
- Evelyn Zuniga | Director of Business Development, Apex Imaging
- Lynelle Grimes, RA, AIA | Director of Business Development, Apex Imaging