Sunday, October 16, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

State of the Cannabis Industry and the Trends in Infused Products and Edibles
  • Room: Room 415
Join Chris Walsh, CEO of MJBiz, as he outlines the opportunities, challenges, and considerations for transitioning an existing business into cannabis or starting an edibles business, with an emphasis on the pizza & bakery segments. Chris will discuss specific data around trends and customer preferences in infused products like baked... Read More
Speaker(s)
Chris Walsh
CEO
MJ Biz

Chris served as the founding editor of Marijuana Business Daily during the company’s launch in 2011, becoming the first journalist in the United States to focus exclusively on covering the business of cannabis. As CEO of MJBiz, he now guides the strategic vision of the company while educating mainstream industries...

Sunday, October 16, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

S01 Panel Discussion: Tinkering with Your Dough
  • Room: Room 401
Baker and author Peter Reinhart leads a lively discussion on experimentation, adaptation and constantly tinkering to refine, evolve and even re-define your dough....
Speaker(s)
John Gutekanst
Owner
Avalanche Pizza Bakers

John Gutekanst is owner of Avalanche Pizza Bakers and Avalanche Slicehouse. He is an award-winning writer and has been a contributing writer for Pizza Today for decades and continues to be Master of Ceremonies for Both the Las Vegas Pizza Expo and PPNE. John prides himself in diving deep into...

Peter Reinhart
Educator/Consultant
Pizza Quest Productions

Peter is the host of Pizza Quest, a video and audio podcast carried by the Heritage Radio Network as well as on YouTube and at www.pizzaquest.com In addition, he is the author of 13 books on bread and pizza and has over a million viewers of his TED Talk on the...

S02 Dealing with Inflation
  • Room: Room 404
The dreaded word “inflation” has become part of our daily vocabulary lately. You can’t escape it, so you must instead learn to work with it. Mike Bausch will show you how....
Speaker(s)
Mike Bausch
Owner
Andolini’s Pizzeria

Mike Bausch is owner Andolini's Pizzeria, named one of the "Top 10 Pizzerias in America" based solely on reviews by TripAdvisor, CNN, Buzzfeed, and USA Today. Also author of the Amazon #1 Best Seller book Unsliced: How to Stay Whole in the Pizzeria Industry. In 2023 he was named Oklahoma Small...

S03 Becoming the Face of Your Franchise
  • Room: Room 419
As the pizzeria owner-operator, YOU are the face of the business. If you want to be seen as a leader in your local business community and maximize your revenue, take the task of spokesperson seriously, says Connecticut-based pizzeria owner Michael Androw. He’ll walk you through the steps necessary to make... Read More
Speaker(s)
Michael Androw
Owner
E&D Pizza Company

Michael Androw is an award winning Pizzaiolo and team member of the World Pizza Champions. He is the grandson of Italian bakery owners and began his pizza making career in 1986. Currently, his E&D Pizza Company concept is one of Connecticut’s most media award decorated and popular destinations for thin...

S04 The Evolution of the NY Slice
  • Room: Room 420
Another lively discussion ensues here as Scott Wiener and a field of panelists discuss where the New York slice has been, how it has evolved into what it is today and were it may go in the future....
Speaker(s)
Scott Wiener
Founder
Scott’s Pizza Tours & Slice Out Hunger

Since founding Scott's Pizza Tours in 2008, Scott has educated countless pizza lovers and professionals about the history, science, and culture of pizza. His expertise has been featured on the Food Network, History Channel, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Tonight Show, LIVE With Kelly And Ryan, and...

Sunday, October 16, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

W01 Labor Shortage? So What! Strategies to Hire & Retain ($250)
  • Room: Room 421
What techniques for finding the right fit can you employ to make sure you bring the correct personalities and skillset into your pizzeria? What retention measures should you take to ensure you’re not constantly hiring, training and re-training and can instead focus on business development and growth? The labor market... Read More
Speaker(s)
Will Grant
Owner
That's A Some Pizza

One of four Master Pizzaiolo in the United States Will has been making pizzas for 39 years with his family pizzerias. He has opened 13 restaurants since 1984 and has won and placed in over 5 food competitions in the last 5 years. Currently will teaches profesional classes out of...

Sunday, October 16, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Keynote: Paulie Gee
  • Room: Room 402
Speaker(s)
Paul Giannone
Paulie Gee LLC

Paulie Gee grew up in Brooklyn and developed a love of pizza at an early age. After moving to New Jersey and toiling in a corporate IT career for which he was unsuited for some 30 years he decided to turn his culinary passion into a "retirement plan". In 2007,...

