The post EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology Announces the 2026 Top Women, Rising Stars in Restaurant Technology and MURTEC Lifetime Achievement Honorees first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>News at a Glance
- Event: 31st Annual Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology Conference (MURTEC).
- Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas (March 9–11, 2026).
- Key Awards: 2026 Top Women in Restaurant Technology & Rising Stars.
- Lifetime Achievement Honoree: Rom Krupp (Executive Chairman, OneDine).
- Official Sponsor: Loop AI.
- Core Theme: Recognizing resilience, digital transformation, and human-centric hospitality.
The awards will be presented on March 10 at MURTEC at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
LAS VEGAS, March 09, 2026 — EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology (HT) today announces the winners of the 2026 Top Women in Restaurant Technology Awards and the 2026 Rising Stars in Restaurant Technology Awards. Sponsored by Loop AI the honorees will be celebrated live on March 10 during the 31st annual MURTEC (Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology Conference) at Caesars Palace. This year’s celebration also includes a MURTEC Lifetime Achievement Award to honor a lifetime of contributions to the industry.
At MURTEC 2026, Hospitality Technology honored the industry’s most impactful leaders, naming the 2026 Top Women in Restaurant Technology and Rising Stars. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Rom Krupp, Executive Chairman of OneDine, for his nearly 30-year career in digital transformation and data analytics.
“The 2026 honorees represent more than just technical expertise; they embody the resilience and agility required to lead in an era of rapid transformation,” says Abigail Lorden, VP and Publisher of HT and Co-Founder of Restaurant Technology Network. “By bridging the gap between cutting-edge innovation and human-centric hospitality, these women are not only solving today’s operational challenges but are architecting the future of the global restaurant ecosystem.”
“Progress in hospitality has always been powered by bold thinkers willing to challenge the status quo,” says Anand Tumuluru, Founder and CEO of Loop AI. “That’s why supporting the Top Women in Restaurant Technology and Rising Star Awards is so meaningful to us. These leaders aren’t just adopting innovation, they’re transforming how restaurants drive profitability, elevate the guest experience, and scale with intention. We’re honored to recognize their influence and celebrate the momentum they’re creating across the restaurant landscape.”
Rising Stars in Restaurant Technology
- Samantha Gallagher, Director of Product Compliance, Harri
- Aunna Macias, Manager of Restaurant Tech, Teriyaki Madness
Top Women in Restaurant Technology Innovators
- Cameron Bersh, Director of Digital Experience, Dig Inn
- Rebecca Davis, Vice President of Operations, Miso Robotics
- Deena DePhilips, Vice President | Head of Technology, Red Robin International
- Perse Faily, CEO, Tillster
- Sophia Goldberg, CEO and Co-Founder, Ansa
- Kim Lewis, Chief Marketing and Technology Officer, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, Inc.
- Natalie Sharpe, CEO, Oliver’s Real Food
MURTEC 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree: Rom Krupp
MURTEC is proud to present the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award to Rom Krupp for his transformative contributions to the restaurant technology industry. Since beginning his restaurant career in 1997, Krupp has served as a primary architect of the modern digital landscape, helping more than 500 restaurant brands leverage data and unified commerce systems to improve performance and guest engagement. With solutions currently deployed across 100,000+ global locations, his work remains central to the strategy and evolving economics of the industry.
Krupp’s impact is defined by founding two industry-leading ventures that pushed the boundaries of practical innovation:
- Red Onion (formerly Marketing Vitals): Founded in 2013, this platform commercialized the use of machine learning in the restaurant industry nearly a decade before AI saw widespread adoption. By unifying disparate data sources, Krupp enabled operators to move from reactive reporting to predictive, forward-looking decision-making.
- OneDine: A comprehensive unified commerce platform that integrates digital ordering, payments, loyalty, and guest engagement into a single ecosystem. Under Krupp’s leadership, OneDine has been recognized as one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Dining Companies” and was named Vendor Partner of the Year by Dave & Buster’s.
Krupp is celebrated for balancing high-tech disruption with a focus on supporting frontline teams. In late 2025, Krupp transitioned to Executive Chairman of OneDine to lead OneDine Labs, a dedicated innovation hub where new, patented technologies are being developed to address the industry’s most pressing challenges. Additionally, he serves as a Venture Partner with EMERGING, a growth equity firm focused on restaurant technology and entertainment concepts, where he advises high-growth platforms at the intersection of hospitality and innovation.
“The MURTEC Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for those who don’t just build technology, but who fundamentally change the trajectory of our industry,” says HT’s Lorden. “Rom Krupp is a visionary architect whose innovations — from Marketing Vitals, to OneDine to Red Onion — have defined the modern restaurant tech stack. His commitment to balancing high-tech disruption with a focus on supporting frontline teams has touched more than 500 brands globally.
“Yet, his most enduring legacy isn’t found in a line of code or a successful exit; it’s found in his character. Whether he was pioneering data analytics or donating critical technology to struggling restaurants during the pandemic, Rom has consistently proven that true leadership is measured by the success you enable for others, and it’s our honor to recognize Rom for his extraordinary service and leadership within the restaurant technology community.”
Winners were chosen by Hospitality Technology and members of its Research Advisory Board and you can read their full profile in Hospitality Technology at www.hospitalitytech.com/topwomen26 and meet the rising stars 2026 at www.hospitalitytech.com/risingstars26.
About Loop AI
Loop AI is a pioneering SaaS provider that specializes in helping maximize profitability and operational excellence for restaurants in the 3rd party delivery space. By addressing critical pain points such as financial reconciliation, star rating, real-time store availability management, and marketing optimization, Loop AI offers a comprehensive suite designed to elevate the customer experience and financial outcomes for its partners like Dave’s Hot Chicken, Whataburger, and Jollibee.
About Hospitality Technology
Hospitality Technology (HT) is the only multichannel brand dedicated to covering the role of information technology in improving business performance for both hotel and restaurant operators. The Hospitality Technology editorial content portfolio includes an online publication that reaches more than 16,000 hospitality industry executives, networking and educational events (MURTEC, Hotel Technology Forum and MURTEC Executive Summit), a comprehensive website, e-newsletters, web seminars, and several exclusive annual reports and studies. Hospitality Technology is the parent brand of the Restaurant Technology Network, a membership community of restaurants and suppliers working together to solve industry challenges by shaping standards and sharing best practices. Visit Hospitality Technology online at www.hospitalitytech.com. Hospitality Technology is published by EnsembleIQ, headquartered in Chicago.
Stay connected with Hospitality Technology on LinkedIn.
