Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025: Full Schedule

9:00am PDT

WS5 If You Build It, They Will Come: Crafting Concepts and Guest Experiences That Bring Your Vision to Life

Monday March 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Build or rebrand your venue into a guest experience destination with this hands-on workshop—your yellow brick road to success. Led by Michael Tipps and the Maverick Theory team, you’ll discover how to create a unique concept, optimize your design, and elevate your service to craft unforgettable guest experiences that keep customers coming back.

Learn how to create or rebrand your venue concept from scratch.
Master the key elements of design that impact guest perception.
Dive into the fundamentals of service and hospitality for all staff levels.
Control every aspect of your guests’ sensory experience.
Ensure your vision is reflected in every touchpoint, from ownership to staff execution.

**SESSION AVAILABLE ONLY WITH DELUXE PASS**

Speakers

Michael Tipps

Founder, Maverick Theory

Michael Tipps has over 30 years of experience working, managing, and consulting in all facets of the hospitality world (throughout all positions, and most venue types including hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and fast service). Michael Tipps’s Career started in Hospitality... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room #226/227

Workshop

Registration Pass Deluxe Pass
Audience Owner/Operator
Experience Level Growth Mode, Start Up, Fundamentals
Track Guest Experience
Item Code WKSP5

1:00pm PDT

Integrated Brand Experiences

Monday March 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Room #226/227

Speakers

Christopher Sayegh

CEO, The Herbal Chef / Sayegh Hospitality

Chris Sayegh is the Founder and CEO of The Herbal Chef™ and Sayegh Hospitality which has become known as the worlds leading Plant Medicine Hospitality platform. Sayegh was a passionate science and biology student of UC Santa Cruz who turned to the chemistry of food plant medicine... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room #226/227

Conference Session

Registration Pass Deluxe Pass, Conference Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, GM
Experience Level Fundamentals
Track Guest Experience

2:00pm PDT

Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere: The Impact of Ambience and Design on Guest Experience

Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Room #226/227

Transform your venue into a destination by mastering the art of ambience. Learn how design, lighting, and sound can create a welcoming atmosphere that enhances guest experience and increases revenue.

Optimize design elements to set the right mood.
Use lighting and music to influence guest behavior.
Create an ambiance that drives repeat business.
Incorporate décor that aligns with your brand.
Maximize comfort and guest satisfaction with thoughtful design choices.

Speakers

Howard Weiss

Senior Vice President of Entertainment & Sponsorships, Vai Global Development - Vai Resort

Howard S. Weiss is an experienced Entertainment & Hospitality Executive. Howard iscurrently the Senior Vice President of Entertainment & Sponsorships @ VAI Resort inGlendale Arizona20 + year professional skilled in Entertainment Bookings, Ticketing, Promotions,Marketing, Nightlife... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room #226/227

Conference Session

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

3:00pm PDT

Unleashing Epic Experiences: Engaging Employees, Social Media, and Interactive Guest Magic for Bars and Restaurants

Monday March 24, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Room #226/227

Learn how to turn negative guest experiences into positive outcomes with expert service recovery strategies. This session will teach you how to handle complaints in a way that builds loyalty and enhances your reputation.

Master techniques for addressing guest complaints.
Turn unhappy customers into loyal patrons.
Implement service recovery protocols that work.
Train staff to handle difficult situations professionally.
Use feedback to improve operations and guest satisfaction.

Speakers

Jennifer Behm-Lazzarini

Chef/Owner, Red Fin 2.0 + The Lucky Rabitt Culinary Creations

Jennifer Behm-Lazzarini brings a culinary edge that bar and nightclub owners will find invaluable. A celebrated chef and TEDx alumni speaker, Jennifer’s journey through entrepreneurship and the culinary arts has equipped her with a battle-hardened recipe for success in fast-paced... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Room #226/227

Conference Session

Registration Pass Deluxe Pass, Conference Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, GM, Bar Manager
Experience Level Mastery
Track Guest Experience

4:00pm PDT

Sip, Serve, Impress: Mastering Memorable Beverage Rituals

Monday March 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

Room #226/227

Discover how thoughtful pouring and serving rituals can transform a guest's experience and elevate your beverage program. From iconic traditions like the Guinness pour to creative pairings like soda with nuts or a Tajín-rimmed Dos Equis, this session will showcase how these rituals leave lasting impressions. Gain practical insights to implement these techniques and create unforgettable moments for your customers.
Key Takeaways:

Understand the impact of unique serving rituals on customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Learn best practices for executing iconic beverage rituals, such as proper Guinness pouring or Corona with lime.
Explore creative serving ideas like pairing beverages with complementary snacks or unique glassware.
Discover how serving rituals can align with and enhance your brand identity.
Gain actionable tips to train staff and seamlessly incorporate these practices into your operation.

