Pauly Shore, Actor, Comedian and Nightclub Owner
An entertainment career was virtually pre-ordained for Pauly Montgomery Shore. During the early ’70s, Pauly’s mother, Mitzi, and father opened The Comedy Store on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, giving their son the rare opportunity to hang out and be inspired by such rising talents as Robin Williams, David Letterman and the late Sam Kinison, who became Pauly’s mentor. Pauly rose to national attention during a strong four-year run on MTV. His initial success on television led to a three movie deal with Disney, beginning with the box-office hit ENCINO MAN, co-starring Sean Astin and Brendan Fraser.  Pauly followed up with the comedies SON-IN-LAW, IN THE ARMY NOW, JURY DUTY and BIO-DOME. In 1997, FOX cast him as the freeloading son of a wealthy businessman in the sitcom PAULY. In 2003, Pauly produced, wrote, directed and starred in the critically acclaimed,  PAULY SHORE IS DEAD, with cameos from Sean Penn, Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Dre, Charlie Sheen, Jerry Springer, Montel Williams,  Kurt Loder and Paris Hilton, to name a few. Next, Pauly returned to TV in the TBS reality series, MINDING THE STORE, which he produced as well as starred in.  This was followed by a notable recurring part, as himself, on the hit HBO series, ENTOURAGE.  Pauly continues to produce and direct, with his film ADOPTED and live comedy special “Vegas is My Oyster."

Donna Hood Crecca, Senior Director - Adult Beverage Resource Group, Technomic Inc. and Contributing Editor, Nightclub & Bar Media Group
Donna Hood Crecca is Senior Director of the Adult Beverage Resource Group at Technomic Inc. She is a veteran of the drinks industry, having written about beverage alcohol in on-premise establishments and at retail for nearly two decades. Before joining Technomic, she was Publisher & Editorial Director at Nightclub & Bar, and prior to that was Editor of Cheers. In addition, she served as a Contributing Editor to Chain Leader and Editor of F&B Business. She has broad knowledge of bar, nightclub and restaurant marketing, operations, human resources and growth strategies, with specific expertise in beverage sales, promotion, service and training, having covered these topics for a number of industry magazines. She is a frequent presenter at industry events, including the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show, Tales of the Cocktail, National Restaurant Association Show, Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) and the Alcohol Responsibility Conference. Donna holds a bachelor degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and has done graduate work in magazine publishing management at New York University. She is BarSmarts Advanced Certified, and has served as President of the International Foodservice Editorial Council.

Tylor Field III, VP Wine & Spirits, Morton’s The Steakhouse
Tylor Field began his career with Morton’s in 1990 as an Assistant Manager in the Boston location. Over the past 17 years at Morton’s, he has held the positions of General Manager, Regional Manager -West Coast and Regional Manager - East Coast.  In 1999, Field took on the role of Director of Beverage Operations, and he was promoted to V.P of Wine and Spirits in 2005.  As V.P. of Wine and Spirits, Field oversees all purchasing, marketing, training and development of Morton’s beverage programs. Field has acted as a national spokesperson for Morton’s wine and spirits program on various television, radio and print publications, including CBS Morning Show and Fox and Friends. Field also conceptualized and implemented the World’s Largest Wine Bottle, certified by Guinness Book of World Records in June of 2005, along with Foster’s Wine Estates. In September 2007 Field was awarded the “Distinguished Service Award” from the Guild of Sommeliers; one of eight awards ever given out in the world. Field’s true joy and most prized accomplishment in life is spending time with and raising his 12 year-old son Zach.

David Henkes, Vice President, Technomic, Inc.
David Henkes is Vice President of Technomic, Inc. and is responsible for directing strategic consulting and research assignments for supplier, operator and trade association clients active in the food and beverage industries. He is also the Executive Director of Technomic’s Adult Beverage Insights Group and oversees the firm’s On-Premise Beverage Alcohol Practice. David’s range of expertise includes market and strategic planning, customer satisfaction benchmarking, acquisition and new product evaluations, concept testing, and opportunity, usage/attitude and distribution systems analyses. Prior to Technomic, he gained international food experience working with Nestle Germany in Frankfurt. He has held positions with Marriott Management Services and McDonald’s and has worked as a federal investigator in Washington, DC. David is often a featured speaker and has been cited in publications including Time, The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Chicago Business, and Reuter’s and Associated Press syndicated articles. He has appeared on NPR and First Business.

Michelle Pae, VP of National Accounts, Terlato Wines
Michelle Pae joined Terlato Wines International (TWI) in December 2007 and is responsible for leading Terlato’s efforts to assist national restaurants and hotel customers in building their luxury wine business. She also collaborates with TWI’s marketing team to develop new on-premise initiatives and solutions. Pae comes to TWI from Darden Restaurants where she directed beverage strategies for Olive Garden Restaurants. During her eight years at Olive Garden, Pae spearheaded the chain’s acclaimed “Dine with Wine” program, resulting in one of the most successful wine sales programs ever at a U.S. restaurant chain. Additionally, Pae is past president of the Millennium Group, an association of major national on-premise chains. She was recognized by Wine Enthusiast magazine as its Wine Person of the Year, featured on the magazine’s cover. Pae has also been recognized by Cheers magazine for developing the Best Wine Program of the Year and received the publication’s Best Specialty Drink Award. Prior to Olive Garden, Pae spent 11 years with the Maggiano’s Restaurant chain; a division of Brinker, where she helped develop their beverage and wine program. She is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a BA in Marketing and currently lives in Orlando Florida.

Dave Renzella, Co-Founder, RMD Group
Dave Renzella, RMD Group co-founder, has a range of top management experience from health clubs to restaurants to private clubs and lounges. Dave has overseen a variety of bi-coastal venues, starting his career on the East Coast and later moving to the West Coast as General Manager of Stingaree, one of San Diego’s first mega-nightclubs. Dave then co-founded the RMD Group in January 2009 along with Michael Georgopoulos and Rodrigo Iglesias. With the RMD Group, Dave headed his biggest project yet with the opening of FLUXX, San Diego’s hottest mega-nightclub. With years of experience in the service and hospitality industry, managing two of San Diego’s largest and hottest nightclubs, and earning both venues prestigious and national awards, Dave has mastered the ability to lead a team in complete synergy while maintaining high operational standards and exceptional customer service.

Andy Scoggins, VP of Culinary & Beverage, Ruby Tuesday
Andrew F. Scoggins joined Ruby Tuesday in 1991 as Server and Bartender while attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.  During his tenure, Andy opened over 75 new restaurants as bartender/server trainer. After graduating with a BA in Political Science and BS in Business, Andy moved to the Nashville market. While there, his talent was recognized as he was promoted from Assistant Manager to General Manager and on to Managing Partner. Proving his ability to be a leader and run successful restaurants, Andy was elevated to Director of Operations in 2000.  In that role he oversaw all the restaurant operations for Middle Tennessee and Central Kentucky.  In 2003 Andy moved back to Knoxville to work in the corporate office (known to Ruby Tuesday employees as the Restaurant Support Center) to be the Director of Training and Development. Not long after his move to the Support Center, Andy added the responsibility Director of Operations Human Resources to his list of accomplishments. Then, another opportunity opened up for Andy to be Director of Marketing where he was involved in food strategy development, worked on the strategic side of menu development and had oversight of the day-to-day responsibilities of Marketing.  While in that capacity, Andy worked on a rebranding initiative that included advertising, menu and promotional strategy and the use of limited time and local restaurant programs for the brand. In 2007 he was charged with leading Culinary and Beverage for the entire company, where he works strategically with executive leadership in the organization to develop and deploy innovative, affordable and craveable menu and beverage items. Andy also leads the Purchasing, Distribution, and Quality Assurance teams. Andy and his wife, Carrie, reside in Knoxville with their two daughters Kendall and Karson.

Jason Strauss, Co-Founder, The Strategic Group & The Strategic Hospitality Group
Jason Strauss is the co-founder of The Strategic Group & The Strategic Hospitality Group. He is also co-owner & operator of TAO, Avenue & Marquee in New York City and TAO & LAVO in Las Vegas. Since its inception, The Strategic Group has established itself as a leader in giving corporations a credible cool factor, having worked with global brands such as Coca-Cola, Donna Karan, Heineken, LVMH, NASCAR, Reebok and Yahoo.

Suzan Waldschmidt, Director of Beverage, Outback Steakhouse
Suzan Waldschmidt has been a member of the Outback Steakhouse team since 1992, when she joined as a bartender. She was quickly promoted to regional bar trainer for the Southwest Florida market and then to corporate opening coordinator, a position that gave her the opportunity to open 16 locations around the country. In 1994, Suzan became a regional director of training and regional beverage director, responsible for all front-of-house training and beverage-related communications, promotions and distributor relations for Florida. Three years later, when she was promoted to national director of training for catering, concessions and airports, Suzan led the organization to new ground, as she implemented a training program vastly different from the program serving Outback’s standalone restaurants. Suzan spearheaded special projects aimed at improving efficiencies and productivity at the unit level when she became national project manager in 1999. Her responsibilities expanded to include beverage menus and field support in 2003, leading to her promotions to national beverage manager in 2004 and director of beverage in 2007.

Boris Bugarski, CEO, mUrgent
Boris Bugarski, CEO of mUrgent, has helped educate thousands of restaurant owners and marketers around the world on the customer retention and revenue-increasing benefits of mUrgent's metrics-driven local store marketing programs. Capitalizing on years of hands-on experience, he has laid a strong foundation for achieving realistic success within any four walls. Having worked at every level of the restaurant industry from waiting tables to consulting with Fortune 1000, 500, and 50 companies, Bugarski leads his team from a position of experience. His strategies and tactics have been successfully implemented at all types of companies – from the smaller independent operators to the larger national restaurant chains.  As a frequent magazine contributor and regular guest speaker at restaurant conferences across the country, Bugarski is fast becoming recognized as the leading authority in restaurant email marketing. He is also the published author of The Restaurant Local Store Email Marketing Guide: Understanding Local Email Marketing for Building Sales in Any Economy.

Shane Young, CEO, The Overtime Entertainment Corporation
Shane is a veteran of 26 years in the hospitality sector with sought after expertise throughout the business model. As a recognized international authority in marketing and promotions, Shane specializes in unconventional "out-of-the-box" approaches and designs.  His exclusive vision has benefitted operators and corporations alike throughout the USA, Canada, Asia, and Australia.