About EnsembleIQ
EnsembleIQ is the premier resource of actionable insights and connections powering business growth throughout the path to purchase. We help retail, technology, consumer goods, healthcare and hospitality professionals make informed decisions and gain a competitive advantage. EnsembleIQ delivers the most trusted business intelligence from leading industry experts, creative marketing solutions and impactful event experiences that connect best-in-class suppliers and service providers with our vibrant business-building communities. To learn more about EnsembleIQ, visit ensembleiq.com.
Contact:
Anna Wolfe
Hospitality Technology
[email protected]
Read more about our latest news at EnsembleIQ
The post EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology Announces the 2026 Top Women, Rising Stars in Restaurant Technology and MURTEC Lifetime Achievement Honorees first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>The post Product of the Year Canada Unveils 2026 Award Winners first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>News at a Glance
- Award Name: 2026 Product of the Year Canada.
- Total Winners: 40 innovative products across food, health, home, and appliances.
- Selection Process: National survey of 4,000 Canadian shoppers conducted by Kantar.
- The “Red Seal”: A globally recognized mark of consumer-voted credibility and innovation.
- Media Tour: Winners featured on The Morning Show (GlobalTV) on February 13, plus campaigns across Corus, Flipp, Elle Canada, and Astral Out of Home.
- Key Brands: Highlights include Unilever, Nestlé, Kraft Heinz, Mondelēz, Mars Wrigley, Saputo, and Danone
The largest consumer survey of product innovation reveals winners in 40 categories
TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2026 — Product of the Year Canada, the world’s largest globally recognized consumer-voted award for product innovation, today announces the 2026 Product of the Year Award winners, recognizing standout products across dozens of categories that are redefining innovation for Canadian shoppers.
Determined through a national survey of 4,000 Canadian shoppers, conducted by global research partner Kantar, the awards celebrate products that demonstrate meaningful innovation, relevance and consumer appeal in today’s fast-evolving marketplace.
The 2026 Product of the Year Canada winners represent the top consumer-voted innovations in the market. From household essentials like Scotties Ultra Soft to food icons like OREO x Selena Gomez, these 40 winners were selected by 4,000 Canadian shoppers for excellence in quality and relevance.
“As consumers face an ever-expanding marketplace, Product of the Year continues to help simplify decision-making by spotlighting products that deliver proven quality and innovation,” said Mike Nolan, Global CEO of Product of the Year Management. “With today’s shopping landscape extending well beyond traditional retail—from direct-to-consumer channels and on-demand grocery delivery to real-time digital recommendations—trusted validation has never been more important.”
“Against a backdrop of rapid retail transformation, including more immersive experiences and a heightened focus on sustainability and ethical choices, the Product of the Year Seal serves as a meaningful mark of credibility,” Nolan added. “The 2026 winners represent what Canadians value most today: reliable performance, solutions that make everyday life easier, and products that offer genuine value while helping shape the future of retail.”
As shopping habits continue to shift across physical and digital channels, the Product of the Year Red Seal remains a powerful signal of credibility at shelf and online. Backed entirely by consumer votes, the designation gives shoppers confidence in identifying products that demonstrate innovation and quality within their categories.
The 2026 winners span food and beverage, health and wellness, personal care, household essentials, home appliances and beyond, highlighting innovation across both emerging and established brands.
2026 Product of the Year Canada Award Winners
- Age Spot & Wrinkle Face Treatment | NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Specialist Dual Action Serum – Beiersdorf Canada Inc.
- Apps & Snacks | Western Family Feta & Caramelized Onion Bites – Pattison Food Group
- Better-for-You Drinks | LOOP Pro + Prebiotic Fresh Fruit Sodas – Loop Mission
- Better-for-You Yogurt | Activia Expert – Danone Canada
- Body Care | Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash – Unilever Canada
- Candy | Starburst All Pink Gummies – Mars Wrigley Canada
- Cheese | Armstrong High in Protein Marble Cheddar Cheese – Saputo Dairy Products Canada G.P.
- Chocolate Bars | KitKat Chunky Rolo – Nestlé Canada Inc.
- Chocolatey Cookies | Cadbury Fingers – Mondelēz Canada
- Condiments | Heinz Mayonnaise-Style Sauce – Kraft Heinz
- Energy Snacks | Go Pure Energy Ball in a Bar – Biscuits Leclerc Ltd.
- Fabric Care | Snuggle® Crystals Blue Sparkle® In-Wash Scent Booster & Snuggle® Crystals Lavender Breeze In-Wash Scent Booster – Henkel Consumer Brands Canada Corporation
- Frozen Desserts | 7 Select Ice Cream – Cookies and Cream – 7-Eleven Canada
- Hair Care & Treatment | SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Smooth & Shine Oil – Unilever Canada
- Hair Styling & Finishing | göt2b Glued Brow & Edge Gel – Henkel Consumer Brands Canada Corporation
- Home Appliances – Cooktops | KitchenAid 36″ Temp Cook
Induction Cooktop with 5 Cooking Zones – Whirlpool Corporation Canada - Indulgent Treats | Hershey’s Dark Classic; Hershey’s Dark Almonds & Caramel Flavour; Hershey’s Dark Almonds & Coffee Flavour – Hershey Canada Inc.
- Insect Devices / Traps | STEM Flying Insect Light Trap – SC Johnson
- Intimate Grooming | Philips OneBlade Intimate – Philips Electronics Limited
- Mattress | Logan & Cove Pinnacle Mattress – Goodmorning
- Meal in a Bowl | Crave Bowls – Kraft Heinz
- Men’s Deodorant | NIVEA Men Black & White Invisible Original Antiperspirant Roll-On – Beiersdorf Canada Inc.
- Men’s Facial Care | NIVEA Men Anti-Wrinkle 2in1 Power Serum – Beiersdorf Canada Inc.
- Microgreens | GoodLeaf Intensely Arugula Microgreens – GoodLeaf Community Farms Ltd.
- On-the-Go Snacks | RITZ To-Go – Original & Baked with Whole Wheat – Mondelēz Canada
- Oral Care | Colgate Total Active Prevention Toothpaste – Colgate-Palmolive
- Peanut Butter Treats | M&M’s® Peanut Butter Mega – Mars Canada Inc.
- Protein Beverage | Dairyland / Neilson Chocolate Protein Beverage – Saputo Dairy Products Canada G.P.
- Protein Food | Oikos PRO High Protein Greek Yogurt – Danone Canada
- Protein Snacks | CLIF Builders Low Sugar Protein Bars – Mondelēz Canada
- Quick Meal Solutions | Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme – Kraft Heinz
- Ready-in-Minutes Sides | Cavendish Farms Quick Crisp Crinkle Chips – Cavendish Farms
- Salty Snacks | Tostitos Loaded Nachos Flavour Tortilla Chips – PepsiCo Foods Canada
- Seasonal / Limited Edition | OREO x Selena Gomez – Mondelēz Canada
- Sensitive Face Care | Scotties Ultra Soft Facial Tissues – Kruger Products Inc.
