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Monday, March 24
 

9:00am PDT

WS1 Beyond the Basics: Cultivating a Hospitality Mindset
Monday March 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
In this advanced workshop, bar and restaurant owners will learn how to elevate their operations by fostering a true hospitality mindset within their teams. Going beyond basic customer service, this session focuses on creating a guest-first culture that drives loyalty, satisfaction, and long-term business success. Learn how to instill a sense of purpose in every interaction, empowering your staff to exceed guest expectations and deliver memorable experiences. This workshop will provide actionable strategies to build a culture that prioritizes genuine hospitality at every touchpoint.
• Develop and communicate core values that emphasize hospitality in every aspect of your business.
• Train staff to anticipate guest needs and personalize service accordingly.
• Implement regular feedback loops to ensure continuous improvement in guest interactions.
• Foster a culture of empathy and empowerment, enabling your team to handle challenging situations gracefully.
• Create recognition programs that reward employees for embodying the hospitality mindset and going above and beyond for guests.

**SESSION AVAILABLE ONLY WITH DELUXE PASS**

Speakers
avatar for Christopher Melly

Christopher Melly

Director of Operations, Fox Restaurant Concepts
Monday March 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room #219/220
  Workshop

9:00am PDT

WS2 Strategic Restaurant Revitalization: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities for Growth
Monday March 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
In today’s competitive and fast-changing restaurant landscape, businesses may need a pivot for various reasons—whether it’s due to shifts in the marketplace, increasing competition, outdated menus, or even the need for a cosmetic refresh. Successfully navigating these changes requires a clear and strategic approach. Whether the issue is culinary direction, customer engagement, or operational inefficiencies, this session will help restaurant owners and managers create a clear path to revitalization.

  • Identify Core Challenges: Participants will articulate the specific challenges their restaurant faces, whether it’s menu fatigue, market pressures, or operational inefficiencies, setting the foundation for revitalization
  • Asses how your restaurant’s brand, audience, and market position stack up against competitors, using this information to guide the revitalization process.
  • Learn how to incorporate the correct key partners, to assess or design recommendations for solutions
  • Evaluate your financial resources, define operational processes, and implement testing strategies to ensure the successful execution of your new concept.
  • Develop a clear, actionable plan to re-create the process with your team and revitalize your restaurants.
**SESSION AVAILABLE ONLY WITH DELUXE PASS**
Sponsored by:
Speakers
avatar for Cate Hollowitsch

Cate Hollowitsch

Chief Marketing Officer, Burracho"s Midwest Mex
Cate Hollowitsch is an energetic, results-driven Chief Marketing Officer with more than 30 years of experience and a proven track record in all areas of marketing. As an executive, she also has an extensive background in business acumen, value creation, and strategy for small to medium-sized... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room #221
  Workshop

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.
**SESSION AVAILABLE ONLY WITH DELUXE PASS**
Speakers
avatar for Michael Tipps

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
Room #226/227
  Workshop

1:00pm PDT

Empowering Culinary Talent from the Grassroots
Monday March 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
This session delves into the key challenges chefs encounter at the grassroots level and provides practical strategies for building a solid foundation for lasting success. Drawing from real-life experiences and case studies, attendees will gain valuable insights into mentorship, resourcefulness, and balancing culinary and business skills.
Participants will address:
  • Overcoming common grassroots challenges faced by chefs
  • The role of mentorship in career growth and development
  • Tips for being resourceful in a demanding industry
  • Strategies for maintaining work-life balance
  • The importance of mastering both culinary and business skills for long-term success
Sponsored by:
Speakers
avatar for Kayla Robison

Kayla Robison

Chef Owner/Operator, Commander N Beef LLC.

Monday March 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room #221
  Conference Session

1:00pm PDT

People Want to Work—Just Not for You: Strategies to Revitalize Your Workplace
Monday March 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
In today's hospitality industry, the old ways of recruiting and leading teams aren't enough. This session will equip you with strategies to attract top talent, foster loyalty, and become the kind of leader people want to work for. Learn how to move beyond outdated practices and create a culture that retains the best of the best.
Participants will: 
  • Discover nearly free methods that have kept teams fully staffed for over a decade.
  • Learn how to inspire team members to stay long-term and build a lasting bond with your brand.
  • Identify personal triggers and learn techniques to prevent small issues from disrupting your leadership.
  • Uncover the key traits that will make you a leader employees want to follow, driving success and engagement.
Speakers
avatar for Robbie Jester

Robbie Jester

Chef/Owner, InJest Events
A lifelong restaurant brat, Chef Robbie Jester has held every position in restaurants front and back of the house. From catering and restaurants to meal prep and fine dining Chef Robbie has experience in many genres and formats of hospitality. He brings all of that experience to the... Read More →
Monday March 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room #219/220

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
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
avatar for Howard Weiss

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
Room #226/227
  Conference Session

2:00pm PDT

Panel: Managing Your Beverage Program & Bar Staff
Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Join industry experts to explore the challenges and best practices of running a successful beverage program while managing your bar staff efficiently.

