Culinary & Beverage Trends: Gen Z’s Blueprint for the Future

August 05, 2025
Culinary Innovation Theater Booth 369

Led by Professor Brian Connors, a hospitality consultant at the forefront of innovation, this forward-thinking session explores how Generation Z—the socially conscious, digital-native, and experience-driven cohort—is radically reshaping culinary and beverage consumption. You’ll dive into transformative shifts in values, preferences, and behaviors, and learn how to align your strategies with these powerful forces of change.

We’ll unpack how the GZ mindset is rewriting established rules around what we drink and eat—and why it matters now more than ever. This isn’t just theory; it's a blueprint for action that sparks creativity, innovation, and deeper brand resonance.

What You’ll Gain

  1. Thirst for Purpose
    Understand how Gen Z’s dedication to sustainability, ethics, and social impact is driving demand for purpose-led beverage brands. Learn to genuinely integrate these values into your brand DNA.
  2. Tech‑Infused Tastes
    Discover how to deliver seamless, hyper-personalized, and digitally shareable beverage experiences that resonate with Gen Z’s expectations.
  3. Flavor of Authenticity
    Learn why transparency, cultural relevance, and compelling storytelling are non-negotiable for today’s consumers—and how to effectively embed them into your offerings.
  4. Experience Over Everything
    Explore how to design immersive, social‑media-ready experiences that create buzz and build lasting connections with Gen Z.
Speakers
Brian Connors
Brian Connors, Managing Partner - Connors Davis Hospitality, LLC