In the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, broadcast from The National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, hosts Michael Schatzberg "The Restaurant Guy", Jimmy Frischling "The Finance Guy", and special guest Sterling Douglass, Co-Founder & CEO of Chowly, interviewed Joe Donnelly, Group Director & Publisher of Informa’s Restaurant & Food Group. The discussion centered on Informa's recent acquisition of Winsight, a company offering services in data, analytics, events, and content marketing for the foodservice industry.

Winsight, with its portfolio of clients, is expected to enhance Informa's capabilities in delivering superior enterprise experience to all its restaurant clients, regardless of size. Donnelly explained that this acquisition would bolster Informa's position in the foodservice sector, especially as it already owns considerable assets in this industry across Asia. Combining these resources with Winsight and Informa's existing Nation's Restaurant News assets, they anticipate a substantial growth in their vertical.

The merger of Informa and Winsight is viewed as part of the ongoing trend of consolidation in the foodservice industry, where restaurant groups and tech companies integrate to drive synergies. Donnelly highlighted that the integration process would focus on two key aspects – creating improved experiences for their audiences and attendees and increasing ROI for their customers. Informa anticipates that bringing together the assets of Winsight and its own offerings will substantially benefit the industry.

Schatzberg, Frischling, and Douglass expressed their enthusiasm for the acquisition, appreciating the potential synergies between Informa and Winsight, and looking forward to this consolidation's future contributions to the restaurant and foodservice industry.

To hear the questions and Donnelly’s responses to “ Branded Quickfire” check out this episode of Hospitality Hangout.