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Sunday, March 20
 

2:00pm PDT

Registration
Reminder! Bring your registration confirmation and I.D. when picking up your badge.

Sunday March 20, 2022 2:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall
 
Monday, March 21
 

8:00am PDT

Registration
Reminder! Bring your registration confirmation and I.D. when picking up your badge.

Monday March 21, 2022 8:00am - 6:00pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

9:00am PDT

WK 1 - Hospitality #MeToo: 3 Ways to Build a Culture of Safety and Respect
Active bystander skills help create cultures of respect in bars, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments. Industry professionals can build on their existing hospitality skills and values to create safe and respectful spaces for patrons and staff alike.

Starting from the understanding that alcohol does not cause sexual assault, hospitality professionals can learn to prevent, identify, and interrupt sexual and other kinds of harassment in their establishments.
In this interactive workshop, participants will:
   • Learn how sexual harassment happens in hospitality settings,
   • Learn how to identify problems in the early phases,
   • Learn how to create safe and welcoming environments for staff and customers alike,
   • Increase their options for using multiple strategies to prevent and interrupt harassment, and
• Learn cutting-edge active bystander skills tailored to the industry that they can take back to their workplaces and communities for ongoing conversation on culture change.

Safe Bars offers skills for interrupting harassment whether it’s patron on patron, patron on staff, staff on staff, or staff on patron. What matters is that you are a witness or bystander, and in a position to do something.
We do this with an experiential, success-based, skill-building approach using exercises, role-plays, brainstorming, and discussion that empowers staff to take action. Everyone can participate, no matter their background or experience. Our trainings are survivor-centered and trauma-informed.

Register Today!

Speakers
avatar for Amie Ward

Amie Ward

Safe Bars trainer, Bartender/Bar Manager, Proprietor of The Healthtender, Member of the HEARD Team, Safe Bars
Amie Ward (she/her) is a decorated bartender, industry veteran, Safe Bars facilitator, and The Healthtender—a certified Health Coach and Mobility Specialist with a B.S. and M.A. in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland College Park. She has been outspoken on health, wellness... Read More →
avatar for Zack Sanders

Zack Sanders

Safe Bars Trainer, Bar Manager, Beverage Director, and President, DC Craft Bartenders Guild., Safe Bars
Zack Sanders (he/him) grew up in Connecticut, honing his hospitality skills and fostering a love for community, nature, history, and hospitality. After graduating from the University of Washington with a BA in Community, Environment and Planning, his thirst for knowledge and love... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S226

9:00am PDT

WK 2 - Revenue Builders: Three Ways to Improve Market Share and Your Bottom Line: 1) Brunch, 2) No/Low Proof Spirits, 3) Virtual Kitchens
Looking for new options to improve share (and isn’t everyone)? One of these trendsetting programs might be what you’re looking for. We’ve assembled a collection of experts to share industry knowledge, insights, and experiences, so please join entrepreneur and executive Tim Angelillo as he leads a Workshop showcasing three proven revenue builders – Brunch programs, Virtual Kitchens, and Low/No Alcohol Beverage programs. At under sixty minutes each, sit in on all or the one most of interest to you!

Register Today!

Moderators
avatar for Tim Angelillo

Tim Angelillo

Founder and CEO, Sourced Craft Cocktails
As a successful tech entrepreneur and global business leader, Tim Angelillo brings 15+ years of experience running divisions of publicly traded companies like Yahoo! and Time Warner as well currently founding and leading three start-up businesses in Austin, TX.  These experiences... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Ebony Austin

Ebony Austin

Owner, Nouveau Bar & Grill
Ebony Austin is Owner of Nouveau Bar & Grill, which is an Atlanta-based restaurant that currently has locations in both College Park and Jonesboro.Before opening the restaurant, Austin worked for several years in corporate as a corporate specialist and business development manager at Campbell Soup, Godiva, and 1-800-Flower... Read More →
avatar for Larry White

Larry White

Owner, Brunch & Sip, Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, and Monroe’s Hot Chicken
Larry White is nationally known as the Owner of Lo Lo’s Chicken & Waffles. He’s also the owner of popular eateries: Brunch & Sip and Monroe's Hot Chicken located in Phoenix. White is the grandson of Elizabeth White, owner of Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe, a local institution... Read More →
avatar for Philip Speer

Philip Speer

Chef/Owner | Austin TX Chair, Comedor | Ben's Friends
Four time James Beard nominee and Austin chair of Ben's Friends, Philip Speer is the Co-owner and operator of Comedor, a Mexican restaurant in downtown Austin. Comedor was named among Esquire Magazine and Robb Report's top new restaurants in the US, as well as Restaurant of the Year... Read More →
avatar for Robert Björn Taylor

Robert Björn Taylor

Hospitality & Beverage Consultant
Björn Taylor is a veteran bartender of 16 years and in hospitality for close to two decades. He started in Houston, his hometown where the diverse culture shaped him. In an effort to expand out of high volume bartending he ended up in Austin, Texas. Starting at one of the best cocktail... Read More →
avatar for Kelly Grogan

Kelly Grogan

VP of Sales, Virtual Dining Concepts
Kelly has spent the last 10+ years in the hospitality industry focusing on revenue generating initiatives. Whether it restaurants, entertainment centers or hotels, she has successfully identified niche areas for these businesses to maximize their investments & become more profitable... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S223

9:00am PDT

WK 3 - How to Define, Re-define, and Create a Concept
Cool concepts that make an impact and turn heads have been lacking in the hospitality industry since the beginning of the business. Only a small percentage of companies and independent owners have been able to build concepts that turn heads. This applies to everyday dive bars all the way to restaurants and hotels. This Seminar will teach you how to break a concept down, create a new concept, or redefine what you have in 3 easy steps. Your concept affects almost every operational decision you will have to make, from the product you should carry, to the music you should play. If you want to make more revenue, you have to make an impact with your concept.

If you feel your concept is more of an idea with a name, this workshop will have you laying out full concepts on your own with complete confidence to take your business to the next level.

Register Today!

Speakers
avatar for Michael Tipps

Michael Tipps

Co-Founder, Invictus Hospitality
Michael Tipps has over 26 years of experience working, managing, and consulting in all facets of the hospitality world (throughout all positions, and including hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs). Michael Tipps’s Career started in Hospitality in South Florida where he worked... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S221
  Workshops

9:00am PDT

WK 4: Communication: Powered By Connection
• The language of leaders in a wonky world - Connection is communication and it all literally begins with language. You'll learn & discuss and the best words & language (as well as what not to use!) for successful connecting with your team, customers and community to drive your business, recruitment 7 retention and sales.
• Elements of Connection that boost better business - There are real elements of connection that create a framework everyone can use (yes, everyone). You'll learn the framework, get the exploded view and explanation of the elements + we'll practice them in real-time so you know how to use them before you leave the workshop.
• Building world-class teams to develop excellent experiences - World-class teams know authentic connecting is the foundation for solid and productive, fun & fruitful relationships, in every area of business and life. This part of the workshop will bust myths and provide timely and relevant solutions for the bar and restaurant professional.

Register Today!

Speakers
avatar for Ginger Johnson

Ginger Johnson

Founder, Ginger Johnson, Powered by Connection
What does it mean to feel connected?What does it mean to not feel connected?In both cases, Ginger's been on the receiving end.With myriad life experiences, personal and professional, she understands that when we feel connected we create the life we want to live.When you know what... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S225

9:00am PDT

WK 5: Spotlight Your Business - Social Media Marketing
In a world of limited attention spans and so much content to choose from, how do bar and restaurant operators distinguish their offerings? How do you create a restaurant profile, showcase your personality, generate buzz, produce dedicated fans, and drive revenue without breaking the bank? Todd Collins, Strategic Leader, Beamed Media, will present an in-depth look at the social media strategies and tactics you need to succeed in Digital Marketing, Social Media, and Branding – with specific sessions on 1) Instagram, 2) TikTok, and 3) an open Q&A/discussion on general marketing, loyalty programs, reputation management, and more!

Speakers
avatar for Todd Collins

Todd Collins

Strategic Leader, Beamed Media
With over 10 years of online reputation management, branding, and social media marketing, Todd has become a go-to in the restaurant, real estate, and automotive industry on how to strategize for the best results.


Monday March 21, 2022 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S220
  Workshops

9:00am PDT

WK 7: How to Go Faster and Work Smarter with Tech: 1) Pickup is the New Delivery, 2) How to Acquire More Customers, Increase Guest Frequency and Beat the Third-Party Delivery Apps at Their Own Game, and 3) The "Amazon" of Restaurants
How to Acquire More Customers, Increase Guest Frequency and Beat the Third-Party Delivery Apps at Their Own Game - How to increase guest acquisition and retention by providing a seamless customer journey with tech automation that is easy to use, is affordable and doesn't require a team of marketing gurus to operate.

Pickup is the New Delivery - With more and more guests ordering ahead, our tech needs to make it easy for the guest to place, pick up and receive orders at an affordable price point. Discover solutions that will help you modernize a better customer experience, drive higher sentiment and won't break the bank

The Amazon of Restaurants - What does a fully tech enabled restaurant of the future look like? Join us to hear from 3 restaurant brands who have built tech systems that drive wild revenues.


Moderators
avatar for

"Rev" Ciancio

Customer and Technology Evangelist / Owner, Branded Strategic Hospitality / Handcraft Burgers & Brew
Rev is a New York City restaurant owner and knows exactly how hard it is to operate and brand a hospitality business.He is a hospitality marketing consultant, customer and technology evangelist at Branded Strategic Hospitality, with more than 20 years experience in B2B digital marketing... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Ben Pryor

Ben Pryor

Head of Innovation, SpotOn
With 25+ years of culture-based hospitality leadership, Ben Pryor leads the development of SpotOn's restaurant and hospitality product innovation strategy with a focus on democratizing technology for hospitality businesses of all sizes. As the Head of Innovation, Ben drives the continuous... Read More →
avatar for Scott Siegel

Scott Siegel

Co-Founder, CEO, Curbit
After graduating from San Diego State University, Scott spent most of his professional career in commercial real estate where he represented restaurants in identifying and securing new locations. Recognizing an imbalance with brands that could secure premium real estate, he sought... Read More →
avatar for Steven Sperry

Steven Sperry

Co-Founder & CEO, Minnow Technologies
Steven Sperry is a technology entrepreneur. His first startup, an enterprise software company, had an IPO and was valued at over $2 billion before being acquired. He also founded the Consortium for Service Innovation, an industry organization focused on customer engagement and support... Read More →
avatar for Sash Dias

Sash Dias

Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Incentivio
Sash co-founded Incentivio in 2016, and over the years has led the product design, go to market and operations teams. As Incentivio's first sales team member, he personally brought over 1,000 restaurant partners on board. Today, Incentivio is the market leader in leveraging AI and... Read More →
avatar for Kevin Lopes

Kevin Lopes

Marketing Manager, Pampas Las Vegas
Kevin has worked in marketing in various industries, from Google to Mazda and now at Pampas Las Vegas, the original Las Vegas Strip churrascaria. Knowing how crucial it is for restaurants to reach the consumer and quantify their actions, he's a big believer in following the customer... Read More →
avatar for Kevin Santiago

Kevin Santiago

Managing Partner, Greenlight Holdings LLC
Kevin Santiago is the managing partner of Greenlight Holdings LLC, a Utah-based company that owns 9 Brands, ranging from farm-to-table fine dining to fast casual: Cupbop Korean BBQ, 5 Star BBQ, Communal, Black Sheep Cafe, Station 22, Pizzeria 712 , The Corner and Chom. Previously... Read More →
avatar for Mehdi Zarhloul

Mehdi Zarhloul

Owner and Founder, Crazy Pita Restaurant Group
Born and raised in Casablanca, Morocco, Mehdi Zarhloul immigrated to the United States at the age of 16 to live the American dream and pursue his culinary passion. For over 20 years, Zarhloul has managed many casual and fine dining restaurants, including ten years as the Assistant... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S219
  Workshops

10:00am PDT

Offsite Mixology Class I at Azilo Ultra Lounge: Beyond Tequila!
Transportation is provided from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Register here!

