Never before has it been so important to stay ahead of the curve on trends and new products and to strengthen relationships with business partners. The other current imperative is to sharpen your operational, management, merchandising and hospitality skills. The people and resources to help you accomplish all that and more are readily available at the 2009 Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, March 1–4.
Here is a look at what's in store for you at the Las Vegas Convention Center and around town during International Hospitality Week, which includes the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show, International Restaurant Show and HotelWorld. For information on registration packages and pricing, visit www.ncbshow.com or www.nightclub.com.
Super Sessions
2009 Nightclub & Bar Top 100 Panel: Who Is Succeeding and How
Speakers: David Henkes, Vice President, Technomic Inc. and Donna Hood Crecca, Editorial Director, Nightclub & Bar Magazine
Partnering with market research firm Technomic, Nightclub & Bar Magazine has identified the Top 100 nightclubs, bars and lounges in the U.S. David Henkes will present the methodology and results of the research, as well as insights about the Top 100. Donna Hood Crecca will then moderate a panel of several Top 100 operators to explore what's driving their success and the trends they see emerging in 2009.
Managing Costs Through Difficult Times
Moderator: Richard Verrecchia, Director of Beverage, OSI Restaurant Partners
Panelists: Stan Novack, Vice President of Concept Development, HMSHost; Cindy Busi, Worldwide Beverage Director, Hard Rock International; Tim Johnson, President, Tim Johnson & Associates; Magic Mike Werner, Chairman, ShowTenders, Inc.
As today's economy puts a squeeze on consumers' dining-out dollars, operators are looking to make smart moves to minimize costs, increase efficiency and improve their bottom line without compromising quality. This panel has been there and will share their best practices for managing costs when times are tough.
Award-Winning Beverage Programs to Increase Sales
Moderator: Patrick Henry, President & CEO, Patrick Henry Creative Promotions Inc.
Panelists: David Brown, Vice President of Operations Support, Houlihan's; Cindy Busi, Worldwide Beverage Director, Hard Rock International; Matt Durbin, Director of Brand Marketing, T.G.I. Friday's; John Lingo, President, A New World Production
Get useful insights as this panel of beverage marketing experts discusses beverage programs with the power to boost your sales to new heights. Find out how critical training and a strong foundation are to success and how you can elevate your bottom line through a small but organized effort.
Beverage Trends: The Future of the Cocktail
Moderator: David Commer, President, Commer Beverage Consulting
Panelists: Doug Jackson, Senior Director of Beverage Development, Darden Restaurants, Inc.; Randy Steinbrenner, former Vice President of Marketing, Tony Roma's; Tony Garcia, President, Mix It Up
Join this dynamic panel of market leaders to hear their take on what's happening with beverage trends. They'll weigh in on alcohol-free and adult beverages, as well as explore the current trend of synergies between mixology and the kitchen. Hear insights into everything from new flavors to antioxidants and the difference between trends and fads.
Creating a Premium Beverage Program
Moderator: Michelle Pae, Senior Director of National Accounts, Terlato Wines International
Panelists: Tylor Field III, Vice President of Wine and Spirits, Morton's The Steakhouse; Don Stanczak, Senior Food and Beverage Executive, Interstate Hotels and Resorts; Scott Schmidt, Regional Director of Operations, Beverage Director, Mitchell's Fish Market
In upscale establishments, food and beverage programs must mesh seamlessly and provide customers creative as well as traditional options. This panel of experts will share invaluable insights into building beverage sales in upscale establishments.
Stellar Speakers
The educational program at the 2009 Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show offers an outstanding line-up of speakers and panel presentations designed around the event theme of "Driving Profits in the New Economy." Keynote speaker presentations, which are free to all registrants, will also address that theme and provide crucial take-away for attendees.
"Celebrity Insights: What's Going on Out There" will shed light on the hottest trends. David Adjey of Restaurant Makeover on the Food Network and The Thirsty Traveler Kevin Brauch keep their fingers on the pulse of our industry everywhere they go, and now they're standing still — if only for a moment — to share their findings on what's working, what's not and what customers are absolutely clamoring for today.
