Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.