Mixology Seminar AGAVE SPIRITS ARE “IN” - Schedule at a Glance:

Welcome Beverage (Tony’s Scratch Margarita)
Swag Bags preset for each registered attendee
Director of Beverage, Nate Hedlund Opening Remarks and Introductions
    1. Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim (and Special Guest)
Tony Abou-Ganim Begins Session

1.AGAVE SPIRITS ARE “IN”
Discussions and Demonstrations
Tequila production, styles and uses in cocktails
Tequila History and Brands
          • Tastes Of Tequila – class tastes styles of tequila
Mezcal production, styles and uses in cocktails
Mezcal History and Brands
          • Tastes Of Mezcal – class tastes styles of tequila
Bacanora and Sotol production, styles and uses in cocktails
Bacanora and Sotol History and Brands
          • Tastes Of Bacanora and Sotol – class tastes styles of tequila
Raise a Toast! In Your Copita
          • Attendees are gifted a branded Copita glass from the Hotel
Cocktail Competition
    1. Rules, Teams and Spirits
        • Attendees are grouped and will work together to create a cocktail inspired by Tony’s lessons
15 Teams with Groups of 4 for Cocktail Development
Each group will have a preset bar on their tables
Will have access to “The Marketplace” for additional ingredients
Tony, Nate and the Special Guest walk the room to assist and answer questions
Drinks presented and evaluated
Winning Team receives Modern Mixologist Bar Kit and Bottle Prize from Tony and SAHARA Las Vegas
Winning Team Photo with Tony Abou-Ganim, Nate Hedlund and Special Guest
Attendees Depart

Speakers


Monday March 21, 2022 10:00am - 1:00pm PDT
SAHARA Hotel
  Offsite Trainings

1:00pm PDT

A Healthy Relationship with Your Alcohol Suppliers
As a bar and restaurant owner, it's likely that a spirits rep has come into your place of business and offered to make a deal in order for you to carry their product or products. But what can that rep offer while still making sure your business operates within compliance? Is it smarter to ask for something like cash sponsorship or are there other options? If so, what are those other options? In this panel discussion we've brought together two of the best in the business from both sides of the alcohol supplier to bar/restaurant relationship: Daniel Warrilow, Italian Portfolio Ambassador for Campari America & David Kaplan, CEO of Gin & Luck and Founder of Death & Co. These industry professionals will take on common questions about what you should expect from a supplier partner, the do's and don'ts of this relationship, and how to get creative to make solutions that will create win-win situations for all involved. We will teach you how to create and maintain relationships with great supplier reps while spotting the pitfalls that range from compliance issues to bad brand management and ultimately teach you to understand how all of this can have a direct effect on your businesses' bottom line.

Moderators
avatar for Taryn Olsen

Taryn Olsen

Executive Creative Director, Sourced Craft Cocktails
Taryn Olsen brings nearly 20 years of marketing experience to her role as Executive Creative Director at Sourced Craft Cocktails. Before stepping into her current role, she has worked with a range of companies from start-up to national lifestyle brands focusing on grassroots and immersive... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for David Kaplan

David Kaplan

CEO, Co-Founder, Gin & Luck, Death & Co.
David has worked in the hospitality business since the age of 13. In the summer of 2006, at 24 years old, he opened Death & Company, a cocktail bar in the East Village of Manhattan, with his partner Ravi DeRossi. At the 2010 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards Death & Co won American’s... Read More →
avatar for Daniel Warrilow

Daniel Warrilow

Italian Portfolio Ambassador, Campari America
As the Campari America Italian Portfolio Ambassador for the West Coast, Daniel Warrilow brings his expertise and passion for all things bitter to the masses. When he’s not in his home city of Los Angeles, you’re likely to find him in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago or making... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S223

1:00pm PDT

Building & Retaining Great Restaurant Teams
Creating a great restaurant means building a great team. In today's world, that's easier said than done. As restauranteurs look to the future of restaurants, team management is going to be at the forefront. From hiring to training to scheduling and retaining, each piece plays a role in creating a better restaurant. Justin Holmes from 7shifts, a restaurant team management platform, dives into each of the stages and how team management can help you create and retain a strong team.

Speakers
avatar for Justin Holmes

Justin Holmes

Chief Revenue Officer, 7shifts
Justin Holmes is the Chief Revenue Officer at 7shifts, a team management platform built for restaurants. Justin is no stranger to the restaurant and scheduling world, spending time working as a server and also managing team schedules for community-based basketball programs while in... Read More →



Monday March 21, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S219

1:00pm PDT

Building a Jet Engine: How Function and Layout are the Thrust Behind the Venue
Designing and quoting  bar and restaurant Front of the House and Back of the House concepts has always taken lots of time, has been a recipe for poor communication and costly mistakes.

That’s because consultants, designers, dealers, manufacturers and operators use different systems and have different workflows. Sometimes, it feels like they speak different languages as well.

Projects are delayed, changes are poorly communicated and frustration is common.

But there’s a new way. With a unified platform, everyone can be on the same page while projects are being scoped, designed, budgeted, adjusted and finalized. Everyone can work together seamlessly while equipment and supplies are being quoted and manufacturers can instantly get the right configurable product choices in front of the right people. All at the speed of digital.

This new way means savings along with higher operator satisfaction for all the busy people in our industry.
In this lively, highly visual and interactive session, Specifi CEO Bob Wolters talks about how this approach has been taking off in Europe and the Middle East, and is now available in North America.

Bob and his Team will take your questions and welcome your ideas as we talk about a unified ecosystem that represents a new frictionless way to do business in foodservice.

Speakers
avatar for Michael Tipps

Michael Tipps

Co-Founder, Invictus Hospitality
Michael Tipps has over 26 years of experience working, managing, and consulting in all facets of the hospitality world (throughout all positions, and including hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs). Michael Tipps’s Career started in Hospitality in South Florida where he worked... Read More →
avatar for Bob Wolters

Bob Wolters

CEO, Specifi Global
Bob Wolters is a 30 year veteran of the foodservice equipment space, having started, grown and sold a number of high profile companies.Bob is best known for founding induction cooking pioneer CookTek, later sold to Middleby, and the innovative coffee mug company Contigo, later sold... Read More →



Monday March 21, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S221

1:00pm PDT

Dynamic Growth Through Inclusive Culture
As the saying goes, “people lie, numbers don’t.” With any number of studies proving the true business value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, how do you drive actual growth – and retain top talent - via an inclusive people culture? One surefire approach is ensuring that team members have the opportunity to contribute as part of a level playing field to share ideas and feedback. An inclusive workforce creates buy-in, loyalty, new concepts, and yes, improved guest experiences and revenue. Learn how to drive growth through mindset as well as actionable steps that create a truly inclusive culture.

Speakers
avatar for TaChelle Lawson

TaChelle Lawson

FIG Strategy & Consulting, Founder
TaChelle Lawson is a nationally recognized leader in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). She is a dynamic public speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and enlightened business leader highly skilled at aligning DEI with business goals and brand strategies to help build client revenues.As... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S226

1:00pm PDT

The Surprising Way Technology is Driving Greater Profits & Better Guest Experiences
Restaurants -- at least as we know them -- have gone unchanged for the past 200 years. Yet technology is reshaping every aspect of our lives including retail, education, travel, healthcare, and more. Why are we so resistant to the solutions that technology can provide?

Join Chip Klose to understand technology, not as a replacement tool, but as the answer to some of our biggest problems. Hear case studies from Shake Shack, McDonald’s, Mojo Taqueria, Alinea, and more. The restaurant revolution is here, and technology is going to help us not only build more profitable businesses but create better guest experiences as well.

Speakers
avatar for Chip Klose

Chip Klose

Founder, Chip Klose Creative
Chip Klose is a NYC-based restaurant coach as well as the Host of the Restaurant Strategy Podcast. Over the past 20 years he’s worked with James Beard Award-winners and Michelin-starred chefs, and has opened numerous properties to rave reviews in one of the most saturated markets... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S225

2:00pm PDT

How Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses can Build their Brands through Strategic Investments
Mr. Dennis McKinley leads the Atlanta-based branding company Detroit Equities, which runs the Atlanta-based businesses CRU Hookah Lounge and the Original Hot Dog Factory. He’s also owner of NYAK Cognac, which is now the fastest-growing cognac brand in U.S. history.

Currently, he helps entrepreneurs and small businesses build their brands through strategic investments, and some of his previous background experience also includes real estate, e-commerce, and product development. At the Bar & Restaurant Expo, McKinley will discuss the importance of brand partnerships, crowdfunding, franchising and getting investors.

Speakers
avatar for Dennis McKinley

Dennis McKinley

Founder, Detroit Equities
Mr. Dennis McKinley leads the Atlanta-based branding company Detroit Equities, which runs the Atlanta-based businesses CRU Hookah Lounge and the Original Hot Dog Factory. Currently, he helps entrepreneurs and small businesses build their brands through strategic investments, and some of his previous background experience also includes real estate, e-commerce, and product development.The Original Hot Dog Factory -- Owned by Dennis McKinley. Known as... Read More →



Monday March 21, 2022 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S226

2:00pm PDT

Order in 20 Seconds, Pay in 10: How QR Codes are Transforming the Hospitality Industry
The pandemic introduced widespread use of QR code technology throughout the restaurant and bar industry and many foodservice experts agree that they are here to stay. Join Christine de Wendel, CEO of sunday and partner of the European restaurant group, Big Mamma, as she does a deep dive into how QR codes are helping restaurants operate more efficiently so staff can focus on what matters most: providing a memorable dining experience. The following topics will be covered:
  • How QR codes can help you save time and money.
  • How QR codes can help ease the impact of staffing shortages and improve guest experience.
  • Using QR codes to turn tables more quickly and increase the average amount guests spend.

Speakers
avatar for Christine de Wendel

Christine de Wendel

US CEO, Co-Founder, Sunday
Christine de Wendel is co-founder and CEO USA of Sunday. Prior to this, she was Chief Operating Officer of ManoMano, one of France’s fastest growing tech companies and Europe’s leading online platform for home improvement. Before joining ManoMano, Christine spent seven years at... Read More →



Monday March 21, 2022 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S221

2:00pm PDT

Retention, Rewards and the ROI
Join us for this interactive and engaging session focusing on all things staffing and team building. You will gain ideas, tips and tricks from three different executives in the beverage business with three very different experiences in hiring, retention and team building. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and pose your challenges to help you grow your business – and your revenue. You will walk away with actionable steps in how to retain your current team members and keep them happy; how to reward loyalty and attract top talent; and the financial benefits of investing in your team’s development without breaking the bank.

Speakers
avatar for Kristen Wheaton

Kristen Wheaton

VP of Venue Experience, Alamo Drafthouse
Kristen Wheaton is Vice President of Venue Experience at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, which Entertainment Weekly calls the “Best Theater in America.” Kristen is responsible for the guest experience that makes Alamo Drafthouse so special, including food and drink menus themed to the... Read More →
avatar for Kim Cook-Sorano

Kim Cook-Sorano

Director of Food & Beverage, Galaxy Theatres
Kim Cook-Sorano is the Director of Food and Beverage for Galaxy Theatres. Prior to her move to exhibition, she had a full career in in Food and Beverage within the restaurant/bar/hospitality industry and also spent time on the distribution side of the food business. She has worked... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S225

2:00pm PDT

Update Your Outdated Menu
If it ain’t broke, break it! If it’s become easy and comfortable to rely on your tested menu items, it’s probably time to shake things up. And if the supply chain hasn’t required you to adjust your offerings, your guests will certainly demand it at some point. Chef Brian Duffy returns with one of his most-popular sessions, featuring innovative and manageable menu options that reflect today’s challenges as well as changing consumer tastes.

Speakers
avatar for Chef Brian Duffy

Chef Brian Duffy

Founder, Duffified Experience Group
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Chef Brian Duffy had his first experiences in the kitchen as a young child with his big Irish-Italian Family. Those experiences introduced him to culinary life, and led him to study at Philadelphia’s The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S223

2:00pm PDT

Your Restaurant Culture Might Suck!
Do you have a restaurant culture that sucks?

Have you ever wondered why some restaurants seem to be doing better than others despite the fact they are in the same location, serving similar food and competing with each other for customers? The answer is simple. It’s their culture!

Join Donald Burns, The Restaurant Coach as he shares how to identify your current restaurant culture and give you tools on how to make it great. This session will help you get more sales, happier staff and an overall increase in profits.

Don’t miss this one!