- Soft Snack Cakes / Cookies | OREO Cakesters – Mondelēz Canada
- Sparkling Refreshment Beverages | Clearly Canadian Mountain Blackberry & Wild Cherry – Clearly Food & Beverage Company ULC
- Spreads | Philadelphia Cream Cheese Seasonal Flavours – Kraft Heinz
- Sweets & Treats | Reese’s + Nougat Bar – Hershey Canada Inc.
- Women’s Hygiene | Aruna Revolution Compostable Menstrual Pads – Aruna Revolution
The 2026 Product of the Year Canada winners will be highlighted nationally in a segment of The Morning Show on GlobalTV, February 13, 2026, at 9 a.m., hosted by Carolyn MacKenzie and Jeff McArthur. In addition, the 2026 winners will be showcased through Corus’ premium broadcast, digital and social platforms on the GlobalTV App, StackTV and through a social media influencer campaign. Winning products will be part of a returning campaign on Flipp, the one-stop marketplace for everyday savings and deals; Elle Canada, the renowned fashion and lifestyle brand and Astral Out of Home activations across Toronto in partnership with Bell Media. Winners also receive premium coverage from EnsembleIQ, a premier business intelligence resource with revered publications, including Canadian Grocer and Convenience Store News Canada.
For additional information about the 2026 Product of the Year Canada winners, explore the official 2026 Product of the Year Canada Winner Gallery and follow along on social media with #POYCanada2026 on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.
About Product of the Year Canada
Product of the Year is the largest globally recognized consumer-voted award for product innovation. Established over 40 years ago, POY currently operates in over 45 countries with the same purpose: guide consumers to the best products in their market and reward manufacturers for quality and innovation. Product of the Year winners are backed by the votes of 4,000 consumers in a national representative study conducted by research partner Kantar, a global leader in consumer research. The award is a powerful merchandising program for marketers proven to increase product sales, distribution, and awareness. Winning products announced in February of each year are included in Product of the Year’s national marketing program and receive the right to use the Product of the Year honor and logo in their own marketing and sales communications for two years. For more information, visit productoftheyear.ca.
About Kantar
Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data, insight, and consultancy company. We know more about how people live, feel, shop, vote, watch, and post worldwide than any other company. Working across the entire sales and marketing lifecycle, we help brands uncover growth in an extraordinary world. Kantar is part of WPP and its services are employed by over half of the Fortune 500 companies in 100 countries.
About EnsembleIQ
EnsembleIQ is the premier resource of actionable insights and connections powering business growth throughout the path to purchase. We help retail, technology, consumer goods, healthcare and hospitality professionals make informed decisions and gain a competitive advantage. EnsembleIQ delivers the most trusted business intelligence from leading industry experts, creative marketing solutions and impactful event experiences that connect best-in-class suppliers and service providers with our vibrant business-building communities. To learn more about EnsembleIQ, visit ensembleiq.com.
Media Contact
Sandra Parente
SVP, EnsembleIQ
Grocery, Convenience
Product of the Year Canada
[email protected]
- EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology Announces the 2026 Top Women, Rising Stars in Restaurant Technology and MURTEC Lifetime Achievement Honorees
- Product of the Year Canada Unveils 2026 Award Winners
- EnsembleIQ’s Restaurant Technology Network Names Industry Veteran Skip Kimpel Chief Standards & AI Officer
The post Product of the Year Canada Unveils 2026 Award Winners first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>The post EnsembleIQ’s Restaurant Technology Network Names Industry Veteran Skip Kimpel Chief Standards & AI Officer first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>News at a Glance
- Announcement: Skip Kimpel joins Restaurant Technology Network (RTN) as Chief Standards & AI Officer.
- Mission: Modernizing static industry standards into “living” AI-powered intelligence.
- Key Innovation: Launching the RTN Standards Intelligence Library (an LLM-powered knowledge platform).
- Strategic Focus: Interoperability, Open APIs, and responsible AI adoption for restaurant operators.
- Industry Presence: Kimpel will lead member programs at MURTEC and continue hosting The Tech Chef Podcast.
As Chief Standards & AI Officer, will lead RTN’s evolution of industry standards into AI-powered, actionable intelligence, helping operators and vendors navigate interoperability, data, and emerging technologies with confidence
CHICAGO, Jan. 15, 2026 — EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology (HT) announces Skip Kimpel joins Restaurant Technology Network (RTN) as the Chief Standards & AI Officer.
Helping Operators Navigate Complexity
This role formalizes RTN’s commitment to advancing industry standards from static documentation into living, intelligent infrastructure that actively supports technology adoption and interoperability across the restaurant ecosystem.
Kimpel’s appointment comes at a critical moment for the restaurant industry. As AI-driven tools, data platforms, and point solutions proliferate, operators face increasing fragmentation, inconsistent data models, and unclear guidance on responsible adoption. RTN’s focus on modernizing standards reflects the industry’s need to move faster, without sacrificing interoperability, security, or long-term scalability.
“Skip’s leadership will help RTN members navigate the rapidly evolving restaurant tech ecosystem through community-driven standards, technical resources, and meaningful industry connections,” says Abigail Lorden, VP / Publisher of HT and Co-Founder of RTN. “His expertise ensures our community remains connected and prepared for the future of hospitality.”
Kimpel is a renowned technology strategist specializing in operational technology, extended reality (XR), applied AI, and industry standards. In this fractional role, he brings a standards-first approach to innovation—a perspective honed through his involvement with RTN workgroups since the organization’s inception in 2019, actively contributing to open API initiatives, industry standards efforts, and cross-vendor technical alignment.
Kimpel will focus on advancing interoperability, shared data models, and practical technical guidance—ensuring emerging technologies like AI and XR can be adopted responsibly, at scale, and with measurable operational value.
Leading Standards Development & Adoption
Among his responsibilities, Kimpel will ensure that RTN’s workgroups, technical documents, and standards efforts continue to align with industry needs. He will lead the development of several new resources, including a new RTN Standards Intelligence Library powered by large language models (LLMs), designed to convert RTN’s technical standards into a continuously evolving, queryable knowledge platform, supporting faster implementation, clearer vendor alignment, and future standards-based certification.
As RTN Technical Authority & Content Expert, Kimpel will work to ensure the accuracy and relevance of all published standards documentation and technical RTN content. He will assess the impact of AI on existing RTN Standards, leading member educational programs at events like MURTEC, while spearheading new member initiatives.
As a key representative of the community, Kimpel will partner with RTN leadership to ensure members are heard, that valuable connections are made, and that innovation is supported through RTN membership.
