FutureFWD – Hospitality, Food & Beverage by Saladplate.com is designed to address and navigate the transformation sweeping through the food, beverage, and hospitality industries in the region. Taking place on 25 September 2025 at EQ Kuala Lumpur, the day-long programme brings together the region’s most influential leaders, innovators, and disruptors to examine the forces reshaping consumer expectations, technology, and market dynamics, offering strategic insights and forward-looking perspectives on the future of F&B in Asia. www.saladplate.com/FutureFWD

FutureFWD – Hospitality, Food & Beverage is organised by Informa Markets, one of the world’s leading B2B event organisers with a portfolio of over 550 international events. It forms part of its global Hospitality, Food & Beverage series, including in-person trade shows and the digital insights platform, Saladplate. Held alongside Food & Hospitality Malaysia (FHM), one of the region’s premier trade events taking place from 23–26 September 2025, the conference will deliver a high-impact programme of keynotes, panels, and thought leadership sessions. Anchored on the content themes of Trends, Technology, and Transformation, it explores how Asia’s F&B and hospitality sectors are being reimagined for the future.

“With FutureFWD, we’re building more than a conversation, we’re creating a catalyst for the industry’s future,” said Ian Roberts, Vice President – Asia, Informa Markets. Asia’s hospitality and F&B sectors are at a pivotal moment. By bringing together bold thinkers and forward-looking operators, our goal is to surface actionable insights that help partners adapt, innovate, and grow. Delegates can expect a dynamic day of ideas, inspiration, and meaningful connections with some of the region’s most influential voices.”

Inspiring the industry

FutureFWD is designed for professionals across the hospitality and F&B ecosystem who are eager to stay competitive and future-ready. From business owners to those in consumer-facing roles such as mixologists, hoteliers, chefs, and restaurateurs, to industry adjacent specialists such as food stylists, sustainability experts, and hospitality designers, among others.

FutureFWD programme highlights

The one-day conference and networking programme will dive deep into the forces driving the food, beverage, and hospitality industry forward; from sustainability practices and tech-driven solutions to new consumer behaviours as well as design and creative experiences. All attendees will have access to the networking event at the end of the conference, joining over 200 top buyers, retailers, and distributors from the industry in Asia.

One of the headline sessions, The Great F&B Reset, brings together a powerhouse panel of industry leaders to explore how hospitality and F&B businesses can thrive amid disruption. With Asia’s culinary landscape evolving at breakneck speed, this session delivers critical insights on innovation, adaptability, and future-readiness. Panelists include:

• Sameer Seth, Founder & CEO, Hunger Inc. Hospitality
  • Behind acclaimed concepts The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro, and Papa’s, Seth is known for reinterpreting tradition and regional Indian cuisine through compelling storytelling.
• Stefanie Wijono, Deputy Director of Marketing & PR, The Union Group
  • A strategic force behind 28 of Jakarta’s most influential dining destinations, Wijono brings a sharp perspective on brand positioning, consumer engagement, and scaling in dynamic urban markets.
• Sarissa Schwartz, Co-Founder & Managing Director, SJS Group
  • A veteran nightlife operator with a flair for concept innovation, Schwartz is the driving force behind venues such as COTU, Lulu’s Lounge, and Bang Bang. She also played a key role in launching Pangaea, once named the world’s highest-grossing nightclub per square foot by Forbes.
• Moderated by: Nicola Lee, Academy Chair for Southeast Asia (South), The World’s 50 Best Restaurants
  • A seasoned hospitality writer for Tatler Asia and The Business Times, Lee brings deep regional insight and a global perspective to the conversation.