Speakers
avatar for Donald Burns

Donald Burns

Founder, The Restaurant Coach
Donald is The Restaurant Coach™, named to the list of Definitive Restaurant Experts and one of 23 Hospitality Experts to Follow on Twitter.He is the leading international trainer, speaker, author, and coach on how restaurant owners, operators, and culinary professionals go from... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S219

2:00pm PDT

You’re Missing 40% of Your Customers: Digital Advertising for Bars and Restaurants
Over 40% of people learn about food and drink opportunities online: apps, review sites, social media, search results and more. Are you confident that your bar or restaurant is among the opportunities they'll discover? If you answered "Yes" then you can skip this session. If not, read on.

“If you build it, they will come” just doesn’t cut it. Having great cocktails, the ideal floor plan, or a perfectly managed inventory doesn't cut it either. Those things are great, but they don't amount to anything if people don't know about them.

This session, lead by the executive team at Licensed to Distill, is about two things:
1. How to bring your bar or restaurant to life online with creative content
2. How to use digital advertising to increase new customer acquisition, current customer frequency and sales volume

This will be a zero-fluff, all-nuts-and-bolts hard look at what you need to be doing in the digital space to stand out and grow. While this session will be framed primarily for bar and restaurant owners and managers, there will also be plenty of value to be had for owners/managers of small brands and even bartenders looking to build their personal brand.

Speakers
avatar for Jeremy JF Thompson

Jeremy JF Thompson

CMO, Licensed to Distill
Prior to joining Licensed to Distill as Chief Marketing Officer, Jeremy JF Thompson served as the Director of Marketing for Tales of the Cocktail, and has spent the last 15 years as a spirit-industry marketing strategist and consultant in New York and New Orleans.   He’s an INTJ... Read More →
avatar for Jabin Troth

Jabin Troth

CEO, Licensed to Distill
As the old adage goes, “when you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” No one embodies that ideal quite like Jabin Troth. Founder of the world’s largest craft cocktail community and the creative mind behind the content, Jabin is a natural influencer and... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S220

2:00pm PDT

Offsite Back of House Culinary Tour I at Bazaar Meat
Transportation provided. More details coming soon! Limit of 20 tickets available. Register here! 

A groundbreaking culinary experience, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés is the James Beard award-winning chef’s wild and wonderful celebration of the carnivorous.

Enjoy a tour of its ‘Back Of House’ where playful cuisine and cocktails for which The Bazaar by José Andrés has become known on both coasts, in a strikingly seductive setting are created.

Monday March 21, 2022 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
SAHARA Hotel
  Offsite Trainings

2:00pm PDT

Offsite Mixology Class II at Azilo Ultra Lounge - Beyond Tequila!
Transportation is provided from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Register here! 

Mixology Seminar AGAVE SPIRITS ARE “IN” - Schedule at a Glance:

Welcome Beverage (Tony’s Scratch Margarita)
Swag Bags preset for each registered attendee
Director of Beverage, Nate Hedlund Opening Remarks and Introductions
    1. Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim (and Special Guest)
Tony Abou-Ganim Begins Session

1.AGAVE SPIRITS ARE “IN”
Discussions and Demonstrations
Tequila production, styles and uses in cocktails
Tequila History and Brands
          • Tastes Of Tequila – class tastes styles of tequila
Mezcal production, styles and uses in cocktails
Mezcal History and Brands
          • Tastes Of Mezcal – class tastes styles of tequila
Bacanora and Sotol production, styles and uses in cocktails
Bacanora and Sotol History and Brands
          • Tastes Of Bacanora and Sotol – class tastes styles of tequila
Raise a Toast! In Your Copita
          • Attendees are gifted a branded Copita glass from the Hotel
Cocktail Competition
    1. Rules, Teams and Spirits
        • Attendees are grouped and will work together to create a cocktail inspired by Tony’s lessons
15 Teams with Groups of 4 for Cocktail Development
Each group will have a preset bar on their tables
Will have access to “The Marketplace” for additional ingredients
Tony, Nate and the Special Guest walk the room to assist and answer questions
Drinks presented and evaluated
Winning Team receives Modern Mixologist Bar Kit and Bottle Prize from Tony and SAHARA Las Vegas
Winning Team Photo with Tony Abou-Ganim, Nate Hedlund and Special Guest
Attendees Depart

Speakers


Monday March 21, 2022 2:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
SAHARA Hotel
  Offsite Trainings

3:00pm PDT

Offsite Back of House Culinary Tour II at Bazaar Meat
Transportation provided. More details coming soon! Limit of 20 tickets available. Register here! 

A groundbreaking culinary experience, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés is the James Beard award-winning chef’s wild and wonderful celebration of the carnivorous.

Enjoy a tour of its ‘Back Of House’ where playful cuisine and cocktails for which The Bazaar by José Andrés has become known on both coasts, in a strikingly seductive setting are created.

Monday March 21, 2022 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
SAHARA Hotel
  Offsite Trainings

3:15pm PDT

Anatomy of a Failure
A case study of a specific and very real-life bar failure. By examining the errors made during business timelines (planning, operations, closure), future operators will be able to identify problems before they become business killers. The main takeaways of this session will be 1) How to conduct proper market research, 2) manage an existing concept or transition to a new one, 3) team development, and 4) how all those factors combine can lead to either the success or failure of a concept. Join Jacob Trevino as he walks through the issues of his own concept, Golden Sparrow, to show attendees how this failure happened in real time and how the decisions were made, and which decisions should have been made instead.

Speakers
avatar for Jacob Treviño

Jacob Treviño

Owner / Creator, Gorilla Cinema Presents
Jacob Trevino, Founder and CEO of Gorilla Cinema Presents has specialized in bar consulting and developing cocktail programs for the past 17 years. He is the owner of The Overlook Lodge (ranked by Playboy Magazine and USA Today as one of the top bars in the United States) Tiki Tiki... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S221

3:15pm PDT

Automate, Innovate, Elevate
Building a self-sustaining business in the hospitality industry can feel near impossible as an independent operator. Leaning into technology and investing your time into safeguarding your disciplines may be the best thing you'll do yet for your business, your team & yourself!

Speakers
avatar for Stephen Hunt

Stephen Hunt

Managing Director, Hunt Hospitality International
Stephen Hunt is the Managing Director of Hunt Hospitality International. Focused on recalling tradition with a twist of today, Hunt Hospitality has multiple successful venues along Australia's East Coast. Named Australia's Top 10 Business Persons of The Year 2021, Stephen Hunt is... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S220

3:15pm PDT

Building Strong Teams for Operational Success
In this session Kapri will go into depth about creating healthy spaces for working and the importance of them. This will cover different training styles to how you treat your guests. Kapri hopes to provide tangible solutions to help you build your teams for efficiency and longevity. Without a strong sense of teamwork, an establishment's system can crash or feel a bit broken. This will help to mend that system back together.

Speakers
avatar for Kapri Robinson

Kapri Robinson

President, Engagement Ambassador | Bartender, Chocolate City's Best | Allegory DC
Kapri Robinson is DC's 2017 Cocktail Queen and has been apart of the beverage community in DC for almost a decade now. While spending her time behind the bar at Reliable Tavern, she is also the president & founder of Chocolate City's Best (CCB). Kapri has gone on to win cocktail competitions... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S219

3:15pm PDT

The Business of Tea Moving Forward
Tea is so much more than a cozy hot beverage, or a tasty way to cool down summer. Teas of today should be seen as a driver of a dynamic beverage program. Think sparkling, cocktails, mocktails, and more. Join Chris MacNitt to learn how to leverage tea, improve your business proposition, and to differentiate your offerings!

Speakers
avatar for Chris MacNitt

Chris MacNitt

Tea Development Lead │ Global Tea Quality, Starbucks Coffee Company
Chris MacNitt started his tea journey at eight years old and grew up in his family’s tea business. Steeped in passion, he joined Teas Etc. at nineteen to develop their tea blends and manage their raw material quality. While working for Teas Etc. In 2016, he was approached by Starbucks... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S225

3:15pm PDT

The Cocktail Bandits Surprise and Delight with Custom Beverage Experiences
These curly ladies talk cocktails, advocate, and educate. While promoting the craftsmanship of other bar professionals and sharing their own experiences, they inform and inspire amazing guest experiences that you, too, can learn to create. Don’t miss this wildly entertaining duo!

Speakers
avatar for Taneka Reaves

Taneka Reaves

Co-Founder, Cocktail Bandits
Johnny Caldwell and Taneka Reaves, listed among Imbibe Magazine’s ‘75 People to Watch in 2018’ andnamed two of Charleston's 50 Most Progressive, are the dynamic duo known around the globe as thecurly-haired Cocktail Bandits. These full-time Charleston Beverage Ambassadors met... Read More →
avatar for Johnny Caldwell

Johnny Caldwell

Co-Founder, Cocktail Bandits
Johnny Caldwell and Taneka Reaves, listed among Imbibe Magazine’s ‘75 People to Watch in 2018’ andnamed two of Charleston's 50 Most Progressive, are the dynamic duo known around the globe as thecurly-haired Cocktail Bandits. These full-time Charleston Beverage Ambassadors met... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S223

3:15pm PDT

Why Customer Visit Data is Your Golden Ticket to Higher Sales
In recent years, the email address has become the holy grail of customer contact information. But in reality, unless you’re collecting the guest’s email address with every in-store and online purchase, it only tells half the story… especially for restaurants. Understanding your guests can only truly be achieved when you have visibility into both the online and offline relationship your customers have with your brand, and in-store customer visit data is the missing link.

In this session, we will explore the benefits of customer visit data as well as ways to leverage this information to drive your bottom line. We’ll also dive into case studies and tangible tactics showcasing how visit data will be the key competitive advantage to marketing success for restaurants moving forward.

Speakers
avatar for Megan Wintersteen

Megan Wintersteen

VP of Marketing, Adentro
Prior to joining Adentro, Megan served as the VP of Marketing at Bowlero Corp where she launched their first company-wide guest loyalty program and spearheaded the online guest experience with the overhaul of their events and reservations tool. Over the past 14 years of her career... Read More →



Monday March 21, 2022 3:15pm - 4:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S226

4:15pm PDT

Core Values: How Culture Drives Hiring, Retention and Growth in 2022
There is a “why,” not just a “what,” that drives hospitality professionals and understanding the “why” impacts culture of individual businesses. But how do you – as managers and owners – clearly articulate to your teams how guests “buy WHY you do, more than what you do?” In today's market, personality (rather than skill set) should be the driving force in hiring. Join David Benowitz as he takes a deep dive into hiring, onboarding, training, and understanding with the Gen Z and Gen Y workforce. He shares how his restaurants have gone from a year that experienced 110% hourly turnover along with 2% profitability to a current 53% turnover with 15% profitability. With 500 employees, that’s no easy task!

Speakers
avatar for David Benowitz

David Benowitz

President and Co-Owner, Craft & Crew Hospitality
David Benowitz is president and co-owner of Craft & Crew Hospitality, a growing restaurant group in the Twin Cities. After graduating from the business school at the University of Kansas, David quickly realized that the corporate world didn't move fast enough for him - so he joined... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 4:15pm - 5:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S220

4:15pm PDT

How to Avoid 3 Deadly Mistakes in Labor Cost
Labor tends to be the largest expense in a restaurant, after an empty chair. It is also one of the most important expenses because a good team delivers great customer service, appropriate ticket times, incredible food and fulfills your promises. In this session, David Scott Peters, restaurant expert and coach, will teach restaurant owners three deadly labor mistakes and how to avoid them. Attend this session to learn:
  • How to successfully budget for labor
  • How to identify your sales efficiency by position and quickly identify shifts where you are over staffed
  • How to track to control labor cost
  • How to avoid overstaffing

Speakers
avatar for David Scott Peters

David Scott Peters

Restaurant Expert and Coach, Creator of the Restaurant Prosperity Formula, David Scott Peters
David Scott Peters is a restaurant coach and speaker who teaches restaurant operators how to cut costs and increase profits with his trademark Restaurant Prosperity Formula. Known as THE expert in the restaurant industry, he uses a no-BS style to teach and motivate restaurant owners... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 4:15pm - 5:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S219

4:15pm PDT

Lessons from the Toughest Side of Entrepreneurship
Throughout the history of business, there have been “haves and have nots.” The barriers to business entry are tough enough, but consistently greater for BIPOC, women and minorities, the aged and people with disabilities. The bias is systemic and, largely, unconscious. The hospitality industry can lead the way in combatting the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, providing greater and more equal opportunity and support for the next generation of leaders, products, services, locations. Jackie Summers conquered decades of challenges through perseverance, the support of others in this industry, and his superior “new” product. Join him as he shares both the fundamental and logical applications of what he’s learned and accomplished in creating his 25-year “overnight success!”