"Protecting Ourselves from the Perfect Storm" is the topic at hand for Dr. Peter H. Cressy, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. A storm is brewing that threatens to destroy the hospitality industry: the economy is bad and budget deficits at the municipal, state and federal level are tempting misguided legislators to look for more tax revenue through a state and federal excise tax that could cost the hospitality industry more than 200,000 jobs and millions of dollars in much needed revenue. Dr. Cressy will explore the implications of this perfect storm and explain how we can protect ourselves and our customers by standing together.
Providing the invaluable perspective of the leader of a top chain restaurant concept, Steven T. Shlemon, President, Carrabba's Italian Grill, will present his insights on the current environment.
Must-Attend Networking Events
From the time you set foot in Vegas, a high-powered line-up of events will provide ample opportunity to connect with other operators, supplier and wholesaler partners and industry experts while also enjoying the full Vegas experience!
Sunday, March 1
Welcome Lunch Las Vegas Convention Center
Chef David Adjey of the Food Network's Restaurant Makeover will fill you in on up-and-coming trends and provide strategies for pushing your own concept to the top.
Back-of-the-House Tours Tryst, Tao, Lavo, XS
The Nightclub tour is an incredible opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at four of Vegas' most acclaimed nightlife venues.
Welcome Kick-off Mandalay Bay Ballroom
Sponsored by DISCUS, this reception is time to connect with old friends and make some new ones over hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
Monday, March 2
Opening Night Cocktail Party The Pearl, Palms Resort
Start your Vegas week with a bang!
International Hospitality Week Golf Classic – Revere Golf Club
This four-man mixed scramble will give you the opportunity to network and hopefully walk away with more than just another "birdie" under your belt!
Tuesday, March 3
Top 100 Party XS Nightclub at the Wynn
Recognize and celebrate the Top 100 nightclubs, bars and lounges in the nation at one of the hottest new Vegas clubs.
VINO Las Vegas – Mandalay Bay
This wine-tasting event benefiting the Sky Ranch Organization is sponsored by the Nightclub & Bar Show and Southern Wine and Spirits of America.
Five Star Awards Dinner Mandalay Bay
Celebrate the very best in the industry: Operator of the Year, Best On-Premise Promotion, Best Casual Dining Beverage Program, Beverage Retailer of the Year, Mixologist of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Wednesday, March 4
Riedel Spirits Tasting – Las Vegas Convention Center
George Riedel leads an extraordinary tasting experience, revealing the effect that the size and shape of a glass have on your perception of spirits.
DJ Spin-Off Studio 54 at the MGM Grand
The nation's top DJs compete for bragging rights in this one-of-a-kind, spectacular event.
EXHIBIT FLOOR: Innovation on Display
Check out the largest exhibit of products and services for the bar and restaurant industry in the nation. More than 2,000 booths will showcase products in the following categories:
- Beer, Wine and Spirits
- Energy Drinks and Mixers
- Beverages (non-alcohol)
- Beverage Service
- Food/Foodservice Equipment
- Glassware
- Décor and Furnishings
- ATMs
- Promotions
- Coin-OP
- Lighting and Sound
- POS/Technology
- Surveillance/Security
- Apparel/Uniforms
- Coffee and Tea
- Health/Hangover Remedy
For a current list of all exhibitors, visit www.ncbshow.com.
Also on the show floor, check out these exciting events:
Tuesday, March 3 Shake It Up 2009
Up-and-coming mixologists will demonstrate skill, flair and creative concoctions by presenting an original recipe to be judged by a panel of the nation's leading mixologists during this event sponsored by the Nightclub & Bar Show and Southern Wine and Spirits of America.
Tuesday, March 3 Meet The Thirsty Traveler
Learn Kevin's Killer Hits and Misses. Kevin Brauch has had drinks in thousands of bars, clubs and restaurants around the world and as much as they're each different there are a lot of similarities. Learn from this former bartender what he believes are the best and worst things you can do in your establishment to keep or kill a patron's business.
Tuesday & Wednesday, March 3 & 4 Las Vegas Culinary Challenge
Rising stars will compete in a variety of competitions: Cold Salon Award Presentation, Hot Food Award Presentation, Carving Judging and Pastry/Cake Decorating. This two-day event showcases some of the world's most exciting up-and-coming culinary talent.