Mark J. Dobosz, President, The SCORE Foundation
Mark Dobosz currently serves as the President of The SCORE Foundation and Vice President, Development for SCORE – Mentors to America’s Small Business. SCORE is a national nonprofit organization with a public service mission. SCORE’s 13,500 volunteers provide small business counseling and training through a network of 370 chapters, 800 branches and its Web site www.score.org. SCORE has served more than 9 million entrepreneurs since 1964. In fiscal year 2010, SCORE volunteers spent 1 million+ hours helping to create 31,000 new jobs and start more than 68,000 small businesses. This year, The SCORE Foundation has raised over $3.2 million in philanthropic funds to support the work of SCORE.  Mark has spent more than 25 years working in a variety of leadership roles and areas for not for profit organizations including development, marketing, public relations, community and government relations operations and teaching . He has served in organizations that address community needs in the areas of education, health care, disabilities, children’s services and community development. Some of these include the The Out-of-Door Academy, the Mercy Health Care System, Easter Seals, Friends School in Detroit and other independent schools.  In the area of fundraising, Mark has been responsible for multi-million dollar campaigns, developing new fundraising programs as well as expanding several annual giving, planned giving and special events programs. Mark has helped raise more than $30 millon for the organizations he has served.  Mark has spoken extensively throughout his career at various local, regional and national conferences and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He is one of the contributing authors of  the book “Do Your Giving While You’re Living” by Edie Fraser. Mark currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Office Depot Foundation and  has served on the boards of several professional and non-profit organizations. He has been one of the the recipients of the  CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education) Circle of Excellence in Fundraising Award – the Council’s highest award, as well as, a 2010 recipient of the Listen Learn and Care Award from The Office Depot Foundation.

Thomas Greco, Owner, Greco Holdings, Inc.
Thom Greco is educated as a scientist with a degree in biology and chemistry but, also pursued hospitality while a student. At age 17 he owned his first nightclub, an under 21 dance club, The Vox Box, which within two years resulted in three locations and a TV show on the nationally number one ABC affiliate, WNEP-TV; in Wilkes Barre/Scranton, PA. remarkably all before the age of 23. To further his education, Thom trained at the Culinary lnstitute of America (ClA) and then also branched out into the restaurant, hotel and concert promoting business. Thom Greco promoted artists from Paul Anka to Aerosmith in area venues as well as owning and operating two amphitheaters, Bud Light Amphitheatre at Harvey's Lake and Montage Performing Arts Center in Scranton, PA, Greco purchased and operated FM radio stations, real estate holdings and had a record label deal with music giant, Tommy Mattola, which resulted in a rock artist that went to the Top 10 in Billboard. Some of Greco's key successful facilities included Market Street Square, Martini Ristorante & Bar, The Factory, and more – presently Oyster Restaurant, Oyster Saloon, The Cabana and The Mines. Greco as Creative Chef of his operations appears regularly on cooking shows and is currently authoring his own lifestyle book called "The Coconut Water Diet -Zumba lnspired". Greco has created and hosts several festivals each year and produces, designs and consults to some of the more discriminating weddings and events on the East Coast. Continuing his interest in science, Thom Greco consults in broadband technology and is currently working on a fiber optic city and a geothermal project which utilizes abandoned coal mine water. When Thom Greco can find time, he performs as a Bobby Darin tribute and is currently developing a teleplay about the mob in Northeastern United States set in the 70's & '80's for a major studio in Los Angeles. Greco is a Charter and Founding Member * past-Chairman of the advisory board of the Nightclub & Bar Magazine & Oxford Publishing.

Barry D. Gutin. President and CEO, Guest Counts Hospitality
As President and CEO of Guest Counts Hospitality, Barry provides the vision, strategy and leadership behind its unique and profitable restaurant, nightlife and catering concepts. Barry has led the development of distinctive concepts that have transformed the Philadelphia and Atlantic City dining and nightlife scenes. Having the vision to identify trends and circumvent fads, Guest Counts Hospitality’s concepts stand the test of time.  Barry and his business partner, Larry Cohen, have built a growing multi-division company with revenue exceeding $25 million. Prior to forming Guest Counts Hospitality, Barry operated some of the most impressive and successful food, beverage and entertainment facilities in the Northeast. In addition to his experience in food and beverage operations, he has expertise in marketing, public relations, real estate selection and entertainment production. Barry is regularly tapped as an authority to present at major hospitality conferences including Chain Leader Live and G2E’s Global Gaming Expo. He has written numerous articles for Nightclub & Bar Magazine, the leading publication of the nightlife industry and is frequently quoted for his expertise in the consumer and trade press. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Barry serves on the advisory board for Nightclub & Bar Magazine.

Patrick Henry, President/CEO, Patrick Henry Creative Promotions, Inc.
Patrick Henry Creative Promotions, Inc. is a Houston-based full-service food and beverage agency that specializes in extensive beverage training, drink development, menu design and revenue generating promotions for national hotel and restaurant chains. Patrick Henry Creative Promotions, Inc. was named as the #1 “Best Company to Work for in Texas” in 2008 as published in TEXAS MONTHLY magazine and also ranked as one of the “Houston Fast Track 100 Companies” by the Houston Business Journal. The company has created food and beverage programs for Loews Hotels, Hilton Hotels Corporation, Hard Rock Café, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Fox & Hound Restaurant Group, Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill, Phillips Seafood Restaurants, Red Lion Hotels, Columbia Sussex Corporation, The Cheesecake Factory, HMSHost, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Buffalo Wild Wings, Ruby Tuesday, Smokey Bones, CRO Inc., Hospitality USA and Palm Restaurants. He is the Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Millennium Advisory Board.

Chris Lenahan, author of The Little Black Bar Book, Consultant and Operator of Dirty, Candy Ultra Lounge, Whiskey, Mr. Jolly’s and The Barrel Room Dueling Piano Bar
Chris Lenahan, author of “The Little Black Bar Book” www.excellentbars.com has been involved in owning, operating, developing, designing, and consulting for the highly competitive Bar/Nightclub industry worldwide since 1996. He has owned and operated successful bars and nightclubs, including the Library Bar and Grill, “Bar of the Year 2002” Tempe Arizona, and presently owns and operates the EDGE Group which has four successful venues all opened in the worst economic crisis in 70 years.

Lou Abin, Managing Partner, TAO, TAO Beach, LAVO, Marquee and Marquee Dayclub

Bridget Albert, Director of Mixology, Southern Wine & Spirits of Illinois and Author, Market Fresh Mixology
Bridget Albert developed her techniques and talent tending bar at great establishments most notably the $1.6 billion Las Vegas resort, the Bellagio.  She studied under Master Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim and completed his cocktail and spirit program, and she is the Chapter Chairman of the United States Bartenders Guild – Illinois chapter.  Bridget is the author of “Market Fresh Mixology”.  Bridget is a champion for uncomplicated recipes, bright flavor, and fresh ingredients. She designs cocktails for the top restaurants, bars, hotels and lounges in the state of Illinois.  Most recently, Bridget has designed and executed the cocktail program at the Trump International Towers in Chicago. She has won numerous awards and honorable mentions in U.S.B.G. and Bellagio Classic cocktail competitions.  This includes first place at the Tale of the Cocktail Bar Chef Competition, second place at the Bacardi Martini Grand Prix World Finals in Turin, Italy, third place in the Pitu Cacacha Nationals in Las Vegas, and first place in the Bellagio Classic Competition.  She has had the pleasure of hosting charity cocktail clinics for a variety of companies, including the Bellagio, Locks of Love ,Sky Blue, Cocktail for a Cure, Make a Wish Foundation, Hadassah, and Taste of the Nation.  Bridget was a part of Livio Lauro’s team of curators for the Museum of the American Cocktail at the 2004 U.S.B.G. National Convention, the world’s largest contribution to the cocktail to date. Currently she holds the position of Master Mixologist at Southern Wine and Spirits of Illinois. Bridget is the Director of the Academy of Spirits and Fine Service, a program for bartenders that covers the history of all spirits and pre-prohibition cocktails.

Michael Armstrong, Executive Chef, TAO Las Vegas
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Chef Armstrong chose his career path at an early age. While flavoring ramen noodles with different blends of seasoning, the nine-year-old had found his calling as a chef. Armstrong began his studies at Washington State University with an interest in hotel and restaurant management, yet he quickly realized that he would much rather work in a kitchen, than in an office.  Armstrong moved to the small town of Sheridan, Wyoming to start his culinary career at Ciao Bistro, a 30-seat fine dining Mediterranean restaurant. Armstrong then moved to Portland, Oregon to continue his education at Western Culinary Institute where he graduated with high honors. Many opportunities opened to Armstrong upon graduation. He built an experience with varied cuisines as he worked at Café Azul in Portland, Oregon and Oliver’s Bar & Grill. With professional training and years of hands-on experience, Armstrong was confident in his journey toward becoming a chef. He took his talents to New York City, working as a line cook at Jean Georges’ Asian Restaurant, Spice Market. At the same time he was a sauté cook for a Morimoto, later earning a position at the sushi bar. When Morimoto’s former Executive Chef was in search of a skilled Sous Chef at a new restaurant in Las Vegas, Armstrong jumped at the opportunity. In May 2007, Armstrong moved to Las Vegas and started his career with Tao Restaurant. His skill and assertion set him apart from the rest, and in 2009, he was promoted to Chef de Cuisine. One year later, he was named Executive Chef.

Donnell G. Bayot M.Ed., CHE, CPCE, Director, Academic Affairs, The International School of Hospitality
Donnell is the Director of Academic Affairs at The International School of Hospitality (TISOH). He started his professional career as a clinical researcher in the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to his current position at TISOH, he was the Director of Religious Education for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas. Donnell is a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE), a Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE), and holds a Master of Education degree. He is the Founding President of the Las Vegas New Century Lions Club and serves as Education Chair on the Board of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) Las Vegas Chapter. Donnell was appointed to the President's List of NACE National in 2010 for outstanding achievement and contribution to the association. He is presently serving as the Education Committee Chair for NACE Las Vegas Chapter in charge of planning education seminars.  In addition, Donnell was honored to be named Education Strategy Committee Chair for NACE National. Operationally, he is actively involved in the conference, event, wedding and hotel industries through industry and association participation. Donnell is an event planner at heart, having planned numerous conferences, social, and corporate events large and small over the years.

Jeff Bell, On-Premise Quality Specialist, MillerCoors
Jeff has been in the brewing industry since 1985, first with the Coors Brewing Company and now MillerCoors.  Over the past 26 1/2 years, he has worked in a variety of functions within the industry.  Roles in the laboratory, brewing, packaging, warehousing, transportation and distributor operations have provided him with a broad perspective on the industry as a whole.  Jeff has been a certified beer taster for 26 years and was the company’s official beer taster from 1993-2002, where he flew throughout the world tasting and ensuring the quality of their products.  Currently he is working in the On-Premise channel providing training and education to distributors and retailers on the importance of draught quality and its impact on the consumer and their overall bottom line.  Jeff was a presenter at last year’s VIBE (Very Important Business Executives) conference in Las Vegas, as well as several other large chain accounts.  Jeff is a graduate of the University of Southern Colorado with a BS in Biology and Chemistry, has a Founders Certificate in Brewing and Packaging from the Institute of Brewers and Distillers, London, England; is a MillerCoors Beer Merchant and an active member in the Brewers Association Draught Quality Committee.

