2026 PMQ Webinars
Title: The Pizza Power Report 2026
Date: January 6, 2026
Abstract:
The Pizza Power Report is the most-anticipated annual state-of-the-industry deep dive in pizza. In this exclusive webinar, Rick Hynum and Charlie Pogacar—joined by special guests—break down the 2026 edition, highlighting the key insights operators need to know heading into the new year. From consumer dining behaviors to shifting menu trends and competitive pressures, this session will deliver the most relevant data and analysis to help operators grow sales and sharpen their strategies.
Attendees will gain an insider’s perspective on the health of the pizza market, including where independents are winning, what challenges loom large and what opportunities are emerging in 2026. Whether you’re a single-store owner or leading a multi-unit operation, you’ll walk away with actionable intelligence to position your pizzeria for success.
In this webinar, you will learn:
Learning Objectives:
- Which consumer trends will shape pizza sales in 2026, and how to align your business with them
- How independents and chains performed in 2025, with insights into what that means for operations of all sizes
- Key opportunities to increase profitability in the new year, from menu engineering to marketing strategies
- What the data signals about long-term growth and where the industry is headed next.
Title: The Intouch Insight/PMQ DELCO Report
Date: February 3, 2026
Abstract:
The second annual DELCO Report, created via a partnership between PMQ Pizza and Intouch Insight, is the industry’s deepest insight into a key revenue stream for pizzerias. In this webinar, subject matter experts and industry voices will unpack the findings of the report and show how to turn its insights into better customer experiences and stronger sales.
From order accuracy and speed to packaging, technology and guest satisfaction, attendees will gain a detailed look at the DELCO customer journey. The session will also explore how top operators are balancing rising costs, limited labor and customer expectations to optimize off-premises performance.
Learning Objectives:
- The biggest strengths and weaknesses uncovered by the DELCO Report and how they impact sales at large and mid-sized chains
- How consumers perceive delivery vs. carryout—and what that means for operators in 2026
- Strategies leading pizzerias use to improve accuracy, speed and guest satisfaction
- Actionable takeaways to optimize your own DELCO service in the year ahead
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Title: Controlling Your Cheese Costs
Date: June 30, 2026
Abstract:
As the single most expensive ingredient on a pizza, cheese can make or break your pizzeria’s profitability. Even small changes in portion size, product selection and/or kitchen practices can make a big difference in your weekly food costs. Controlling Your Cheese Costs is a vital session for any operator looking to protect their margins without sacrificing quality. It will focus on the everyday decisions that will help you keep cheese expenses under control—and maximize profits on every single pie.
We’ll offer real-world strategies for managing cheese usage, improving portion consistency, reducing waste and evaluating different cheese options that can help stretch your dollars further. Whether you run a single shop or multiple locations, you’ll walk away with simple, actionable ideas you can put to work in your kitchen right away.
Learning Objectives:
Portion Control That Protects Your Profits: Learn how small over-portioning habits can quietly drive up food costs—and how simple tools and training can keep cheese usage consistent from pizza to pizza.
Reducing Waste in the Kitchen: Discover common ways cheese gets wasted in prep and production and how better storage, handling and prep routines can help you get the most out of every case.
Choosing the Right Cheese for Your Menu: Explore how different mozzarella styles and blends (whole milk, part-skim, provolone mixes and more) can affect melt, flavor and cost—and how to find the balance that works best for your operation without breaking the bank.
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Title: Pizza Women on the Rise: Claiming Your Space in the Pizza Community
Date: July 7, 2026
Abstract:
Women have always been the Pizza Community’s driving force, but they largely stayed behind the scenes for more than a century. Not anymore. Today, women are stepping forward and taking center stage as industry leaders and influencers—driving innovation, pushing boundaries, and reshaping our culture for the better.
If you’re one of those women or an ally to women in the pizza business, this webinar is for you. Co-moderated by Alexandra Mortati, founder of Women in Pizza, and PMQ associate editor Tracy Morin, it’s about finding your voice, claiming your space, planting your flag—and powering forward no matter the obstacles in your path. You’ll hear from a panel of leading female pizzeria owner/operators as they share the challenges they’ve faced, the victories they’ve achieved, and the progress still to be made.
Learning Objectives:
- Key barriers women face in launching, operating and scaling pizzerias—and how to overcome them
- Actionable strategies for accessing capital, mentorship and industry networks
- Navigating biased perceptions and unspoken expectations in the pizza business
- Building a personal and professional support system that fuels success
- What the industry stands to gain from more inclusive leadership at every level
- Where the movement goes next—and the role you can play in it
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Title: Stop Paying 30%: How to Reclaim Your Pizzeria’s Customers from Third-Party Apps
Date: August 19, 2026
Abstract:
Third-party delivery platforms have made off-premises dining more accessible than ever—but at a steep cost. For many independent pizzerias, commission fees of 20% to 30% (or more) are cutting deep into already tight margins while putting customer relationships in someone else’s hands.
