Robert Byrne
Senior Manager at Technomic

Robert is the Senior Manager at Technomic with a focus on using consumer insights to help clients shape their foodservice strategy. He oversees Technomic’s ongoing chain brand health and foodservice consumer A&U tracking program, pairing the data with menu and industry analysis to provide custom presentations and trend reports. Robert has presented at numerous conferences in the U.S. and Canada on consumer trends and opportunities for restaurant operators, manufacturers and distributors. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Beloit College. Robert currently resides in Chicago and considers himself the ultimate burger enthusiast.

Joan Driggs
Vice President of Content and Thought Leadership, Information Resources Inc.,

Joan attributes curiosity as key to her 30-plus year career as a results-driven market researcher, CPG trade journalist and thought leader.

Joan’s thought leadership work regularly serves as a foundation from which IRI teams develop innovative, holistic solutions for clients, and is regularly showcased during top-to-top client meetings, industry conferences, and webinars, media, academic, and custom studies. Her motto: Make the shopper the hero.

Joan hosts the IRI Growth Insights podcast (download today!) and is frequently quoted in leading industry media. She supports industry organizations such as Network of Executive Women, Western Michigan University’s Food Marketing Conference as well as Les Dames d’Escoffier’s Chicago Chapter. In 2021 she was recognized by Progressive Grocer and EnsembleIQ as a Top Woman in Grocery.