Todd Blondis, On-Premise Quality Specialist, MillerCoors
Todd Blondis has over 28 years of experience in the beverage industry. Currently Todd works for MillerCoors as the On Premise Quality Specialist for the Southeast and Central regions where he is responsible for improving draught quality through education, developing standards and training materials and acting as a business consultant in alignment with MillerCoors National and Chain Accounts sales teams. Prior to his position at MillerCoors Todd served as a Regional Quality Specialist with MolsonCoors where he was responsible for supply chain quality throughout the distribution process conducting audits on the distributor network and market execution. Leading up to this position Todd worked for Coors Brewing Co. where he served as Quality Technician, Quality Technologist and Active Team Leader ensuring the quality of products during the manufacturing, brewing and transportation processes. Todd’s first job in the brewing industry was a public relations position where he worked as a tour guide and ambassador for the company. Todd began his career in the beverage industry as a bartender, waiter and manager at various night clubs and restaurants. Todd attended Memphis State University where he studied business. Todd is a member of the Brewers Association Draught Beer Quality Committee and a MillerCoors certified Beer Merchant.

Jerry Bokamper, a.k.a. Mr. Dallas, Lifestyles Editor, The Dallas Morning News
Jerry Bokamper has been an editor in the arts and entertainment department of The Dallas Morning News for 19 years. Since 1998, he's written a night-life column for the newspaper and its web site.  It presents a humorous take on the club and bar scene for an upscale, over-30 audience. He also dispenses night-life news and views via Twitter, Facebook and a regular email newsletter. Mr. Dallas is also a big fan of Las Vegas, hitting the tables -- and the clubs -- there three or four times a year.

Sin Bosier, President & CEO, Gaslamp Event Management
Dubbed “Queen of Nightlife” by various media, including the San Diego Union Tribune, DiscoverSD.com and The Venue Menu, SIN has been a prominent figure in the nightclub & bar scene in San Diego, California for over a decade.  In 2000, SIN successfully launched the opulent 35,000 sq. ft. On Broadway Event Center, putting the then sleepy San Diego in the spotlight and on the map for world class nocturnal entertainment. Since then, SIN has invigorated old bars, launched new ones and clinched awards for multiple nightclubs, bars and restaurants.  As a serial entrepreneur, SIN has expanded into hospitality consulting, event-driven marketing, eye-candy-driven promotions and elevating VIP experience at San Diego’s signature block parties, namely Mardi Gras, San Diego ShamROCK and San Diego Monster Bash. Each block party brings in 20,000 – 40,000 international visitors and is a huge economic driver for the City of San Diego. As the Chairwoman of the Gaslamp Quarter Association Hospitality Committee (www.Gaslamp.org) and Director of the East Village Association (www.EastVillageSanDiego.com), SIN plays an active role in marketing the BID (Business Improvement Districts) and looking after the interests of over 200 nightclubs, bars restaurants and hotels in downtown San Diego. In 2006, SIN was awarded “Trailblazer of the Year” by the Mayor of San Diego for her leadership, contributions and significant role in shaping the Gaslamp Quarter into a world class entertainment destination. Today as the helm of GaslampEvent.com, DowntownDolls.com and ClubVIPSD.com, SIN continues to volunteer a great deal of time on philanthropy work, promoting tourism and keeping the fun meter high in America’s Finest City.

Raymond Burton, Regional Manager – Franchise Food & Beverage, InterContinental Hotels Group
Raymond Burton is a Certified Hospitality Educator and the primary Food & Beverage educator for InterContinental Hotels Group (the largest hotel company in the world). He conducts food & beverage training workshops across North America. He has been employed by IHG over a decade and has influenced thousands of IHG employees. Raymond also holds every major certification offered by the American Hotel Lodging Association. But he is not a product of academia, he is real world, having owned and operated nightclubs and bars. He holds a real world view of this business and loves to tilt, if not knock over the corporate barriers that often hold back delivering world class guest experiences. He believes that this business is all about Friends helping Friends and he lives that belief everyday.

Massimiliano Campanari, Executive Chef, LAVO
Bringing his Italian roots to the modern restaurants of the Vegas dining culture, Massimiliano Campanari succeeds in the role of Executive Chef at LAVO Restaurant in Las Vegas.  Born in Genova, Italy, Chef Campanari was raised in an Italian home. While making his start in the kitchens of small Italian restaurants, Campanari studied at Istituto Technico Delle Attivita Alberghiere Nino Bergese where he learned to stay faithful to the old world roots of Italian cooking while incorporating modern techniques. Once graduating and assuming a position as a Chef de Partie to Gian Paolo Belloni at Zeffirino in Genova, Italy, Campanari soon made his way to Las Vegas as a Sous Chef and Assistant Executive Chef at Zeffirino at The Venetian. His skill and knowledge brought many opportunities as he continued his culinary career in the role of Executive Chef at prestigious Las Vegas restaurants including Terra Verde at Green Valley Ranch, Sinatra Restaurant at the Wynn, Sirio at City Center and Osteria Del Circo at the Bellagio. Campanari’s culture naturally translates through the authenticity of his cooking. His true mastery of Italian cuisine has brought him distinction in the dining industry, and he continues his culinary journey at LAVO Italian Restaurant inside The Palazzo.

David has been in the marketing world for over 15 years, and over half of that has been developing strategies to help businesses grow through the internet.  As Vice President and Partner in Zeekee Interactive, he has done work with Fortune 500 companies to small mom & pops. Coming up with creative new ways to use the web, and helping businesses understand how to make money while using the internet is what brings him the most joy.  Zeekee’s Marketing First approach to the web is what has made them an industry leader for past 8+ years.

Jeffrey Cohen, President, Indemnity Insurance Corporation
Jeffrey B. Cohen is the president and founder of Indemnity Insurance Corporation, a specialty casualty insurance company headquartered in Sparks, Maryland. Known as an innovator in the insurance trade, Jeff is a highly successful businessman and accomplished musician who built his success upon a foundation of expertise in both the insurance and entertainment industries. Complementing this expertise is his keen insight in assessing and taking on risk. In the 1990s, Jeff launched a career in the entertainment sector as a nightclub bouncer in the Washington, D.C. area and went on to scale virtually every rung on the ladder on his way up to business ownership, eventually owning several nightclubs. After several years of nightclub ownership, Jeff gravitated to the world of retail insurance. By 2001, Jeff opened a managing general agency in Owings Mills, MD. At first, Jeff focused on insurance coverage for bars and nightclubs but with each success, his client scope broadened to include live events, restaurants, touring musicians, and some of the highest profile nightclubs in the world. In April 2008, Jeff’s flagship company, Indemnity Insurance Corporation (formerly IICDC), received an A.M. Best rating of A- (Excellent). A.M. Best reported that the ratings reflect “excellent capitalization levels, experienced management team, superior claims and loss control management, strict underwriting guidelines and a good geographic spread of risks.” In December 2011, A.M. Best re-affirmed its A- (Excellent) rating. Today, Indemnity Insurance Corporation enjoys a decade-long record of growth, a nationally-known brand, and a reputation as a leading commercial liability carrier serving the hospitality and entertainment industries.

Doug Collins, Managing Partner, Public House Garage
With almost twenty years in the bar and restaurant industry, Doug Collins has worked in every facet of building successful venues which include Tavern on Mill, Offshore Tavern and Grill, Tavern at the Beach and Public House Garage. Owning venues in California and Arizona, his success comes from understanding the trends inherent to hospitality services.  Doug's recipe for success includes creative thinking, top notch service and being very involved in his communities.  Along with his business concerns, he also serves as the Bar and Restaurant liaison between the DTC, a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the City of Tempe to increase the value of the Mill Avenue District through enhanced management and promotional services.  He is also a founding member of the Mill Avenue Coalition in Tempe Arizona. 

Kristin Conte, Director of Marketing, TAO, TAO Beach, LAVO, Marquee and Marquee Dayclub
As the Director of Marketing for TAO Group in Las Vegas, Kristin Conte directs the event marketing, sponsorship, social media, advertising and promotions strategy for TAO, TAO Beach and LAVO nightclubs and restaurants. A graduate of Syracuse University, Kristin has over 10 years of marketing, PR and events experience and previously handled public relations for the National Basketball Association in New York City.

Joe DeLuca, Owner, Beverage Resources
Joseph DeLuca is owner of Beverage Resources, a consulting company that teaches beverage program profitability through training, education, and operations development. He has dedicated over 20 years to serving guests from behind the ‘stick’ as a professional bartender and is a Certified Specialist of Wine and is BarSmarts Advanced accredited. As a founding member of the Northeast Ohio Bartenders’ Guild, a contributing writer for national beverage magazines and blogs, and house mixologist for Tom’s Foolery Distillery, Joseph is committed to educating bartenders and teaching people to drink better. He donates his time and talent to the charity fundraising organizations Dinner in the Dark and Sprout Connections’ Cocktail Series, both as libation raconteur and master mixologist.

Elayne Werns-Duke, Expert, Spike TV’s “Bar Rescue” and Head Mixologist / Ambassador, Diego Wine and Spirits Luxury Brand
World traveler, cocktail guru, James Beard Nominee and spirits expert Elayne Duke has been the head mixologist and Spirits Ambassador for Diageo Wine and Spirits luxury portfolio for the past Seven years. She studied mixology as a student of the Beverage Alcohol Resource (BAR), America’s premiere course on spirits and cocktails, where she honed her technique under world-renowned mixology experts Paul Pacult, David Wondrich, Steve Olson, Doug Frost and Dale Degroff. Elayne is a champion of top quality spirits, fresh ingredients, and uncomplicated recipes. She crafts cocktails for Manhattan’s top restaurants, bars, hotels, lounges and is currently on a national tour training bartenders at the newly designed Delta Airlines Elite Lounges. In addition, she has designed cocktails for celebrity-studded events including Sean Combs-White Party (New York), Sean Combs-Walk of Fame (Los Angeles), NBC Ben Silverman Upfront Event, Hampton Magazine’s 30th Anniversary Party, Nicole Miller’s in store fashion week party and Gourmet Magazine’s On-Line Application launch. “Elayne’s devotion for all things spirits and cocktails is truly infectious,” says Gary Regan, author of The Joy of Mixology, and founder of Cocktails in the Country. “She has the personality of a top-notch bartender, a thirst for knowledge, and an innate ability to communicate with anyone and everyone.” Her dedication has sent her around the world, exploring the true integrity of the craft at some of today’s most prominent spirits distilleries.  On top of creating cocktails, her talent as an entertaining and engaging speaker, has made her welcome at many prominent Industry trade shows around the world, including Tales of the Cocktail, Art of the Cocktail (Victoria BC), Berlin Bar Show, Manhattan Cocktail Classic, and Copenhagen Wine and Spirits. She also teaches monthly classes at Astor Wine and Spirits center and hosts numerous tastings and classes at both private homes and businesses in the New York City Area. When not teaching or creating cocktails, Elayne can usually be found playing with her five-year old daughter Dylan, with whom she lives with in Manhattan.