Speakers
avatar for Jackie Summers

Jackie Summers

Founder, Sorel Liqueur
Acclaimed author, seasoned public speaker, and serial entrepreneur, Jackie Summers is the founder of JackFromBrooklyn Inc. and the creator of the award-winning Sorel Liqueur. In 2012, Summers became the first known licensed Black Distiller in the United States. His flagship product... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 4:15pm - 5:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S226

4:15pm PDT

Mezcal + Tequila 101: The Agave Spirits Institute
As you may know, mezcal consumption in the United States surpassed Mexico for the first time ever. Considering tequila is a $3 billion industry and mezcal is a $90 million industry in the US, there is no better time to get educated on why agave spirits are so important.

In this class led by Certified Sommelier and Mezcalier Daniel Rodriguez, you will learn practical and theoretical information necessary to understand the process from a wild-harvested plant to the final agave spirit. Expect to learn about the following topics in a condensed class on agave spirits:
· Understanding Organoleptic Evaluation
· Mezcal Denomination of Origin
· Diversity of Agave Species
· Differences Between Mezcal + Tequila
· Artisanal, Industrial and Ancestral Production of Mezcal
· Professional Evaluation of Mezcal (14 different mezcal styles)
· Analysis of Qualities and Faults in Mezcal
Founded in 2020, Agave Spirits Institute (ASI) was founded with the mission of educating ambassadors of agave spirits by sharing and protecting ancestral knowledge, understanding quality, and preserving the biodiversity of the agave plant. The ASI Mezcal Certification Course uses proprietary evaluation methodology designed after the INAO technical sensory techniques.

Speakers
avatar for Daniel Rodriguez

Daniel Rodriguez

Founder, Mezcalier, Sommelier, Agave Spirits Institute
After studying film in Mexico City, Daniel began to travel the world, documenting stories as diverse as shamanic practices in México or walking 500 miles crossing Spain doing the Way of Saint James. Working at a wine bar in Madrid, and later as Tasting Room Manager at Texas’ Spicewood... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 4:15pm - 5:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S223

4:15pm PDT

The Connected Bar/Restaurant: Building a Tech Stack that Talks to Each Other
In the world of hospitality technology, the pandemic has “changed nothing, but accelerated everything”. Customers and operators alike have quickly adapted and adopted to using technology as part of their dining experience: QR codes are here to stay; loyalty has never been more important; customer experience is key; automation is your newest tool in the box; and the POS is heart of the operation. With so many solutions available, finding tech companies that work together is essential to building a connected restaurant or bar.

Speakers
avatar for Michael

Michael "Schatzy" Schatzberg

Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Branded Strategic Hospitality
Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Branded Strategic Hospitality and the Managing Director for Branded Restaurants. He has over 35 years of marketing, brand development, management, business development and hospitality experience. Schatzberg... Read More →
avatar for Jimmy Frischling

Jimmy Frischling

Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Branded Strategic Hospitality
Jimmy is an entrepreneur and experienced finance professional with over 30-years in the financial services, capital markets and hospitality industries.In 2018 Jimmy co-founded and is the managing partner at Branded Strategic Hospitality, an investment and solutions platform at the... Read More →
avatar for Bryan Solar

Bryan Solar

Restaurants GM, Square
Bryan Solar is based in Austin TX, and before coming to Square he spent over 5 years at Google where he served as General Manager and Product Lead of the Google Restaurants Tools Team. Prior to that, he led SMB New Products & Markets, and Reserve at Google. Before Google, he was Co-Founder... Read More →
avatar for Alonso Castañeda

Alonso Castañeda

VP of Brand Development and Strategy, Savory Restaurant Fund
Alonso Castañeda is VP of Brand Development & Strategy at Savory Restaurant Fund, that focuses on delivering outsized returns through strategic growth and replication strategies. He leads the strategic oversight of brand initiatives, brand campaigns and implementation of customer... Read More →
avatar for Zack Oates

Zack Oates

CEO, Ovation
Zack Oates is an author, husband, father, entrepreneur, and hot tub aficionado (but not in that order, necessarily). He grew up in restaurants before getting into startups. He was voted Top 100 Entrepreneurs, rang the NASDAQ bell, won the world’s biggest business competition, has... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 4:15pm - 5:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S221

4:15pm PDT

The Importance of Data Analytics to the Small Business Owner
The challenge facing today’s small business owner is neither data collection nor data storage, but how to efficiently transform the huge amounts of data collected into useful information.  This transformation is accomplished using Data Analytics.  In this seminar, Tim McCoy, will go over several benefits of data analysis, the use of which can offer your company a competitive advantage.  A few of the benefits we will look at include:
            * Ability to find market trends
            * Ability to find customer preferences
            * Increase sales, revenue, and loyalty
            * Increase efficiency and decision making
            * Predict customer behavior
            * Provide personal, real-time messaging and promotions
* Reduce your company’s overall costs

Speakers
avatar for Timothy McCoy, MBA

Timothy McCoy, MBA

Marketing Instructor, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Moody College of Business
Tim McCoy is a Marketing Instructor in the Moody College of Business at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the proprietor of The Jefferson Street Pub (est. 2002) in Lafayette, Louisiana.  Tim is a sought after instructor known for teaching “real world business” and... Read More →


Monday March 21, 2022 4:15pm - 5:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S225

6:30pm PDT

Welcome Kickoff Party
OPEN TO ALL! Reunite and network with the restaurant and bar industry under the Las Vegas stars! The 2022 Welcome Kickoff Party will take place at an outside venue around glistening pools and multiple cabanas to meet with new suppliers, sample beverages, nosh on appetizers, listen to live music, and more!

Register Today!


Monday March 21, 2022 6:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Sahara Hotel, Azilo Pool

9:00pm PDT

Platinum Party I - XS Nightclub, Art of the Wild
Private hours for attendees 9pm-11pm. Party Pass includes admission fee, complimentary cocktails provided by sponsors, live entertainment, and more!

About XS Nightclub:
XS nightclub at Encore, named the number one nightclub in the United States by Nightclub & Bar’s Top 100 for an unprecedented five years, is home to David Guetta, Diplo, Kygo and The Chainsmokers. Experience the newly unveiled, multi-million dollar redesign that includes cutting-edge technology and top-of-the-line production elements like pyrotechnics, LEDs, lasers and an in-the-round DJ booth that can be seen from anywhere in the club. XS nightclub is, without doubt, the most successful club in Las Vegas, offering two unique experiences, bottle service on the dance floor or luxury cabanas surrounding the Encore pool. The club's design was inspired by the provocative curves of the human body. As you enter through the undulating golden staircase, you'll see why Condé Nast Traveler calls XS the hottest nightclub in the world. View Venue Info & Dress Code


Monday March 21, 2022 9:00pm - 11:00pm PDT
XS Nightclub at Encore
 
Tuesday, March 22
 

8:00am PDT

Registration
Reminder! Bring your registration confirmation and I.D. when picking up your badge.

Tuesday March 22, 2022 8:00am - 6:00pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

10:00am PDT

Bartenders Build Brands: How to Develop Mutually Beneficial Relationships through Advocacy, Education and Support
The most effective and long lasting marketing efforts in the spirits industry are all tied to robust and thoughtful on-trade marketing. Join Lindsey Johnson, the Founder and CEO of Lush Life Productions (the first Bartender Advocacy Agency), as she outlines best practices, existing platforms including strategies to best leverage those opportunities and thoughtful marketing practices in regard to the trade. This session will offer tactical advice your brand can immediately implement. Bar owners, managers and bartenders are also welcome in this session where we will share existing opportunities for free education and training for your staff along with best practices for engaging with brand representatives to develop new opportunities for your team.

Speakers
avatar for Lindsey Johnson

Lindsey Johnson

Founder and CEO, Lush Life Productions
Lindsey Johnson is Founder and Lead Creative of Lush Life Productions, which advocates for bar professionals through the legendary Portland Cocktail Week and Camp Runamok, enabling bartenders to take their careers to the highest levels. The unofficial “godmother” of the bartending... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S220

10:00am PDT

Health in Hospitality - Sobriety and Substance Abuse
Even with 47 years in restaurant hospitality under his belt, it’s been a long road: December 14, 1982 is the day Mickey Bakst characterizes as his “demise.” Like untold others in the industry suffering from addiction, Mickey found his “bottom” in 1982. Fortunately for him and us, he “came back to life,” as he calls it, found his calling – and a way to stay in business – and ultimately created Ben’s Friends. Hear his story and learn about the great need and resources available to leaders to battle addiction in the ranks.

Speakers
avatar for Mickey Bakst

Mickey Bakst

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Ben's Friends
Maître D, foodie, fundraiser, philanthropist, career restaurateur, mentor, and Charleston ambassador –these are just a few titles bestowed upon Mickey Bakst. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Mickey became interested in the hospitality industry after helping a friend check... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S226

10:00am PDT

Leveraging Sustainability to Drive Profitability
Michael Adams is the Sr. Director of Innovation, Sustainability and Marketing for WinCup. He joined the company in September, 2020 to help launch and build the phade brand of PHA based straws and stirrers while also helping build an stronger new product development infrastructure and leading the companies Sustainability efforts. Prior to joining WinCup, Michael help marketing leadership roles at Gleim Publishing, IMG Academy and TRX where he focused on developing the overall marketing structure for each company, while building the brand and product portfolios and optimizing the digital footprint for each company. Prior to these roles, Michael spent over 20 years in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry where he held brand and category leadership positions at Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Kraft Heinz and Pepsico, working on brands such as Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice, Ore-Ida Frozen Potatoes, Brawny Paper Towels and Quilted Northern Bath Tissue. Michael graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School with a BS in Economics.

Speakers
avatar for Michael Winters

Michael Winters

President and Chief Revenue Officer, WinCup
Michael began his career at WinCup in 2007. He has held several positions throughout his career at WinCup, including Vice President Sales, Senior Vice President and was named President, Foodservice in 2014. As President and Chief Revenue Officer, Michael leads the sales efforts for... Read More →
avatar for Michael Adams

Michael Adams

Sr. Director, Innovation, Sustainability & Marketing, Wincup
Michael Adams is the Sr. Director of Innovation, Sustainability and Marketing for WinCup. He joined the company in September, 2020 to help launch and build the phade brand of PHA based straws and stirrers while also helping build an stronger new product development infrastructure... Read More →



Tuesday March 22, 2022 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S225

10:00am PDT

One Point at a Time: Climbing to Double-Digit Profit Margins
For far too long, restaurant owners have been told that profit margins are slim, that single digits are what you can expect, and to want more is not only unreasonable, but unrealistic. We have a theory, a bold theory, that restaurant owners can, in fact, move from single- to double-digit profit margins. The secret? Incremental progress. It’s not all or nothing and it’s not insurmountable. And it’s not at all unreasonable for restaurant owners to want more. This is how: Think a half point here, a quarter-point there. It adds up and it’s powerful in the end. From open to close, front-of-house to back-of-house, attracting customers to converting them into regulars, dine-in and off-premise, there are so many opportunities to claw back margin. As an industry we must decide it’s time to 86 this archaic notion of single-digit profit margins and create our own more profitable reality. Let SpotOn walk you through this deceptively simple theory and help you put it into practice so you can begin to increase your profit margins.

Speakers
avatar for Hillary Holmes

Hillary Holmes

General Manager, Von Elrod’s Beer Hall + Kitchen
Hillary Holmes has been working within the hospitality industry for over 17 years, with 7 of those years in a General Manager role. Her background includes both corporate and privately owned restaurants ranging in yearly revenue from 3 to 6 million. Some of the Point of Sale systems... Read More →
avatar for Ben Pryor

Ben Pryor

Head of Innovation, SpotOn
With 25+ years of culture-based hospitality leadership, Ben Pryor leads the development of SpotOn's restaurant and hospitality product innovation strategy with a focus on democratizing technology for hospitality businesses of all sizes. As the Head of Innovation, Ben drives the continuous... Read More →
avatar for Peter Lambros

Peter Lambros

Director of Product, SpotOn Labor Management Center, SpotOn
Peter Lambros  is the co-founder of Dolce Software, acquired by SpotOn in 2021, a complete labor management solution that includes scheduling, labor compliance, automated tips distribution, and enhanced payroll integrations with over 20 payroll providers. Peter was an operator of... Read More →



Tuesday March 22, 2022 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

10:00am PDT

Raise the Bar: Building The Right Team & Cocktail Menus to Keep Your Customers Thirsty for More!
This must-attend seminar will include discussion, demonstrations, and deep dives into menu creation from top experts in the hospitality industry. These experts will walk you through the essential components that are needed to ensure your establishment is delivering the customer experience necessary to be successful. Build an environment for your bar staff to thrive in by offering structured training programs that motivate and build confidence while delivering consistency and increasing guest spending. Elevate the guest experience with a cocktail menu that highlights unique, seasonal ingredients and offers something for everyone. Identify the trends you should continue to embrace and the ones you should step away from.

