Founding Nightclub & Bar Advisory Board Member and longtime participant in the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show Jon Taffer has been named president of the Nightclub & Bar Media Group by parent company Questex Media Group LLC. Taffer brings his industry knowledge and experience with the Nightclub & Bar properties to the table as he takes the reins to drive the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show, Nightclub & Bar magazine and related digital products.
Taffer, a 26-year nightclub and restaurant operations veteran, has an impressive background in restaurant, bar and nightclub operations, most recently serving as chairman of Taffer Dynamics where he acts as a consultant and development adviser to restaurants, nightclubs and hotels around the world. His client list is a who’s who of the hospitality industry. One of only six inductees into the Nightclub Hall of Fame, Taffer also holds the distinction of “Pub Master” in the United Kingdom. In his earlier years, he held such positions as general manager, regional director and vice president at large for nightclubs and high-volume restaurants.
“Jon is an internationally recognized, award-winning restaurant operator, owner, concept developer and respected industry voice whose experience spans the entire spectrum of the food and beverage, hotel and hospitality sectors,” says Kerry Gumas, president and CEO of Questex Media. “He is a founding Board Member of the Nightclub & Bar Advisory Board and has been intimately involved in the show and the magazine since their inception, and has been a part of Nightclub & Bar’s growth through the years. We are excited to have Jon lead the entire Nightclub & Bar Group and focus on new ways to drive growth and create more value for our customers.”
Taffer’s role is a new Questex position designed to further the synergies and natural connections between the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show and Nightclub & Bar magazine. To further integrate the trade show and communication properties, Questex Media also announced three staff promotions.
Liza Wylie has been promoted to vice president, events for the Nightclub & Bar Media Group, bringing more than 20 years of trade show experience to the role. She will be responsible for the management and growth of the events in the portfolio.
Donna Hood Crecca has been promoted to publisher of Nightclub & Bar magazine and digital products. She also remains editorial director, a role she’s held since joining Questex in 2008, and will continue to play a significant role in developing the conference component of the Nightclub & Bar Show.
Leo Squatrito has been promoted to vice president, sales for the entire Nightclub & Bar Group. He originally joined Questex overseeing the trade show sales side of the business but quickly began developing integrated programs for clients.
“Donna, Leo and Liza and the rest of the team exhibit such energy and enthusiasm for the on-premise market, and their unwavering commitment to the customer experience is evident,” Taffer says. “Together, we are going to create new opportunities and programs and deliver winning strategies to on-premise nightclub and bar management professionals. It’s an exciting time to be in our business.” NCB