Brian Duffy, Expert, Spike TV’s “Bar Rescue” and Corporate Executive Chef, Seafood America
A graduate of The Restaurant School in Philadelphia, Chef Brian Duffy defies the trends with his cuisine, maintaining an adventurous and unique flair with every dish. After working with some of the nation’s top chefs, Duffy spent the last eight years creating and re-creating Irish cuisine. Calling it “New Celtic,” he utilizes the best local organic meats and produce to develop eclectic twists on traditional favorites, stimulating the palate while appealing to the soul. Now, as the Corporate Executive Chef/Product Development for Seafood America, Duffy is able to reach a wider audience through the retail end, creating bolder dishes and still keeping true to a healthier, more exciting way of cooking and eating. In addition to creating on a daily basis for Seafood America, Chef Duffy appears monthly on NBC Philadelphia’s “10! Show”. He also travels the country as the culinary spokesperson for the GE Profile Series and works with Residence Inn by Marriot for a series of videos showing guests how to maintain balance while on the road. He has been seen on NBC’s "Today"show, “Irish Stew Showdown 2006,” “Irish Chef Showdown” Food Network’s “Date Plate” and “Hot Trends”, Spike TV’s “Bar Rescue” and has appeared on DIY Network, HGTV and Fine Living Network. When he’s not working in the kitchens or making appearances, Duffy has a thriving consulting firm, he teaches cooking classes and he volunteers his time with local shelters and kitchens.

Tobin Ellis, Principal, BarMagic
BarMagic Principal Tobin Ellis has 20 years of bartending, hospitality, and nightlife experience throughout the United States and much of the world. Ellis began training bartenders in 1991 and also spent six years in advertising in New York and Washington, DC. He has also held the titles of Co-founder and President of the Flair Bartenders' Association, Head Bartender for Caesars Palace (Las Vegas), and NSO Bar Trainer for TGI Friday's. Ellis is a 3-time Mixology Champion (2009 USBG Leblon Caipirinha Competition, 2009 Tales of the Cocktail Barmade Bitters Winner, 2005 Blue Blazer Mixology Champion) and a 9-Time World Finalist in competition (Legends, Quest, Best in the West, Blue Blazer, Cayman Masters).Tobin has organized and judged bartending competitions of all styles all over the world since 1997 and has served as a technical advisor and judge for a number of television networks including A&E, Travel Channel, Food Network, and NBC.

Eric W. Elwell, CEO, Xenios, llc / 2TouchPOS
As CEO Eric Elwell is accountable for the 2TouchPOS product vision and leads the sales and finance teams at Xenios. Since purchasing 2TouchPOS in 2009 he is responsible for the strategies that grow sales revenue and optimize cash flow for both Xenios and the 2TouchPOS customer base. Elwell brings close to 20 years experience as an Entrepreneur and salesman spanning a variety of industries. His passion for business development was sparked 10 years ago through his enrollment in the E-myth academy where he learned how to go to work on his business not just in it. This passion and point of view is directly translated into the product and services Xenios offers.

Ian Foster, Vice President, Training/West Coast Development, BevIntel
Ian Foster joined Bevintel in in 1991, and has spent the past 20 years helping his clients eliminate over-pouring, mis-ringing and theft from their bar operations. He has written extensively about improving bar profitability for industry publications such as Santé magazine, The Publican, numerous restaurant association publications from coast-to-coast as well as Robert Plotkin’s Bar Profits newsletter.  Ian is also the publisher of Bevinco’s Booz Nooz, which has become a leading industry newsletter. Together Ian and the California Restaurant Association (CRA) successfully fought to change California’s sales tax laws which the CRA estimates will result in “yearly savings of $3 million to $4 million dollars for CRA members.“

Thomas L. Fox, Partner, CM Profit Group
Tom is a nationally recognized leader in Category Management and National Accounts within the beverage alcohol industry.   He has worked 18 years in the industry, starting out as a Sales Manager for a distributor, then in the National Accounts department with Miller Brewing Company to the Vice President of National Accounts for Stroh's.  As a Partner with CM Profit Group, Tom works with suppliers, distributors and retailers to increase their market share by incorporating Category Management competencies into their organizations and drive "win-win" relationships with their key account customers.  Tom contributes regularly to many industry publications, plus has been selected as the Category Management presenter at the Nightclub and Bar Show for the last 3 years and every NBWA convention since 1999, he's spoken at the FMI Convention, the National Association of Convenience Stores Convention, Craft Brewers Conference, the Brewers Association of America Conference and has facilitated several retailer roundtables for CSP Magazine.

Carlos Fuentes , President / Founder, Narrowcast Digital Media
Carlos Fuentes is the Founder and CEO of Narrowcast Digital Media the premier lifestyle media vehicle for venues, advertising, hotels, nightlife, events, and emerging brands. Narrowcast provides industry-leading age-verification, social media, and creative services allowing customers to reach specific demographics with the right message. Carlos began his professional career with a successful software venture that specializes in providing customs compliance solutions in the international trade arena. He has seen this business through from its inception and is now in a position to devote his energies to new pursuits such as the growth and expansion of NDM.

Joe Gabriel, Association Alliances Manager, Fishbowl
Joe Gabriel is the Association Alliances Manager at Fishbowl, the leader of online marketing solutions for the restaurant and hospitality industry. In his role, Joe brings over 20 years of restaurant industry association management experience while managing Fishbowl’s partnership with over 30 state restaurant associations (SRAs). Through seminars and webinars, Joe has been presenting to SRA members the value of online marketing tactics as a means of differentiation, which is particularly essential in today’s economic climate. Prior to Fishbowl, Joe managed the membership department at the Restaurant Association of Maryland.

Harvard Gates, Northeast Regional Director, TOG Wines
Harvard Gates, currently holds the position of Northeast Regional Director of Sales for “The Other Guys”, part of the Don Sebastiani family of wine companies.  Mr. Gates has over twenty two years of experience educating on premise staff, distributor personnel in the wholesale industry, as well as operating his own consulting company specializing in on premise quality of operation enhancements.  Among the numerous certifications Mr. Gates holds, he is currently very committed to TIPS training throughout the U.S. and a strong advocate for responsible alcohol service.

Michael Georgopoulos, Co-Founder, RMD Group
Michael “Mikey G” Georgopoulos, RMD Group co-founder, has earned a reputation as an elite expert in the food and beverage industry in San Diego. With more than 20 years of experience, Mikey first entered the industry as a teenager and worked his way in to hotel management.  After accepting a lead banquet position with Starwood Hotels, Mikey grew in title and experience, moving into Sales as a key figure on the team at Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel in San Diego. Mikey soon switched gears to the nightlife industry and in 2005 he became the Vice President of Operations for San Diego based nightlife company, EnDev.  Over the next two years, he oversaw the design, development, operations and management of seven unique and successful brands, hired over 300 employees, managed over $20M in annual revenues, and oversaw the marketing, event sales, VIP bottle service and human resource departments.  In 2009 Mikey co-founded the RMD Group with Rodrigo Iglesias and Dave Renzella. As a managing partner Mikey has renovated, opened, and operated some of San Diego’s hottest nightspots, including the new Side Bar, FLUXX Nightclub, F6ix, and Ciro’s Pizzerias.  Mikey has a proven track record for success and an unparalleled and well-rounded expertise from the hotel to bar to nightclub.    

AJ Gerritson, Founding Partner, 451 Marketing
AJ Gerritson is a Founding Partner at 451 Marketing, an award-wining Boston-based communications agency that focuses on integrating public relations, social media, and search engine marketing campaigns for mid to large-sized companies.  Founded in 2004, 451 Marketing was recently recognized as a Boston Business Journal “2011 Pacesetter.”  With more that twelve years of experience in interactive brand strategy, social media marketing, search marketing, interactive marketing, and public relations, AJ oversees the agency’s strategic direction, sales, and marketing efforts.  Prior to co-founding 451 Marketing, AJ was Vice President at Zeeo Interactive, Inc. There, he helped provide interactive strategy for brands such as Time Warner, CookingLight.com and Disney. Previous to his work at Zeeo, AJ was the Vice President of Public Relations for AsiaFoods.com, an online food company he helped build from the ground up and position for successful acquisition.  In 2010, Boston Business Journal recognized AJ as a member of their “40 Under 40” class. He also serves on the Boston Irish Business Association’s Board of Directors, an organization he co-founded.  When he's not devouring information on new media, you can find AJ on the rugby pitch – he was a two-time Rugby All-American and played professionally in Ireland.

David Gibson, President, Zeekee Interactive
David Gibson is the President of Zeekee Interactive. He has over 10 years of experience in internet marketing.  Over the years he has designed and built websites, developed marketing strategies, and provided interactive services for projects such as Radio Margaritaville, AJs of Destin, LuLus at Homeport, the papajohns.com Bowl, the US Amateur, the US Womens and Senior Opens and the Davis Cup. Prior to starting Zeekee Interactive, David spent 10 years as a bartender.