Staying ahead of the curve ensures your business has the competitive advantage. As customers’ expectations rise, so should your team, signature menu, and business!

Speakers
avatar for Mia Mastroianni

Mia Mastroianni

Celebrity Mixologist, Consultant as seen on Bar Rescue, The Super Squad
With over 15 years of experience in the service industry from Boston to Miami, Mia Mastroianni became one of the founding bartenders of Soho House West Hollywood –the private members-only club where she remained a well-respected and often requested mixologist for the who's who of... Read More →
avatar for Art Sutley

Art Sutley

Nightlife & Hospitality Expert | Director of Strategic Accounts, Savage & Cooke Distillery
Art Sutley, Nightlife & Hospitality Expert, has been in the restaurant/bar space for over 19 years. He was one of the industry experts behind Bar Business Magazine for 13 of them. As an educator in the industry, he speaks at many of the top restaurant and cocktail tradeshows globally... Read More →
avatar for Phil Wills

Phil Wills

Owner/Partner and Consultant as seen on Bar Rescue, The Spirits In Motion©
Phil Wills has been in the bar/restaurant business for over 20 years. He is the current owner/partner of The Spirits in Motion, a nationally recognized bar and beverage consultancy. He has worked in all types of locations from your corporate restaurants, small local bars, major night... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S223

10:00am PDT

Understanding the Leasing Game & How to Get Ahead
Every hospitality tenant should be asking about and negotiating with its landlord many terms. Obvious terms to discuss are the length of the lease and the cost of rent. However, what about the not-so-obvious terms? What happens if the venue changes its concept, what happens if the business must be sold, who pays for fixing things in the venue, and what if the business fails? This seminar concentrates on providing an overview of major commercial lease terms related to bars, restaurants, and nightclubs – both small and large – which should all be addressed. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the session for more specific questions and issues.

Speakers
avatar for Homan Taghdiri

Homan Taghdiri

Co-Founder, Invictus Hospitality
Homan Taghdiri is one of the co-founders of Invictus Hospitality, and has been working in the hospitality industry since he was 14 years old. As a licensed attorney in California, Homan has specialized experience in real estate, business, and the hospitality industry. While Homan... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S221

11:00am PDT

Keynote: Growth Opportunities for 2022 and Beyond
If businesses are facing the continuing obstacles of labor, supply chain, technology, and inflation, then the hospitality industry does so “on steroids.” Join the leaders of small to large operations for a discussion of the impacts of the current environment as well as their outlook for the coming year. As always, smart, resourceful, determined executives will capitalize on opportunity, so don’t miss this chance to take away meaningful information that you can put to use at home!

Keynote Topics Addressed Include:
  • Utilizing technology in your beverage strategy.
  • Supply Chain/Inflation.
  • Understanding consumer expectations.
  • How to tackle staffing issues.
  • What does the future customer look like.

Keynote is included in all registration passes! Register Today

Moderators
avatar for Scott Blazek

Scott Blazek

Executive Vice President, Nevada, Breakthru Beverage Group
Scott Blazek serves as Executive Vice President, Nevada for Breakthru Beverage Group. In this role, Scott is responsible for leading all aspects of Breakthru Beverage Nevada’s business operations including   strategic direction, talent development and overall performance.Prior... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Mark Gray

Mark Gray

Chief Operating Officer & President, Bottleneck Management Restaurant Group
Mark Gray is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Bottleneck Management, the parent company of City Works, Old Town Pour House, Sweetwater and South Branch. He joined the Bottleneck Management team in June of 2019 after being the former CEO of Barfly Ventures.His 24-year career... Read More →
avatar for Bruce Skala

Bruce Skala

Senior Vice-President, Marketing, Hooters of America
Bruce Skala is a seasoned veteran with more than 24 years of food service and brand marketing experience. As Senior Vice-President, Marketing, for Hooters of America. Bruce has responsibility for the Hooters of America Field Marketing team, media planning for Company owned locations... Read More →
avatar for Cami Lehmann

Cami Lehmann

Director of Marketing, Brinker International, Inc.
Cami Lehmann serves as Director of Marketing at Brinker International, Inc. where she oversees Maggiano’s Little Italy® marketing department. In this role, Cami leads the marketing efforts for the brand including: food and beverage menu innovation and development, media planning... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S222/S223

11:45am PDT

Red Carpet & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Brendan Gaughan, former NASCAR driver
Arrive early to South Hall and watch celebrities walk the red carpet to officially open Bar & Restaurant Expo 2022! Register Online Now!

Brendan Gaughan is a nationally recognized television and radio personality, and a former NASCAR driver with 503 starts, 18 wins, 72 top-five and 155 top-10 finishes and three poles. Gaughan began his motorsports career in off-road racing – winning the first race he entered, at the age of 15. Gaughan won close to 100 of off-road races in his career, most recently the 2019 Baja 1000's Class 1 category. He is also a 2022 West Coast Stock Car Hall of fame inductee.

Gaughan grew up in Las Vegas around the casino business and is currently part of the South Point Hotel & Casino management team. In 2016, Gaughan started City Lights Shine, a whiskey moonshine produced by his 17A Stillery – the first legal distillery in the history of Las Vegas with former NASCAR official, Mike Dolan. City Lights Shine currently produces six flavors of moonshine and is available for sale throughout Las Vegas and online at citylightsshine.com.




Tuesday March 22, 2022 11:45am - 12:00pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

12:00pm PDT

Ben's Friends Meeting For Sober F&B Professionals and Those Seeking Sobriety
Welcome to Ben's Friends! Ben's Friends is a coalition of sober F&B people committed to their sobriety in an industry filled with drugs, alcohol and stress.

Each of us has found or is seeking sobriety and a way to deal with our careers and life in a sane and purposeful fashion.

We are here to share together how we do it and provide those seeking sobriety with the tools and the community needed to find it.

Our only purpose is to help each other find freedom from the bondage of our addition.

Speakers
avatar for Mickey Bakst

Mickey Bakst

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Ben's Friends
Maître D, foodie, fundraiser, philanthropist, career restaurateur, mentor, and Charleston ambassador –these are just a few titles bestowed upon Mickey Bakst. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Mickey became interested in the hospitality industry after helping a friend check... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
#319, Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

12:00pm PDT

Expo Hall Hours
Explore the interactive Expo Hall Floor, find new products at show-only pricing, sample new food and beverage trends hitting the market, learn, and grow your business! Register Today!
Expo Hall Highlights Include:
  • Sports Bar
  • Restaurant Zone
  • Food & Beverage Innovation Center
  • The Bistro
  • NxT and NxT Stage
  • Emerging Brands Showcase
  • And More!


Tuesday March 22, 2022 12:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

1:00pm PDT

Proven Strategies to Immediately Make THE GUEST EXPERIENCE a Positive Topic for You and Your Team
How do you feel when you read or hear the words "Guest Experience"? Do you feel pride and joy, or do you feel anxiety and frustration? Perhaps you are in the middle and feel your guest's experience is good but not great? In the last 18 months, every restauranteur we started working with was in a place of anxiety and frustration, but they didn't stay there for long.

If you are in the industry, you already know that the guest experience has more complexity than ever before. But, the GREAT news is that the guest experience can go from a negative situation to a positive one…quickly.
We will take a step back and look at the guest experience from 30,000 feet. From there, we will break through the complexity and give you the practical tools you need at ground level.

We are excited and passionate about helping you improve your guest’s experience! In fact, our excitement for the expo inspired us to make a special gift only for Bar & Restaurant Expo guests! Come join us as we get to work and have some fun!

Sponsored by Industry Codes

Speakers
avatar for Isaac Taylor

Isaac Taylor

Owner, Industry Codes Culture & Leadership Training
Bio:Isaac Taylor created the company Industry Codes for one simple reason. “To help improve the lives of the people in the restaurant industry.” Over the last 18 years, Isaac has experienced outstanding success and, yes, difficult failure. He has been a top-performing General... Read More →



Tuesday March 22, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S225

1:00pm PDT

Recovery & Moving Forward: Trends to Know
Amanda Torgerson of Datassential maps out consumer expectations and upcoming trends in a quickly evolving bar & restaurant industry. Get ahead of the summer's traffic by learning about consumer sentiment and the trends and innovation in the F&B industry with a specific focus on alcoholic beverages.

Speakers
avatar for Amanda Torgerson

Amanda Torgerson

Senior Account Manager, Datassential
Amanda is a food & beverage industry account manager, market researcher, and trend specialist with Datassential. Based out of Denver, CO she has led research around the globe on topics ranging from the next big trends in ready-to-drink cocktails to the best safety precautions to ensure... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S223

1:00pm PDT

Shake Up Your Digital Marketing Strategy: Tips To Engage with Nano & Micro Influencers
Discover how bars & restaurants of any size can work with nano & micro influencers to drive awareness and build brand advocates. In this session, we will discuss using social media, influencer marketing, blogger relations, public relations, and events to tap into local, relevant influencers with less than 10,000 followers without breaking the bank.

Speakers
avatar for Matt Hensler

Matt Hensler

Vice President, Digital Integration, Colin Kurtis Advertising
Matt Hensler is a multi-award winning marketing leader, educator and speaker who is currently the Vice President of Digital Integration at ColinKurtis Advertising. With both in-house and agency experience, he works with small businesses, startups and Fortune 500 businesses, including... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S220

1:00pm PDT

Strategies for Delivering Quality Service Without Enough Quality Servers
So many factors seem to be conspiring to make it difficult if not impossible for operators to find good help or even, in some cases, any help. In this seminar participants will consider their service provision from a traditional operations management perspective, reviewing service process, service delivery systems and customer contact and be challenged to provide excellent service despite the lack of bodies that seems destined to be our future reality.

Speakers
avatar for Brian J. Warrener

Brian J. Warrener

Associate Professor, The School of Hospitality, Johnson & Wales University
Professor Brian Warrener has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the hospitality industry. He began waiting tables in 1985 and has since worked in virtually every position within food and beverage operations, including bar back, bartender, bouncer, beverage manager, assistant... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S221

1:00pm PDT

Talking Tech with Beverage Alcohol E-Commerce Pioneers
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion in which we touch upon all things technology related from the future of SaaS (sampling as a service) in the beverage sector to what’s to come for e-commerce sales of beverages online. We will touch upon the three tiers of the beverage industry as well and how technology and e-commerce play a big role in the trajectory of what’s to come for all involved.

Moderators
avatar for Taylor Foxman

Taylor Foxman

Founder & CEO, The Industry Collective
Taylor Foxman is a veteran beverage alcohol expert with over a decade of experience, having worked for globally recognized wine, beer and spirit companies including most recently Pernod Ricard in addition to others such as Gruppo Campari, Jägermeister, Patron Spirits and Stoli. Currently... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Tim Angelillo

Tim Angelillo

Founder and CEO, Sourced Craft Cocktails
As a successful tech entrepreneur and global business leader, Tim Angelillo brings 15+ years of experience running divisions of publicly traded companies like Yahoo! and Time Warner as well currently founding and leading three start-up businesses in Austin, TX.  These experiences... Read More →
avatar for Dipanjan Chatterjee

Dipanjan Chatterjee

Co-Founder & CEO, Bevvi
Dipanjan Chatterjee leads Bevvi's operations and business development, working closely with retail partners and corporate customers. Prior to the Bevvi launch, he co-founded a financial technology company, SR Labs in 2008, which he sold to Insight Capital Ventures for EVP of $80 MM... Read More →
avatar for Josh Jacobs

Josh Jacobs

Co-Founder & CEO, Speakeasy Co.
Josh Jacobs is a data scientist by trade, but an entrepreneur at heart. Following his passion to build and tackle gaps in the market, Josh has launched companies in various sectors across fashion, moving, and the alcohol industry. With a BS in Mathematical Business from Wake Forest... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S219

1:00pm PDT

Working Well With Others
This interactive workshop is based on Mary Miscisin’s Showing Your True Colors. Participants identify their work styles by associating with a color (orange, gold, green, or blue) and use the understanding and knowledge of the color personality to work better with teammates, avoid conflict, and provide better customer service. Participants leave this workshop with deeper self-awareness as well as a better understanding assertive, aggressive, and persuasive behavior, which play a role in controlling conflict situations

Speakers
avatar for John Shermetaro

John Shermetaro

Regional Manager, NE Florida, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
John’s a native of the sunshine state; born and raised in Dunedin, Florida. He’s had a passion for the hospitality industry since a young age and has worked in every facet of a restaurant and hotel operation- from server to General Manager.  He currently serves as the NE Regional... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S226

1:00pm PDT

David Kaplan on Community & Evolution in F&B
David Kaplan, CEO of Gin & Luck and co-founder of the famous Death & Co. brand, sits down with Bar & Restaurant’s Editorial & Content Director for an open conversation about building communities that withstand the industry’s constant evolution.

