RestaurantSpaces Fall 2026

The fall retreat of RestaurantSpaces, an invite-only event from influence group, part of CloserStill Media, for restaurant chain development, design and technology leaders. It combines executive sessions with pre-scheduled one-on-one vendor meetings at a resort.

RestaurantSpaces Fall 2026

RestaurantSpaces Fall runs October 18–20, 2026 in Amelia Island.

What it is

RestaurantSpaces is an invite-only retreat about restaurant design and development. It brings together development, design and technology professionals from large restaurant chains with vendors who serve them. It is produced by influence group, which is part of CloserStill Media.

Instead of an exhibit hall, the organizer says restaurant leaders can meet "60+ top vendors through pre-scheduled 1:1s". Sessions and excursions fill the time between meetings.

Listed topics include:

• AI, automation and tech integration
• permitting and regulatory challenges
• construction cost reduction and value engineering
• drive-thru innovation and off-premise formats
• prototype design and renovation strategy
• site selection and market planning

Who attends and how

• Qualified restaurant chain executives attend at no cost. The invitation covers accommodation for two nights, full meals and all networking excursions.
• Vendors take part as partners. The organizer limits the number of partnerships to keep the event small.
• The Monday afternoon deep-dive sessions are for restaurant executives only.

Schedule shape

Sunday, October 18 opens with registration and orientation from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Optional excursions run that afternoon: a cocktail crawl, a pirate cruise and pickleball. The evening has a welcome reception, a networking dinner and a performance by illusionist Michael Grandinetti.

Monday alternates panels with sourcing-meeting blocks and ends with a themed evening event. Tuesday is a half day that closes with a lunch from 11:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.

The next RestaurantSpaces retreat after this one is in Huntington Beach, Calif., on April 25–27, 2027.