  • Balance beverage costs and quality to maximize profits.
  • Discover staff management techniques to improve performance.
  • Ensure your beverage program aligns with guest expectations.
  • Reduce waste and streamline inventory management.
  • Keep your team engaged while maintaining operational efficiency.
Moderators
avatar for Chad Michael George

Chad Michael George

Founder, Proof Productions
Chad Michael George is a Denver-based hospitality veteran and the founder of Proof Productions and the Director of Community Development at Bars.com. He is also the President Colorado Bartenders Guild and the Treasurer of EatDenver. Born and raised in St. Louis, he moved to Denver... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Anthony Minutoli

Anthony Minutoli

Beverage Manager, Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises
With 20 years of corporate restaurant experience, I have built my career around delivering exceptional guest service, driving sales growth, and successfully launching and establishing brands. My expertise extends beyond traditional restaurant operations, as I have also created and... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Charles

Sarah Charles

Food & Beverage Director, the Flatiron Hotel, Indigo Road Hospitality
Sarah Charles came to love classic cocktails working at Weather Up Brooklyn for almost a decade. She worked her way up from server to bartender exploring the breath of the classics and the Milk and Honey compendium. During the pandemic, she took over managing Weather Up, and seized... Read More →
avatar for Fritz Brogan

Fritz Brogan

Co-Founder, Mission Group
Fritz Brogan began his hospitality career as a college bouncer and bartender. He is a graduate of Georgetown University and the Georgetown University Law Center and served on the University's Board of Governors and on the board of Hoyas Unlimited. He is a Trustee of the Federal City... Read More →
Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room #219/220

2:00pm PDT

Panel: Marketing That Moves the Needle: Q&A with Industry Experts
Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
In this interactive Q&A session, top marketing experts will share insights on how to create marketing strategies that drive measurable results. Learn how to craft campaigns that resonate with your target audience and increase brand visibility. Get answers to your most pressing marketing questions and walk away with actionable strategies.
Attendees will: 
  • Hear expert advice on developing impactful marketing campaigns.
  • Discover the most effective channels for reaching your target audience.
  • Learn how to measure the ROI of your marketing efforts.
  • Explore innovative ways to engage guests through social media and digital platforms.
  • Gain insights on brand-building strategies that foster long-term loyalty.
Moderators
avatar for David Ciancio

David Ciancio

Co-Founder & CMO, 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 Andrew Corbett

Andrew Corbett

Owner/Partner, WKND Hospitality
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 →
avatar for Danni Eickenhorst

Danni Eickenhorst

CEO, HuSTL Hospitality
Danni Eickenhorst is the CEO of HuSTL Hospitality and co-owner of Steve's Hot Dogs, Steve's Meltdown, and The Fountain restaurants in St. Louis, Missouri.Danni's background is in non-profit marketing and community outreach work, and for that reason, the focus on community bleeds into... Read More →
Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room #233
  Conference Session

2:00pm PDT

Scalable Menu Strategies: Designing Menus for Growth and Consistency Across Multiple Locations
Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Learn how to craft a menu that not only delights customers but can also be scaled easily as your business expands. Consistency and creativity go hand-in-hand in this strategic session.

  • Design menus that work across multiple locations.
  • Ensure consistency in taste, presentation, and delivery.
  • Scale recipes and kitchen processes for growth.
  • Keep your brand identity intact while expanding.
  • Use data to inform menu adjustments and innovations.
Speakers
avatar for Travis Tober

Travis Tober

Owner, Nickel City/Murray's Tavern/Old Pal
Longtime bartender and accomplished mixologist, Travis Tober has 25+ years of experience at top restaurants and innovative cocktail bars across the country, working at nearly every position in the beverage industry. He has spent years creating and consulting on national beverage programs... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room #221
  Conference Session

2:00pm PDT

Owner/Operator Masterclass: Scaling for Profit and Making Your Restaurant Work for You
Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Are you truly owning your restaurant or bar? Do you have the systems in place to scale, or are you getting bogged down in daily tasks that don’t move the needle?
In the fast-paced hospitality industry, real success comes from mastering ownership—not just of your business, but of your time, your team, and your future. My Ownership Masterclass is designed to equip you with the actionable tools and mindset needed to take full control and drive your business forward TODAY!
In this game-changing session, you’ll learn how to:
  • Build and Implement Scalable Systems: Develop workflows and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that streamline operations and allow you to focus on strategic growth.
  • Prioritize What Truly Matters: Learn to triage your workload, distinguishing between what you can do and what you should do to maximize impact.
  • Instill Core Values that Drive Performance: Create a values-driven culture that aligns your team with the mission, ensuring every decision and action contributes to your success and how to fix those that do not.
  • Focus on What Moves the Needle: Identify the key activities you need to do, to drive results and delegate or systematize the rest, freeing you up to lead effectively.
This masterclass is your opportunity to step into true ownership, creating a business that thrives because you’ve designed it to. Take control, scale with intention.
Claim Your Spot Now and Start Owning Your Future.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Bausch