Sunday, October 16, 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

D01 Demo: Detroit Style Pizza
  • Room: Show Floor Demo Area
With all apologies to Motown music, Detroit-Style pizza might be the best thing to come out of the Motor City. Tony Gemignani will show you how to pull off this red-hot style....
Speaker(s)
Tony Gemignani
Slice House by Tony Gemignani

Tony Gemignani has won 13 world titles for his pizza making and acrobatic dough-spinning routines, authored or co-authored three books (including “The Pizza Bible”), appeared on several national TV networks and is an owner in 27 pizzerias. His first, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco, opened in 2009, has been...

Sunday, October 16, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

D07 Demo: Sysco Pennsylvania Featuring La Molisana and Greco
  • Room: Show Floor Demo Area
Damiano Piccirillo of La Molisana Pasta will present. La Molisana is a 100% Durum Wheat product. They are a family owned, artisanal pasta located in Campobasso, Italy.  He will be discussing the history of the company and the quality and versatility of their product.  He will be partnering with Aldo Incandela... Read More
Speaker(s)
Damiano Piccirillo
La Molisana Pasta

...

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Sunday, October 16, 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

D02 Demo: The Versatility of Pasta Sheets
  • Room: Show Floor Demo Area
In her Colorado pizzeria, pasta sales are hotter than ever, says Melissa Rickman. The best news about this? Pasta sheets are incredibly versatile and allow you to create dishes that are easy and highly profitable. Sit in on this demo to take your pasta sales to new heights....
Speaker(s)
Melissa Rickman
Owner - CEO
Wholly Stromboli

In 2008 Melissa left the corporate world to make her pizza dreams a reality. Since that time Melissa and award-winning Wholly Stromboli have enjoyed many great successes including being inducted as a member of The World Pizza Champions Team, Winner, International Pizza Challenge Non Traditional category - Mid America 2013,...

Sunday, October 16, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

D03 Demo: Creative Ravioli
  • Room: Show Floor Demo Area
The sky’s the limit when it comes to ravioli fillings. From pumpkin to pesto to everything in between, there are just so many ways to customize one of America’s favorite pasta dishes. In this demo Mike Bausch walks you through some of his more creative options....
Speaker(s)
Mike Bausch
Owner
Andolini’s Pizzeria

Mike Bausch is owner Andolini's Pizzeria, named one of the "Top 10 Pizzerias in America" based solely on reviews by TripAdvisor, CNN, Buzzfeed, and USA Today. Also author of the Amazon #1 Best Seller book Unsliced: How to Stay Whole in the Pizzeria Industry. In 2023 he was named Oklahoma Small...

Sunday, October 16, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

W02 Making Dough & Pizzas with Tony Gemignani ($250)
  • Room: Show Floor Demo Area
Tony will demonstrate how to make a universal dough, make a poolish preferment, tomato sauce, techniques for hand stretching, oven skills, and how to make Sicilian, Grandma, Detroit, and NY pizzas....
Speaker(s)
Tony Gemignani
Slice House by Tony Gemignani

Tony Gemignani has won 13 world titles for his pizza making and acrobatic dough-spinning routines, authored or co-authored three books (including “The Pizza Bible”), appeared on several national TV networks and is an owner in 27 pizzerias. His first, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco, opened in 2009, has been...

Monday, October 17, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

S05 Sales Fix Everything! Sales & Branding Strategies to Implement Now
  • Room: Room 401
The title says it all! Sit in with Nick Bogacz to learn sales and branding strategies to implement NOW....
Speaker(s)
Will Grant
Owner
That's A Some Pizza

One of four Master Pizzaiolo in the United States Will has been making pizzas for 39 years with his family pizzerias. He has opened 13 restaurants since 1984 and has won and placed in over 5 food competitions in the last 5 years. Currently will teaches profesional classes out of...

S06 The Pyramid of Hospitality
  • Room: Room 404
What business are you in? The pizza business? Of course. But you’re really in the hospitality business, and that’s something too many operators sometimes forget. Let’s fix that so you can soar to new heights!...
Speaker(s)
Melissa Rickman
Owner - CEO
Wholly Stromboli

In 2008 Melissa left the corporate world to make her pizza dreams a reality. Since that time Melissa and award-winning Wholly Stromboli have enjoyed many great successes including being inducted as a member of The World Pizza Champions Team, Winner, International Pizza Challenge Non Traditional category - Mid America 2013,...

S07 Using Your Pizza Box as a Marketing Tool
  • Room: Room 419
Every carryout and delivery pizza leaves your restaurant in a box. If it’s a generic box, you’re missing a prime opportunity to brand your business. Your box can be one of your best marketing tools, says Scott Wiener. Sit in on this seminar and find out what your box says... Read More
Speaker(s)
Scott Wiener
Founder
Scott’s Pizza Tours & Slice Out Hunger

Since founding Scott's Pizza Tours in 2008, Scott has educated countless pizza lovers and professionals about the history, science, and culture of pizza. His expertise has been featured on the Food Network, History Channel, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Tonight Show, LIVE With Kelly And Ryan, and...