Tuesday & Wednesday, March 3 & 4 Cocktail College
Looking for the best, most innovative training in the world? Want training for the Digital Age? Now do you want it free? Forever? Don't miss the ShowTenders Cocktail College interactive pavilion on the show floor, where you can test your knowledge, learn, have fun and become eligible to win selected prizes and awards.
Bonus: The Solution to Slumping Sales
By Terry Morey
Restaurants and bars all over the nation are experiencing adverse business conditions and business declines of 10 percent or more.
Because of the tough business environment, the National Bar and Restaurant Management Association (NBRMA) and Nightclub and Bar Magazine are sponsoring a series of TeleWebinars and a limited number of personalized Educational Marketing Strategy Sessions designed to dramatically increase your sales. These complimentary services are available immediately and will climax at the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show, March 1-4, 2009 in Las Vegas.
Learn the techniques of very effective low-cost marketing:
- Receive a complimentary 90-Day Marketing Plan customized for you.
- Explore six or seven Low-Cost Marketing Campaigns created for your business.
- Enjoy a one-hour Marketing Strategy Session specifically for your business thatwill detail each marketing campaign and determine projected sales increases; the session also includes all costs of marketing and projects bottom line profits for each recommended marketing campaign. This is a real educational adventure in creative marketing.
During a down market like this, the keys to survival are building marketing share and low-cost marketing opportunities. Educational Marketing Strategy Sessions will teach you both. Please call RestaurantMarketingGroup.org toll-free at (888) 776-3484 to reserve your complimentary Marketing Strategy Session today.
There are only 50 free Marketing Strategy Sessions available before the show.
For a list of the dates and times of the Educational TeleWebinars go to www.TeleWebinar.us.
Terry Morey is vice president of marketing at RestaurantMarketingGroup.org, based in Orem, Utah.
Vegas 411
By Bryan Bass
All Nightclub & Bar Show registrations include the International Hospitality Week Club Pass, your all-access pass to the hottest nightclubs in Las Vegas. Here's the lowdown on each club included in the Club Pass to help you plan your "market research."
TAO — This Asian infused hot-spot might have got its start in NYC, but it's the Las Vegas outpost that upped the stakes with a nightclub, lounge and pool-side beach club.
LAVO — A new offering from the creators of TAO, this bath house inspired restaurant and nightclub focuses on throwing a more intimate and exclusive party upstairs, while scene-sters puff the hookah on the strip-front terrace downstairs.
PRIVE — Miami's reigning nightlife kings brought a decadent taste of South Beach to the Strip with a free-flowing layout, brain-rattling sound and Roberto Cavallidesigned cocktail uniforms.
ROK Vegas — From its rock star celebrity investors to its expansive patio overlooking the Strip, ROK Vegas just oozes cool. Throw in a vibrant audio/visual system and a playful co-ed bathroom and you quickly understand that ROK just plain rocks.
MOON Nightclub — What else do you call a futuristic nightclub that offers a stunning location atop the Palms' Fantasy Tower, cutting-edge audio/visual system and dynamic design? The retractable roof seals the deal, allowing party-goers to dance beneath the stars.
Playboy Club — Las Vegas' only nightlife destination to offer high-stakes gaming has revived a brand that once ruled the nightlife world with a furry tail. No expense is spared and no detail is missed, and yes, the bunnies are back, too!
RAIN Nightclub — The club that helped start it all continues to pack them in, led by a never-before-seen nightclub production that transports club-goers to Planet Perfecto, a place thriving on house music and home to a wide variety of costumed and interactive performers.
Ghostbar Ultra Lounge — They say a good view never goes out of style, and that's one reason Ghostbar remains on everyone's Vegas to-do list. The spectacular view of Sin City's skyline brings them in and the approachable décor keeps them there; of course guests can't get enough of the famous glass-bottomed portion of the balcony.
Body English — Designed to replicate a rock star's luxurious estate, this subterranean hang-out is a favorite of regulars, rockers and stars alike. The two-floored layout keeps the dance floor packed and the Champagne popping until the wee hours. Like you expected anything different.
Las Vegas -based Bryan Bass is director of brand development and special events for the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show.