Unlock the power of digital marketing with actionable insights and strategies tailored to the hospitality industry. This seminar covers the latest trends in branding, social media, and content creation, giving you the tools to elevate your online presence and drive customer engagement.
Analyze the current digital marketing landscape and its impact on customer loyalty.
Explore influencer partnerships, storytelling, and targeted advertising on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Google Ads.
Learn how to craft a compelling brand identity that resonates with your target audience.
Create high-quality content and develop a content calendar aligned with your marketing goals.
Develop and refine social media strategies through interactive workshops and real-life case studies.
With over 10 years of online reputation management, branding, and social media marketing, Todd has become a go-to in the restaurant, real estate, and automotive industry on how to strategize for the best results.
Monday March 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room #233
Not all promotions lead to profit—some can cost you more than they bring in. Using real-life examples like Red Lobster’s “Endless Shrimp” promotion, this session will help you design food and cocktail events that resonate with guests while avoiding financial pitfalls. In this session:
Identify the common pitfalls in promotions that cost time and money.
Use case studies to understand the risks of poorly planned events.
Learn how to create effective promotions that connect with your audience.
Project and manage budgets for events and promotions.
Engage with brands for sponsorship opportunities and boost your marketing efforts.
Jacob Trevino, Founder and CEO of Gorilla Cinema Presents has specialized in bar consulting and developing cocktail programs for the past 18 years. He is the owner and managing operator of The Overlook Lodge (ranked by Playboy Magazine and USA Today as one of the top bars in the United... Read More →
Monday March 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room #233
In this interactive Q&A session, top marketing experts will share insights on how to create marketing strategies that drive measurable results. Learn how to craft campaigns that resonate with your target audience and increase brand visibility. Get answers to your most pressing marketing questions and walk away with actionable strategies. Attendees will:
Hear expert advice on developing impactful marketing campaigns.
Discover the most effective channels for reaching your target audience.
Learn how to measure the ROI of your marketing efforts.
Explore innovative ways to engage guests through social media and digital platforms.
Gain insights on brand-building strategies that foster long-term loyalty.
Rev is a New York City restaurant owner and knows exactly how hard it is to operate and brand a hospitality business.He is a hospitality marketing consultant, customer and technology evangelist at Branded Strategic Hospitality, with more than 20 years experience in B2B digital marketing... Read More →
Andrew Corbett is an entrepreneur based out of Windsor, Ontario Canada and is a partner in numerous Hospitality Properties in South Western Ontario. Andrew has been in the entertainment business since he was 14 years old and opened his first venue at the age of 22 with his business... Read More →
Danni Eickenhorst is the CEO of HuSTL Hospitality and co-owner of Steve's Hot Dogs, Steve's Meltdown, and The Fountain restaurants in St. Louis, Missouri.Danni's background is in non-profit marketing and community outreach work, and for that reason, the focus on community bleeds into... Read More →
Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room #233
Join Chief Marketing Strategist and Coach Maria Elena Duron for a hands-on session that equips business owners with actionable strategies to enhance their online visibility and attract more customers. Learn how to optimize your search rankings, leverage free tools from Google, and thrive in the digital landscape.
Attendees will:
Master the basics of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) to boost online presence.
Learn how to use Google Search Console and Google Analytics to improve search rankings and streamline visibility.
Discover how a properly optimized Google Business Profile can generate 7x more clicks.
Explore free features in Google Merchant Center and Google Ads to maximize online reach.
Gain practical tips to implement these tools effectively for long-term digital success.
In the fast-paced world of bars and restaurants, being found online isn’t just a bonus—it’s how you keep you getting found fast by customers and your business thriving. Maria Elena knows exactly how to make that happen. With years of experience helping over 12,400 small businesses... Read More →
Monday March 24, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Room #233
What would compel a prospective customer to go out of their way to try your food, or even pay a premium to dine with you? Imagine doubling your prices and still having people line up to order. Too many restaurants remain undifferentiated in a crowded "commodity" market, but by drawing inspiration from iconic brands like Hermès, Bentley, and Krug, you can create a product that people truly crave. This session will show you how to cultivate a brand that builds raving fans and sets your restaurant apart. Key Takeaways:
Identify what makes your brand unique and worth a premium price.
Learn how to create experiences that customers actively seek out and prioritize.
Discover how luxury brands cultivate desire and loyalty among customers.
Develop strategies to transform your offerings from commodities to craveable experiences.
Build a loyal customer base by applying principles from the world’s most exclusive brands.
Chip Klose is the host of the Restaurant Strategy podcast, author of The Restaurant Marketing Mindset, and founder of the P3 Mastermind. He has an MBA in Food Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University and over 25 years of operational experience. His mission is to help independent... Read More →
Monday March 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Room #233
The digital marketing landscape is complex, and it's time to simplify. Join Alexa Pence—serial entrepreneur, CEO of Saltshine Creative, and former hospitality global director—for a dynamic crash course on building a holistic digital strategy that propels your brand into a league of its own. Explore the key tools and common pitfalls that differentiate brands that make noise from those that generate hype. In this session you will:
Uncover how digital marketing in hospitality has evolved and where it's headed.
Engage in exercises to re-position your unique selling proposition and define what makes your brand shine.
Explore The Saltshine Framework—a holistic, social-first strategy to propel your commercial initiatives.
Learn the psychology behind effective influencer campaigns and how to optimize ROI.
Identify the key elements of partnerships that amplify impact and drive growth.
With a career that began in traditional print magazine and evolved into cutting-edge digital marketing in Honolulu, Alexa Pence embodies the spirit of innovation and adaptability. As a young serial entrepreneur, she has built a long and diverse career, blending her passion for storytelling... Read More →
Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Room #226/227
Great photography isn't just eye-catching—it’s a powerful tool to attract customers and boost revenue. This session explores how bars and restaurants can use professional-quality images to highlight their offerings, create an emotional connection with guests, and maximize marketing efforts. Learn actionable tips to ensure your photos resonate across platforms and drive tangible results.
Discover how to choose a photographer who aligns with your brand vision.
Plan for impactful photos that showcase your menu, atmosphere, and unique offerings.
Learn techniques to enhance the appeal of your dishes and venue through lighting and angles.
Get tips on incorporating movement, props, and human elements for dynamic visuals.
Strategize how to use your photos effectively on social media, websites, and promotional materials.
Melanie Blair has spent the past 20 years perfecting brand strategy, creative vision and a critical eye. She knows the genius behind how chefs think, understand the nuances of how hotels and restaurants function and uses that to create a compelling synergy leading to meaningful campaigns... Read More →
Tuesday March 25, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm 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.
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 →
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 →
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.
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
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.
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’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 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