Jeff Grindrod, Managing Partner, Brand Action Team
Jeff began his career in marketing at Consumer Packaged Goods Companies, Procter & Gamble and Nestlé, working on brands such as Tide, Folgers, Taster’s Choice and Nestlé Crunch. In 1992, he joined the spirits and wine leader Heublein/Diageo, where he worked on major brands such as Smirnoff, Cuervo, and Black Velvet.  Jeff’s experience at Heublein/Diageo also includes head of marketing and sales in National Accounts, working on the company's full portfolio of spirit and wine brands. In 2000, Jeff started NOVA Marketing, a full service marketing and communications agency, wherein he has worked with many beverage alcohol companies including Diageo, Banfi, Pernod Ricard,  Warsteiner, and Sutter Home, as well as a range of restaurant chains including Brinker, Darden, Applebee's and BWW. In 2005, Jeff teamed up with Steve Raye to start a second company; The Brand Action Team. A company that develops and implements marketing and sales efforts for a wide range of alcohol and non-alcohol clients including Heineken USA, Pisco Portón LLC, Soyuz Victan, Rebootizer USA, TiTonics, Wines of Chile, Wines of Austria and Wines of Greece to name a few. As Managing Partner, Jeff focuses his time on building brands from the ground up by developing strategic solutions for issues surrounding the business needs and crafting successful marketing and sales plans. Additionally, Jeff manages the Trade Marketing efforts for the company's spirit, beer and wine clients, as well as the company's market research initiatives. Jeff has been an annual speaker at industry events – The Cheers Conference, NRA, the growing US Drinks Conference, as well as many other industry functions. Jeff is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Nancy Hadley, Expert, Spike TV’s “Bar Rescue” and President, Nancy Hadley Fine Art and Consulting, Inc.
The premier on-camera designer for bars, nightclubs and restaurants, Nancy Hadley brings an unparalleled wealth of experience as a renovation expert, whose sparkling stage presence delivers clear and entertaining insight to the science of interior design. Nancy’s audience knows her work best from her time with Top 10 television shows like ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Trading Spaces, Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, and her favorite, Spike-TV’s Bar Rescue. A classically trained painter, sculptor, model-maker, and artist, she has “made-over” literally hundreds of restaurants, bars, homes, museums and businesses, under the tightest of budgets and shortest of time frames.  Nancy’s audience will gain insight into her proven methods of affordable design, planning, and execution of bar and nightclub exterior and interior renovations that are inviting to the eye, welcoming to the spirit, and instrumental in developing longer lasting and better customer experiences, to allow owners and managers to stay ahead of the shifting sands of fashion.  Nancy began her career designing and developing large-scale interactive exhibits around the world, while moonlighting as a specialty sculptor for Mattel. Recruited into television by the executive producer of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in 2004, she designed and installed hundreds of rooms, often with less than 24 hours to effect the transition. Her time on EMHE led to her first Emmy, and continued success in the field of design has led to other awards and accolades, including a Telly, and features in the Orange County Register and Artisphere. She is a past Advisor to the Professional Decorative Painter’s Association, the former designer for the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, contributing writer to the International Decorative Artisan’s League, and contributing writer for Nightclub & Bar Digital Media. Since 2010, Nancy has brought her design expertise to Jon Taffer’s hit Spike-TV show, Bar Rescue. Taffer himself has said, “Nancy Hadley understands all my sciences, and knows how to design to create a money machine.”

Robert Hamparyan, Attorney, Gomez Law
Robert N. Hamparyan is one of California’s most active and successful trial lawyers. Robert began his legal career working on behalf of insurance companies and defendants. He now uses that knowledge and experience to represent exclusively ordinary people that have suffered harm because of the wrongful conduct of others. Robert has a particularly active trial practice. Other attorneys frequently ask him to become involved in complex and high-stakes cases when trial approaches. Clients who he represents always obtain maximum value for their cases because of his ability and willingness to effectively try cases to verdict. He has obtained multiple favorable verdicts and settlements, including multiple recoveries in excess of one million dollars. Robert has particular expertise in cases involving catastrophic orthopedic, spinal, brain and other injuries. He also has an active trial practice involving insurance bad faith and other wrongful insurance practices. Robert also represents victims of sexual harassment and other employment misconduct. The Consumer Attorneys of San Diego have named Robert the 2008 Trial Lawyer of the Year. That is the highest award a San Diego trial lawyer can receive. Robert received the award for his work in 2008, including 5 highly successful jury trial verdicts and several settlements in excess of one million dollars. When not in trial, Robert enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 sons and staying physically active.

Julia Herz, Craft Beer Program Director, Brewers Association
Julia Herz is Director of the Craft Beer Program for the Boulder, Colorado based Brewers Association (BA) and Publisher of CraftBeer.com. She has been featured by the Food Network ‘Unwrapped' Series, interviewed on Public Radio, Sirius/XM, CNBC Squawk Box, Fox News and hundreds of other media outlets.  She is a recognized beer judge in the BJCP program, an award-winning homebrewer of over 17 years, a Certified Cicerone and lead person in charge of American Craft Beer Week.   Her areas of expertise include: Resources and education on craft beer, General statistics on the craft beer industry, Beer styles and trends and Beer and food pairing.  Julia speaks at many trade conferences and consumer events on the above topics. Speaking/Tasting engagements include: Boston Wine School, Cheers Beverage Conference, Craft Brewers Conference, Great American Beer Festival, Nightclub & Bar, SAVOR, and consumer tastings such as the recent Cicerone vs. Sommelier 5 course pairing dinner.

Darnell Holloway, Manager of Local Business Outreach, Yelp!
Darnell Holloway is Yelp's Manager of Local Business Outreach. He hosts informational sessions with local business owners across the country to educate them on the value of engaging with their Yelp listings, and joining the conversations happening about their businesses. He oversees Yelp's Small Business Advisory Council, and delivers constructive feedback from the business community to the different divisions within Yelp. He also hosts a series of monthly webinars about Yelp's free online tools, and regularly produces informative content for Yelp's Blog for Business Owners. Prior to joining Yelp in 2009, Darnell worked as an Associate in Institutional Equity Research Sales for Thomas Weisel Partners. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Davis.

Rodrigo Iglesias, Co-Founder, RMD Group
Rodrigo Iglesias, RMD Group co-founder, started his career in the nightclub industry as a security guard at a Downtown San Diego nightclub and quickly gained momentum in the fast-passed industry, working his way from running the door to running his own business. With more than ample years of experience in the industry, Rodrigo co-founded the RMD Group in January 2009 along with Michael Georgopoulos and Dave Renzella. Rodrigo has played a vital role in the RMD Group venues, largly in the opening of the renovated Side Bar ultra-lounge and Ciro’s Pizzeria and soon followed by the opening of FLUXX Nightclub in 2010. As co-partner, Rodrigo heads up RMD’s entertainment division and is responsible for managing the bookings of DJ’s, live entertainment, and celebrity performances and hosts at each of the RMD venues (FLUXX, Side Bar and F6ix nightclub).  Rodrigo is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Gaslamp Quarter Association, a group that promotes and protects the historical Gaslamp Quarter through advocacy, community relations, and promotional programs.

Scott Irwin, Vice President Technology, SBE Entertainment
Scott Irwin, Vice President Technology for SBE Entertainment in Los Angeles, holds responsibility for the organizations technology strategy and leadership. Mr. Irwin is focusing efforts on the development and integration of Social Technology and Mobile CRM Strategies within the organizations three verticals of Restaurants, Nightlife and Hotels. Under the direct leadership of Sam Nazarian – CEO, Irwin is building brand strength by integrating technology solutions such as Social CRM, Events Management and Mobile Applications. Prior to his current role, Irwin held the position of Vice President Technology for the Viceroy Hotel Group where he led the company’s technology growth strategy, opening multiple international luxury hotel properties. A leader in hospitality technology for the past 20 years, Irwin also spent 8 years with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts as Corporate Director Technology Operations, providing technology leadership and management to over forty luxury hotels in North America and Mexico.

Ernie Jimenez, On-Premise Quality Specialist, MillerCoors
For almost three decades Ernie Jimenez has made an impact on the beverage industry by focusing on the consumer and understanding the strength of the consumers purchasing decision. This started with a Sales role at the Gallo Wine Company and then in Sales, Training and Quality with MillerCoors. Ernie has worked intensively with all three tiers (brewers, distributors and retailers) of distribution in the beverage supply chain to impact change on how they focus on the consumer.  Since 2007, Ernie has been focused on the On Premise channel working to improve draught beer quality with retailers in the US and Canada. Ernie has worked with Casual Dinning, Concessions, Casino and Hotel operators to identify ways to improve the quality of their draught beer, reduce their beer waste and training their staff with the end goal to improve the profitability of their overall beverage category.  Ernie is a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso with a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration, has a General Certificate of Brewing and Packaging from the Institute of Brewers and Distillers – London England, and is a MillerCoors Beer Merchant and a Cicerone Beer Server. Ernie is an active member of the Brewers Association Draught Beer Quality committee and was a panelist at the Draught Beer Quality workshop at the 2011 GABF.

Jocelyn Kane, Executive Director, San Francisco Entertainment Commission
Jocelyn Kane is Executive Director of San Francisco's Entertainment Commission, which is charged with ensuring the health and vitality of all indoor and outdoor entertainment venues in the City. In all her volunteer work, Jocelyn's agenda is to make the lives of the Bay Area's working musicians healthier, easier, and cheaper. To that end, she is working to ensure health care is provided for all musicians living in San Francisco, open up a "welcome center" for newcomer musicians, and create more exposure opportunities for San Francisco's musicians.  Jocelyn currently serves on the boards of Bread & Roses, West Coast Songwriters Association, and on the Advisory Boards for Musician National Service Initiative, and The Bay Bridged.

Jack Kelly, Entertainment Technology Designer, Eye Dialogue Audio Visual
A preachers son from Georgia, Jack begins recording cassette tapes for his father at 11. Fascinated by electronics and audio, he pursues electrical engineering. Discovering graphic design & photography, his path takes an artistic turn into music & theatre. Bartending in Wilmington, Jack joins an automated lighting company. From theatre to dance, construction to mechanics, electronics to programming, entertainment technology design combines his diverse skill set into a single driving force. Teaching in the private & public sectors, Jack is a passionate speaker. Published in 50+ trade magazines, he pushes innovation & design in every job regardless of size. 

Scott Kerkmans, Beer Visionary, Nazdar Beer, Inc. and Beer Conscious Training
Scott Kerkmans is a fresh voice in the exhilarating world of beer, and an authority in the diverse and growing brewing community. At just 32 years old, Scott has already been in the beer industry for 11 years and can approach any beer subject with several unique perspectives.  He has been an award winning brewer at several breweries including Alaskan Brewing Company.  He is a certified Beer Judge and a Lead Judge at the Great American Beer Festival each fall, and in 2008, Kerkmans became one of the initial 5 Certified Cicerone's in the world.  He also beat our over 7,800 applicants in becoming the Chief Beer Officer for Starwood Hotels in 2007.  Kerkmans was also a sales rep for Crescent Crown Distributing in their largest On-Premise Route with over 15% sales growth in 2006 alone.  He is the founder of the Beer Conscious Training System for Retailers.

Kristi Klemm, Merchant Marketing Director, Groupon
Kristi Klemm, Merchant Marketing Director of Groupon, oversees comprehensive communication efforts with merchants and connects with hundreds of business owners around the world on their Groupon experience. She contributes coveted expertise in SEO, PPC, small business operations and training/recruitment.  Before joining Groupon in July 2009, Kristi led marketing and operations at a Chicago tech startup, and previously managed a newspaper consortium in partnership with Yahoo! Hotjobs. Her repertoire also includes marketing experience at Careerbuilder.com, where she serviced small businesses in their Emerging Business Unit. Kristi holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and spends free time traveling, mentoring Chicago youth on technology and gracing the stage at local karaoke hotspots.