Moderators

Peter Camps

Sr. Mgr. Quality & Education - Brewmaster, Heineken USA

Peter Camps, born and raised in Diest, Belgium where he grew up in the family furniture business.In 1987, he made a leap of faith when he decided to build a career in the beer business and started his apprenticeship at the brewery “De Kluis” in Hoegaarden.After an extensive training... Read More →

Speakers

James Lombardino

Beverage Hospitality Consultant, Hogwash

James Lombardino is a seasoned professional with over a decade of cocktail experience spanning various bar settings. From East Village neighborhood hangouts to high-volume underground bars and fine dining restaurants, James has excelled in diverse environments.James's journey includes... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Room #226/227

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Deluxe Pass
Audience Bar Manager, Bartender, Chef, GM, Owner/Operator
Track Guest Experience

1:00pm PDT

Elevating Guest Service: Unlocking Sales and Profit Potential

Tuesday March 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Room #226/227

Guest service is the backbone of any successful food and beverage operation. Learn how exceptional service impacts sales, profitability, and customer loyalty. This session will cover key strategies for fostering a service-driven culture that enhances guest satisfaction and drives long-term success.
Participants will learn:

The direct link between guest service and increased sales/profitability
How high-quality service builds trust, loyalty, and repeat business
Strategies for creating personalized guest experiences that drive upselling
The role of a positive service environment in improving operational efficiency
Best practices for training and empowering teams to deliver exceptional service

Speakers

Timura Jackson

Director of Hospitality Operations, Highway West Vacations

With over two decades of distinguished leadership in hospitality, Timura Jackson is renowned for his strategic vision and transformative impact across diverse operational landscapes. His career reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence in guest experiences, team development... Read More →

Tuesday March 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room #226/227

Conference Session

Registration Pass Add Separate, Deluxe Pass, Conference Pass
Audience Start-Up, Owner/Operator, GM, Bar Manager
Experience Level Start Up, Mastery
Track BootCamp, Guest Experience

2:00pm PDT

Transformational Hospitality- Transforming Transactions Into Human Connection

Tuesday March 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Room #226/227

This session delves into the art of crafting world-class guest experiences by fostering genuine human connections. Industry expert Monte Silva will share strategies to elevate guest interactions, followed by an interactive Q&A where he’ll coach attendees on implementing practical solutions to real-life challenges. Leave with actionable insights to create memorable, loyalty-building guest experiences.
Participants will learn to:

Define your business’s unique approach to guest interactions and hospitality.
Understand and exceed guest expectations to create standout experiences.
Build and motivate a high-performance team dedicated to delivering exceptional service.
Implement strategies that enhance guest satisfaction and foster repeat visits.
Develop a culture of meaningful connection that turns guests into loyal advocates.

Speakers

Monte Silva

CEO, Ten Tables Hospitality

Monte has 25 years of executive leadership experience in the Hospitality industry. Prior to that, he started his career like many, as a dishwasher. He worked through all of the front of house and back of house hourly positions and into management. 2 years into his restaurant management... Read More →

Tuesday March 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room #226/227

Conference Session

Registration Pass Add Separate, Deluxe Pass, Conference Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, GM, Bar Manager
Experience Level All Levels
Track Guest Experience

3:00pm PDT

Digital Dining: The Social-First Blueprint for Modern Hospitality Marketing

Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Room #226/227

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.

Speakers

Alexa Pence

CEO & Co-Founder, Saltshine Creative

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

Conference Session

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

4:00pm PDT

Visual Bites: How Great Photos Drive Revenue for Bars and Restaurants

Tuesday March 25, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm 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.

Speakers

Melanie Blair

Marketing + PR Strategist, Beacon & Brand

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

Conference Session

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

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

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