Mike Bausch

Owner, Andolini's Worldwide and The Unsliced Restaurant System
Mike Bausch is the owner of Andolini's Pizzeria, a concept of Andolini’s Worldwide, named one of the "Top 10 Pizzerias in America" based solely on reviews by TripAdvisor, CNN, Buzzfeed, and USA Today. Business.org named Andolini's as the "most recommended restaurant" in Tulsa and... Read More →
Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room #231/232
  Master Class

4:00pm PDT

Bar Efficiencies to Boost Profits by 50%
Monday March 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
This session dives into creating an efficient, revenue-boosting, and customer-focused bar environment. Attendees will discover how strategic layouts and data-driven decisions can enhance service speed, improve workflow, and elevate guest satisfaction. With practical, actionable steps, the session provides a roadmap for implementing impactful changes that streamline behind-the-bar operations.
Attendees Will:
  • Discover layout strategies to maximize revenue and improve service speed.
  • Learn tips to optimize space and functionality for smoother bar operations.
  • Gain insights on using data to identify high-impact changes.
  • Explore steps for implementing small, manageable improvements that make a difference.
  • Receive practical advice for creating an efficient and guest-centered bar environment.
Speakers
avatar for Hailey Workman

Hailey Workman

Bar Manager, Nightingale Cocktail
Hailey Workman is an accomplished general manager at Nightingale Cocktail in Des Moines, where she has led the team for over a decade. With 18 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry—including roles in waitressing, bartending, menu creation, and large event management—Hailey... Read More →
Monday March 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Room #222

4:00pm PDT

Panel: Concept-Driven Growth: Aligning New Revenue Streams That Fit Your F&B Offerings
Monday March 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Expand your business with new revenue streams that complement your existing concept. Learn how to identify and implement growth opportunities that align with your brand and operations.

  • Identify new revenue streams that fit your concept.
  • Expand without compromising your brand identity.
  • Use market research to guide growth decisions.
  • Align new offerings with guest preferences.
  • Leverage partnerships to create innovative revenue opportunities.
Moderators
avatar for Adam Hegsted

Adam Hegsted

Owner, Eat Good Group
Adam Hegsted (born January 18, 1980) is an American chef, TV host, and restaurateur.[1] He is the chef/owner of Eat Good Group, which operates restaurants, eateries, and kitchens that include Francaise, De Espana, Gilded Unicorn, Yards Bruncheon, baba Spokane, Republic Kitchen + Taphouse... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Phil Kafarakis

Phil Kafarakis

President & CEO, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association
Phil Kafarakis is a global food industry executive with more than 40 years of leadership experience in food manufacturing, as well as managing non-profit food industry associations. Currently, Phil serves as President & CEO of IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, a U.S. trade... Read More →
avatar for Daniel Eddy

Daniel Eddy

Owner operator, Winner
Daniel Eddy, the owner and operator of WINNER, has built a remarkable career rooted in hisdiverse culinary upbringing and passion for community-focused dining. Born in New York Cityand raised in Nicaragua and East Harlem, Eddy's early experiences with traditional Nicaraguancuisine... Read More →
avatar for Natassia Lacerda

Natassia Lacerda

Director Of Operations And Business Development, Creme de la Creme Enterprises
Tassia is an accomplished mobile bar owner with over 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Known for her engaging presence as a TV personality on the hit show “Bar Rescue,” she has built a reputation for assisting with the transformation of  struggling bars... Read More →
avatar for Eric Anderson

Eric Anderson

Director of New Business Development, Bailey Design & Entertainment
As Director of New Business Development at Bailey Design & Entertainment, Eric utilizes his 20+ years of expertise as a Technical/Electrical Engineer and team leader in various industries to focus on the development, design, and execution of immersive entertainment projects that captivate... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Room #231/232
  Conference Session

4:00pm PDT

The Luxury Mindset: Understanding How Iconic Brands Drive Max Profits
Monday March 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
What would compel a prospective customer to go out of their way to try your food, or even pay a premium to dine with you? Imagine doubling your prices and still having people line up to order. Too many restaurants remain undifferentiated in a crowded "commodity" market, but by drawing inspiration from iconic brands like Hermès, Bentley, and Krug, you can create a product that people truly crave. This session will show you how to cultivate a brand that builds raving fans and sets your restaurant apart.
Key Takeaways:
  • Identify what makes your brand unique and worth a premium price.
  • Learn how to create experiences that customers actively seek out and prioritize.
  • Discover how luxury brands cultivate desire and loyalty among customers.
  • Develop strategies to transform your offerings from commodities to craveable experiences.
  • Build a loyal customer base by applying principles from the world’s most exclusive brands.
Speakers
avatar for Chip Klose

Chip Klose

Restaurant Coach, Restaurant Strategy
Chip Klose is the host of the Restaurant Strategy podcast, author of The Restaurant Marketing Mindset, and founder of the P3 Mastermind. He has an MBA in Food Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University and over 25 years of operational experience. His mission is to help independent... Read More →
Monday March 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Room #233
 

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