“RTN has always played a critical role in helping the restaurant industry work better together,” says Kimpel. “My focus in this role is to ensure our standards evolve alongside the realities of AI, data, and modern restaurant systems—making them more accessible, more actionable, and ultimately more valuable to RTN members.”
In addition, Kimpel serves as President & CEO of Magicgate, where he advises organizations on adopting scalable, interoperable emerging technologies across enterprise restaurant and hospitality environments. He also hosts The Tech Chef Podcast, exploring how AI, XR, and data are reshaping restaurant operations.
Hospitality Technology is the parent brand of the Restaurant Technology Network (RTN) (www.restauranttechnologynetwork.com), a membership community of restaurants and suppliers working together to solve industry challenges by shaping standards and sharing best practices. RTN has created the Open API Framework, Restaurant Technology Capabilities Framework, Restaurant Menu Synchronization Specification and more. Access the full RTN Technical Guidance and Open API Framework here.
About Hospitality Technology
Hospitality Technology (HT) is the only multichannel brand dedicated to covering the role of information technology in improving business performance for both hotel and restaurant operators.
About EnsembleIQ
EnsembleIQ is the premier resource of actionable insights and connections powering business growth throughout the path to purchase. We help retail, technology, consumer goods, healthcare and hospitality professionals make informed decisions and gain a competitive advantage.
Media Contact:
Skip Kimpel
[email protected]
Read more about our latest news at EnsembleIQ
- EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology Announces the 2026 Top Women, Rising Stars in Restaurant Technology and MURTEC Lifetime Achievement Honorees
- Product of the Year Canada Unveils 2026 Award Winners
- EnsembleIQ’s Restaurant Technology Network Names Industry Veteran Skip Kimpel Chief Standards & AI Officer
The post EnsembleIQ’s Restaurant Technology Network Names Industry Veteran Skip Kimpel Chief Standards & AI Officer first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>The post EnsembleIQ Strengthens its team, Promotes Emily Crowe to Editor-in-Chief of Progressive Grocer first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>
EnsembleIQ has promoted Emily Crowe to Editor-in-Chief of Progressive Grocer and Lisa Johnston to Vice President of Content for the Path to Purchase Institute, Progressive Grocer, and Consumer Goods Technology. These moves strengthen EnsembleIQ’s commitment to providing integrated business intelligence across the retail and consumer goods sectors.
Lisa Johnston Promoted to Vice President of Content for the Path to Purchase Institute, Progressive Grocer and Consumer Goods Technology
CHICAGO, January 14, 2026 — EnsembleIQ, North America’s leading source of insightful information
and actionable connections in retail, technology, consumer goods, healthcare, and hospitality, today
announces Emily Crowe has been promoted to Editor-in-Chief of Progressive Grocer, the most trusted
voice of the retail food industry since 1922.
Crowe is a multifaceted journalist and content strategist with expertise in creating and editing content for consumer and B2B audiences. She has nearly 15 years of writing and editing experience in the food and beverage industry, and was previously the senior editor for Progressive Grocer. Throughout her career, Crowe has written for SmartBrief, the Specialty Food Association, Technomic and the Clovis News Journal, and worked in editorial at Laptop Magazine and American Way Magazine.
Crowe is the driving force behind the launch of the Progressive Grocer Today podcast and The Friday 5
weekly news feature. In addition to serving as a judge for the Jesse H. Neal Awards and National Council for Marketing & Public Relations Paragon Awards, she won a Folio: Eddie and Ozzie Award in the News Coverage category and was a Jesse H. Neal Awards finalist in the Best Single Article category.
“Progressive Grocer’s strength has always been its connection to the grocery community, and Emily has been central to deepening and expanding that relationship. Her leadership and superb communication skills will ensure the brand continues to grow in influence and trust across the industry,” said Eric Savitch, SVP, Group Director for Progressive Grocer, Path to Purchase Institute, and Consumer Goods Technology.
In addition, EnsembleIQ has promoted Lisa Johnston to Vice President of Content for the Path to
Purchase Institute, Progressive Grocer and Consumer Goods Technology. Johnston, who has been with EnsembleIQ since 2020, will lead a unified editorial approach focused on delivering greater value across the retail and consumer goods landscape. Previously, Johnston was the Editorial Director of the Path to Purchase Institute and Consumer Goods Technology (CGT).
“By integrating the editorial teams under Lisa’s leadership, we’re strengthening our ability to understand the needs of retailers, brands and shoppers. This approach allows us to connect insights more effectively and deliver greater value across the full commerce ecosystem,” added Savitch.
To learn more about EnsembleIQ, visit: ensembleiq.com. Stay connected with EnsembleIQ on LinkedIn.
About Progressive Grocer
For more than 100 years, Progressive Grocer has been the leading source of business intelligence for the food retail industry, delivering award-winning journalism, research and live-event experiences that inform, connect and empower grocery leaders across North America.
About the Path to Purchase Institute
The Path to Purchase Institute is a global member community serving the needs of brand manufacturers, retailers, agencies and the entire ecosystem of solution providers in the commerce marketing industry.
About Consumer Goods Technology
Consumer Goods Technology (CGT) is the trusted source of intelligence for consumer goods executives looking to make smarter IT and business decisions. CGT exists to inform, empower and connect industry-leading consumer goods executives who seek transformational business growth through the implementation of innovative technology. CGT is dedicated to sharing industry-leading news and insights, providing best-in-class solutions and strategies, and connecting you with a community of leaders to ensure success in the rapidly changing consumer landscape.
About EnsembleIQ
EnsembleIQ is a premier business intelligence company providing insightful information and actionable connections that help business leaders and their teams drive growth across the retail, consumer goods, technology, healthcare, and hospitality industries.
Media Contact
- Nicola Tidbury
- Senior Director, Marketing
- EnsembleIQ
- [email protected]
Read more about our latest news at EnsembleIQ
The post EnsembleIQ Strengthens its team, Promotes Emily Crowe to Editor-in-Chief of Progressive Grocer first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>The post EnsembleIQ’s Progressive Grocer Celebrates 2025 Impact Award Winners first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>News at a Glance
- Award Name: Progressive Grocer 2025 Impact Awards.
- Total Honorees: 49 companies across the grocery ecosystem (Retail, CPG, Wholesale, and Tech).
- Core Focus: Advancing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) imperatives.
- Key Categories: Sustainability, Food Security, Community Service, Ethical Sourcing, Philanthropic Innovation, Workforce Development, and Educational Support.
- Notable Winners: Albertsons Cos., ALDI, Southeastern Grocers, SpartanNash, Publix, Dollar General, Mars Food & Nutrition, and others.
