Day Three: Into the Beyond – Tech & Innovation Day
Presented by TouchBistro
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Anchored by a headline keynote from Colonel Chris Hadfield, Tech and Innovation Day, presented by TouchBistro, pairs big-picture perspective with practical, on-the-ground strategy. Expect candid conversations about cutting through tech sprawl and integrating smarter—plus data-rich sessions like State of the Industry and real-world looks at what “future-ready” actually means. It’s a day designed to help leaders make clearer decisions under pressure—while keeping hospitality at the centre of every choice.
That future-focused energy doesn’t stay on the stages. Across the Show floor, the stakes rise as major competitions hit their peak: the Canadian Latte Art Championship reaches its climactic conclusion, while The Great Burger Showdown, the John Bil Oyster Shucking Competition, and the Beyond the Rail Cocktail Competition crown new winners.
For the bar community, the spotlight only sharpens, building from the cocktail competition into high-interest discussions like The “Best Bar” Blueprint, then closing the loop at The Mixer, where bar and beverage leaders come together to connect, compare notes, and map what’s next in cocktail culture.
Below are the RC Show team’s picks for the clearest takeaways, the biggest perspective shifts, and that unmistakable must-see energy across the Show floor.
Build a smarter framework for “future-ready” decisions.
Future-Ready Restaurants: Tech Strategies from the Top
Speaker Stage | Hall 5 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
“Future-ready” isn’t about investing in the latest and greatest new products and tech, it’s about choosing what actually makes your operation stronger. This fast-moving conversation unpacks the strategies driving the next era of hospitality: treating technology as an enabler (not a silver bullet), reducing tech sprawl, and prioritizing integration over accumulation. Expect clear, adaptable lessons for evaluating new tools, delaying the wrong ones, and asking better questions of your partners—whether you operate one restaurant or many.
Day 3 Keynote:
Into the Beyond with Colonel Chris Hadfield
Canadian Astronaut & Author
Speaker Stage | Hall 5 | 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Presented by TouchBistro
Few people understand complexity, pressure and innovation like Colonel Chris Hadfield. As a commander of the International Space Station, and a global symbol of calm leadership under pressure, he has navigated challenges that demand precision, adaptability and teamwork. In this exciting keynote presentation, Hadfield shares universal lessons that resonate with today’s foodservice and hospitality leaders: how to stay composed when everything feels uncertain, lead diverse teams through constant change, and turn stress into strength.
Drawing parallels between managing a space mission and running a modern hospitality business, he explores what it takes to build resilience in unpredictable environments—transforming pressure into purpose and strengthening the habits that make teams more agile and future-ready. Add this session to your schedule.
Get the clearest view of what 2026 (and beyond) is shaping up to deliver.
State of the Industry
Speaker Stage | Hall 5 | 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Presented by Restaurants Canada
What’s ahead for foodservice? Where are consumers headed? How should operators plan in a year defined by rising costs, shifting politics, emerging technologies, and evolving expectations? This essential briefing tackles the questions on every operator’s mind, cutting through the noise with a clear, data-driven view of the state of the industry.
Grounded in actionable trends, Restaurants Canada’s Chief Economist and VP, Research Chris Elliott offers a strategic look at opportunities emerging amidst the headwinds to help you sharpen decision-making and plan for what’s next. Add this session to your schedule.
Take your bar program Into the Beyond.
The “Best Bar” Blueprint
Bar & Beverage Stage | Hall 1 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Presented by American Express Canada
In a world fixated on “making the list,” what truly defines the best bars in? This session gathers visionaries from Canada’s Best Bars community—including Bar Bisou Bisou (Montreal), Parlor (Saskatoon), Humboldt Bar (Victoria), and more—to unpack what excellence looks like today, how it’s evaluated, and how bars can stay relevant and rooted as guest expectations evolve.
Leave with practical, actionable insights for sharpening your bar identity, elevating guest experience, and competing with the best—without losing what makes your bar yours. Add this session to your schedule.
Beyond the Rail Cocktail Competition
Bar & Beverage Stage | Hall 1 | 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Presented by Restaurants Canada
Seven of Canada’s boldest bartenders face off, crafting a three-part story in a glass. Each finalist must showcase creativity, sustainability, and local connection—blending community-sourced ingredients with the featured spirit portfolios. With cash prizes and pro-level gear on the line, get ready for an exquisite demonstration of heritage, craft, and imagination at full speed. Add this session to your schedule.
The Mixer: Bar Networking Reception
RC Pop Up Experience | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Presented by Restaurants Canada
RC Show’s signature, invitation-only networking reception for bar and beverage professionals, The Mixer brings together bartenders, bar managers, and spirits innovators for an afternoon gathering built for exchanging ideas and strengthening the relationships shaping Canada’s bar scene.
The Mixer is limited capacity. To inquire about joining the guest list, email events@restaurantscanada.org. Invitations will be extended as availability allows. Add this session to your schedule.
Cheer on craft, speed, and pure artistry.
3-Day National Latte Art Championship – Finals
Coffee Stage | Hall 5 | 10:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Presented by Dairy Farmers of Canada and Lavazza
After three days of heart-stopping highs, it’s time for the Latte Art Championship Finals. Watch with bated breath as top baristas return for a high intensity round that demands precision, confidence, and standout artistry. One competitor will be crowned Canada’s National Latte Art Champion—and go on to represent Canada at the World Latte Art Championships (April 10–12, San Diego). Add this session to your schedule.
The Great Burger Showdown
Culinary Stage | Hall 3 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Presented by Restaurants Canada
All sizzle, no filler. After a national call, eight finalists step into the spotlight to deliver their most creative, flavour-forward burger builds in a fast-paced battle. With $5,000 in cash and prizes on the line, come hungry—for inspiration, for technique, and for the kind of menu thinking that turns a classic into a signature. Add this session to your schedule.
John Bil Oyster Shucking Competition
Bar & Beverage Stage | Hall 1 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Presented by Restaurants Canada and Raspberry Point Oysters
Canada’s quickest, calmest, and most skilled shuckers go head-to-head in a high-pressure test of speed, precision, and presentation—across Pro and Amateur divisions. Cheer on your favourites as they race the clock for cash prizes, pro-level gear, and the coveted John Bil Champion title (including an invite to the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival). Add this session to your schedule.
Recognize the people and companies raising the bar for the whole industry.
Golden Kirin Awards
Speaker Stage | Hall 5 | 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Presented by CCHAC
Presented by the Chinese Cuisine & Hospitality Association of Canada (CCHAC), the Golden Kirin Awards celebrate the innovators shaping the future of Chinese cuisine in Canada, spotlighting culinary talent and industry leadership and recognizing the people elevating Asian food culture while inspiring the next generation. Add this session to your schedule.
RC Show Booth Awards
Speaker Stage | Hall 5 | 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Presented by Restaurants Canada
Who will take home Best Booth? Join Restaurants Canada to celebrate the creativity, craft, and hospitality that exhibitors bring to the Show floor—recognizing standout presences across categories like Best Booth, Most Innovative, and more! Add this session to your schedule.
Day Three is a strong, forward-looking finish to RC Show 2026—sending operators home not just inspired, but supported with clearer frameworks, sharper questions, a stronger network, and greater clarity on what lies ahead for foodservice and hospitality. Find the full schedule here.