The good news: You don’t have to give up delivery to take back control.
In this webinar, PMQ Pizza will bring together industry experts and operators who have successfully reduced their reliance on third-party apps—or eliminated it altogether—to build more profitable, sustainable delivery systems. From smarter use of your POS system to better digital ordering experiences, and more effective customer retention strategies, you’ll walk away with practical, real-world tactics you can start using immediately.
Learning Objectives:
- How to reduce (or eliminate) dependence on third-party delivery platforms without sacrificing sales
- Strategies for driving customers to your own online ordering channels
- Leveraging your POS system to capture customer data and build long-term loyalty
- Marketing tactics that bring third-party customers back into your ecosystem
- Where third-party apps still make sense—and how to use them strategically, not dependently
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Title: Engineering Signature Flavor to Drive Higher Ticket Averages
Date: September 16, 2026
Abstract:
In today’s competitive pizza market, standing out starts with flavor. Operators who command higher prices are building pizzas and other menu items with distinct, memorable flavor profiles that keep customers coming back—and willing to spend more.
In this webinar, PMQ Pizza will bring together leading operators and chefs to break down how standout flavors are developed and executed in a busy pizza kitchen. From ingredient selection and flavor layering to dough, sauce and finishing touches, you’ll learn how to create pizzas that deliver a unique eating experience—and support premium pricing.
Learning Objectives:
- What makes a flavor profile truly distinctive—and why it drives higher check averages
- How to develop craveable, differentiated menu items that customers can’t get anywhere else
- Combining ingredients, textures and finishes to create depth and balance
- Using sauces, cheeses, toppings and post-bake elements to build craveable flavor
- Ingredient strategies that elevate perceived value without destroying food cost
- Real-world examples of pizzas that stand out in crowded markets
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Title: Employer of Choice: How to Create a Strong Culture in Your Pizzeria
Date: October 6, 2026
Abstract:
Company culture isn’t built by accident—it’s built by consistent, intentional actions. This webinar explores how operators can foster strong team cultures that drive retention, morale and performance. From celebrating birthdays to recognizing milestones and fostering community, attendees will learn how small but meaningful efforts translate into happier employees and better customer experiences.
Industry leaders will share practical tips and examples of culture-building initiatives that don’t require big budgets but deliver outsized results. The session will also cover how culture affects hiring, training and long-term brand loyalty.
Learning Objectives:
- Why culture matters as much as operations in today’s labor market
- Simple, affordable ways to recognize and celebrate employees that keep them motivated
- How culture-driven leadership leads to stronger retention and better guest experiences
- Real-world examples of pizzerias building positive, lasting cultures
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Title: The Art & Science of Flavorful Pizza Cheese Blends
Date: November 17, 2026
Abstract:
Cheese is one of the most important—and most expensive—ingredients on your menu. But pizzeria menus cannot live on mozzarella alone. From mozz paired with provolone or Fontina to accents of Parmesan, Asiago or even smoked Gouda, the right cheese blends can elevate flavor, improve texture, control melt and stretch, and even help manage food costs without sacrificing quality.
In this webinar, renowned consultant Mark “The Cheese Dude” Todd will break down the art and science behind building better cheese blends that will make your pizza more craveable—and unforgettable. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, Todd will share practical insights into how different cheeses perform in the oven—and how to combine them for optimal flavor, functionality and consistency.
Learning Objectives:
- How different cheeses contribute to flavor, melt, stretch and appearance
- Building balanced blends for specific pizza styles and bake conditions
- How moisture, fat content and aging impact performance in the oven
- Strategies for improving flavor while managing cheese costs
- Common mistakes operators make when selecting or blending cheeses—and how to avoid them
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Title: The Pizza Power Report 2027
Date: December 8, 2026
Abstract:
The Pizza Power Report is the most-anticipated annual state-of-the-industry deep dive in pizza. In this exclusive webinar, Rick Hynum and Charlie Pogacar—joined by special guests—break down the 2027 edition, highlighting the key insights operators need to know heading into the new year. From consumer dining behaviors to shifting menu trends and competitive pressures, this session will deliver the most relevant data and analysis to help operators grow sales and sharpen their strategies.
Attendees will gain an insider’s perspective on the health of the pizza market, including where independents are winning, what challenges loom large and what opportunities are emerging in 2027. Whether you’re a single-store owner or leading a multi-unit operation, you’ll walk away with actionable intelligence to position your pizzeria for success.
Learning Objectives:
- Which consumer trends will shape pizza sales in 2027, and how to align your business with them
- How independents and chains performed in 2026, with insights into what that means for operations of all sizes
- Key opportunities to increase profitability in the new year, from menu engineering to marketing strategies
- What the data signals about long-term growth and where the industry is headed next
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