Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025: Full Schedule

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1:00pm PDT

Fusing Marketing, Charity, and Competition in the Hospitality Industry

Wednesday March 26, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Learn how to create an engaging industry night that boosts sales during slow months, fosters community support, and adds excitement with friendly competition. This session will guide you in setting up a successful event that unites hospitality workers and gives back to the hospitality community while building lasting relationships with local businesses and suppliers.
Participants will learn:

How to organize a competition that attracts hospitality professionals and builds camaraderie.
Effective strategies for marketing the event on social media to maximize attendance.
Techniques to engage the community and ensure long-term participation.
How to partner with suppliers and local businesses for sponsorship and support.
Key steps to manage high volumes and optimize your venue for a seamless, successful event.

Moderators

Michael Elefante

Co-Creator, Tucson Knife Fight

Chef Michael Elefante is a Tucson native who grew up in the kitchen helping his father and grandfather make pasta, pizza and sauce. In order to gain more experience in the culinary world, Chef Elefante joined the culinary team at The Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain in 2010. He moved up... Read More →

Speakers

Rico Hominda

Videographer, Tuscon Knife Fight

My name is Rico and I'm a freelance graphic designer, photographer and videographer from Tucson, Arizona. I also co-host a morning radio show on KFMA and work as a door bouncer on the weekends. I've befriended and worked with Gary and Michael for a couple of years now and it's wonderful... Read More →

Gary Hickey

Co-founder, Tucson Knife Fight

Tucson knife fight is a local community cooking contest that raises funds for food service employees. But also injects over $80,000 in local revenue every year.

Michael R Lopez

DJ/Producer, Master Mixx Pro Dj's AZ / Knife Fight Tucson AZ

Michael Lopez has been on the decks longer than most people can remember. Playing along side of some of the best in and on Radio Stations, Clubs, and Venues from San Diego to Miami, Dj Michael Bignut Lopez has played and seen it all. A well respected DJ in the 520 and 619, Michael... Read More →

Wednesday March 26, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room #226/227

Conference Session

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

2:00pm PDT

Local Market Leadership: Strategies for Building a Strong Community Presence

Wednesday March 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Room #226/227

Become a local leader by building meaningful connections with your community. This session will help you develop strategies to strengthen your brand’s presence and foster loyalty in your local market.

Learn how to engage with your community to build lasting relationships.
Discover strategies for supporting and collaborating with local businesses.
Position your venue as a cornerstone of your neighborhood.
Utilize local events and partnerships to enhance visibility.
Build a loyal customer base through authentic community involvement.

Speakers

Michelle Corigliano

Executive Director, Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association

Michele has worked with independent restaurant and bar owners for over 8 years, growing the Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association from 35 members to over 400.Michele prioritizes relationships with all municipal and state agencies to advocate for SLARA’s members and lobbies for positive... Read More →

Adam Orman

Co-Owner, L’Oca d’Oro & Bambino

Adam Orman’s culinary career spans over two decades, starting in front-of-house in New York and San Francisco and evolving into a seasoned restaurateur in Austin. His early work at Cafe at Rockefeller Center and collaborations with influential owners at An American Place, Jojo... Read More →

Kristen Rauch

Executive Director, EatDenver

Kristen Rauch is the Executive Director of EatDenver, a nonprofit membership organization that connects and empowers the Denver region’s independent food and beverage community through education, collaboration, marketing, and advocacy. After receiving a dual bachelor’s degree... Read More →

Wednesday March 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room #226/227

Conference Session

Registration Pass Deluxe Pass, Conference Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, GM, Bar Manager
Experience Level Growth Mode
Track Marketing