Mark Your Calendar for the 2010 Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show

Remember when you turned 25? A momentous occasion: you’re still young, but now also a bona fide adult. As the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show comes up on its 25th anniversary in 2010 — as does this magazine — everything is falling in place for a celebration worthy of such a milestone. After all, the Show is indeed a venerable institution (in my 20 years covering this industry it has always been the event you had to attend) and rife with tradition, but it’s staying fresh with new events, new speakers and, as always, exciting new products.

We’re a few months off from the silver anniversary event — it takes place March 8 - 10 in Las Vegas — but here is a sneak peek at what’s in store at the bar business’s biggest event of the year.

International Hospitality Week brings three shows under one roof — Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show, International Restaurant Show and HotelWorld Food & Beverage Conference & Expo — delivering one-stop shopping for hospitality pros from all segments. If you’re wondering how to jump-start your business in the new economy, this is where you’ll find answers and inspiration.

New this year, the VIBE Conference will present rich content and networking opportunities for chain restaurant beverage execs. The exclusive event runs March 9 - 10 at The Palazzo and offers a dynamic lineup of speakers and events and access to the Nightclub & Bar Show exhibit floor and events. Visit www.vibeconfrence.com for more information.

Also new, the American Beverage Institute is hosting its winter meeting in conjunction International Hospitality Week. This important on-premise lobbying group is among the industry’s most active and vocal entity on topics ranging from alcohol taxes to ignition interlock. Check out ABI at www.abionline.org.

This year, the Nightclub & Bar Show is more accessible to more attendees, thanks to reduced registration pricing, and it also offers a compelling slate of speakers. Among them is Dr. Peter Cressy, president of the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., delivering the state of the industry address. Other program highlights will include Super Sessions with beverage pros from the leading chains, a revenue-driving workshop by Jon Taffer of Taffer Dynamics, an incentives and training workshop by T.J. Schier of Incentivize Solutions, and the Top 100 Panel, which will feature some of the most successful operators in the business.

The show floor is quickly shaping up to be a dynamic exhibit of the industry’s best supplier partners showcasing their finest offerings, from spirits, wine and beer to mixers and energy drinks, as well as bar equipment, sound and lighting systems and a range of innovations and services.

And of course, the nightlife events promise to be nothing short of extraordinary. Kicking off the festivities is the Nightclub & Bar 25th Anniversary Party at Rain at The Palms. Then, get set for the Top 100 Party at the stunning XS at the Encore, and, back by popular demand, the DJ Spin-off at Tao. Winners of the Nightclub & Bar Awards will be celebrated at a VIP reception at Tao as well. Additional events are scheduled for Lavo, Rox Vegas and Mix.

As the exhibit floor, conference program and events take shape, check out new developments at www.nightclub.com and www.ncbshow.com. To enter the Nightclub & Bar Awards, visit www.nightclubandbarawards.com, and be sure to join us in celebrating 25 years of serving and helping grow this great industry.