Quantaco recently hosted its first-ever Quantaco Connect, bringing together thought leaders, experts, and innovators from the Australian hospitality industry. The event provided a platform for engaging discussions centered around technology, governance, innovation, and the evolving landscape of hospitality. From keynote addresses to in-depth panel sessions, Quantaco Connect offered valuable insights on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the industry.
The day started with a powerful opening from John Vamos, whose keynote emphasised the delicate balance of hard work and good fortune in achieving success. He shared his belief that strong governance is the cornerstone of long-term success, urging hospitality leaders to focus on both operational excellence and strategic foresight. “Governance is not just about rules,” John noted, “it’s about ensuring that your business is positioned for success in both the short and long term.”
Scott Barber, Quantaco’s Commercial Officer, then introduced Quantaco’s new, soon to be released, Hospitality Platform, which is an integrated, streamlined and Insightful way for hospitality operators to access business critical systems and gain an instant overview on the performance of their operations. This platform offers businesses more control over their core operations, ensure that everything is managed efficiently so you can focus on delivering exceptional front of house experiences. Scott’s presentation sparked excitement about the future of hospitality technology, with many attendees eager to explore how the platform could streamline their processes and improve performance.
Next, Steve Vamos took the stage to provide an enlightening session on leadership in times of change. Steve, who has a wealth of experience from companies like IBM, Apple, and Xero, shared three core strategies for navigating change: self-awareness, empowering teams, and embracing difficult conversations. He emphasised the importance of leaders being in tune with their responses to change and fostering an environment that encourages innovation while accepting the inevitability of mistakes.
“Change,” Steve reminded us, “is something you don’t control. You have to care, connect, and enable others rather than trying to control the situation.” His thoughts resonated strongly with the audience, especially as the hospitality industry continues to adapt to new challenges.
Anthony Sullivan, Quantaco’s CEO, led a compelling discussion on the evolution of technology in hospitality and how it has shaped the way businesses operate. He highlighted how Quantaco’s suite of tools, including the soon to be launched platform, has allowed operators to stay ahead by harnessing the power of real-time data and automation. Anthony’s deep dive into the future of hospitality technology showcased how businesses can improve operational efficiency while maintaining a strong customer focus.
Andrew Briese followed up with a practical and insightful session on cost control and financial transparency. He emphasised the importance of gaining clearer insights into food and beverage costs and shared how Quantaco’s technology helps operators manage these critical areas more effectively.
“It’s all about transparency and real-time data,” Andrew remarked, noting that businesses need to have a comprehensive understanding of their financials to stay competitive.
The event concluded with an inspiring keynote from Holly Ransom, who challenged attendees to embrace change with intention. Holly’s mantra, “Will this make the boat go faster?” captured the spirit of continuous improvement, encouraging leaders to push beyond their comfort zones and pursue growth with purpose. Her call to action left the audience energised and motivated to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with confidence.
Throughout the event, speakers not only shared their expertise but also engaged in thought-provoking conversations with attendees, exploring key themes such as governance, cost control, and the integration of advanced technologies in hospitality.
Quotes from attendees like Simon Johnson of Feros Group underscored the value of real-time data for operational efficiency: “We can spend less time putting the data together and more time actually acting on it,” he said.
Judd Harvey from Brickfield Hospitality echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about how Quantaco’s tools like Q Insights will simplify management processes for licensees and venue managers.
Jen Anderson, CEO of Welcome Hospitality, shared her insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping the hospitality industry at Quantaco Connect. With a diverse portfolio of venues, Jen has seen firsthand the effects of rising costs, particularly in regional areas where consumers are more mindful of their spending. Despite this, she emphasised the importance of continually adding value for customers while maintaining operational efficiency.
“Quantaco has been an essential partner in helping us manage the financial side of our business and ensuring we operate smoothly,” Jen said.
She highlighted how Quantaco’s technology has not only streamlined their accounting and financial management processes but also enabled them to upskill staff and enhance customer experiences. For Jen, the focus on continuous improvement and embracing change, as Steve Vamos discussed in his presentation, is crucial for staying ahead in a challenging environment.
Her insights echoed the broader themes of the event: the role of technology, leadership, and innovation in driving success in the hospitality sector.
Quantaco Connect enhanced existing conversations toward a more efficient, technology-driven future for the hospitality industry. The day provided an invaluable opportunity for industry professionals to come together, share knowledge, and explore the innovations shaping the next era of hospitality.
Stay tuned for more insights from Quantaco as we continue to lead the way in transforming the future of hospitality!