Speakers
avatar for David Kaplan

David Kaplan

CEO, Co-Founder, Gin & Luck, Death & Co.
David has worked in the hospitality business since the age of 13. In the summer of 2006, at 24 years old, he opened Death & Company, a cocktail bar in the East Village of Manhattan, with his partner Ravi DeRossi. At the 2010 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards Death & Co won American’s... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Engstrand

Sarah Engstrand

Editorial & Content Director, Bar & Restaurant
Sarah Engstrand brings years of international experience to the role of Editorial & Content Director of Bar & Restaurant, creating content that empowers operators to run better businesses through our social media channels and online publication, www.barandrestaurant.com. Since her first job in a New York deli at 13 years old, she has dedicated her career to championing the F&B industry through her work as a writer, a publicist and a consultant. She is dedicated to making F&B a more sustainable and equitable industry for people to work in. Sarah... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
NxT Stage, Expo Hall Floor

1:15pm PDT

Food & Beverage Innovation Center Welcome Announcement
Chef Demos run 1:30pm-5:00pm today, located in the back of the Expo Hall Floor. Arrive early to grab your seat!

Speakers
avatar for Chef Brian Duffy

Chef Brian Duffy

Founder, Duffified Experience Group
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Chef Brian Duffy had his first experiences in the kitchen as a young child with his big Irish-Italian Family. Those experiences introduced him to culinary life, and led him to study at Philadelphia’s The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College... Read More →



Tuesday March 22, 2022 1:15pm - 1:25pm PDT
Food & Beverage Innovation Center

1:30pm PDT

Kamikaze Chicken Demo
Menu: Kamikaze Chicken | Fried Chicken Thighs | Crunchy Panko Breading | Kamikaze Glaze | Toasted Sesame Seeds
Located in the back of the Expo Hall Floor. Arrive early to grab your seat!

Speakers
avatar for Pete Blohme

Pete Blohme

Chef, Author, Owner, PP Hospitality Group


Tuesday March 22, 2022 1:30pm - 2:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

5 Secrets to Bringing New Customers in Through Niche Sports Content
Driving traffic to your sports bar takes more than just football, baseball, basketball and hockey games because, like you, other competitors will also be showing them at their establishment. Broadening your sports content to provide niche sports will not only drive traffic to your bar, but it will also differentiate you from your competitors.

Niche sports content is not only loved just as much as the major sports, but they also have avid fan bases throughout the country. In this session, we will cover the top 5 ways to optimize revenue at all hours of the day with niche sports content.

Speakers
avatar for John Kirk

John Kirk

Chief Operating Officer, Joe Hand Promotions
John Kirk heads up the corporate strategy and business development for Joe Hand Promotions, the largest and longest standing commercial sports entertainment distributor in the industry. John has spent his career leading several successful endeavors in a diverse set of industries... Read More →



Tuesday March 22, 2022 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S220

2:00pm PDT

How to Build a High Functioning Restaurant Management Team
Imagine running a restaurant where your employees do what you want the way you want it done and in the timeframe you want it done. Imagine these employees also being able to take on important tasks such as ordering and scheduling so you don’t have to do everything. This is what a high functioning restaurant management team can do and every restaurant can and should have one. Attend this session with David Scott Peters, restaurant expert, coach and session speaker, to learn the who, what, when, why and how of building an effective management team and how to keep them motivated. Attendees will also learn:
- How many managers you need and how to afford them
- How to build a team of managers in training (MITs)
- The simple strategy to solve communication issues in your restaurant
- How to train managers so they know what you want and how you want it done

Speakers
avatar for David Scott Peters

David Scott Peters

Restaurant Expert and Coach, Creator of the Restaurant Prosperity Formula, David Scott Peters
David Scott Peters is a restaurant coach and speaker who teaches restaurant operators how to cut costs and increase profits with his trademark Restaurant Prosperity Formula. Known as THE expert in the restaurant industry, he uses a no-BS style to teach and motivate restaurant owners... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S223

2:00pm PDT

How to Open a Restaurant in New York City
Breaking into the New York City hospitality scene appears to be impossible these days. And for most people, it actually is. Barriers to entry are high, and you can lose your shirt if you're not prepared. Join us to pick up some invaluable knowledge from those who have done it successfully, and to learn how to do the same for your business.

Speakers
avatar for Joshua Foulquier

Joshua Foulquier

Co-Founder, We All Gotta Eat Hospitality
Joshua Foulquier is the co-founder of We All Gotta Eat Hospitality, the group behind Sushi Noz, Noz Market, Noz 17, Fooq’s Miami, and Eleventh Street Pizza, among others. Fooq’s opened its doors in 2014 to critical acclaim in the Miami culinary scene. In 2018, Sushi Noz opened... Read More →
avatar for David Kaplan

David Kaplan

CEO, Co-Founder, Gin & Luck, Death & Co.
David has worked in the hospitality business since the age of 13. In the summer of 2006, at 24 years old, he opened Death & Company, a cocktail bar in the East Village of Manhattan, with his partner Ravi DeRossi. At the 2010 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards Death & Co won American’s... Read More →
avatar for Joseph Levey

Joseph Levey

Founding Partner, Helbraun Levey
Joseph is a Founding Partner of the firm and oversees all New York State Liquor Authority and other licensing matters. Joseph’s primary area of expertise is New York State Alcohol Beverage Control Law and he has extensive experience practicing before the New York State Liquor Authority... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S221

2:00pm PDT

The New Rules of Hospitality: What a Post-Pandemic Consumer Wants
Everyone is looking for ways to deliver great hospitality while saving on labor and adding to their bottom line. The consumer expectation hasn't changed but how we deliver those expectations have. Phil will lead a guided discussion on this topic - because we can all learn from each other - while sharing his experiences on implementing timeless hospitality driven teams.

Speakers
avatar for Phil Wills

Phil Wills

Owner/Partner and Consultant as seen on Bar Rescue, The Spirits In Motion©
Phil Wills has been in the bar/restaurant business for over 20 years. He is the current owner/partner of The Spirits in Motion, a nationally recognized bar and beverage consultancy. He has worked in all types of locations from your corporate restaurants, small local bars, major night... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S219

2:00pm PDT

Too Busy to Grow: How to Solve the "Never Enough Time" Problem
You have tons of great ideas. Employee culture! Marketing! New brand initiatives! But who the heck can find the time for all of that? This is the restaurant industry - there's always some new fire to put out that needs your attention, and it needs it now.

This session addresses one of the #1 issues faced by every restaurant and bar leader - solving the "never enough time" problem so that you can focus on growth, leadership, and the ever evolving conversation around transforming the work culture of the restaurant industry.

You'll walk away from this talk with:
- the key to implementing everything you've learned at BRE
- how to prioritize your most important actions so that life doesn't take over the second you step back in the restaurant
- the reminder that most of us got into this business because it was FUN!

Speakers
avatar for Alison Anne

Alison Anne

Founder, Alison Anne Coaching & Restaurant Revolution
Working with restaurant owners to build their teams and their bottom line was never Alison's first choice of career. She was going to be... AN ACTOR. And this restaurant thing? Just a side gig. As you do, right? But that industry life got into her blood, and 16 years later she was... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S225

2:00pm PDT

Violence in Nightclubs, Bars, & Restaurants - Steps to Mitigate
According to the FBI, violent crime increased overall in 2020 by 5% and has continued to increase in 2021. Murders increased by 30% primarily in larger cities. Violent crime according to the FBI is murder, robbery, sexual assault and aggravated assault. Violent crimes occurring in bars and nightclubs has also increased over the last two years. The chances of your bar or nightclub being sued after a violent crime has occurred are much higher than they were only five years ago.

This session will cover the understanding of violent crimes that occur in bars and nightclubs, the types of crimes (e.g., targeted, interpersonal, predatory) and what a responsible owner or manager should do to reasonably protect patrons from foreseeable harm. Gun related violence also continues to increase in bars and nightclubs based on societal acceptance of guns and the huge increases in gun sales year after year.
There are things that can and should be done regardless of the size and scope of your operation to meet the standard of care or what a reasonable bar owner or manager should do including an action plan in the event of an active shooter, having an adequate surveillance system, and having procedures demonstrating your commitment to preventing or reducing violent crime.

Speakers
avatar for Alan W. Zajic

Alan W. Zajic

Founder/Owner, AWZ Consulting
Alan W. Zajic is a Nevada-licensed, Board-Certified, independent security consultant specializing in hospitality, gaming, nightclubs and retail security environments.He has over 35 years of practical hands on experience in security and surveillance operations to include Security Director... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S226

2:15pm PDT

Short Rib Pot Pie Demo
Menu: Short Rib Pot Pie | Harissa Braised Short Rib | Roasted Vegetables | Sweet Potatoes | Chickpeas | Pan Gravy | Pie Crust
Located in the back of the Expo Hall Floor. Arrive early to grab your seat!

Speakers
avatar for Kayla Robison

Kayla Robison

Executive Chef, Arnold's Bar & Grill
Kayla Robison’s culinary journey began at her first restaurant when she was just 14 years old. At 19, she moved from her hometown in North Dakota to Cincinnati, OH and enrolled in culinary school. Working as a pastry chef during the day and bartending at night Kayla was given the... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
Food & Beverage Innovation Center

2:30pm PDT

Claiming a Legacy: Jackie Summers, Founder, Sorel Liqueur in Conversation with Amanda Victoria, Co-Founder & CEO, Siponey
As a Black entrepreneur - and the first licensed Black distiller, too - Jackie Summers is keenly aware of the daily struggles on the path to success. And Amanda Victoria, a multi-decade industry veteran, was determined to develop responsibly sourced products featuring quality ingredients, while controlling her own career path, when she decided to launch her new RTD, Siponey. Both are highly regarded producers and educators who advocate for a sustainable environment in people and products. Jackie in particular has a heart for marginalized people and with his newly energized Sorel brand relaunch and partnership, he’s also claiming a legacy for Black and POC-led businesses. Amanda has ensured that cultural diversity and inclusivity is part of everything she undertakes. Join these two celebrated creators as they share how they got here and where they’re going.

Speakers
avatar for Amanda Victoria

Amanda Victoria

CEO & Co-Founder, Siponey
Amanda Victoria is an award-winning leader in cocktail, spirits, and lifestyle communication, education, corporate environmental and social impact, and premium spirits product development.In 2019, Amanda launched Siponey, a whiskey spritz that boasts “honeybee sustainability in... Read More →
avatar for Jackie Summers

Jackie Summers

Founder, Sorel Liqueur
Acclaimed author, seasoned public speaker, and serial entrepreneur, Jackie Summers is the founder of JackFromBrooklyn Inc. and the creator of the award-winning Sorel Liqueur. In 2012, Summers became the first known licensed Black Distiller in the United States. His flagship product... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
NxT Stage, Expo Hall Floor

3:00pm PDT

Beef & Lamb Areyas Demo
Menu: Beef & Lamb Areyas
Located in the back of the Expo Hall Floor. Arrive early to grab your seat!

Speakers
avatar for Chef Brian Duffy

Chef Brian Duffy

Founder, Duffified Experience Group
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Chef Brian Duffy had his first experiences in the kitchen as a young child with his big Irish-Italian Family. Those experiences introduced him to culinary life, and led him to study at Philadelphia’s The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 3:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Food & Beverage Innovation Center

3:45pm PDT

Curry Chicken Poutine Demo
Menu: Curry Chicken Poutine | French Fries | Cheese Curds | Scallions | Pickled Radish
Located in the back of the Expo Hall Floor. Arrive early to grab your seat!

Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Behm-Lazzarini

Jennifer Behm-Lazzarini

Owner, Lazzarini Private Events


Tuesday March 22, 2022 3:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Food & Beverage Innovation Center

4:00pm PDT

Devan Shah Tea Tycoons LIVE!
Think “Shark Tank” for Tea Purveyors!
We’re narrowing the field to the top three companies in each category. Watch as these finalists make their pitch – Shark Tank-style – to our panel of judges, and see who reigns supreme!

Categories include:
Unique Customer Relations: A company creates a fresh approach to client relationship with its customer base to foster brand loyalty and awareness.

Sustainability: Focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Innovation: Dynamic, New Idea, Method, or Device that demonstrates clear value for the Tea Industry.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear today’s most innovative strategies in an engaging and dynamic format!


Tuesday March 22, 2022 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
NxT Stage, Expo Hall Floor

4:30pm PDT

Borscht Belt Pastrami Sandwich Demo
Menu: Borscht Belt Pastrami Sandwich
Located in the back of the Expo Hall Floor. Arrive early to grab your seat!

Speakers
avatar for Chef Nick Liberato

Chef Nick Liberato

Owner/Chef, The Borscht Belt Delicatessen


Tuesday March 22, 2022 4:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Food & Beverage Innovation Center

5:00pm PDT

Ben's Friends Meeting For Sober F&B Professionals and Those Seeking Sobriety
Welcome to Ben's Friends! Ben's Friends is a coalition of sober F&B people committed to their sobriety in an industry filled with drugs, alcohol and stress.

Each of us has found or is seeking sobriety and a way to deal with our careers and life in a sane and purposeful fashion.

We are here to share together how we do it and provide those seeking sobriety with the tools and the community needed to find it.

Our only purpose is to help each other find freedom from the bondage of our addition.

Speakers
avatar for Mickey Bakst

Mickey Bakst

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Ben's Friends
Maître D, foodie, fundraiser, philanthropist, career restaurateur, mentor, and Charleston ambassador –these are just a few titles bestowed upon Mickey Bakst. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Mickey became interested in the hospitality industry after helping a friend check... Read More →


Tuesday March 22, 2022 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
#319, Las Vegas Center, South Hall

7:00pm PDT

First-Time Attendee Happy Hour
Meet and network with owners, operators, industry influencers, and key board members during this first-time attendee Happy Hour! This exclusive happy hour is open to first-time attendees only, capacity is limited.

Must have ticket to attend. First come first served only as strictly limited capacity.
Happy Hour is sponsored by Wilson Marshall PR & Special Events and Fireball Whisky


Tuesday March 22, 2022 7:00pm - 8:30pm PDT
SAHARA Hotel Alexandria Pool

9:00pm PDT

Platinum Party II - OMNIA Nightclub
Private hours for attendees 9pm-11pm. Party Pass includes admission fee, complimentary cocktails provided by sponsors, live entertainment, and more!


Tuesday March 22, 2022 9:00pm - 11:00pm PDT
OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace
 
Wednesday, March 23
 

9:00am PDT

Registration
Reminder! Bring your registration confirmation and I.D. when picking up your badge.

Wednesday March 23, 2022 9:00am - 5:00pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

11:00am PDT

It's Possible! Walking With Purpose Towards Top Line Revenue Growth Through a Deep Dive into Operations
With a Smaller Sq.Ft. Footprint and Seating - "It's possible!" to increase F&B Top Line Revenue with Limited Staff & $0 Price Increase.
  • Seat Yielding
  • Efficient Side Station
  • Ticket Times Decrease
  • Staging
  • Deep Dive into the Product mix
  • Hourly Labor Needed to produce and Serve Food you're selling?
  • Pareto Principle 80/20 Rule
  • Fewer steps Your Staff "Walking with Purpose."

Speakers
avatar for Harold Johnson

Harold Johnson

Director of Restaurants, House of Blues Las Vegas at Mandalay Place
Harold Johnson has 29 years of FB experience, having worked in all areas of Food and Beverage since starting his career in Las Vegas with the Rio Hotel Casino in the 90’s.Mr. Johnson’s talents were quickly recognized as a trend-setting operator for the Food and Beverage Innovations... Read More →


Wednesday March 23, 2022 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S226

11:00am PDT

The Gen Z Era: Brand It & They Will Come
Attracting the “Gen Z” audience to your nightclub, bar or restaurant continues to be a top challenge for many operators. Dig deep into how to set your brand up for success with this young audience and putting their bills in your tills! We will take a look at their interests, the experience they are looking for, and how to get them through your doors time and time again

Speakers
avatar for Andrew Corbett

Andrew Corbett

Co-Owner/Operator, WKND Hospitality Group
Andrew Corbett is an entrepreneur based out of Windsor, Ontario Canada and is a partner in numerous Hospitality Properties in South Western Ontario. Andrew has been in the entertainment business since he was 14 years old and opened his first venue at the age of 22 with his business... Read More →


Wednesday March 23, 2022 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S220

11:00am PDT

The Next Generation of Hospitality
In a post-pandemic hospitality world where an entire generation of workers has exited, owners and operators are managing a workforce of mostly new faces - under/inexperienced and frequently differently-engaged hires. Leadership has a significant undertaking in prospecting, hiring, training, developing and mentoring the newest employees. How do owners instill their vision - aka their “why” - as they recruit, retain, and reward these newest members of the workforce?

Learn from veterans in the industry with real-life examples and best practices.

Moderators
avatar for David Benowitz

David Benowitz

President and Co-Owner, Craft & Crew Hospitality
David Benowitz is president and co-owner of Craft & Crew Hospitality, a growing restaurant group in the Twin Cities. After graduating from the business school at the University of Kansas, David quickly realized that the corporate world didn't move fast enough for him - so he joined... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Kapri Robinson

Kapri Robinson

President, Engagement Ambassador | Bartender, Chocolate City's Best | Allegory DC
Kapri Robinson is DC's 2017 Cocktail Queen and has been apart of the beverage community in DC for almost a decade now. While spending her time behind the bar at Reliable Tavern, she is also the president & founder of Chocolate City's Best (CCB). Kapri has gone on to win cocktail competitions... Read More →
avatar for Reza Esmaili

Reza Esmaili

Senior Brand Ambassador / Founder, Gallo Spirits / Ananas Consulting
Reza really likes to eat and drink, but loves to serve and entertain the most.During 31 years in the San Francisco hospitality industry, Reza has held many positionsincluding Bar Director, General Manager, Operating Partner and Consultant. His talentshave helped launch many notable... Read More →


Wednesday March 23, 2022 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S221

11:00am PDT

Your Community, Your Customers
The most expensive customer is a new customer. In an ideal world, each of our businesses is packed with loyal regulars who frequent our location more than any other. How do we foster that engagement with our community? It starts with being a part of that community - supporting local brands and companies to create food and beverage programs that resonate with your local diners. And of course, creating a culture of employee engagement that has each of your community members coming back for more! Take home some guaranteed ways to help your establishment feel “local,” even if it's part of a chain or group operation!

Speakers
avatar for Angela Zoiss

Angela Zoiss

Chief Marketing Officer, Bottleneck Management Restaurant Group
Highly experienced and resourceful marketing leader with a proven record building profitable brands, dynamic teams, and best-in-class guest experiences.Angela practices servant leadership, balances data with creative instinct, and serves organizational missions with loyalty, passion... Read More →
avatar for Alison Anne

Alison Anne

Founder, Alison Anne Coaching & Restaurant Revolution
Working with restaurant owners to build their teams and their bottom line was never Alison's first choice of career. She was going to be... AN ACTOR. And this restaurant thing? Just a side gig. As you do, right? But that industry life got into her blood, and 16 years later she was... Read More →
avatar for Trevor Tyler

Trevor Tyler

Vice President of Beverage, Eureka! Restaurant Group
Trevor Tyler is the Vice President of Beverage for Eureka! Restaurant Group and oversees the Beverage Program for all 25 units. He is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Hospitality Management. Trevor is a Certified Cicerone®, one of roughly 3,500 in the world and a member... Read More →


Wednesday March 23, 2022 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S225

11:00am PDT

From First-Time Attendee to New Owner
Back by popular demand again, Bar & Restaurant board member Michael Tipps and the Invictus Hospitality (IH) team detail the journey of taking a first-time B&R attendee all the way to opening their first bar. Sitting in the audience in 2019 , Billy-Joe Hunt and Suzanne Hunt were just weeks away from beginning the process of deciding to relocate to Lakeway, Texas and open their first bar/restaurant. Already successful in their individual careers, they came to the Bar & Restaurant expo to find the answers they needed to move forward and bring their dream to fruition.

After sitting in the two-hour seminar, Billy-Joe and Suzanne began the journey with the IH team- from name, concept, location, Construction, budget hiring, and even owner training. Everything began to evolve resulting in the opening of “The gramercy” in October 2020 . This year’s seminar includes members of Invictus Hospitality team along with the Hunt’s detailing the ups and downs of the journey with complete transparency and a Q&A.

The hospitality secrets that can’t simply be “googled” about opening a bar or restaurant will be revealed through a real-life working example, in real-time, with real people. Regardless if you are an experienced operator who is looking to refresh the concept, need to find some inspiration, or if you dream of having your own bar or restaurant, then this seminar will not disappoint. Will you be the one to be featured on stage next year?



Speakers
avatar for Homan Taghdiri

Homan Taghdiri

Co-Founder, Invictus Hospitality
Homan Taghdiri is one of the co-founders of Invictus Hospitality, and has been working in the hospitality industry since he was 14 years old. As a licensed attorney in California, Homan has specialized experience in real estate, business, and the hospitality industry. While Homan... Read More →
avatar for Michael Tipps

Michael Tipps

Co-Founder, Invictus Hospitality
Michael Tipps has over 26 years of experience working, managing, and consulting in all facets of the hospitality world (throughout all positions, and including hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs). Michael Tipps’s Career started in Hospitality in South Florida where he worked... Read More →
avatar for Billy-Joe Hunt

Billy-Joe Hunt

Owner, The Gramercy
Billy-Joe and Suzanne Hunt are each successful corporate professionals whose deep New YorkCity roots and strong family lineage inspired them to pursue a lifelong dream.Billy-Joe had a successful career in Information Technology working for large, renownedcompanies. Each company offered... Read More →
avatar for Suzanne Hunt

Suzanne Hunt

Owner, The Gramercy
Billy-Joe and Suzanne Hunt are each successful corporate professionals whose deep New YorkCity roots and strong family lineage inspired them to pursue a lifelong dream.Billy-Joe had a successful career in Information Technology working for large, renownedcompanies. Each company offered... Read More →


Wednesday March 23, 2022 11:00am - 12:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S219

11:00am PDT

WK 6: Live Menu Read
Led by Chef Brian Duffy, this interactive workshop shows operators and chefs the latest in food innovation’s best practices. Chef Duffy goes through the culinary technologies, equipment, the processes and the culture needed to bring your operation’s success to the next level. Chef Duffy also walks through real menus from workshop participants on ways to improve their food offerings and kitchen operations. Bring your questions and your challenges, Chef Duffy's new Food Network show, Opening Night, has and continues to help hundreds of operators across the country open venues. Benefit from real and upfront assessments and learn from the hurdles that most of us have seen but aren't quite sure how to handle. This is a workshop you do not want to miss!

Register Today!

Speakers
avatar for Chef Brian Duffy

Chef Brian Duffy

Founder, Duffified Experience Group
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Chef Brian Duffy had his first experiences in the kitchen as a young child with his big Irish-Italian Family. Those experiences introduced him to culinary life, and led him to study at Philadelphia’s The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College... Read More →


Wednesday March 23, 2022 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S223
  Workshops

12:00pm PDT

Equity vs. Equality
Equity vs equality. Which is more important? Can you have an inclusive workplace environment without one of them? The panel will address the challenge of applying equity to achieve equality, identifying equity gaps and the roles leaders/business owners play in enforcing both.

