USPT members lead the panels on everything from perfecting your dough to branding strategies and beyond at the premiere pizza event in The Big Peach.
PMQ’s Pizza Power Forum (PPF), held in conjunction with the QSR Evolution Conference and FSR NextGen Summit on September 4-5, in Atlanta, proved why it’s becoming one of the most influential pizza-centric events in the country. Featuring a powerful lineup of industry leaders, the PPF tackled a range of essential topics that resonate with pizzeria operators everywhere. This year, the U.S. Pizza Team (USPT) played a key role, representing a significant percentage of the event’s speakers and panelists, making their presence felt both on stage and off.
The USPT members brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the forum, speaking on subjects ranging from perfecting dough to branding strategies and beyond. With an emphasis on building better, more profitable pizzerias, their insights couldn’t have come at a better time for operators looking to navigate the challenges of today’s restaurant industry.
US Pizza Team’s Prominent Role
The inaugural Pizza Power Forum was a resounding success in its first year, not only because of the quality of the sessions but also because of the sheer number of U.S. Pizza Team members who took the stage. Michael LaMarca, owner of Master Pizza in Cleveland, Ohio, and USPT Captain, spoke on “Scaling With Integrity: How to Maintain Your Brand’s Standards During Growth.” LaMarca’s deep understanding of growth dynamics made him a perfect fit for the topic, and his advice on scaling while maintaining high standards resonated with attendees eager to expand their operations without losing quality.
“I hope what people take away from events like this,” LaMarca said, “is that the fight never stops. You have to keep going. There’s always going to be challenges, bumps in the road. But you have to get through all those and keep on keeping on.”
Joining LaMarca was Alex Koons, the dynamic owner of Hot Tongue Pizza in Los Angeles, who spoke on several panels, including “Marketing Masters: Making Your Brand Stand Out in a Crowded Field” and “Culture is King: Attracting/Retaining Employees By Being Cooler Than the Competition.” Koons brought his unique brand of wit and wisdom to the discussions, reminding attendees that even in a tough industry, there’s always room to innovate and have fun while doing it.
“I’m not an expert. I don’t like that term,” Koons said after one of his talks. “I’m just trying to figure it out myself. It’s nice to be surrounded by other people. Events like this, meeting new people, talking to old friends, and being able to laugh about something that only people in this room would understand—that’s what’s exciting about these events.”
Another standout speaker was Joey Karvelas, owner of Karvelas Pizza Co. in Lagrange, Georgia, who took the reins on the session titled “Perfecting Your Dough: Tips and Tricks” alongside Wilhelm Rodriguez of Papa’s Pizza in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Karvelas and Rodriguez captivated the crowd with their deep dives into dough science, covering everything from fermentation techniques to flour choices. They underscored how getting the basics right—starting with dough—can be the difference between success and failure in a pizzeria.
The Importance of Intimate Conferences
One of the standout features of the Pizza Power Forum is its intimate, focused nature. In contrast to massive industry expos, the PPF provides a more personal environment, creating opportunities for meaningful networking. In smaller gatherings, attendees can have real conversations with speakers, industry veterans and fellow operators, resulting in more actionable takeaways.
Alex Koons reflected on this aspect of the event, noting, “There’s always something to learn and gain from every conversation with everyone in this industry. Whether it’s just a laugh or a new way to look at your dough, that’s what’s so exciting about these smaller, more personal events. It’s not about sitting in the back of a massive room full of hundreds of people; it’s about sharing ideas and growing together.”
Michael LaMarca agreed, adding, “There’s a camaraderie that happens at these smaller events that you just don’t get at bigger conferences. You have the time to sit down, share a meal, and really talk shop. That’s where the magic happens.”
For pizzeria operators, these kinds of intimate forums offer unparalleled opportunities to ask questions, make connections, and gather insights they can immediately apply to their own businesses.
Driving Real Business Results
At the end of the day, what sets the Pizza Power Forum apart is its focus on actionable business strategies. Sessions like “The Secrets of a 50 Top Pizza Restaurant” and “Pizza and Beyond: Developing a Menu That Really Performs” didn’t just offer theoretical ideas—they provided real, implementable tactics for improving operations and growing profits.
LaMarca’s session on scaling highlighted the challenges of expansion without compromising the quality or brand identity. His approach emphasized how growth must be strategic, with a focus on customer experience and maintaining a high level of consistency across all locations.
Similarly, Koons’ focus on branding and company culture offered a fresh perspective on how operators can differentiate their businesses from the competition. “Attracting and retaining employees by being cooler than the competition isn’t just a tagline,” Koons said. “It’s about creating a workplace where people are excited to come in every day. That energy translates into the service and the product, which keeps customers coming back.”
Conclusion
The Pizza Power Forum at the QSR Evolution Conference was a resounding success, with the U.S. Pizza Team playing a starring role. Their expertise, passion and willingness to share their hard-earned knowledge left a lasting impact on attendees. More than just a learning experience, the forum fostered a sense of community among pizzeria operators, reinforcing the idea that collaboration and shared insights are essential for growth in today’s competitive market.
For those looking to improve their operations, boost their bottom lines, and create lasting industry relationships, events like the Pizza Power Forum are an absolute must. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s gatherings like these that provide the tools, inspiration and connections that will drive the next wave of pizzeria success.
