Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025: Full Schedule

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12:30pm PDT

Beyond the Bank: Crowdfunding Lightning Round

Wednesday March 26, 2025 12:30pm - 12:55pm PDT

Raising capital in hospitality is changing fast—are you keeping up? In this fast-paced, no-fluff session, I’ll break down how Gin & Luck has raised $12M+ through Reg CF, Reg D, and two Reg A offerings, unlocking non-traditional funding to fuel expansion without giving up control.

We’ll dive into equity crowdfunding, private placements, and developer-backed deals, showing how these tools can work together to build a capital stack that maximizes growth while minimizing risk. Whether you’re looking to open your next location, expand a multi-unit operation, or future-proof your funding strategy, this session will give you real-world insights, practical takeaways, and a roadmap to raising the right capital—on your terms.

Speakers

David Kaplan

CEO, Gin & Luck

In the summer of 2006, at 24 years old, David opened Death & Company, a cocktail bar in the East Village of Manhattan. In the years that followed, David, along with Alex Day, founded Proprietors LLC, a hospitality consulting and management company which has opened over 50 bars and... Read More →

Wednesday March 26, 2025 12:30pm - 12:55pm PDT
Spotlight Stage, Expo Floor

Spotlight Stage Talk, Spotlight Stage Future Proof Experience

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Deluxe Pass, Expo Pass, Expo Plus Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, Start-Up
Experience Level Growth Mode, Start Up

1:00pm PDT

Fusing Marketing, Charity, and Competition in the Hospitality Industry

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

Room #226/227

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

1:00pm PDT

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

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

Room #221

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.

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

Jess Rowland

Service and Hospitality Expert, The Restaurant Launch

With over 45,000 hours of server training experience, Jess Rowland is a true leader in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Over the past 26 years as a Regional Trainer for Hillstone, Jess played a key role in reinventing their 47-year-old service manual, creating one of the best... Read More →

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
Room #221

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

Room #224/225

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.

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
Room #224/225

Conference Session

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

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