Takeaways:
Clearly explain the differences between equity and equality
Why both are important to create an inclusive workplace
How to address equity gaps from an employee and business perspective

Moderators
avatar for TaChelle Lawson

TaChelle Lawson

FIG Strategy & Consulting, Founder
TaChelle Lawson is a nationally recognized leader in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). She is a dynamic public speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and enlightened business leader highly skilled at aligning DEI with business goals and brand strategies to help build client revenues.As... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Kathleen Taylor

Kathleen Taylor

Program & Marketing Coordinator, Nevada Women's Business Center
As a former entrepreneur, Kathleen’s goal is to enhance the professional development of new and established small business owners by providing effective resources to ensure their success. She has 15 years of experience in small business development, corporate training, partnership... Read More →
avatar for Alex Reznik

Alex Reznik

Vice President, Tarbert Restaurant Group
Chef Alex Reznik, aka "CEO of getting it done," grew up in Brooklyn to a first-generation European family where food was family. No stranger to the camera, Reznik is a former Top Chef contestant and kicked Bobby Flay's ass. Known for his bold candidness, in and outside of the kitchen... Read More →


Wednesday March 23, 2022 12:00pm - 12:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S221

12:00pm PDT

Inflation is here! 5 Critical Steps to Improve your rising Food & Bar Costs

In this session, operators will learn how to combat rising product costs and the steps needed to avoid margin erosion. We will walk through the 5 critical steps needed to reverse operational deficiencies, and discover what changes the best in class operators are making to improve Food & Bar costs.
Session objectives include answers to:
— What operational tools should my team be using to control food/bar costs?
— How often should I be raising my menu prices?
— How do I conduct a menu market survey of my competitors?
— Am I getting the best prices from my vendors?
— How do I negotiate better prices from my suppliers?
Come learn these best practices from Ray Villaman, owner/operator of Tahoe Restaurant Group, and nationally recognized Base Camp Pizza, ranked by USA Today as the #4 Favorite Pizzeria in the country.

Speakers
avatar for Ray Villaman

Ray Villaman

President/CEO and Owner, Tahoe Restaurant Group
Ray Villaman is the President/CEO and owner of Tahoe Restaurant Group, including Base Camp Pizza, which was recently named one of the top 25 pizzerias in the country by USA Today (#4).Additionally, Ray is a Board of Director or Advisor with:--- The California Restaurant Association... Read More →


Wednesday March 23, 2022 12:00pm - 12:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S225

12:00pm PDT

Social Media and Marketing 101
Influencers. Marketing plans. Hashtags. Branding. Organic followers. Messaging. Engagement. There are so many things to learn about cultivating a marketing strategy and then getting your message across on social media! And do you pay to boost your content? How do followers and likes translate to more dollars in the till? We’re here to help demystify all things marketing and social media. In this session you will learn from a marketing expert and a social media guru on how to create a strategy that tells your story and then drive it onto social media channels to maximize your revenue streams. Bring your questions… answers will be given and there’s even a reward in it for you!

Speakers
avatar for Angel Vasquez

Angel Vasquez

Founder, The Cocktail Portal
Angel, a photographer by trade, managed to combine her love of the draft with her passion for travel and cocktails into her trade. The Cocktail Portal was founded in March of 2016, becoming the first video cocktail account and is now the largest original content creator for video... Read More →


Wednesday March 23, 2022 12:00pm - 12:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S220

12:00pm PDT

Supply Chain in 2022 - Managing Through the Uncertainty
One of the year’s biggest stories – and more so for the hospitality industry, of course – has been the disturbance in the supply chain and the attendant product delays and shortages. For operators who need reliability around their goods and stability around pricing, the year continues to provide challenges, and likely will for the foreseeable future. Whether you’re a single enterprise or part of a larger organization, learn from the experts about how to manage and succeed in an uncertain environment.

Speakers
avatar for Christopher Carraher

Christopher Carraher

Director of Food and Beverage, Caesars Entertainment Inc.
Born and raised on Long Island, New York-Chris Carraher attended Johnson & Wales University Rhode Island pursuing a bachelor's degree in hotel management. During his four years of school, he also worked full time for Marriott Hotels & Resorts in Boston, Massachusetts. Joining the... Read More →
avatar for Brian J. Warrener

Brian J. Warrener

Associate Professor, The School of Hospitality, Johnson & Wales University
Professor Brian Warrener has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the hospitality industry. He began waiting tables in 1985 and has since worked in virtually every position within food and beverage operations, including bar back, bartender, bouncer, beverage manager, assistant... Read More →
avatar for Kayla Robison

Kayla Robison

Executive Chef, Arnold's Bar & Grill
Kayla Robison’s culinary journey began at her first restaurant when she was just 14 years old. At 19, she moved from her hometown in North Dakota to Cincinnati, OH and enrolled in culinary school. Working as a pastry chef during the day and bartending at night Kayla was given the... Read More →
avatar for Andrew Chun

Andrew Chun

Managing Partner, Sidecar Hospitality
Andrew Chun is the managing partner behind San Francisco’s Sidecar Hospitality group, which includes Press Club, Schroeder’s Restaurant, Pacific Cocktail Haven and Kona’s Street Market. Andrew is a lifelong entrepreneur. Whether it was founding a women’s designer t-shirt company... Read More →


Wednesday March 23, 2022 12:00pm - 12:45pm PDT
LVCC South Hall, Room S226

12:00pm PDT

Expo Hall Hours
Explore the interactive Expo Hall Floor, find new products at show-only pricing, sample new food and beverage trends hitting the market, learn, and grow your business! Register Today!
Expo Hall Highlights Include:
  • Sports Bar
  • Restaurant Zone
  • Food & Beverage Innovation Center
  • The Bistro
  • NxT and NxT Stage
  • Emerging Brands Showcase
  • And More!


Wednesday March 23, 2022 12:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

12:30pm PDT

Pork Meatball Pincho Demo
Menu: Pork Meatball Pincho | Pickled Vegetables | Cashew Vinaigrette | Red Leaf Lettuce
Located in the back of the Expo Hall Floor. Arrive early to grab your seat!

Speakers
avatar for Barbie Marshall

Barbie Marshall

Chef Consultant


Wednesday March 23, 2022 12:30pm - 1:00pm PDT
Food & Beverage Innovation Center

12:30pm PDT

Ben's Friends - A Path Forward for F&B Professionals Dealing with Addiction
Whether you recognize it or not, you likely know a team member, colleague or hospitality acquaintance who needs help. Ben’s Friends was created to partner with bar and restaurant owners to ensure staffers fighting addiction once again become valuable employees. The goal of Ben’s Friends is twofold: assisting hospitality workers in their sobriety and, equally as important, ensuring jobs for people in recovery. Join this conversation to learn how to reach out to employees, deal with their issues, and support their move to recovery. In addition, during Bar & Restaurant Expo, Ben’s Friends will host a Sober Recovery meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:00pm, so check the agenda and app for more information!

Speakers
avatar for Hailey Hosler

Hailey Hosler

Oregon Territory Manager, Athletic Brewing Company
With over 15 years in the hospitality industry, including opening bars in multiple countries and starting her own craft cocktail consulting and design agency (Heart & Honey). Hailey is now incredibly passionate about revolutionizing the F & B industry and seeks to create an inclusive... Read More →
avatar for Philip Speer

Philip Speer

Chef/Owner | Austin TX Chair, Comedor | Ben's Friends
Four time James Beard nominee and Austin chair of Ben's Friends, Philip Speer is the Co-owner and operator of Comedor, a Mexican restaurant in downtown Austin. Comedor was named among Esquire Magazine and Robb Report's top new restaurants in the US, as well as Restaurant of the Year... Read More →
avatar for Sheri Hood

Sheri Hood

Winemaker/Owner, The Pressing Plant Winery
Former band manager turned winemaker Sheri Hood is part of Ben's Friends Portland team, leads the national online Ben's Friends Femmes meeting, and supports our meetings on the Zoom front. A graduate of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis, she worked at wineries in Oregon, Napa Valley... Read More →


Wednesday March 23, 2022 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
NxT Stage, Expo Hall Floor

1:15pm PDT

TiNDLE Chicken Sandwich Demo
Menu: TiNDLE Chicken Sandwich
Located in the back of the Expo Hall Floor. Arrive early to grab your seat!

Speakers
avatar for Chad Rosenthal

Chad Rosenthal

Chef/Owner, TiNDLE, Motel Fried Chicken


Wednesday March 23, 2022 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
Food & Beverage Innovation Center

2:00pm PDT

Scotch Eggs Demo
Menu: Scotch Eggs | Sweet Fennel Sausage | Maple Bourbon Peppercorn Glaze | Fresh Arugula
Located in the back of the Expo Hall Floor. Arrive early to grab your seat!

Speakers
avatar for Kevin Des Chenes

Kevin Des Chenes

Executive Chef, Keel Vodka


Wednesday March 23, 2022 2:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Food & Beverage Innovation Center

2:00pm PDT

The Industry Excellence Awards, presented by Bar & Restaurant Expo
The Industry Excellence Awards, presented by Bar & Restaurant Expo, recognize, celebrate, and support the people who make the independent bar and restaurant industry great.

These awards honor leaders for their talent, in addition to their integrity and commitment to equality, sustainability, community and culture across the industry.

Find out who wins onsite across 10 categories:
  • Bartender of the Year
  • Chef of the Year
  • Operator of the Year
  • Community Leadership Award
  • Innovator of the Year
  • Cocktail Bar of the Year
  • Sports Bar of the Year
  • Restaurant of the Year
  • LGBTQ Venue of the Year
  • Most Original Concept
Awards are sponsored by sunday

Speakers
avatar for Mia Mastroianni

Mia Mastroianni

Celebrity Mixologist, Consultant as seen on Bar Rescue, The Super Squad
With over 15 years of experience in the service industry from Boston to Miami, Mia Mastroianni became one of the founding bartenders of Soho House West Hollywood –the private members-only club where she remained a well-respected and often requested mixologist for the who's who of... Read More →
avatar for Molly Wellmann

Molly Wellmann

Mixologist & Owner, Japp's Bar
Molly Wellmann is a self-taught mixologist in Cincinnati. She has immersed herself in the knowledge of classic cocktails and fine spirits; studying the history and proper preparation of classic cocktails invented in the 1700′s to the 1950′s. She uses classic cocktails as a base... Read More →



Wednesday March 23, 2022 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
NxT Stage, Expo Hall Floor

2:45pm PDT

Vegan Cubano Demo
Menu: Vegan Cubano | Smoky Tempeh Strips | Jackfruit Pulled Pork | Vegan Smoked Gouda | Whole Grain Mustard | Pickles
Located in the back of the Expo Hall Floor. Arrive early to grab your seat!

Speakers
avatar for Tori Lubeck

Tori Lubeck

Plant Based Chef


Wednesday March 23, 2022 2:45pm - 3:15pm PDT
Food & Beverage Innovation Center

3:30pm PDT

BarTalk! The Hospitality Industry Support Group welcomes Chef Brian Duffy!
The BarTalk Show has been running for nearly four and a half years, with episodes features a topic related to the industry such as “opening night,” “supply chain issues,” “staffing,” “women in the industry,” and more.

A conversation with special guest Chef Brian Duffy is sure to generate listener questions as well as spark dialog and loads of great war stories. The session will end with “Last Call” - a quick once-around-the-table for comments, plugs and more jokes!

Join the audience to be part of the BarTalk podcast!

Speakers
avatar for Chef Brian Duffy

Chef Brian Duffy

Founder, Duffified Experience Group
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Chef Brian Duffy had his first experiences in the kitchen as a young child with his big Irish-Italian Family. Those experiences introduced him to culinary life, and led him to study at Philadelphia’s The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College... Read More →
avatar for Andy Driscoll

Andy Driscoll

Founder, Inebri-art
Andy hosts and produces three podcast and two YouTube channels. Other than a brief stint in a pizza kitchen, he has not worked in the industry but has spent the last 10 years running art events (like Paint night) in bars, breweries, and restaurants.
avatar for Dan Mahoney

Dan Mahoney

Bar Manager, Stats Bar & Grille
A long running bar manager, Dan Mahoney has worked in dive bars and currently works in a large sports bar in South Boston, known to be a hot spot for Boston’s pro athletes
avatar for Karl Heine

Karl Heine

Owner/Operator, New World Tavern
Karl Heine is the owner/operator of the New World Tavern in Plymouth Ma (just hit its 10 year anniversary). New world is a craft beer bar with an attached concert venue. Before his career in ownership, he worked in the liquor distribution industry. He is a local celebrity in Plymouth... Read More →


Wednesday March 23, 2022 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
NxT Stage, Expo Hall Floor

9:00pm PDT

Platinum Party III - Marquee Nightclub
Private hours for attendees 9pm-11pm. Party Pass includes admission fee, complimentary cocktails provided by sponsors, live entertainment, and more!


Wednesday March 23, 2022 9:00pm - 11:00pm PDT
The Cosmopolitan 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
 
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