Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025

Innovation in the beverage industry isn’t just about what’s in the glass—it’s about creating new avenues for growth and profitability. As guest expectations evolve, forward-thinking operators are discovering unconventional ways to enhance margins, optimize efficiency, and create memorable experiences that drive revenue. This session will explore bold strategies that go beyond traditional beverage programs, offering actionable insights on how to maximize impact, differentiate in a competitive market, and turn innovation into a powerful business advantage

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.

Sponsored by:

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.

Sponsored by:

Designed specifically for established independent restaurants and multi-unit operators with 2-25 units, this session tackles the unique challenges for established businesses or those currently in an active scale-up phase.
This 2-hour "triage" session is tailored for those facing specific business challenges or actively scaling up operations.
After brief introductions and opening remarks, three industry consultants will provide targeted insights on these key areas: People & Staffing, Operations & Financials, and Digital & Social Media Marketing, focusing on solutions that drive growth and streamline operations.
Choose from these breakout discussions to gain one-on-one coaching that addresses your current challenge or questions. Get ready to leave with tailored, actionable insights to help you scale effectively and enhance your business’s long-term success. Attendees can move from table to table once they have received the feedback they need.

What to Do When You Arrive:
Join a Table: Choose from one of the three breakout discussions:

• People & Staffing – Hiring, retention, and team performance
• Operations & Financials – Cost control, profit drivers, and operational efficiency
• Digital & Social Media Marketing – Building engagement and driving sales online

Engage at Your Own Pace: Ask your question if you have one — or just listen in to the small group discussion.
Move Freely: Once you’ve received the feedback you need, you’re welcome to switch to another table or continue the conversation.
Take Action: Leave with tailored, actionable strategies to scale your business effectively.

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.

Sponsored by:

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.