Schyler Kohl, Vice President of Claims, RCA Insurance Group
From 2004 to Present Schyler Kohl has resided as Vice President of Claims, Member, Board of Directors of First Jersey Casualty Insurance Company (owned by RCA Ins. Group) for RCA Insurance Group, Clifton, NJ. RCA is a niche Company specializing in complete Package Programs to the Restaurant/Tavern market, and is a MGA and TPA for First Jersey Casualty Insurance Company, and State National Companies, writing business throughout the country.  Prior to RCA, Kohl was Vice President of Claims; Member, Board of Directors for Security Indemnity Insurance Company, Wall, NJ which also specialized in the restaurant/tavern market.  Through his experience as a vice president and claims manager, Kohl had had extensive experience including investigating, adjusting, evaluating, negotiating and settling all phases of personal, commercial general liability and property claims.

Sujit Kundu, Founder, S.K.A.M. Artist Management
Sujit Kundu didn’t grow up dreaming of being an artist or a major behind-the-scenes music executive though he’s now the CEO of a thriving management company and vice president at the world’s largest music label. Kundu started out by holding Rave parities, which were drawing crowds of 4,000. That success grew into him promoting parties and performances that featured some of hip-hop and R&B’s biggest acts at the time from Warren G, Cypress Hill, KRS-One and Mobb Deep. By the time he graduated from University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), Kundu expanded his party promotion business into radio promotions and mix shows. He also created a production and DJ management company. Meanwhile, Sujit took a radio promotions job at MCA Records, and a few years later. when his production/management company disbanded, his partner kept the production arm and Kundu kept the DJ management side, renaming it SKAM (Sujit Kundu Artist Management). Now SKAM employs five people: three in Los Angeles, one in New York, one in Miami and manages a roster of 18 DJs, including big names like Vice, Irie and D-Nice. He currently works as the Vice President of Promotions at Universal Music Group and is responsible for an artist cache that includes Lil Wayne, Nelly and Akon. In addition to getting those artists’ records played on the radio, his duties include things such as organizing and overseeing promo tours and radio shows.

David Long, Director of Security, TAO Group
David Long is the Director of Security for the TAO Group, whose Las Vegas venues include TAO Nightclub & Restaurant, TAO Beach, LAVO Nightclub & Restaurant, and Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub.  In addition to supervising a Security staff in upwards of 275+ officers, he oversees the installation, maintenance, and operation of all venue Surveillance systems, and serves as the primary administrator for any Risk Management or Loss Control issues.  David has worked in the Nightclub Security & Management field for approximately 12 years, more than 6 of those with the TAO Group, dating back to their Vegas expansion in September 2005.  As part of a rapidly expanding company, the use of technology has been an essential component in managing a rapidly expanding department.  Surveillance and Digital Video Recording hardware is constantly being updated and improved upon.  And most recently, the TAO Group has implemented UrVenue, a venue management software system which amongst its many functions synchronizes the venue’s marketing component with its operational needs, thereby providing the best possible guest experience in a high-volume business.

Ryan Magarian, President, Liquid Relations and Co-Founder, Aviation Gin
For the past decade, Ryan's unique "chef like" approach to mixed drinks along with the development of several innovative and efficient Professional Cocktail and Spirit Service Cultures locally, nationally, and internationally, has gained him recognition as one of America’s top mixologists.  Based in Portland, OR., Ryan oversees the day to day operations of Liquid Relations™ and contributes to the ongoing development of Aviation Gin, his partnership with Portland’s own House Spirits™.  Always pushing for consistency and innovation, Ryan has a singularly unique and purely recognizable approach to his craft that allows for a balance of creative and richly flavored cocktails, consistent drink production, speed, and well- honed technique. In his years “behind the stick” and on the consulting front, Ryan has worked extensively with world renowned culinary pioneer Kathy Casey at Kathy Casey Food Studios® in Seattle, WA., received a nomination as Best Bartender in the city of Portland (Citysearch; 2000), was named Best Bartender in Seattle (Seattle Magazine; 2002), received a coveted Tastemaker Award (Food and Wine Magazine; 2004) and, most recently, was tapped as Seattle’s Best Mixologist (Seattle Weekly; 2005).

Dave Magrogan, Owner / CEO, Rhino
Dave Magrogan, a 39-year-old native of Brookhaven, PA, is the master­mind behind Dave Magrogan Group (DMG), the parent company to four wildly successful restaurant concepts: Kildare’s Pubs, Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, Mas Mexicali Cantina and Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar. Dave has opened 15 restaurants - five of which opened in 2010. As Owner & CEO of DMG, Magrogan is recognized as a leader in the restaurant industry. An aggressive promoter, savvy publicist, sought after motivational and dynamic public speaker, he offers experience in concept creation, planning, marketing and business development.  In 2003, he made a bold decision to pursue his dream and founded DMG. Six months later began creating the authentic Irish gastropub experience known today as Kildare’s Pubs. Magrogan opened his first location in West Chester, Pennsylvania in May of 2003. In October 2006, Magrogan established his second concept, Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Expanding his oyster house concept, Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House in Dover Downs Casino quickly became an award-winning establishment. In March of 2010, he opened Mas Mexicali Cantina - his rock & roll Mexican inspired bar. After researching a number of bars on the west coast, Dave’s inspirations won Mas the title of Best Rennovation from Main Line Today. Most recently, he launched the fresh & organic Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania and won Best New Restaurant from Open Table. He also wrote a hit book, Do It Rhino Style: Magrogan’s Method to Rapid Goal Achievement, that has sold over 30,000 copies.

Eddie McDonald, DJ & Corporate Program Director Angel Management Group and Principal, Tribute Recordings
With over 20 years of experience in the DJ & Nightlife industry, Eddie McDonald has established himself as a well-rounded professional when dealing with the constantly changing trends and tastes in today's world. Eddie started his DJ career in 1990 doing local mobile gigs around central New Jersey where he grew up. He started getting involved with nightclubs in 1996 DJing and promoting parties throughout Jersey and eventually New York. His DJing let him to gigs at legendary New York clubs such as Limelight, Tunnel, and Sound Factory. In January of 1998 he joined the up and coming Jet Corporation led by nightlife & hospitality guru Andrew Sasson. Eddie served as resident DJ at the Jet Lounge in Manhattan's Soho district as well as Jet East in South Hampton. He continued working with Andrew through the turn of the century and was eventually offered the opportunity to relocate to Las Vegas where the Jet Corporation would give way to the Light Group and he would serve as resident DJ for the groundbreaking Light Nightclub at the Bellagio. With the huge success of Light came the rapid growth of Andrew's company. Eddie continued to open the Light Group's subsequent nightspots such as Caramel, Jet, and Haze. In addition to DJing for the Light Group, Eddie also served as the corporate program director, a position he developed for the company. He was responsible for maintaining a DJ schedule for all venues as well as hand picking the soundtracks for the Light Groups expanding restaurant properties such as Fix, Stack, and Yellowtail. Eddie continues program music for restaurants outside of Light Group and maintains DJ residencies at Gold Lounge and The Deuce at Aria as well as Encore Beach Club at Steve's Wynn's Encore resort. It has been due to his deep and diverse taste and knowledge in many types of music, an understanding of the various markets he has catered to over the years, and a consistently maintained level of professionalism that Eddie has been able to serve as a reliable fixture in such an extremely competitive industry.  Eddie still lives in Las Vegas where he has recently built a home studio to further the production end of his career and is currently in the process of starting a record label with friend and legendary DJ/Producer Mighty Mi.

Jordan Miner, Director of Promotions, TAO, TAO Beach, LAVO, Marquee and Marquee Dayclub
Since the day Mr. Miner turned 21 years of age all he has known is nightlife marketing and promotions. Mr. Miner joined the group for the Grand Opening of TAO Nightclub in 2005 when he was a promoter focusing heavily on the award winning local’s night Worship Thursdays. Mr. Miner is currently the Director of Promotions where he oversees TAO Nightclub, TAO Beach, LAVO Nightclub, Marquee Nightclub and Marquee Dayclub daily promotions teams and outside partners. Mr. Miner’s efforts are to ensure the ultimate VIP experience with TAO Group properties for millions of visitors each year. Prior to joining the group in 2005, Mr. Miner worked with numerous successful groups in throwing events and parties at numerous successful venues starting in 2004. 

Maria Miranda, Creative Director and Social Media Advocate, Miranda Creative Inc.
"Watching Maria Miranda on Facebook is like watching Roger Federer play tennis," according to one workshop attendee. Maria is a nationally recognized social media coach and thought leader, who has helped more than 150 businesses and non-profit organizations utilize Facebook as a smart marketing tool. Her goal is to empower business managers/owners to create their own winning social media strategy with ease and confidence.  Maria's popular Facebook 201 workshop has been specifically modified to meet the needs of show attendees and will includes tips on efficient page management, clever Facebook advertising, fan growth/development, customized tabs, third party applications, e-mail capture options and measuring efforts with Fan Insights and other ROI tools. Maria is Creative Director and Social Media Advocate for Miranda Creative, Inc., based in Connecticut.

Charlie Mormino, President, CPB Consulting and Charlie’s Professional Bartending, Inc.
Charlie Mormino is the President of CPB Consulting and Charlie’s Professional Bartending (www.charliebar.com) and a twenty-seven year veteran of the hospitality industry. His company has specialized in hospitality consulting and training to numerous Fortune 500 and independently owned operations throughout the United States. Charlie is both a past and present owner of several very successful restaurant, bar, and banquet operations in the Chicago area, and the former Food and Beverage Director of the Legendary Chicago Theatre. His bartending schools, online certification classes, community college courses, and mobile programs have trained over 12,000 hospitality professionals in all aspects of the food and beverage industry since 1994. He is a specialist in FOH and BOH operations, industry trends, mixology, promotions & marketing, concept & brand development, menu design, theft prevention, inventory controls, training program development, and effective management techniques & applications. Charlie is also a certified BASSET instructor trainer for the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.  His programs have been showcased by media outlets such as the (Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, Crain’s Chicago Business, WGN Television, The Daily Herald, The Northwest Herald, and the News Sun).  He currently sits on the Culinary and Hospitality Advisory Board at McHenry County College in Northern Illinois. 