- Where to Read More: Featured in the November/December 2025 print issue and at progressivegrocer.com
49 companies recognized for advancing ESG innovation, equity, sustainability, food security, and community impact across the grocery industry
CHICAGO, Dec. 15, 2025 — EnsembleIQ’s Progressive Grocer has announced the 2025 Impact Award honorees, recognizing 49 companies across the grocery ecosystem whose initiatives are meaningfully advancing environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities in their communities and businesses. This year’s winners were selected for high-impact programs spanning community service, sustainability, food access, ethical sourcing, philanthropy, educational investment and workforce development.
The 2025 Progressive Grocer Impact Awards recognize 49 leaders in the grocery ecosystem for excellence in ESG. Key winners include Albertsons Cos., ALDI, Southeastern Grocers, and SpartanNash, honored for high-impact initiatives in sustainability, food security, and workforce development.
The winners reflect a grocery industry that is using its scale and reach to address real-world challenges — from food insecurity and workforce empowerment to regenerative agriculture, climate resilience, community safety, plastics reduction and DEIB advancement. Their accomplishments demonstrate how purpose-driven leadership can create measurable, lasting change.
“ESG isn’t an initiative — it’s an imperative,” said Eric Savitch, senior vice president & group brand director, Progressive Grocer. “This year’s Impact Award winners show what happens when companies take that responsibility seriously. Whether the work is happening in stores, in supply chains, in production facilities or in communities, these organizations prove that doing the right thing is inseparable from running a modern, resilient grocery business.”
The 2025 honorees represent retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, solution providers, CPG brands and nonprofits whose work has yielded meaningful outcomes — from millions of meals donated, to innovative agricultural practices, to groundbreaking employee-support benefits, to major resource-conservation milestones.
Honorees were recognized across seven key categories, each reflecting essential ESG dimensions:
- Community Service / Local Impact
- Educational Support / Learning Advancement
- Ethical Sourcing / Supply Chain Transparency
- Food Security / Nutritional Leadership
- Philanthropic Innovation / Corporate Giving
- Sustainability / Resource Conservation
- Workforce Development / Employee Support
Across these categories, the 2025 Impact Award winners include Albertsons Cos., ALDI, Equifruit, Freson Bros., Kent’s Market, Organic Hive, Roots Market, Sendik’s, Southeastern Grocers, UNFI/Cub, Giant Food, SpartanNash, Western Michigan University, Diestel Family Ranch, Fairtrade America, Publix, SunOpta, Tonnino, UNFI, Dollar General, Mars Food & Nutrition, Rudy’s Markets, MegaFood, Niman Ranch, SimplyProtein, Botticelli Foods, CFIN, Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods, Raley’s, Verdant Technologies, and others.
“What makes this year’s class extraordinary is the depth of commitment behind these initiatives,” said Bridget Goldschmidt, managing editor of Progressive Grocer. “These companies aren’t checking boxes. They are building programs with measurable impact — programs that respond to community needs, strengthen supply chains, support the environment and uplift employees. Their work represents the highest aspirations of our industry.”
The 2025 list includes efforts such as:
- Major volunteer mobilizations supporting hunger relief, disaster response and charitable causes
- Scholarship and education programs investing in future industry leaders
- Fair, transparent sourcing models supporting farming communities globally
- Large-scale food-access initiatives expanding fresh and nutritious options to underserved communities
- Regenerative-agriculture and sustainability programs reducing waste, emissions and packaging impacts
- Employee-first workplace innovations from mental-health support to financial well-being initiatives
These programs are featured in detail in the November/December 2025 print issue and you can view the full 2025 Impact Award winners list at progressivegrocer.com.
For more than 100 years, Progressive Grocer has been the leading source of business intelligence for the food retail industry, delivering award-winning journalism, research and live-event experiences that inform, connect and empower grocery leaders across North America.
About EnsembleIQ
EnsembleIQ is a premier business intelligence company providing insightful information and actionable connections that help business leaders and their teams drive growth across the retail, consumer goods, technology, healthcare, and hospitality industries.
Media Contact
- Bridget Goldschmidt
- Progressive Grocer
- [email protected]
Read more about our latest news at EnsembleIQ
- EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology Announces the 2026 Top Women, Rising Stars in Restaurant Technology and MURTEC Lifetime Achievement Honorees
- Product of the Year Canada Unveils 2026 Award Winners
- EnsembleIQ’s Restaurant Technology Network Names Industry Veteran Skip Kimpel Chief Standards & AI Officer
The post EnsembleIQ’s Progressive Grocer Celebrates 2025 Impact Award Winners first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>The post EnsembleIQ’s Progressive Grocer Honors 20th Top Women in Grocery: Nominations Open first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>News at a Glance: 2026 Nominations Fast Facts
- Program: Top Women in Grocery (TWIG) – 20th Anniversary.
- Organizer: EnsembleIQ’s Progressive Grocer.
- Nominations deadline: February 9, 2026.
- Eligibility Period: Achievements between March 1, 2025 – Feb. 9, 2026.
- Categories: Senior-Level Executives, Rising Stars, Store Managers.
- Action: Submit your nomination to Top Women in Grocery here.
Top Women in Grocery, the industry’s most prestigious women’s leadership recognition program marks 20 years of honoring excellence across the food retail ecosystem.
CHICAGO, Dec. 04, 2025 — EnsembleIQ’s Progressive Grocer is accepting nominations for the 2026 Top Women in Grocery (TWIG) Awards, marking the 20th anniversary of the industry’s most prestigious program celebrating women leadership, achievement, and impact in grocery retail.
Over the past two decades, Top Women in Grocery has recognized thousands of women across the retail, wholesale, manufacturing, CPG, distribution, and solutions provider communities. The program honors leaders at every stage of their careers – from Rising Stars to Store Managers to Senior-Level Executives – whose accomplishments and leadership continue to shape the future of the food industry.
“As we celebrate 20 years of Top Women in Grocery, we’re not just honoring the remarkable women of today, we’re recognizing the builders, innovators, mentors, and trailblazers who’ve transformed the grocery industry for two decades,” said Eric Savitch, senior vice president & group brand director, Progressive Grocer. “This milestone is a testament to the strength and leadership of women across every corner of grocery, and we invite the industry to help us spotlight the women whose brilliance and impact deserve to be celebrated.”
The program will highlight exceptional year-over-year accomplishments and long-term contributions that reflect the evolution and growth of the grocery sector. Nominees should demonstrate business results, leadership, community engagement, and above-and-beyond service during the eligibility period of March 1, 2025, through Feb. 9, 2026.
“For two decades, TWIG has stood as the gold standard for recognizing the women who lead, innovate and elevate our industry,” said Bridget Goldschmidt, managing editor, Progressive Grocer. “This program has told some of the most inspiring stories in grocery — stories of courage, resilience, creativity and service. We are proud to carry this legacy forward into our 20th year and beyond.”
