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    #HelloHighlights: Dallas 12 Photos

    I think my first visit to Dallas, Texas was pre-2000. I returned early this month for the Restaurant Innovation Summit #RIS2018 hosted at the Empire Room, in the city's Design District. I was joined by senior to C-level management from restaurant categories including casual, fast-casual, family dining, big brands, and quick-service to learn how innovation is elevating the guest experience, maximizing operations and staying ahead of trends in technology.

    Lisa Chau
    by Lisa Chau

    Community Contributor

    Howdy, Y'all! Hi! :)

    Lisa Chau / Via Private Collection
    Lisa Chau / Via Private Collection

    The summit kicked off with a keynote presentation sponsored by American Express: Using Gaming to Improve the Restaurant Experience, as presented by health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University Dr. Jane McGonigal. She discussed gamification trends taking shape in the restaurant industry, from tableside tech, customer loyalty apps to employee-engagement programs. Social games such as Pokémon Go are incredibly popular.

    Lisa Chau / Via Private Collection

    During the rest of the summit, I learned about tech trends including artificial intelligence, automation and augmented reality.

    Lisa Chau / Via Private Collection

    I also helped my Chief Revenue Officer Salvatore Buccellato showcase "How the Tech Industry Will Shape Our Restaurant Experience". On NBC News, he explained to Courtney Gilmore how Lampix technology is the future of tech to table.

    Lisa Chau / Via Private Collection

    After filming with NBC, we had breakfast at Ascension Cafe. My chia seed pudding was equal parts beautiful, delicious and healthy.

    Lisa Chau / Via Private Collection

    Between our super early meal and morning presentations, I had time for a little reading. In Dallas, "Big D" does not refer to Dartmouth College??? *surprised Pikachu*

    Lisa Chau / Via Private Collection

    During my second night in town, my Dallas-based Dartmouth friends and I went in search of Harry's hot dog statue. We didn't find it, but we found this giant squirrel holding a succulent that reminded me of our Phi Tau Fraternity Brother & Illinois attorney Joey Furlett.

    Lisa Chau / Via Private Collection

    We also had an Elvis sighting at Chuy's.

    Lisa Chau / Via Private Collection

    After dinner with friends, I found a little time to explore my hotel. There's a great rooftop pool at The W Dallas Victory‎. Just make sure it's warm enough to take a dip.

    Lisa Chau / Via Private Collection

    On my last day in Texas, I finally saw the giant hot dog with Susel Elena Gonzalez, who drove from Austin (We met last year when I was an SXSW Mentor) to give me a tour of her old neighborhood, the Knox-Henderson section of Uptown Dallas. Apparently, Harry moved from Knox Street to Travis Street.

    Lisa Chau / Via Private Collection

    If you'd like to see more of my images, please express your interest in the comments section. Or suggest other destinations that you would like to see me cover. Thank you for sharing in my adventures! :) #HelloHighlights

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