Joel Morrow, CEO, Mobile Fusion
Joel Morrow is CEO of Mobile Fusion, a leading mobile marketing and social media agency.  Mobile Fusion helps clients such as Kellogg's, Bacardi and other brands increase sales & engage customers through mobile, social media and digital marketing.  He is a frequent industry speaker on mobile, social and digital marketing for the American Marketing Association (AMA), Direct Marketing Association (DMA), the National Retail Federation, the National Restaurant Association and other groups.  Previously, he was Director of Product Development, Digital Ventures at Western Union, where he developed and executed the company's mobile marketing strategy/roadmap and global mobile money transfer product.  Mr. Morrow earned his MBA from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Greg Newman, Co-Founder, Baja Sharkeez / Panama Joe’s / Sandbar / Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
Since 1993, Baja Sharkeez Restaurant Group has earned its reputation as one of the most successful group of restaurant and bar concepts in Southern California, let alone the United States, with locations in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Santa Barbara. Co-founded by Greg Newman and his father Ron (who also co-founded The Red Onion), Baja Sharkeez Group is an ongoing testament to the quintessential SoCal lifestyle: great food and drinks at an exceptional value in a laid back and festive atmosphere where customers can cheer on their favorite sports teams or sit mesmerized by surf videos playing on various screens. In the evening, the lights lower and the DJ music begins, turning Baja Sharkeez into the go-to spot for fun-seekers looking for a great night on the town.  As President, Greg, along with his father, has led the concept through a variety of conceptual incarnations, menu changes, and various other challenges that have helped Baja Sharkeez defy the typically much shorter life cycle of a restaurant concept that enjoys a robust bar business. In addition to Baja Sharkeez, Greg’s company also owns the Sandbar in Santa Barbara, Panama Joe’s in Long Beach and the now open and highly successful upscale Mexican concept, Palmilla Cocina y Tequila.  Baja Sharkeez Group has been honored by having three of their concepts in NCB’s “Top 100” for the last several years.

Ronn Nicolli, Director of Strategic Marketing, XS and Tryst Nightclubs
Ronn Nicolli is the director of strategic marketing for XS and Tryst Nightclubs, overseeing all advertising and media opportunities. In this leadership position, he manages the creative media department staff as well as several vendors for the company. Ronn’s advertising responsibilities require him to develop strategic placements for billboards, outdoor signage, taxi tops, magazines, online banners and more. He is the principal contact for Wynn branding and advertising departments, leading the push for both creative and messaging. He serves as the liaison between the designers, the resort and the nightlife executive team, ensuring all ideas are being executed and communicated properly. Extending into the artistic process, Ronn directs all photo shoots and video production. His vision and final approval touches each piece of collateral produced on behalf of the nightclubs. Since his involvement, the video content placed online has received more than 50,000 views in just the past three months. With social marketing a major focus of the nightlife industry and Wynn Resorts alike, Ronn had a major presence in introducing the platforms to the XS and Tryst staff. His role includes verifying that every employee has a presence on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace, and that content being pushed out is both up to date and on par with the overall strategies. As the primary contact for the public relations firm, Kirvin Doak Communications, Ronn handles approving press releases and media materials, as well as providing direction for tactical and targeted opportunities. His involvement in special events helps ensure that timing is properly executed and that all involved are pleased with the final outcome, including media and artists alike. In addition, Ronn has recently been tasked with pursuing and booking talent for XS and Tryst alongside Managing Partner Jesse Waits. He determines both marketable performers as well as press-worthy celebrities that fit with the Wynn brand. It is his responsibility to determine the value of these opportunities in order for the venues to remain relevant against competing nightclubs. His team also acts as the direct contact between management teams and Wynn legal department to finalize all pending contracts.

Gerry O’Brion, Founder, What Big Brands Know
Gerry O’Brion built his career growing big brands.  After earning his MBA at the University of Michigan Business School, he worked with Procter & Gamble, on brands such as Crisco, Tide, Mr. Clean, and Spic & Span.  Next, at Coors Brewing Company he managed the flagship Coors brand, and then Coors Light, a $2 billion brand.  He was then VP of Marketing for the Quiznos restaurant chain.  Gerry was most recently VP of Marketing for Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, a $1 billion brand.  Gerry is now a professional marketing speaker and author, translating the strategies used by big brands into techniques that can be used by any business.  Gerry is based in Denver, CO. Gerry has always been known for simplifying the complex.  As he worked with businesses over the years he noticed that many business owners and managers spend a majority of their time running their business, and very little time thinking and planning for success.  Gerry believes that businesses of any size can compete like the big guys, it just takes a little bit of knowledge and some purposeful effort to build your plan.  The strategies he teaches are all easy and available here for free, but they only work if you use them.

David Pennachetti, President, The Wine Guru Services, LLC.
David Pennachetti is the founder and president of Wine Guru Services LLC in Dallas, Texas. His company provides beverage consulting, drink mixology, skills training, menu design and seminars for the hospitality industry. David’s 29 years of restaurant industry experience include serving as beverage director for Maggiano’s Little Italy. He is a frequent contributor to beverage industry publications and a panel member at industry trade shows each year. He can be reached at david@wineguruservices.com.

David Scott Peters, Founder, TheRestaurantExpert.com
David Scott Peters is a restaurant expert, speaker and founder of TheRestaurantExpert.com. He specializes in teaching independent restaurant owners how to use systems for increased sales and increased profits. He is the nationally acclaimed restaurant coach whose unique “SMART Systems” approach to boosting profits has earned him the title of, “The man who can walk into any restaurant in America and find $10,000 in undiscovered cash before he hits the back door – Guaranteed!” Learn more tips, tricks and secrets at TheRestaurantExpert.com.

Phil Raimondo, Master Mixologist and Brand Educator, Beam Global Spirits & Wine
Philip Raimondo, National Accounts Manager/Master Mixologist, Beam Global Spirits & Wine. Philip has more than 20 years of experience in the beverage operations and hospitality industries and has assisted in opening over 150 locations.  Throughout his career, he has won several trade association awards, including Best Cocktail, Best Beverage Menu, Best Beverage Program and Best Signature Drink.  He has been featured on a number of local and national TV segments including, Americas Health Network, Fox Sunday, The Travel Channel, Fox Sports Network, WGN and Great Day Houston on KHOU not to mention his continued contribution to trade publications as a writer and consultant for beverage related articles.  Philip’s beverage philosophy is to always focus on fresh ingredients, “You can only make great drinks from great products”.  Philip believes that technique is paramount in creating luxurious cocktails.

Brandy Rand, Spirits Industry Veteran, Libations Writer and Consultant
Brandy Rand has over 10 years experience in the beverage alcohol industry in marketing and communications, having held a variety of roles at Allied Domecq, William Grant and Bacardi. She currently consults with a variety of clients on spirits innovation, cocktail trends, marketing strategy and event management. With a passion for libation education, food and travel, she writes for a variety of trade and consumer publications including Boston Common, Northshore Magazine, Boston Magazine, Beverage Media and Nightclub & Bar. She is also a spirits and cocktail commentator on a CBS radio affiliate in the Boston area, and has guest lectured on cocktail culture at Tufts University, her alma mater. www.brandyrand.com, twitter: @brandyrand

Steven H. Rosenfeld, Managing Partner, Haykins, Rosenfeld, Ritzert & Varriale, LLP
Steven Rosenfeld is the Managing Partner of the New York firm of Havkins Rosenfeld Ritzert & Varriale, LLP, which has offices in Manhattan, Long Island and Westchester County. Steve has provided counseling and representation to sports, recreation and entertainment entities, producers and promoters of live entertainment, venue owners and operators, recreation facilities and nightclubs for over twenty five years. He also works with his clients in the areas of risk management and loss prevention.  Steve provides advice and has lectured on issues arising from the insuring of entertainment and sporting events, nightclubs, recreation facilities, contingency risks and media risks. Steve provides counsel on and litigates matters arising from contingency insurance policies, including claims for performer non-appearance, promoter abandonment and event cancellation. He has significant experience in the entertainment and media liability and intellectual property arenas, and provides counseling to insurers issuing entertainment and media related errors and omissions policies on underwriting practices, which has included the drafting of applications and policies. Steve also has a wide range of experience in the areas of insurance coverage analysis and litigation, business litigation, environmental impairment and toxic torts, construction liability and professional liability. Steve received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University in 1978 and his Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law in 1981. He is admitted to practice in New York, and before the United States District Courts for the Southern, Eastern, Northern and Western Districts of New York.

Eric Rubin, Leading Tequila Educator and Co-Founder Tres Agaves Products
Eric Rubin is one of the country’s leading Tequila experts and restaurateurs.  He is the original founder of Tres Agaves Restaurants and the creator of the Tres Agaves Products' brand & concept. He developed and implemented what is considered by many to be the best staff Tequila training program in the industry. He has been Tres Agaves¹ media representative and PR director, leading hundreds of industry and consumer focused Tequila seminars, Margarita making classes, and counts over 120 distillery tours to his credit. Mr. Rubin has also handled high-profile public relations affairs for the consumer beverages company Odwalla.  In 2008 he founded SF Restaurant Softball Days, which has grown to include teams from 16 restaurants & bars.  He is a sports enthusiast who enjoys playing softball, racquetball and tennis.

Sam Sameni, Founder, Sameni Entertainment Group and Operating Partner, Wish Untralounge
As founder of the Sameni Entertainment Group (SEG), Sam Sameni serves at the operating partner for Brownstone Restaurant & Lounge in Fort Worth, Texas as well as Wish Ultralounge and Joyce Champagne Lounge & Nightclub both located in Dallas, Texas.  In addition, SEG provides hospitality/nightlife consulting, strategic planning and marketing.  Wish Ultralounge has been voted one of Top 100 nightclubs in America by the Nightclub & Bar Magazine for two consecutive years. In March of 2010, Sameni served as one of three panelists’ on the Top 100 panel discussing Secrets to Success at the Nightclub & Bar Convention in Las Vegas. Sameni has owned, operated and consulted on over 58 bars, restaurants and nightclubs since 1999. Sameni holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Southern Methodist University and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Gian Sapienza, Regional Manager, Golden Tavern Group
A graduate from the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles California and a twenty year veteran of the Las Vegas food and beverage industry, Gian Sapienza has held senior management positions in many strip properties as well as local outlets in Las Vegas.  Gian has dedicated himself to ensuring the new professionals entering the industry are learning the traditional and accepted practices of the trade.  Gian believes creating the total guest experience with an emphasis on defining the “mood” or “feel” of an outlet is the key to maintaining guest loyalty and building any business.  Gian has been a Regional Operations Manager for Golden Tavern Group in Las Vegas, NV since 2008.

Robin Schempp, President, Right Stuff Enterprises, Inc.
Robin has always had a proclivity for exploring and enjoying the many expressions of both the table and the bench.  She shares those discoveries as President and Principal of Right Stuff Enterprises which specializes in creative culinary concept, product, menu, and market development.  In its 18^th year, Right Stuff is recognized for generation of valuable and delicious food and beverage solutions reflecting modern flavors and ingredients for both food service and retail. In addition to serving Right Stuffs clients, Robin writes and speaks about food and beverage R&D for several publications and organizations on subjects from varietal honey in cocktails to the process of product and menu ideation.  She is former Vice Chair of Chefs Collaborative, President Emeritus of the Vermont Fresh Network both which strive to connect chefs with a more wholesome and sustainable food supply. Robin presently chairs the Slow Food Ark of Taste Committee and is active in several other culinary, beverage and sustainable agricultural organizations. An original member of the Research Chefs Association, Robin received that organization’s esteemed 2010 Presidents Award.  She multi- tasks at every opportunity by eating and drinking well.

