Thomas Giordano, who heads worldwide information systems for Burger King, will lead off with a presentation on Monday morning, Nov. 6, during the Nation's Restaurant News Technology Innovation Awards ceremony. On Tuesday morning, Nov. 7, attendees will hear from Jack Vinchesi of Allied Domecq QSR, who is responsible for strategic deployment of technological solutions in support of Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin Robbins and Togo's brands worldwide. During the FS/TEC Technology Awards luncheon on Tuesday, Arthur Esch, one of the most insightful voices for understanding the new world of technology, will address showgoers on the subject of "E-commerce: The Buyer is King."

"Few executives today have more experience and success in implementing technologies in support of business initiatives worldwide than Tom Giordano and Jack Vinchesi," said Alan Gould, publisher of Nation's Restaurant News, which produces FS/TEC with Robert N. Grimes, chairman and chief executive of CynterCorp.

Grimes added, "Arthur Esch is a new technology pioneer with the unique ability to articulate innovative strategies that help companies meet technology challenges and position themselves for the future."

At Burger King Giordano is senior vice president of worldwide information systems and chief information officer with responsibility for the development and implementation of strategic information systems on a global basis. His address will include a look at the challenges and rewards inherent in developing worldwide systems. Before joining the fast-food chain, Giordano served as senior vice president and chief information officer for Racal Data Group, where he was charged with globalization and consolidation of information systems for 17 separate companies.

Under Vinchesi's leadership, Allied Domecq QSR has combined all brands onto a single ERP system, revamped its manufacturing systems and deployed more than 1,200 point-of-sale solutions in the last year.

Before Allied Domecq, Vinchesi was vice president and chief information officer for Sodexho USA. Earlier, he was senior information technology executive at Ground Round Restaurants.

Esch has been at the forefront of new technologies for more than 30 years. His extensive knowledge of new technologies led to his appointment as technology counsel to the Committee of 100 of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as well as The Tire Association of North America and the Professional Convention Management Association.