The 2026 honorees will be featured in Progressive Grocer’s June 2026 issue and celebrated at an awards gala during the 2026 Grocery Impact conference, which brings together the industry’s top executives, strategists and change-makers.
Nominations for Top Women in Grocery (TWIG) are now open in the following categories:
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- Senior-Level Executives: VP level and above
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- Rising Stars: Managers, specialists, analysts, supervisors and directors below VP level
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- Store Managers: Store-level leaders, including assistant store managers
Entries should showcase measurable accomplishments such as:
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- Transformational leadership and team development
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- Innovation in merchandising, operations, digital, loyalty, ESG or shopper engagement
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- Cross-functional or enterprise-level impact
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- Community involvement, mentorship, DEI leadership or philanthropic contributions
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- Significant achievements or business improvements within the eligibility window
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- For past winners: three or more new, major accomplishments are required to re-enter
Nominations are open through Feb. 9, 2026. Nominate here.
About Top Women in Grocery
Since its launch in 2006, TWIG has become the most trusted and enduring women’s leadership awards program in the grocery industry, recognizing more than 2,500 honorees from companies of all sizes. The annual gala draws hundreds of leaders and colleagues who gather to celebrate excellence, mentorship and the future of the industry.
About Progressive Grocer
For over 100 years, Progressive Grocer has been the leading voice of the food retail industry, providing award-winning journalism, data, insights, and in-depth reporting across digital, print, research, and live events. PG serves the full grocery ecosystem, from independents to national chains to the world’s largest brands.
About EnsembleIQ
EnsembleIQ is a premier business intelligence company delivering insightful information and actionable connections that help business leaders and their teams drive growth and innovation across the retail, technology, consumer goods, healthcare, and hospitality industries.
Media Contact
Bridget Goldschmidt,
bgoldschmidt@ensembleiq.com
Read more about our latest news at EnsembleIQ
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]]>The post EnsembleIQ’s MURTEC 2026 Announces Launch of ‘AI Summit at MURTEC’ to Arm Restaurant Leaders with Transformation Strategy first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>News at a Glance
- Attendance to AI Summit at MURTEC: Included with MURTEC registration; standalone passes available
- Event Name: AI Summit at MURTEC 2026 (March 11, 2026).
- Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas (Part of MURTEC, March 9–11).
- What you will learn: Upskilling non-technical restaurant executives on applied AI strategies.
- Founding Sponsor: SignalFlare.AI
SignalFlare.AI Named Founding Sponsor of Inaugural AI Summit at MURTEC Education Event
CHICAGO, December 4, 2025 — EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology (HT) announces the Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology Conference (MURTEC), the gold standard for restaurant technology events, which includes a full day of education and networking dedicated to upskilling non-technical restaurant executives in the complexity of AI transformation.
The 31st MURTEC takes place March 9–11 at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. The first two days are packed with a breadth of education across a range of restaurant technology topics, offering dedicated time for sourcing solutions across the full operating environment.
When MURTEC’s final day transforms into the AI Summit at MURTEC, attendees will gain practical frameworks, peer-led case studies, and step-by-step playbooks for building an AI-ready organization.
“With rapid advancements in AI, we are on the cusp of massive change in restaurant operations and business leaders are overwhelmed with possibilities,” says Abigail Lorden, VP / Publisher of HT and MURTEC. “Non-technical leaders need immediate guidance on where and how to leverage AI-enabled solutions so they can make strategic decisions with IT leaders.”
“Operators have taken a cautious approach, such as deploying generative AI to produce marketing copy. We know that time is of the essence in helping restaurants move from reactive deployment to strategic decision-making,” adds Robert Firpo-Cappiello, Editor-in-Chief of HT and MURTEC.
SignalFlare.AI announced as Founding Sponsor for AI Summit at MURTEC
SignalFlare.ai, an AI-powered decision intelligence platform for the restaurant industry, announces its support as the founding sponsor of the AI Summit at MURTEC. SignalFlare.ai CEO Mike Lukianoff is a member of the AI Summit content steering committee and one of the restaurant industry’s foremost experts on applied AI. He notes, “The AI Summit is designed to teach executives not only what AI can do, but how to do it. This event is a practical guide to challenging the way your business makes decisions today and building consensus within executive teams.”
Restaurant industry leaders demonstrate support for the Summit and reinforce the need for practical education. Jeff Chandler, CEO of Hopdoddy explains: “SignalFlare AI has helped us better understand the external factors that impact our business and the potential that harnessing this data unlocks with AI. Our team is genuinely learning.”
Clay Dover, former CEO of Velvet Taco adds, “Lukianoff is the best person to lead the effort in AI education. He’s the one you call before the Board meeting. He cares about our industry and was using AI before many of us knew what it was.”
The AI Summit at MURTEC kicks off with a networking breakfast and includes educational sessions, AI pop-up exhibits, a lunch & networking area, and a happy hour.
Registration and Attendance details for MURTEC 2026
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- How Restaurants Can Attend the AI Summit at MURTEC: All restaurant operators attending MURTEC can attend the AI Summit at no additional cost, but pre-registration is required. For restaurant leaders seeking to experience the program without attending MURTEC, a standalone AI Summit at MURTEC pass is available and includes access to activities on March 11, plus the MURTEC After Dark party on March 10.
Register for MURTEC or the AI Summit at MURTEC at www.murtec.com
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- For Technology Solution Providers: Technology companies and solution providers must be sponsors to attend any part of MURTEC or the AI Summit. Sponsorship inquiries: [email protected]
About MURTEC
MURTEC will host more than 800 restaurant technology executives and solution providers. The event also features a one-to-one networking, exhibit hall tours, a buzzing expo floor showcasing the latest solutions, including Restaurant Technology Network’s Start-Up Alley, dozens of educational sessions geared toward upskilling restaurant technology executives, and ample time to forge new relationships.
About Hospitality Technology
Hospitality Technology (HT) is the only multichannel brand dedicated to covering the role of information technology in improving business performance for both hotel and restaurant operators.
About EnsembleIQ
EnsembleIQ is the premier resource of actionable insights and connections powering business growth throughout the path to purchase. We help retail, technology, consumer goods, healthcare, and hospitality professionals make informed decisions and gain a competitive advantage.
About SignalFlare AI
SignalFlare.ai provides restaurant leaders with the intelligence, tools, and expertise they need to make smarter decisions, faster. Founded by restaurant industry veterans with decades of experience in data, pricing, and operations, SignalFlare was named the winner of the 2024 Snowflake/NYSE Start-Up Challenge, selected from 1,100+ global companies. Leading the industry into the future with decision intelligence, SignalFlare has pioneered a data infrastructure that unlocks predictive signals and recommendations on an ongoing basis, enabling better, faster decisions. SignalFlare’s AI models consumer behaviors, incorporates competitor insights, and contextualizes local and national economic factors—giving restaurants the ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. Enterprise and mid-market restaurants have successfully leveraged the platform to make strategic decisions across pricing, site selection, menu optimization, marketing, and more, achieving continuous growth despite economic headwinds.