T.J. Schier, President and Founder, Incentivize Solutions and p.o.d. Training
TJ Schier is the President and Founder of Incentivize Solutions, and p.o.d.Training. Prior to founding the company, he spent over 18 years at Chuck E Cheese’s Pizza, leaving as the VP of Field Support.  He has written 3 books and over 100 articles on guest service and motivating today’s generation and is a past contributing editor for QSR Magazine as well as a past president of the Council of Hotel & Restaurant Trainers (CHART). He is also a past long-time member of the NRA Ed Foundation HR Advisory Council and has developed operational training materials around drive-thru, guest service and carryout for Coca Cola, Kraft and Evian, as well as dozens of leading restaurant and hotel chains.  Recently he founded SMART Restaurant Group which operates 10 Which Wich Superior Sandwiches with a track record of high sales, employee retention and guest service scores. He utilizes cutting-edge hiring, guest survey and training methods in his company in his quest to build ‘SMART’ restaurants and prove out the theories he speaks about to his clients and their managers.

Barak Schurr, President and Founder, Wantickets.com
Barak Schurr is the Founder and CEO of Wantickets.com, the largest primary online ticketing agency for nightlife ticketing in North America.  As a veteran performer, composer, DJ, producer and sound engineer, Barak decided to capitalize on his extensive experience and develop a Los Angeles based website dedicated to promoting and selling tickets to the local club scene. Within a few years, Barak expanded his markets to include major accounts in New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Chicago, Montreal and Vancouver. His unprecedented success earned the attention of the entertainment industry and led to his position as President and Senior Partner within Track Entertainment, whose holdings include Clubplanet.com, Fearlessmusic.com, Cooljunkie.com, Nochelatina.com and Newyears.com.

Jon Schwalb, Director of VIP Services, TAO, TAO Beach, LAVO, Marquee and Marquee Dayclub

Charles Senkler, Space Planning and Concept Development, Activeplan
Charles Senkler has spent thirty years working in the National Food and Beverage Industry, as well as owning and operating a number of successful food and beverage facilities. Mr. Senkler has given highly attended seminars at major national hospitality conventions, and has been published numerous times in the leading national hospitality periodicals. He has worked as a consultant and designer for the largest and most successful hospitality corporations in the industry and is a respected member in good standing of many local and national hospitality associations.

Steven, Silverman, Managing Partner, Silverman, Thompson, Slutkin & White
Mr. Silverman is the managing partner of the firm with twenty years of litigation experience in federal and state courts throughout the region.  Mr. Silverman is recognized as one of the most able trial lawyers in Maryland, and has enjoyed an extraordinary record of success.  His principal areas of practice include all types of complex civil litigation and appeals, as well as high-profile criminal litigation. He has been recognized as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in Maryland for 6 consecutive years by the The American Association of Trial Lawyers and was named in December 2010 as one of the top 10 criminal defense attorneys in the Northeast. In November of 2011 he was named one of the top 100 lawyers in the Northeast United States. Since 1991, Mr. Silverman has represented thousands of criminal clients in courts throughout Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region.  He has not lost a jury trial in any criminal matter in over a decade.  Although he established himself as a criminal defense attorney early in his career, Mr. Silverman has also served as lead counsel in scores of complex civil jury trials in state and federal courts. His skills and success in the civil courtroom led to him being named a Maryland "Super Lawyer" for civil litigation since 2007. He is also National Coordinating Counsel for a national risk management group.

Robert Smith is an 18-year San Diego Police detective and a court expert on a variety of security topics. Smith’s company was the first training and consultation firm to focus on the security side of the hospitality industry, and he continues to be the industry’s leading lecturer in the area. Through seminars, writings and teachings, Smith’s company is setting new and improved standards for nightclub and bar security workers. These enhanced standards are making alcohol service safer and smarter for employees and patrons across the country.

David Sribnik, Senior Manager, Trends & Technology, MarkeTeam Inc.
As the senior manager of trends and technology for MarkeTeam Inc, an award-winning sales promotion agency serving the On & Off-Premise, Leisure and Food & Beverage industries, David Sribnik is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to emerging and leading edge marketing trends and technologies.  In addition to staying current, David focuses on creative ways to integrate "modern marketing" into client promotions to reach a broader and/or more targeted market, increase sales and cost savings, build branding, educate employees, improve efficiencies, and help differentiate clients in the eyes of their guests.  Believing that there is a delicate balance between learning and teaching, David often speaks at the conferences and seminars that he attends, as well as regularly contributes to the publications from which he gains insight. David has more than a decade of international high-technology marketing experience including positions in strategic planning, business analysis and forecasting, voice-of-customer/consumer insight, business growth and marketing strategy creation.  He holds an honors degree in high-technology marketing from Bentley College, and his experience spans multiple industries including telecommunications, defense, finance and hospitality.

Daniel Stedman, Owner, The L Magazine
Daniel is the owner of The L Magazine and Brooklyn Magazine, and represents the Alternative Weeklies Network, a network of over 200 weekly newspapers across the country. 

Joe Szvetitz, Managing Partner, Risk Management Services Loss Prevention LLC.
Over thirty three years of professional Loss Prevention Management experience, specializing in development and implementation of proven Asset Protection programs. Mr. Szvetitz has had a record of success whether working within a large public corporate environment or a small privately owned business. Cost containment and expense control without sacrificing operational effectiveness are true hallmarks of Mr. Szvetitz managerial style. Adaptability and quick evaluation with the ability to formulate solutions while working independently or leading a team of professionals are but a few of the successful attributes possessed by Mr. Szvetitz. Joe began his professional career as a police officer in 1974 after completing a tour with the United States Marine Corps, and attending college on the GI Bill. In 1976 Joe went to work in the private sector accepting a position in the loss prevention department with Bamberger's a division of RH Macy’s. Joe’s professional abilities expanded within the loss prevention department to include managing all undercover operations and internal security issues for the company. In 1979 Joe accepted a position with the loss prevention department of the Southland Corporation dba 7-Eleven food stores which would lead to a 22 year affiliation within the convenience store, QSR and retail industry. In 2001 Joseph John Szvetitz III and Associates was formed to provide professional loss prevention services to the private sector. In 2006 Risk Management Services Loss Prevention, LLC was formed where Mr. Szvetitz serves as managing partner. Mr. Szvetitz is a Marine Corps Vietnam era veteran and holds a degree in criminal justice. He is a 30 year member in good standing with the American Society of Industrial Security and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. In addition he holds Florida private investigator and agency license’s as well as a Florida security manager’s license. Mr. Szvetitz has been sought out as an expert witness in litigation dealing with premise liability issues. He has also authored numerous loss prevention and security related articles that appear in a variety of public and private publications.

Amy Van Hook, President, UrVenue.com
Amy is Co-Owner and Co-Founder of UrVenue as well as its president. UrVenue is a product that was first created and used at Drai’s Las Vegas 10 years ago and today it is the leader in Venue Management Systems for nightlife.  Amy was a member of the US National Gymnastics Team in high school, attended LSU on a gymnastic scholarship and majored in business and psychology and later attended UIC to continue her education.  She was a national fitness competitor on ESPN before she became involved in the nightlife, which she still remains today. She has spent 16 years in the nightlife and restaurant business in some capacity.  She had done nearly every job imaginable in the industry and owned her own online travel, nightlife and entertainment business from 2022 to 2009 before joining the UrVenue team full-time.  Amy is also a co-owner and founder of nightclubs.com which is a nightlife directory that is integrated with UrVenue and provides venues valuable marketing, advertising, lead generation and exposure for their brands.  Nightclubs.com has been part of Amy’s background for nearly 10 years and the brand adds valuable technology and services to nightlife venues worldwide.  Amy has run successful businesses for over a decade and maintains valuable strategic and client relations and has an in depth knowledge of the technology used to keep those businesses ahead of the competition.

Ross Vickers, Director, Music Video Technologies
Ross Vickers is a Director ( President ) of Music Video Technologies a music provider to the hospitality in New Zealand for over 18 years. In that time he has had extensive consulting roles and Directorships in the music service provider industry in both the USA and Australian markets. His business interests also included that of one of New Zealand’s biggest party bars Danger! Danger and he is a current shareholder in The Bluestone Room a famous gastro bar located in Auckland.

Tony Wheeler, Founder, Raising the Bar Consulting
Tony Wheeler the founder of Raising the Bar Consulting  has been in the hospitably industry for over 30 years  beginning in music and entertainment and in later years building and developing  Gastro Pubs and Party Bar venues in New Zealand both for himself and for clients. The designer and developer of the First Classic Pub Network venue in NZ, Jimmy Jacks Franchise owner and many other bars concepts and themes venues plus developments like Iconic Bar which was New Zealand largest party bar at 13.500 Square foot until the Christchurch earth quake. In recent years Tony has been consulting to the industry and has helped to develop a strong line of exceptional venues, in the last 5 years he has help many of his clients reach the top winning awards like Gastro bar of the year for the last two years in a row, tavern of the year and just recently a venue that has won most of the NZ awards since it has opened and is the present New Zealand 2011 Supreme venue of the year and staff training award winner. Tony specializes in Staff sales training and venue re-development he has saved many venues from certain foreclosure and some of his re-developments have experienced over 400% increases in food and beverage and two particular sites have gone on to go from key in the door closing to market leaders. Orange Door entertainment co foundered by Tony adds another fact to his knowledge. A specialist in music programming and development also an integral part his own developments and digital graphic advertising and promotions will give an edge to any venue box of tactics and money making ideas when even he speaks.

Hing Yip Yim, Director of Nightclub Operations, TAO, TAO Beach, LAVO, Marquee and Marquee Dayclub
With 25 years of experience, Hing Yip Yim is a veteran in the restaurant and nightclub industry.  Mr. Yim joined the Group in 2005 when he was named Director of Service/AGM.  Mr. Yim is currently Director of Nightclub Operations, where he oversees TAO Nightclub, TAO Beach, LAVO Nightclub, MARQUEE Nightclub and MARQUEE Dayclub, consisting of 5 General Managers and more than 1,500 line employees.  Mr. Yim’s behind-the-scenes efforts ensure a top level experience for the millions of guests who visit TG Las Vegas venues each year.  Prior to joining the Group, Mr. Yim played a significant role opening eight venues in Las Vegas starting 1999.