Have you ever wondered how the Bar & Restaurant Expo is put together? Well, we're pulling back the curtain on the creation of the hospitality industry's must-attend event in our new column, Take Five!
In this feature, we'll ask five questions of employees from Questex, the company that owns Bar & Restaurant Expo. Prepare to learn more about the creation of elements of the Expo like the conference program and awards program, as well as the future and current goals of the show.
Have questions of your own about the show? Email us, and we may answer them in a future installment of the column!
We start off by chatting with Conference Producer Nicole Hayes, who is responsible for curating the content, speakers, and schedule of the entire conference program. Here's what she had to say about the education arm of the Bar & Restaurant Expo.
What’s your top goal for the 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo conference program?
My top goal for the Bar & Restaurant Expo conference program each year is to deliver real value to our attendees. I understand that everyone’s time and money are precious, so it’s important we don’t waste it. I want every participant to leave with practical tips they can immediately use to benefit their business or advance their career. If we don’t achieve that, we haven’t done our job right.
What’s new and different about this year’s conference program?
In 2025, we’re excited to introduce several new enhancements to our program. One key update is the addition of experience level indicators for each session. This feature will help attendees identify which sessions are most relevant to their experience level, making it easier for both individuals and teams to navigate the content and achieve their goals.
We’re also implementing a more rigorous vetting process to ensure our speakers are well-equipped to address the topics and challenges our audience is eager to explore, delivering the high-energy and dynamic presentations that Bar & Restaurant Expo is known for.
Additionally, we are emphasizing mentorship within the industry. Our new mentor connect sessions will link newcomers with seasoned veterans, and we’re creating dedicated spaces on the expo floor for networking. We’re partnering with organizations to offer immersive opportunities for those starting their careers in hospitality and business ownership, as well as providing advanced, one-on-one consulting sessions for more experienced attendees seeking tailored advice for their specific challenges and growth strategies.
Tell us more about how the conference program fits the 2025 theme, “Powering the Future of Hospitality.”
Our theme, “Powering the Future of Hospitality,” captures many crucial aspects of our industry, but the most vital element is undoubtedly the people driving it forward. At the heart of the Bar & Restaurant Expo program is a focus on individuals—from welcoming newcomers to empowering our seasoned professionals, advancing career skills, and supporting business success.
The central elements of the program center around core foundations, strategies, operations, and growth. These are the priorities our Bar & Restaurant Expo community consistently highlights, and they’re what we’re committed to delivering. It’s all about empowering people for their future and the future of the industry.
How do you put together the conference program? Walk us through your process.
Oh wow, how long do you have?
Creating a conference program of this magnitude is a year-round endeavor. Immediately following the Expo, I dive into analyzing feedback, engaging with speakers and attendees, and collaborating with our internal team. We assess what worked, what can be improved, and brainstorm new ideas. Staying current with industry developments is crucial, so I regularly meet with our advisory board and attend other industry events.
In the spring, I begin reaching out to past speakers, advisors, and new connections to understand the latest trends and identify new operator speakers for our program. It's vital to have operators on board as they resonate with our attendees and understand their daily challenges. Simultaneously, we open our call for proposals and speaker submissions, and I meet with potential speakers to discuss their ideas and how they can positively impact the industry.
Ensuring a mix of new and returning speakers is a priority. This year, we achieved 50% new speakers, which brings fresh perspectives but also requires careful quality control. I'm excited to partner with Maverick Theory this year to enhance our vetting and onboarding process. This partnership will help new speakers understand Bar & Restaurant Expo and allow them to present their value to an industry panel, while returning speakers can align with our themes and objectives early on.
From fall to the Expo, we focus on housekeeping, speaker preparation, panel meetings, and coordinating with our marketing team to ensure clear messaging for attendees. I’m committed to keeping the program innovative and welcoming new operators, fostering mentorship, and “powering the future of the industry,” our theme for this year. This process is long, and it can be intense, but it achieves the objective of creating a vibrant, impactful conference year after year.
Why should Bar & Restaurant Expo attendees participate in the conference program? What are the benefits?
This program is for those in the hospitality industry who truly love what they do. The benefits are abundant and tailored to what each attendee seeks. Whether you're a beginner looking to gain a foothold or a veteran bringing your team, there's something for everyone. From career growth and foundational learning to adopting new business strategies, mastering operational excellence, savvy marketing techniques, and transforming guest experiences, this program is designed to elevate your passion and skill.
Each year, my goal is for attendees to leave with a sense of excitement and enthusiasm, ready to implement what they've learned and grow—both personally and professionally. I want them to say, "My time at the conference transformed my business, my career, my operations, my team, my brand, and my guest experience."
I aim for attendees to leave feeling invigorated, inspired, and empowered, ready to take their love for the industry to new heights.
Interested in learning more and participating in the Bar & Restaurant Expo conference program? You currently have two chances!
- 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo Texas, October 28-30, 2024 in San Antonio, TX. Register today!
- 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 24-26, 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada. Join the Early Bird List!
To learn about the latest trends, issues and hot topics, and to experience and taste the best products within the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry, plan to attend Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025 in Las Vegas. Visit BarandRestaurantExpo.com.
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