Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025: Full Schedule

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12:00pm PDT

Expo Hall - Open to All!

Wednesday March 26, 2025 12:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Explore the dynamic Bar & Restaurant Expo Hall, where innovation meets opportunity! Discover the latest products, services, and solutions that can take your business to the next level. With access and complimentary samples included in all registration passes, this is your chance to taste, test, and connect with top industry suppliers.

Wednesday March 26, 2025 12:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

Expo Hall - Open to All!

Registration Pass Deluxe Pass, Expo Pass, Conference Pass, Expo Plus Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, GM, Bar Manager, Bartender, Chef, Start-Up

12:45pm PDT

F&B Innovation Center Demo with Tim Witcher

Wednesday March 26, 2025 12:45pm - 1:15pm PDT

Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

Chicken Hummus Bowl with Tim Witcher

Speakers

Tim Witcher

Owner, The Wing Kitchen

Wednesday March 26, 2025 12:45pm - 1:15pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

Expo Hall - Open to All!, F&B Innovation Center Demo

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Deluxe Pass, Expo Pass, Expo Plus Pass
Audience Bar Manager, Chef, GM, Owner/Operator, Bartender/Mixologist, Start-Up
Experience Level All Levels

1:00pm PDT

Fusing Marketing, Charity, and Competition in the Hospitality Industry

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

TBA

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.

Speakers

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 →

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 →

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.

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

Conference Session

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

1:00pm PDT

Hospitality Heroes: Engaging Your Front of House for Outstanding Guest Experiences

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

TBA

This session highlights the vital role front-of-house staff play in crafting memorable guest experiences. Gain actionable strategies to energize and empower your team, ensuring they deliver exceptional service that transforms first-time visitors into loyal patrons.
Participants will know how to:

Empower staff to make on-the-spot decisions that enhance guest experiences.
Build a culture of recognition that celebrates outstanding service and teamwork.
Enhance training focusing on soft skills like empathy and conflict resolution.
Personalize guest interactions by remembering preferences and special occasions.
Foster a feedback-driven environment to encourage continuous improvement.

Moderators

Nesha Arbano

Event Producer, Duke and Van Deusen

Nesha Abarno is a dynamic leader in the hospitality and event industries with over 20 years of experience. Renowned for managing top-tier restaurants and producing high-stakes events, she has expertly helmed iconic venues like La Esquina and Beauty & Essex NYC, both celebrated for... Read More →

Speakers

Christopher McFadden

Founder & Hospitality Career Coach, The McFadden Group

Christopher brings over 25 years of experience in restaurant management and sommelier roles, primarily on Canada’s West Coast, giving him a deep and confident understanding of the hospitality industry's needs. In 2022, he returned to his hometown of Burlington, Ontario, with his... Read More →

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

Conference Session

Registration Pass Deluxe Pass, Conference Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, GM
Experience Level Growth Mode
Track People & Staffing

1:00pm PDT

The Pricing Paradox: Balancing Cost Control and Revenue Growth in Bars and Restaurants

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

TBA

Striking the right balance between managing costs and driving revenue is one of the most challenging aspects of running a successful bar or restaurant. This session dives into actionable strategies for pricing menus effectively, maintaining profitability, and staying competitive in an ever-evolving market. Gain the tools to optimize pricing while enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.
Participants will:

Learn how menu pricing influences customer perception and drives purchasing decisions.
Explore tactics for managing food, beverage, and labor costs while maintaining high standards.
Discover how to strategically price and structure menus to increase profitability and guide guest choices.
Leverage industry data and consumer behavior insights to stay ahead of pricing shifts.
Design promotions that align with your pricing strategy and attract repeat business.

