Tony Abou-Ganim, The Modern Mixologist
Tony Abou-Ganim, currently featured on Iron Chef America competition with Mario Batali, “Battle Mango”, grew up in the bar business, learning the craft from his cousin Helen David at the Brass Rail Bar in Port Huron, Michigan. Tony’s initial introduction to the business was steeped in the tradition of classic cocktails and professional barmanship, grooming him to become a leader in the beverage industry. As the National Ambassador of the US Bartenders Guild and Associate Member of the Museum of the American Cocktail, Tony currently operates his own beverage consulting form specializing in bar staff training, product education and cocktail development.
Super Session: Boosting Business with Better Bar Skills
Session: Fresh Ingredients: Making “Cents” of It
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Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler and Floor Reporter, Iron Chef America
Born and raised in Toronto, Kevin Brauch can be seen drinking and eating his way around the world as The Thirsty Traveler on Food Network—a role that gives him the opportunity to travel the globe exploring the seemingly endless range of drinking cultures and what each has to offer. From pubs in the UK to high-end nightclubs in Dubai, Kevin drinks in the diversity of these experiences and translates them through the show as well as the many events he hosts. Also currently playing the role of “floor reporter” on Iron Chef America, Kevin began working in television in 1994, in Canada. He was involved in five children’s television programs, varying his roles as host, actor, producer and writer. In addition, he worked as co-host of Life Network and HGTV’s Canadian Gardening Television. He was nominated for two Gemini Awards for those roles: one for Best Performance and another for Best Host.
Session: Kevin Brauch’s Killer Hits and Misses!
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Lew Bryson, Beer and Spirits Writer
Lew Bryson has been writing full-time about beer and spirits since 1996. He is the author of four regional brewery guidebooks, and writes frequently for a variety of trade and consumer publications. He also writes about beer, whiskey, and drinking at his blog, “Seen Through A Glass”. He was the winner of the 2008 Michael Jackson Beer Journalism Award (trade and specialty media). He lives in the northern suburbs of Philadelphia.
Session: Crafting a Standout Beer Program
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Cindy Busi, Worldwide Beverage Director, Hard Rock International
As Worldwide Beverage Director for Hard Rock International for seven years, Cindy Busi oversees worldwide drink development, beverage standards, inventory cost control systems, beverage sales, innovative drink promotions, menus, beverage marketing and beverage music initiatives for the global Hard Rock brand. Prior to joining Hard Rock, Cindy was the Beverage Manager for Smokey Bones BBQ for four years, which was part of the Darden Restaurant Group. During this time she was responsible for assisting with bar designs, developing a solid bar training program, beverage promotions, drink development, new restaurant openings and liquor compliance. Before engaging in restaurants Cindy was CEO for three years of two international tourists based companies who specialize in bars, water sports and diving in Mexico and the Caribbean. She is currently on the Nightclub & Bar Magazine Advisory Board.
Super Session: Training in 2010 & Beyond
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Michael Cann, CEO, TapDynamics
Mike is currently President and CEO of TapDynamics, a leading provider of beverage management, data analytic and market research solutions to the hospitality industry. As CEO, Mike heads the TapDynamics team with more than 15 years of strategic and financial advisory experience.
Prior to TapDynamics, Mike spent 14 years as an investment banker with KEMA Partners and Banc of America Securities where he maintained coverage responsibility for clients in the Financial, General Industrial and Technology sectors. Mike’s strategic advisory and capital raising experience includes over $17 billion in aggregate transaction value including public and private debt and equity financings, as well as mergers and acquisitions advisory assignments.
Session: Profit From Every Drop!
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Edgar Carlson, Co-Owner, Hospitality USA
Edgar’s interest in the hospitality industry began at an early age when he started busing tables at age 14. His fast track to success continued at age 16 as he was training to become a bartender at Trader Vic’s in the Shamrock Hilton in Houston, Texas. By 18, he was hired as an assistant beverage manager at the Westin Galleria in Houston which had nine outlets and a bar staff of 250 people. At 19, he went to work for a Houston nightclub company that operated and developed a large number of concepts that included Desperados, Diamond Back, In Cahoots, Yucatan Liquor Stand and the original Joe’s Crab Shack locations. During his 20 years of being a general manager, Edgar met his current business partner Larry Martin. In 1995, Larry and Edgar formed Hospitality USA Investment Group to design and operate multiple, full-service restaurants and pubs. Martin and Carlson have together built an operational organization and a culture of professionalism that has helped them successfully grow for the last 14 years.
