The birds are starting to chirp, the days are getting longer and the Nightclub & Bar office is in a tizzy putting the finishing touches on the 2014 Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show!
With less than two weeks to go, I am overwhelmed with excitement for the biggest and most important bar, nightclub and beverage event of the year. If you’re looking for ways to grow your business and haven’t signed up for the show yet, there’s still time.
This year’s show promises to provide the best on-premise event where more than 37,000 hospitality professionals and 700 brands will converge on the entertainment capital of the world for education, tastings, awards ceremonies, exhibitions, happy hours and parties.
The exhilaration of such a massive occasion needs a detailed game plan. Therefore, here are a few tips, tricks and must sees to maximize every moment at the Nightclub & Bar Show.
Tip #1 – How to skip the line.
Get to the Platinum Parties early with the right ticket and you won’t have a problem getting in. If you purchased the VIP Pass, Conference Plus Pass or Expo Plus Pass your three party pass tickets are attached to your main badge. Doors open at 9:00PM for all three Platinum Parties. Late arrivals will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. You don’t want to miss any of the special performances by Calvin Harris at Hakkasan, Carnage at Marquee or David Guetta at XS.
Tip #2 – Sip on a Taffer Approved Cocktail.
Jon Taffer, his team of experts and Spike TV will be hosting a “Bar Rescue” Happy Hour on Tuesday, March 24 at Tryst. Now, Taffer is known for this no nonsense sometimes in-your-face attitude so make sure to watch out for the flaming cocktail representing how Taffer is always on point and on fire!
Tip #3 – How to get special treatment.
Register for the VIP All-Access Pass. Exclusive offers for VIP Pass holders includes: VIP line access for all three platinum parties, VIP private buying hours on the trade show floor, VIP seating at Jon Taffer’s keynote presentation and access to the VIP lounge on the show floor.
Tip #4 – Where to rub elbows with the stars.
The 2014 Red Carpet Event will take place on Tuesday, March 25 from 11:30-Noon, located at the main Expo Floor entrance, followed by the annual ribbon cutting ceremony at Noon with Jon Taffer and Adam Carolla! Other special guest and celebrity hosts will be in attendance so make sure you arrive early to rub elbow with the likes of TJ Lavin, Ralph Sampson and Christina Milian.
Tip #5 – Where to ‘shut it down’ with Taffer.
President of Nightclub & Bar, Host/Executive Producer of “Bar Rescue” and Author of Raise the Bar – Jon Taffer will be making special appearances on the show floor and on the strip. Here is the insider look at where he will be and when:
Sunday, March 23: 10:00PM | Industry Night Party at The Bank at Bellagio
Monday, March 24: 1:00PM | Opening Remarks in Room N112
Tuesday, March 25: 12:00PM | Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Show Floor Entrance
Tuesday, March 25: 3:00PM – 4:00PM | Spike TV Booth #801 Appearance
Tuesday, March 25: 8:00PM – 10:00PM | Bar Rescue Happy Hour at Tryst
Wednesday, March 26: 1:00PM – 2:00PM | Raise the Bar Book Signing at the Nightclub & Bar Booth #915
Wednesday, March 26: 2:00PM – 2:30PM | Spike TV Booth 801 Appearance
Tip #6 – Where to mix and mingle with top operators.
The country’s Top Operators will all be present for the 2014 Nightclub & Bar Awards Ceremony taking place on Wednesday, March 26 from 2:15PM – 1:00PM at the Main Stage on the show floor. As the premier nightlife-industry recognition program, the Nightclub & Bar Awards celebrate the cream of the crop. Meet all of the hard-working examples of originality, enterprise and prosperity in one place.
Tip #7 – Free food and cocktails.
Seriously, come party on us! All attendees, exhibitors and sponsors are invited to our Welcome Kick-Off Party at the Bud Light Hotel (located at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Paradise Beach Pool)! We'll be serving up hors d'oeuvres, featured drinks, best networking opportunity out there and a special performance by Ludacris. This cocktail party is our way of getting all attendees, exhibitors and sponsors together! So jumpstart your Nightclub & Bar Show experience with us on Monday, March 24 at the beautiful Paradise Beach Pool!
Tip #8 – How to think differently.
With more than 70 educational classes taught by today's industry-heavy hitters there’s tons of session that will get you to think differently about your business! With featured sessions and panels focusing on bar management & bartending, promotions & marketing, social media, operations & management, beer, food & wine and customer experience & liability, the show provides a wealth of learning experiences whether you’re new to the industry or a vet. Make sure to get to the “Bar Rescue” session and Keynotes early as seats always fill up fast.
Tip #9 – Spice up your Social Profile.
By using the Nightclub & Bar Show official hashtag (#NCBSHOW2014) and downloading the mobile app you have the opportunity to earn points and win prizes. Through the mobile app you can connect with other attendees, meet up for drinks and follow live stream updates. Also, take a photo from your Instagram account, use #NCBSHOW2014 and you can pick-up your free picture at the Picsfly pin board in booth 915!
Tip #10 – Find your Fortune.
Visit the MillerCoors booth #601 during expo hall hours to receive a playing card for a complimentary Miller Fortune beer and sample the newest brewing innovation from MillerCoors! Miller Fortune is an un-distilled, spirited golden lager with a richer, balanced taste and 6.9 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). Show your card at the six locations below to redeem your free Fortune.
O’Shea’s: at the Quad across from Caesars Palace - 3535 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Le Central Bar: at Paris Las Vegas - 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
The Heart Bar: at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino - 3667 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Tempo Bar: at the LVH next to the Las Vegas Convention Center - 3000 Paradise Road
Benny’s Bullpen: at Binions Gambling Hall & Casino - 128 Fremont St. (Downtown Vegas)
The Social Bar: at The Palms Casino Resort - 4321 West Flamingo Road
These events, of course, are just the tip of the iceberg. Join me and thousands of others in Las Vegas for the hottest nightlife and networking event of the year, and be sure to stay tuned for much, much more Nightclub & Bar Show coverage on Nightclub.com. You’ll find me in the Nightclub & Bar Booth #915 when I’m not dashing back and forth to events, so make sure to stop by and say hello!