S08 Owning Your Community
  • Room: Room 420
In order to thrive, you need to be a standout in your community in every way. Through marketing, partnerships and community stewardship, you can become the business owner your city, town or neighborhood simply can’t live without....
Speaker(s)
Scott Anthony
Owner-Operator
Punxsy Pizza

Scott Anthony, a member of the World Pizza Champions, operates an award-winning pizzeria in Punxsutawney, PA. He is an author, speaker & consultant within the industry. His innovative marketing techniques over the last 30 years have gained him recognition as a marketing guru on a local and national basis....

Monday, October 17, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

W03 Maximizing Online Ordering ($250)
  • Room: Room 421
You are doing more online business than ever before. The pandemic escalated that quickly, and guess what? It’s not going to slow. In order to maximize efficiency — and profits — you need well-thought-out systems and a ton of resolve....
Speaker(s)
Mike Bausch
Owner
Andolini’s Pizzeria

Mike Bausch is owner Andolini's Pizzeria, named one of the "Top 10 Pizzerias in America" based solely on reviews by TripAdvisor, CNN, Buzzfeed, and USA Today. Also author of the Amazon #1 Best Seller book Unsliced: How to Stay Whole in the Pizzeria Industry. In 2023 he was named Oklahoma Small...

Monday, October 17, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Keynote: John Gutekanst
  • Room: Room 402
You’ve read his kitchen articles in Pizza Today for years and have heard him entertain crowds at Pizza Expo, where he has served as Master of Ceremonies as well as emcee for the International Pizza Challenge. John Gutekanst, owner of Avalanche Pizza in Athens, Ohio, is one of the country’s... Read More
Speaker(s)
John Gutekanst
Owner
Avalanche Pizza Bakers

John Gutekanst is owner of Avalanche Pizza Bakers and Avalanche Slicehouse. He is an award-winning writer and has been a contributing writer for Pizza Today for decades and continues to be Master of Ceremonies for Both the Las Vegas Pizza Expo and PPNE. John prides himself in diving deep into...

Monday, October 17, 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

D04 Demo: Sandwich-Inspired Pizzas
  • Room: Show Floor Demo Area
What if you took an amazing sandwich and turned it into a pizza? It happens every day! Philly cheesesteak pizza, Reuben pizza … you name it. Easy and delicious. John Gutekanst will walk you through some winners you can begin making and marketing to the masses ASAP....
Speaker(s)
John Gutekanst
Owner
Avalanche Pizza Bakers

John Gutekanst is owner of Avalanche Pizza Bakers and Avalanche Slicehouse. He is an award-winning writer and has been a contributing writer for Pizza Today for decades and continues to be Master of Ceremonies for Both the Las Vegas Pizza Expo and PPNE. John prides himself in diving deep into...

Monday, October 17, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

D08 Demo: Adding Smoke Flavors to Your Menu
  • Room: Show Floor Demo Area
With most consumers finding smoked flavors appealing, Eric Von Hansen will demonstrate how adding smoked cheeses to your menu can create excitement....
Speaker(s)
Eric Von Hansen
Reginal Chef
Caliente Pizza and Draft House

Eric Von Hansen is the Executive Regional Chef at Caliente Pizza and Draft House Pittsburgh, PA. Born and raised in the Steel City, he studied Culinary Arts at Allegheny County Community College. He has 24 years of fine dining experience in a number of genres including training in French, Italian,...

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Monday, October 17, 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

D05 Demo: Hand-Made Meatballs
  • Room: Show Floor Demo Area
One of the most flavorful and versatile weapons in your pasta arsenal is the humble, yet glorious, meatball. Tony G. will show you the secrets of his handmade meatballs....
Speaker(s)
Tony Gemignani
Slice House by Tony Gemignani

Tony Gemignani has won 13 world titles for his pizza making and acrobatic dough-spinning routines, authored or co-authored three books (including “The Pizza Bible”), appeared on several national TV networks and is an owner in 27 pizzerias. His first, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco, opened in 2009, has been...

Monday, October 17, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

D06 Demo: Fine-Dining Quality Pastas
  • Room: Show Floor Demo Area
Oh, you fancy now… Well, you will be when you roll up your sleeves and put your blue-collar work ethic on display by turning out some pastas that are ideal for your pizzeria but would also be right at home at the finest five-star establishments....
Speaker(s)
Mike Bausch
Owner
Andolini’s Pizzeria

Mike Bausch is owner Andolini's Pizzeria, named one of the "Top 10 Pizzerias in America" based solely on reviews by TripAdvisor, CNN, Buzzfeed, and USA Today. Also author of the Amazon #1 Best Seller book Unsliced: How to Stay Whole in the Pizzeria Industry. In 2023 he was named Oklahoma Small...