Super Session: Effective Beverage Promotions & Marketing Strategies
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Robert Casillas, Founder and President, Monsoon Group of Las Vegas
Robert Casillas is founder and president of the Monsoon Group of Las Vegas established in 2005. Robert is a renown nightlife and hospitality industry expert, writer, educator, and professional speaker who lectures on topics such as VIP treatment/hospitality, nightclub, bar, and restaurant operations, marketing, promotions, development, plus many more subjects. Robert is a writer and expert educator for Nightclub & Bar Magazine, has been a presentation developer and expert speaker for Nightclub & Bar Magazine’s East Coast Convention and Tradeshow and the Las Vegas Nightclub & Bar Convention and Tradeshow since 2005. He is also an educator, contributing writer, and speaker for Exotic Dancer’s Club Bulletin Magazine. In July of 2009 Robert was the only US keynote speaker and educator at the Centros de Consumo Expo in Mexico City, Mexico.
Workshop: Building a Profitable Team
Session: What to Look for in a General Manager: Is Your GM “Doing ‘His’ Best” or THE Best?
Session: VIP Treatment = VIP Profits
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Emily Craver, Owner, Bar Stars LLC
Emily has fifteen years of experience in the Bar and Nightclub industry, as well as seven years as the owner and operator of Alaska’s only professional bartending academy. She is a TIPS and TAM Certified Instructor. Currently, Emily is the Service Manager at a new nightclub catering to Anchorage’s growing alternative community. In her capacity as Service Manager, Emily has increased sales by fostering a small community atmosphere through events like art shows, event after parties and customer appreciation days. Emily is also a PADI Certified Dive Master who leads guided dive trips and assists with diver training.
Session: Wild Nights in the Neighborhood: Growing Your Business with Powerful Local Marketing Programs
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Dr. Peter H. Cressy, President/CEO, Distilled Spirits Council
President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council since 1999, Dr. Peter Cressy is a distinguished educator and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral with an impressive history of leadership positions. He came to the Distilled Spirits Council following six years as Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Under his tenure, the University made a significant impact on the economic, educational and cultural resurgence of southeastern Massachusetts. Peter’s academic career also included two years as President of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. His 28-year naval career included key appointments at the State Department, House of Representatives and Pentagon, and several commanding positions. In addition to serving as President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, Peter serves as a member of the board of directors of the distilled spirits industry’s educational foundation, The Century Council.
Keynote: The Road Ahead: Legislative & Regulatory Challenges in 2010
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John DeCoster, CEO, Psychotropic Industries, Inc.
John DeCoster worked as a management consultant for more than 10 years for some of the worlds leading consulting firms. Working with clients from the UK to Australia, John specialized in delivering large complex projects on-time and under budget. With a solid understanding of business best practices in management, inventory control, operations, sales, marketing and promotions in large-scale corporations, he applied these very same principles when he left the corporate world and purchased his first bar in 2006. John now owns a successful sports bar in Lomita, California and a nightclub in Santa Monica.
Session: Applying Big Business Strategy to Your Small Business Operation
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Dale DeGroff, King Cocktail
Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff, aka King Cocktail, developed his talent tending bar at great establishments—most notably, New York’s Rainbow Room, where in the late ‘80s he pioneered a gourmet approach to recreating the great classic cocktails. A leading trainer and authority in the beverage world, Dale is a founding partner of Beverage Alcohol Resource (BAR), a partnership of six of the world’s leading spirits and cocktails authorities that provides innovative training programs and seminars. A four-time James Beard award nominee, Dale appears regularly in the media, writes a monthly column for Beverage Media, and has won industry awards including the 2009 Nightclub & Bar Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2008 TOTC Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2007 Cheers Beverage Industry Innovator of the Year. He authored “The Craft of The Cocktail”, winner of the IACP Julia Child Award, and “The Essential Cocktail” (Random House).
Super Session: Boosting Business with Better Bar Skills
Session: Fresh Ingredients: Making “Cents” of It
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Jason Doyle, CEO, Doyle Restaurant Group and The Wine Loft Wine Bar
Jason Doyle, the Doyle Restaurant Group’s Founder and CEO, began this company in 2002 with the mission for his brands to the market leaders by “Executing a successful, social experience in a unique venue.” This mission holds strong today as The Doyle Restaurant Group (DRG) continues its expansion across the country and world. The flagship offering from the DRG is the Wine Loft wine bar which opened in New Orleans in 2002, which now has 26 locations nationwide. The DRG is poised for major expansion with the inclusion to its portfolio of Hueys 24/7 Diner, Rasputin Vodka Bar and La’ Crepe Nanou.
