Bespoke vs. off-the-shelf: Cracking the code of hospitality tech integration

31 Mar 2026
HT360 Hospitality Leaders Forum
CEO/ CFO , Leadership , Foodservice , CIO/COO/CTO , Panel session

Data integration is now the single biggest barrier to digital progress in hospitality. With operators managing dozens of systems for POS, reservations, labour, inventory, CRM and more, the question is no longer whether to invest in technology, but how to build a stack that actually works together.

In this debate-style session, industry leaders will unpack the strategic choice facing every operator: stitch together a bespoke ecosystem that mirrors your exact operational model, or adopt an off-the-shelf, “good enough” platform that delivers faster deployment and lower cost. We’ll explore the hidden trade-offs—data quality, speed of implementation, vendor lock-in, integration overheads, and the long-term implications for innovation and scalability.

Designed for CEOs, COOs, CTOs and Ops Directors, this session will cut through the noise to offer a pragmatic framework for making data flow across platforms. Expect honest insights, real-world case studies, and a lively debate on what “best-in-class” architecture should look like for the multi-site operator of 2026.

Speakers
Kieron Williams
Kieron Williams, IT Director - Brunning & Price
Ross Pyres
Ross Pyres, Customer Technology Director - PizzaExpress
David Broom
David Broom, CTO - Prezzo