How amazing was the first day of the Nightclub & Bar Show? Today we saw our 2015 Bartender of the Year, Steve Schneider of world-famous cocktail bar Employees Only, present the winner of this year’s award. Congratulations to Nectaly Mendoza of Vegas cocktail destination Herbs & Rye – you earned it!
We also got to catch up with Bar Rescue experts Chef Duffy and Russell Davis who have partnered for the RoadRash Podcast, Brad Bohannan of Spirits on Bourbon, and designer Nancy Hadley. Thom Greco moderated the “Ask the Experts” panel , during which we learned what each panelist is up to and where they think the industry is headed. Several attendees asked the experts for their advice on various operations topics, and each panelist was more than happy to provide opinions, insights and tips. Before the experts took the stage, however, Thom Greco introduced two surprise guests: comedians Ron White and Alex Reymundo. The two have entered the industry through their product Number Juan Tequila.
Jimmy Bernstein of 25-year nightlife success story Howl at the Moon inspired a packed room of attendees. His story includes working for GE to develop jet engines, helping to develop his family's restaurant business for over a decade, and finally striking out on his own. His aerospace experience and success in the hospitality industry has inspired his staff to say, "You don't have to be a rocket scientist to run a bar but it helps!" Jimmy told the packed room his keys to success, which include not fearing risk, being confident in your concept, and partnering with the right people.
Grab some dinner because tonight everyone is invited to Daylight Beach Club at Mandalay Bay from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM for the Welcome Kickoff Party with '80s cover band Spazmatics. You’re all invited to Marquee at The Cosmopolitan starting at 10:00 PM) to mingle with other attendees while Juicy J performs. And those of you who are holding Super Premium Passes will be rubbing elbows at Hyde inside Bellagio from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for our Super Premium Networking Reception.