Media Contacts
For Hospitality Technology / MURTEC
Abigail Lorden, Publisher, Hospitality Technology
alorden@ensembleiq.com
For SignalFlare AI
Tammy K. Billings, VP of Business Development
[email protected]
Read more about our latest news at EnsembleIQ
- EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology Announces the 2026 Top Women, Rising Stars in Restaurant Technology and MURTEC Lifetime Achievement Honorees
- Product of the Year Canada Unveils 2026 Award Winners
- EnsembleIQ’s Restaurant Technology Network Names Industry Veteran Skip Kimpel Chief Standards & AI Officer
The post EnsembleIQ’s MURTEC 2026 Announces Launch of ‘AI Summit at MURTEC’ to Arm Restaurant Leaders with Transformation Strategy first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>The post EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology Opens Nominations for 2026 Top Women in Restaurant Technology and Rising Star Awards first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>CHICAGO, DECEMBER 2, 2025 – EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology (HT) opens nominations for the tenth annual Top Women in Restaurant Technology Awards, sponsored by Loop AI. The Awards recognize and honor a diverse array of women in the restaurant technology industry, including restaurant companies and technology providers. The Rising Star Awards are open to individuals who have been working in the restaurant technology industry for less than five years. The Award aims to recognize individuals who are rewriting the rules of the industry with creativity, leadership, and expertise.
Nominations are now open for the 10th Annual Top Women in Restaurant Technology and Rising Star Awards, sponsored by Loop AI. Industry professionals have until January 12, 2026, to submit nominees who are driving innovation in restaurant technology and operations.
“At Loop AI, we believe that visionary, innovation-driven leadership is the heart of the hospitality industry. By sponsoring this year’s Top Women in Restaurant Technology and Rising Star Awards, we are proud to celebrate the individuals driving meaningful change,” says Anand Tumuluru, Founder and CEO of Loop AI, a pioneering delivery profitability platform built for restaurant brands, helping operators maximize margins and streamline delivery operations. “These remarkable leaders are redefining what’s possible in restaurant innovation. Their vision and technical brilliance are setting new standards for how restaurants operate, engage guests, and grow sustainably. We’re inspired by their impact and proud to celebrate their role in shaping the future of our industry.”
“Celebrating a decade of the Top Women in Restaurant Technology Awards is a significant milestone and a testament to the incredible women powering innovation in the restaurants,” says Robert Firpo-Cappiello, editor-in-chief of Hospitality Technology. “By opening the Rising Star Award to all early-career professionals, regardless of gender, we’re championing the next generation of industry leaders. These awards are specifically designed to recognize and elevate dynamic newcomers making waves and helping to redefine modern restaurant operations.”
The Top Women in Restaurant Technology and Rising Star Awards categories are:
- Rising Star in Restaurant Technology: Presented to any individual with less than five years of industry experience who has demonstrated leadership and is making a mark in restaurant technology.
- Top Women in Restaurant Technology – Innovator Award: Presented to women with more than five years of restaurant technology experience who are forward thinkers and have executed on tools and strategies to transform the restaurant technology space.
- Top Women in Restaurant Technology – Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented in recognition of a lifetime (minimum 20 years) of service and accomplishments in the restaurant technology industry.
Winners will be chosen by Hospitality Technology magazine and members of its Research Advisory Board and will be honored at an awards program at MURTEC, March 9-11, 2026, at Caesars Palace. Register here.
Submit Nominations for 2026 Top Women in Restaurant Technology Awards Here. Nominations are open through January 12, 2026.
About Loop
Loop is a pioneering SaaS provider that specializes in helping maximize profitability and operational excellence for restaurants in the 3rd party delivery space. By addressing critical pain points such as financial reconciliation, star rating, real-time store availability management, and marketing optimization, Loop AI offers a comprehensive suite designed to elevate the customer experience and financial outcomes for its partners like Dave’s Hot Chicken, Whataburger, and Jollibee.
About Hospitality Technology
Hospitality Technology (HT) is the only multichannel brand dedicated to covering the role of information technology in improving business performance for both hotel and restaurant operators.
About EnsembleIQ
EnsembleIQ is the premier resource of actionable insights and connections powering business growth throughout the path to purchase. We help retail, technology, consumer goods, healthcare, and hospitality professionals make informed decisions and gain a competitive advantage.
Contact
Anna Wolfe
Hospitality Technology’s senior editor – restaurants
[email protected]
Read more about our latest news at EnsembleIQ
- EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology Announces the 2026 Top Women, Rising Stars in Restaurant Technology and MURTEC Lifetime Achievement Honorees
- Product of the Year Canada Unveils 2026 Award Winners
- EnsembleIQ’s Restaurant Technology Network Names Industry Veteran Skip Kimpel Chief Standards & AI Officer
The post EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology Opens Nominations for 2026 Top Women in Restaurant Technology and Rising Star Awards first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>The post EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology Names 2025 Hotel Visionary Award Winners, Marking 20 Years of Industry Innovation first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>LAS VEGAS, Nov. 14, 2025 — Last night at the Hotel Technology Forum, EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology (HT) announced the award winners of the 2025 Hotel Visionary Awards, which recognize hotel and technology brands for their groundbreaking initiatives that redefine hospitality technology. The awards, now in their 20th year, highlight advancements in a variety of categories. Each award recognizes forward-thinking initiatives that enhance efficiency, elevate guest engagement, and support hotel operations.
The 2025 Hotel Visionary Awards, celebrating 20 years of excellence, recognize top brands like IHG Hotels & Resorts and Omni Hotels & Resorts for groundbreaking initiatives in guest experience, food & beverage, and hotel operations.
“Hospitality Technology launched the Awards program 20 years ago to celebrate how technology supports our fundamental human calling for in-person experiences,” recalls Abigail Lorden, VP & Publisher of Hospitality Technology. “While hospitality’s core role remains constant — to provide safe, welcoming accommodations that honor guests’ preferences — our means for achieving it will always evolve. It’s been an honor to recognize two decades of creative partnerships and bold thinkers in hospitality, and this year’s winners continue to inspire our industry to be the best possible hosts we can be.”
The 2025 awards are sponsored by Venza, a leading technology provider in data protection, cybersecurity, and compliance.
“This year’s winners represent the kind of leadership that advances hospitality as a whole,” said James Filsinger, CEO of VENZA. “Their achievements remind us that progress is measured not only by innovation and technology, but by the trust and confidence delivered to guests—a focus that is central to VENZA’s mission. We are honored to celebrate these visionaries and proud to recognize the forward-thinkers leading our industry into the future.”
