QSR Media Middle East Conferences & Awards 2025
OVERVIEW QSR Media Middle East Conference & Awards 2025
As the quick-service restaurant industry evolves amidst shifting consumer expectations, technological advancements, and a demand for more personalised experiences, innovation stands at the forefront of transformation. For the first time in the region, QSR Media proudly presents its inaugural QSR Middle East Conference — a prestigious gathering of the industry’s most influential leaders to unpack critical trends and unveil the strategies shaping the future of dining.
The event will also honour excellence through the esteemed QSR Media Middle East Awards, celebrating the region’s top brands, operators, and visionaries driving meaningful innovation and impact.
Join us in Dubai, UAE for the QSR Media Middle East Conference & Awards 2025.
To check our awards page, click here.
Speakers


Mark Dempsey
Senior Consulting Director
GlobalData


Oualid Marghin
Director - International Operations
Wendy's


Lovrenc Kessler
Managing Partner
Simon-Kucher


Keaton Myburgh
International Franchise Business Leader
Gong Cha


Jaskaran Singh
VP of Products
Careem
SPONSORS
EVENT PROGRAMME
*Subject to change
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Networking Registration
9:00 AM - 9:05 AM Welcome Remarks
9:05 AM - 9:20 AM Economic Report
Presented by a leading economist, this briefing offers a concise yet comprehensive analysis of the economic factors and consumer dynamics impacting the region’s food service market. It provides vital context for operators and investors preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
9:20 AM - 9:35 AM Wingstop’s Path to Global Flavour Domination
- Alan Honan, Vice President & Head of International Development, Wingstop
9:35 AM - 9:50 AM Speaking Session
9:50 AM - 10:20 AM Leaders Panel
This flagship panel brings together top executives from the region’s leading QSR brands to share firsthand perspectives on the state of the industry. From expansion strategies to operational innovation, the discussion reveals how today’s leaders are steering their brands through disruption and towards sustained growth.
- Steve Flawith, Founder & CEO, Yolk Brands (Pickl, Bonbird, Southpour)
- Oualid Marghin, Director - International Operations, Wendy's
- Keaton Myburgh, International Franchise Business Leader, Gong cha
10:20 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea Break
10:00 AM -11:15 AM Key Trends Shaping the QSR Industry
Explore the economic and consumer trends redefining the quick-service restaurant sector across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. From shifting spending behaviours and rising input costs to the broader implications of geopolitical shifts, this session, led by Mark Dempsey, Senior Consulting Director at GlobalData, will provide data-backed insights and forward-looking projections to help QSR leaders anticipate change and seize new growth opportunities in a dynamic market.
- Mark Dempsey, Senior Consulting Director, GlobalData
11:15 PM - 11:35 PM Kudu's journey: Leading a homegrown QSR into the future
From a familiar local favourite to a diversified QSR group, Kudu is redefining what it means to grow from within the region. In this fireside chat, Murat Ungun, CEO of Kudu, will share how the brand’s journey has shaped its current strategy and operations across restaurants and beyond. The session will explore how the group is adapting to changing consumer expectations, pursuing international growth, and building long-term value in a fast-evolving regional market.
- Murat Ungun, CEO, Kudu
11:35 AM - 11:50 PM Speaking Session
11:50 AM - 12:20 AM Operations and Technology Panel
A group of top operations and technology leaders discuss the latest advancements in automation, supply chain management, and digital tools transforming QSR businesses. Insights focus on improving operational efficiency whilst enhancing customer experience in an increasingly tech-driven market.
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM Lunch Break
1:20 PM - 3:05 PM Awards Programme
3:05 PM - 3:25 PM Case Study
Hear from a prominent QSR brand leader as they explore how their team is driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty in an increasingly competitive environment.
3:25 PM - 4:05 PM Afternoon Break
4:05 PM - 4:20 PM Is AI the Future of Pricing for QSRs
AI is becoming an increasingly important tool for QSR leaders across brands; however we often see confusion on what it can and can’t do. By breaking the question down into 3 parts we aim to provide clarity on where AI can support your price strategy. Firstly, by addressing what is the future of pricing, then where can AI support and closing by identifying where else AI can support sales and transaction growth.
- Lovrenc Kessler, Managing Partner, Simon-Kucher
4:20 PM - 4:50 PM Shaping QSR: The Future of Aggregators
This panel features leaders from key aggregator platforms, covering topics such as food delivery, loyalty, and digital ordering, who are helping shape the modern QSR ecosystem. They will share how they are adapting to changing consumer behaviour, supporting brand partners, and redefining convenience, value, and customer engagement across the region.
- Jaskaran Singh, VP of Product, Careem
4:50 PM Cocktail Party
CONTACT US
For more details, contact:
Wency Padilla
+65 3158 1386
wency@charltonmediamail.com
Speakers


Mark Dempsey
Senior Consulting Director
GlobalData


Oualid Marghin
Director - International Operations
Wendy's


Lovrenc Kessler
Managing Partner
Simon-Kucher


Keaton Myburgh
International Franchise Business Leader
Gong Cha


Jaskaran Singh
VP of Products
Careem