Speakers

Alexander Fletcher

Owner, Shaken and Stirred Hospitality

Alex Fletcher is the owner of Shaken And Stirred Hospitality and formerly served as the national beverage director and head of sustainability for Hospitality Alliance. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality sector, Alex has focused on positivity, sustainability, creativity... Read More →

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

Conference Session

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

1:30pm PDT

F&B Innovation Center Demo with Nick Liberato

Wednesday March 26, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm PDT

Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

Tuna Tostada with Nick Liberato

Speakers

Nick Liberato

The Borscht Belt Delicatessen, Owner/Chef

Wednesday March 26, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

Expo Hall - Open to All!, F&B Innovation Center Demo

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Deluxe Pass, Expo Pass, Expo Plus Pass
Audience Bar Manager, Chef, GM, Owner/Operator, Bartender/Mixologist, Start-Up
Experience Level All Levels

1:30pm PDT

USBG Shake It Up National Final - Flair

Wednesday March 26, 2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

Access to watch the Shake It Up Competition is included in all registration passes.

Bar & Restaurant Expo is the official location for the United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG) National Cocktail Competition.

Get ready to witness the cocktail event of the year – the electrifying USBG Shake It Up Competition that will have you on the edge of your seats!

Watch this thrilling competition as the most talented bartenders go head-to-head in a battle of creativity, speed, and skill. Witness mind-blowing cocktail concoctions that push the boundaries of what you thought a drink could be.

Support the bartender community and cheer on the National Finalists in both the Classic and Flair Division!

Spotlight Stage, Future Proof Experience

Wednesday March 26, 2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall

Expo Hall - Open to All!, Spotlight Stage Future Proof Experience

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Deluxe Pass, Expo Pass, Add Separate
Audience Bar Manager, Bartender, Chef, GM, Owner/Operator, Start-Up

2:00pm PDT

Acing the Bar Exam: A Legal Survival Guide for Bar and Restaurant Operators.

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

Join a veteran bar operator and lawyer for a concise overview of the legal factors that can shape the long-term success of your business. This session covers critical topics like business formation, property acquisition, licensing, and compliance, offering actionable insights for navigating the complex legal challenges of the hospitality industry.
Session participants will:

Understand the key legal considerations for starting and structuring a hospitality business.
Learn strategies for property acquisition and lease negotiations.
Gain insights into licensing and compliance requirements for bar and restaurant operations.
Identify common legal pitfalls and how to mitigate risks effectively.
Equip yourself with practical knowledge to address legal challenges at any stage of business growth.

Speakers

George Qualley

Operating Partner/ Partner, Nightingale Cocktail /Qualley Law, P.L.C.

George Qualley is a distinguished attorney and entrepreneur based in Des Moines, Iowa. He studied Political Science and swam competitively at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln before earning his Juris Doctorate and MBA from Drake University and Drake Law School. Licensed to practice... Read More →

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

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Deluxe Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, Start-Up
Experience Level Fundamentals
Track Operations

2:00pm PDT

Local Market Leadership: Strategies for Building a Strong Community Presence

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

TBA

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.

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

Conference Session

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

2:00pm PDT

The Impact of People-First Leadership on the Restaurant Business Model

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

TBA

Explore how adopting a people-first approach can transform your restaurant's business model by fostering loyalty, increasing productivity, and enhancing customer experiences. This session dives into actionable strategies that link employee satisfaction with financial success, paving the way for long-term growth in the industry.
Participants will learn to:

Empower employees by creating a supportive environment that encourages ownership and excellence in their roles.
Build trust to form a foundation for team resilience and long-term business stability.
Understand the connection between employee well-being and customer experience, focusing on mutual benefits.
Gain insights on structuring training programs that increase competency, reduce turnover, and align with company values.
Learn to achieve profitability through people-centric practices that improve morale, retention, and revenue.

Speakers

Jim Taylor

Managing Partner/Founder, Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie/Benchmark Sixty Restaurant Services

Over the last 20+ years, Jim has helped to fuel the growth of a leading national restaurant brand, consulted with hundreds of other restaurants to navigate the ever changing restaurant industry, and is the managing partner at Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie, a french fine dining restaurant... Read More →

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

Conference Session