Meet the 2025 Hotel Visionary Awards Winners:
Lifetime Achievement
- Sharee Brell, Senior Vice President, Technology, Red Roof
- Kevin King, CEO, Shiji International
Rising Star
- Jack Hodges, Senior Manager, Loyalty Performance & Commercial Strategy, Choice Hotels International
- Ethan Wiseman, Head of Distribution, Product Management, Hospitality Solutions
Partnership
- Omni Hotels & Resorts and Oracle
Food & Beverage
- HEI Hotels + Resorts
Guest Experience
- Winner: IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Runner-up: BWH Hotels
Guestroom Technology
- Winner: White Elephant Resorts
- Runner-up: Sonesta International Hotels Corp.
Human Resources
- Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.
Sales & Marketing
- Winner: Storey Hospitality
- Runner-up: Camelback Resort
About Hospitality Technology
Hospitality Technology (HT) is the only multichannel brand dedicated to covering the role of information technology in improving business performance for both hotel and restaurant operators. The Hospitality Technology editorial content portfolio includes an online publication that reaches more than 16,000 hospitality industry executives, networking and educational events (MURTEC, Hotel Technology Forum, and MURTEC Executive Summit), a comprehensive website, e-newsletters, web seminars, and several exclusive annual reports and studies. Hospitality Technology is the parent brand of the Restaurant Technology Network (www.restauranttechnologynetwork.com), a membership community of restaurants and suppliers working together to solve industry challenges by shaping standards and sharing best practices. Visit Hospitality Technology online at www.hospitalitytech.com. Hospitality Technology is published by EnsembleIQ, headquartered in Chicago.
Stay connected with Hospitality Technology on LinkedIn.
About EnsembleIQ
EnsembleIQ is the premier resource of actionable insights and connections powering business growth throughout the path to purchase. We help retail, technology, consumer goods, healthcare, and hospitality professionals make informed decisions and gain a competitive advantage. EnsembleIQ delivers the most trusted business intelligence from leading industry experts, creative marketing solutions, and impactful event experiences that connect best-in-class suppliers and service providers with our vibrant business-building communities. To learn more about EnsembleIQ, visit ensembleiq.com.
Contact
Michal Christine Escobar
Hospitality Technology magazine
[email protected]
Read more about our latest news at EnsembleIQ
- EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology Announces the 2026 Top Women, Rising Stars in Restaurant Technology and MURTEC Lifetime Achievement Honorees
- Product of the Year Canada Unveils 2026 Award Winners
- EnsembleIQ’s Restaurant Technology Network Names Industry Veteran Skip Kimpel Chief Standards & AI Officer
The post EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology Names 2025 Hotel Visionary Award Winners, Marking 20 Years of Industry Innovation first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>The post The Profession Santé Awards Celebrate 10 Years of Excellence in Québec Healthcare first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
]]>MONTRÉAL, Oct. 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Profession Santé Awards are celebrating their tenth anniversary this year, recognizing the exceptional contribution of healthcare professionals who are working to improve care for patients in Québec. The recognition evening on October 8 highlighted the innovative practices, knowledge transfer, and social commitment of the physician, pharmacist, and nurse awardees, as well as the interprofessional teams that were honored.
2025 Profession Santé Award Winners
- Knowledge Sharing Category:
- Physician: Martin Lamontagne, professor and physiatrist, was recognized for over 25 years of transmitting passion for his field of expertise.
- Pharmacist: Anne Dionne, professor at Université Laval and a clinical pharmacist in oncology, was honored for her contributions to pharmacy education and leadership.
- Nurse: Hélène Plumard, clinician and nursing consultant, was commended for her commitment and work in humanizing care at CHU Sainte-Justine.
- Students/Residents Category:
- Physician: Maxime Bell, psychiatry resident and former president of the FMEQ, was honored for his leadership and commitment to the well-being and training of future physicians.
- Pharmacist: Laurent Béchard, doctoral student in pharmaceutical sciences, received the honor for his innovative research on the inclusion of patients in decisions about their antipsychotic treatments.
- Nurse: Emmanuel Marier-Tétrault, expert in cardiology and biomedical sciences, was celebrated for his doctoral project, Continuum, a unique digital health platform in Canada.
- Innovative Practice Category:
- Physician: Michel Gagner, pioneer of laparoscopic surgery and magnetic surgery.
- Pharmacist: Kevin Girard, owner-pharmacist in Chicoutimi, for founding the Clinique Unique Santé and its innovative approach for patients with chronic illnesses.
- Nurse: Mélanie Marcotte, nurse at the CISSS des Laurentides, for her virtual pulmonary teaching and rehabilitation program for patients with COPD.
- Interprofessional Teams Category:
- Hospital: CHU Ste-Justine Gender Diversity Clinic, Québec’s first and only interdisciplinary clinic offering integrated medical care and psychosocial support to youth of sexual and gender diversity.
- Community: Montreal Indigenous Family Wellness Clinic, for its culturally respectful and safe approach, promoting access to care for the Indigenous community.
- Social Vocation Category:
- Dr. Rislaine Benkelfat, for her mobile pediatric clinic project, the DocTocToc truck, offering care to children in disadvantaged neighborhoods of Montreal.
- Editorial Team Award:
- Thuy Ngan Hoang, clinical nurse at the CHUM Long COVID clinic, for her work in creating assessment questionnaires and psycho-educational workshops for patients.
The profiles of the 2025 Profession Santé Awards will be published in the October and November issues of Profession Santé, as well as on professionsante.ca.
About the Profession Santé Awards:
The mission of the Profession Santé Awards is to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contribution of healthcare professionals to the care provided to inhabitants of Québec by highlighting the innovative practices, knowledge transfer, interprofessional teamwork, and social vocation that drive them.
About EnsembleIQ
EnsembleIQ helps retail, technology, consumer goods, healthcare, and hospitality professionals make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge in their respective markets. EnsembleIQ provides the most trusted business intelligence services from the best experts. The company also delivers creative marketing solutions and impactful event experiences that connect top suppliers and service providers with our dynamic communities. To learn more about EnsembleIQ, visit ensembleiq.com.
Media Contact
Christian Leduc
Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher,
Profession Santé
[email protected]
Read more about our latest news at EnsembleIQ
- EnsembleIQ’s Hospitality Technology Announces the 2026 Top Women, Rising Stars in Restaurant Technology and MURTEC Lifetime Achievement Honorees
- Product of the Year Canada Unveils 2026 Award Winners
- EnsembleIQ’s Restaurant Technology Network Names Industry Veteran Skip Kimpel Chief Standards & AI Officer
The post The Profession Santé Awards Celebrate 10 Years of Excellence in Québec Healthcare first appeared on EnsembleIQ.
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