Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025: Full Schedule

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9:00am PDT

WS5 If You Build It, They Will Come: Crafting Concepts and Guest Experiences That Bring Your Vision to Life

Monday March 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Build or rebrand your venue into a guest experience destination with this hands-on workshop—your yellow brick road to success. Led by Michael Tipps and the Maverick Theory team, you’ll discover how to create a unique concept, optimize your design, and elevate your service to craft unforgettable guest experiences that keep customers coming back.

Learn how to create or rebrand your venue concept from scratch.
Master the key elements of design that impact guest perception.
Dive into the fundamentals of service and hospitality for all staff levels.
Control every aspect of your guests’ sensory experience.
Ensure your vision is reflected in every touchpoint, from ownership to staff execution.

Speakers

Michael Tipps

Founder, Maverick Theory

Michael Tipps has over 30 years of experience working, managing, and consulting in all facets of the hospitality world (throughout all positions, and most venue types including hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and fast service). Michael Tipps’s Career started in Hospitality... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

Workshop

Registration Pass Deluxe Pass
Audience Owner/Operator
Experience Level Growth Mode, Start Up, Fundamentals
Track Guest Experience
Item Code WKSP5

1:00pm PDT

Integrated Brand Experiences

Monday March 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

TBA

Speakers

Christopher Sayegh

CEO, The Herbal Chef / Sayegh Hospitality

Chris Sayegh is the Founder and CEO of The Herbal Chef™ and Sayegh Hospitality which has become known as the worlds leading Plant Medicine Hospitality platform. Sayegh was a passionate science and biology student of UC Santa Cruz who turned to the chemistry of food plant medicine... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
TBA

Conference Session

Registration Pass Deluxe Pass, Conference Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, GM
Experience Level Fundamentals
Track Guest Experience

2:00pm PDT

Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere: The Impact of Ambience and Design on Guest Experience

Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

TBA

Transform your venue into a destination by mastering the art of ambience. Learn how design, lighting, and sound can create a welcoming atmosphere that enhances guest experience and increases revenue.

Optimize design elements to set the right mood.
Use lighting and music to influence guest behavior.
Create an ambiance that drives repeat business.
Incorporate décor that aligns with your brand.
Maximize comfort and guest satisfaction with thoughtful design choices.

Speakers

Howard Weiss

Senior Vice President of Entertainment & Sponsorships, Vai Global Development - Vai Resort

Howard S. Weiss is an experienced Entertainment & Hospitality Executive. Howard iscurrently the Senior Vice President of Entertainment & Sponsorships @ VAI Resort inGlendale Arizona20 + year professional skilled in Entertainment Bookings, Ticketing, Promotions,Marketing, Nightlife... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
TBA

Conference Session

Registration Pass Deluxe Pass, Conference Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, GM
Experience Level Growth Mode
Track Guest Experience

3:00pm PDT

Unleashing Epic Experiences: Engaging Employees, Social Media, and Interactive Guest Magic for Bars and Restaurants

Monday March 24, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

TBA

Learn how to turn negative guest experiences into positive outcomes with expert service recovery strategies. This session will teach you how to handle complaints in a way that builds loyalty and enhances your reputation.

Master techniques for addressing guest complaints.
Turn unhappy customers into loyal patrons.
Implement service recovery protocols that work.
Train staff to handle difficult situations professionally.
Use feedback to improve operations and guest satisfaction.

Speakers

Jennifer Behm-Lazzarini

Chef/Owner, Red Fin 2.0 + The Lucky Rabitt Culinary Creations

Jennifer Behm-Lazzarini brings a culinary edge that bar and nightclub owners will find invaluable. A celebrated chef and TEDx alumni speaker, Jennifer’s journey through entrepreneurship and the culinary arts has equipped her with a battle-hardened recipe for success in fast-paced... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
TBA

Conference Session

Registration Pass Deluxe Pass, Conference Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, GM, Bar Manager
Experience Level Mastery
Track Guest Experience

4:00pm PDT

Sip, Serve, Impress: Mastering Memorable Beverage Rituals

Monday March 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

Discover how thoughtful pouring and serving rituals can transform a guest's experience and elevate your beverage program. From iconic traditions like the Guinness pour to creative pairings like soda with nuts or a Tajín-rimmed Dos Equis, this session will showcase how these rituals leave lasting impressions. Gain practical insights to implement these techniques and create unforgettable moments for your customers.
Key Takeaways:

Understand the impact of unique serving rituals on customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Learn best practices for executing iconic beverage rituals, such as proper Guinness pouring or Corona with lime.
Explore creative serving ideas like pairing beverages with complementary snacks or unique glassware.
Discover how serving rituals can align with and enhance your brand identity.
Gain actionable tips to train staff and seamlessly incorporate these practices into your operation.

Moderators

Peter Camps

Sr. Mgr. Quality & Education - Brewmaster, Heineken USA

Peter Camps, born and raised in Diest, Belgium where he grew up in the family furniture business.In 1987, he made a leap of faith when he decided to build a career in the beer business and started his apprenticeship at the brewery “De Kluis” in Hoegaarden.After an extensive training... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Deluxe Pass
Audience Bar Manager, Bartender, Chef, GM, Owner/Operator
Track Guest Experience