This week, the Marketing Executives Group (MEG) event is taking place in Chicago, alongside the National Restaurant Association Show — and our very own Kim Opdyke is on the ground.

In this episode, Kim shares firsthand insights into the key topics shaping conversations among dining industry marketers at MEG. From enhancing loyalty programs and leveraging AI in both marketing and operations, to launching new store openings and staying ahead of evolving trends — this episode covers it all.

Tune in to get a pulse on what’s next in restaurant marketing.

🔗 Learn more about MEG:
https://restaurant.org/events-and-community/conferences/marketing-executives-group/

We’re serving up a special episode of Color Bar with Kim Opdyke, who’s trading in her usual role as co-host to join us as the COO of DineTec, Sandy Alexander’s dedicated division for the dining industry.

In this episode, Kim takes us behind the scenes of the technology powering one of the most important—and overlooked—marketing tools in the restaurant world: the menu. From data-driven menu optimization to the latest trends in loyalty programs and guest experience, we dive into how brands are working to get more "butts in seats" by creating meaningful, in-restaurant engagement.

Kim’s passion for the dining space and the work DineTec is doing for leading restaurant brands comes through loud and clear—don’t miss this flavorful conversation!

Driving In-Store Traffic in a Digital-First World

With Back to School and Holiday shopping seasons fast approaching, retail brands are looking for new ways to connect with shoppers—and get them back into stores. On this episode of Color Bar, we’re joined by Patsy Koepke, Chief Revenue Officer at Sandy Alexander, to explore the latest trends shaping retail marketing strategies.

From localizing creative and merging digital with physical signage, to the growing influence of Gen Alpha on in-store engagement, Patsy shares how forward-thinking brands are reinventing the retail experience. We also dive into the omni-channel revival, including the surprising comeback of the catalog as a powerful brand tool.

If you're in retail marketing, you won’t want to miss this one.