PizzaRev’s co-CEO and president, Rodney Eckerman, will speak on the Emerging Concepts Panel at the 18th annual University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Extension Restaurant Industry Conference on May 13. The panel continues to be one of the more popular sessions at the conference, featuring ground-breaking, early stage concepts that historically have grown into major players in the industry.

According to market research firm Technomic, PizzaRev is at the forefront of the industry, with strong management and overall knowledge of the consumer market. The company formed a strategic partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings last year, and PizzaRev executives expect to have 65 corporate and franchise units open in 2015.

“Build-your-own pizza is truly a revolutionary idea, but it’s our people, their experience and passion for the restaurant business, that have fueled the success of our emerging brand,” Eckerman says. “I’m honored to share the stage tomorrow with original thinkers who are leading concepts that will soon find their way into communities across the country.”

Eckerman plans to discuss the rapidly expanding fast-casual pizza space, how PizzaRev is different than traditional pizza concepts, and how the relationship with Buffalo Wild Wings supports the company’s strategic growth plan. PizzaRev continues to seek experienced restaurant developers to franchise the brand in new markets across the country.