Session: WINE 101: Increased Revenue for Your Establishment
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Jay Fletcher, Executive Director of Fine Wine and Master Sommelier of Southern Wine and Spirits of Colorado
Jay Fletcher is the Executive Director of Fine Wine and Master Sommelier for Southern Wine and Spirits of Colorado. He specializes in all aspects of the wine and restaurant industry, including fine wine sales, cellar appraisals, cellar management, educational lectures, restaurant staff training, specialty event planning and wine list construction. Jay is a Master Level Examiner as well as the Chairman of the Board for the Court of Master Sommeliers American Chapter. Mr. Fletcher is the French Wine Director and Bordeaux buyer for Southern Wine and Spirits in Colorado; he is an accredited Bordeaux Educator from the L’Ecole du Vin in Bordeaux, France as well as being a Commandeur d’Honneur from the Commanderie du Bontemps of the Medoc, Graves, Sauternes and Barsac. In the fall of 1996 Jay passed the prestigious Master Sommelier Exam in London, England, and became the 30th American to hold the title of Master Sommelier. Jay is the Cellar Master for the Guild of Sommeliers extensive wine collection and is in charge of selecting wines for charity dinners and educational functions as well as purchasing wines for the cellars long term integrity.
Session: Crafting a Money Making Wine Program
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Thomas Fox, Partner, CM Profit Group
Thomas Fox is Partner of CM Profit Group. Tom is a nationally recognized leader in Category Management and National Accounts within the beverage alcohol industry. He worked 18 years in the industry, starting out as a Sales Manager for a distributor, then in National Accounts in senior management and executive levels with both Miller Brewing Company and Strohs. Tom contributes regularly to many industry publications, plus has been selected as the Category Management presenter at every NBWA convention since 1999, and he’s presented at the Nightclub & Bar Show, the FMI Convention, the National Association of Convenience Stores Convention, Craft Brewers Conference, and the Brewers Association Conference.
Session: Squeezing Maximum Service & Productivity From Your Beverage Alcohol Suppliers
Off-Premise Session: What’s Hot and What’s Not in Beverage Alcohol Off-Premise Channels
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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.
Session: Online Marketing Strategies to Increase Guest Frequency and Sales
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Charlie Greener, CEO, Harborage International, Inc.
Charlie Greener has played a major role in revolutionizing the restaurant and nightclub industry. He has been a successful operator of food and beverage outlets for over 30 years generating over $40,000,000 in annual revenues and has managed staff of over 3,000 and 60 locations. He is a Charter Advisory Board Member of Nightclub and Bar Magazine and has conducted numerous seminars at previous Nightclub & Bar Shows.
Session: Turning Big Games Into Big Business: Making Sports Marketing Pay Off
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Jonas Halpren, Publisher, Drink of the Week
Jonas Halpren is Publisher of Drink of the Week, an online celebration of cocktail culture that has become a force, attracting more than 100,000 cocktail enthusiasts each month. In addition, Jonas is a veteran online media professional having spent the past decade in online marketing and publishing. He is currently the Director of Channel Strategy at Federated Media, a leading social media publisher representing more than 150 of the most respected social media properties on the Web. Jonas holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin.
Session: How to Leverage Social Networks, Blogs and Widgets for Your Business
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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.
Keynote: 2010 Nightclub & Bar Top 100 Panel: Who’s Succeeding and How
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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.
Super Session: Effective Beverage Promotions & Marketing Strategies
Session: Killer Beverage Program Essentials
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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). She has been featured by the Food Network ‘Unwrapped’ Series, interviewed on Public Radio, Sirius Radio ‘Lime Channel’, CNBC Squawk Box and numerous other mainstream media. She is a recognized beer judge in the BJCP program, an award winning homebrewer, and a student of the Cicerone Beer Program. Areas of focus include: resources and education on craft beer, general statistics on the craft beer industry, beer styles and the trends, beer and food pairing, and seasonal beers.
Session: How to Leverage Consumers Ever-Growing Interest in Beer
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Tim Johnson, President, Tim Johnson & Associates LLC
Tim Johnson began his hospitality career, 33 years ago, as a bartender at the Houlihan’s Old Place, in Denver, CO. In 1996 Tim Johnson & Associates was formed to provide operational, training, marketing, purchasing and sales expertise, to the hospitality and beverage industries.
In 2000, Tim shut down TJ&A to accept a position as Vice President of Purchasing and Beverage Operations with one of his client’s, Champps Entertainment, Inc., and moved back to his home state of Colorado. Tim left Champps in October 2008 to reopen Tim Johnson & Associates, LLC and continues to work with a variety of Hospitality companies. In addition to his Beverage Consulting, Tim is the Senior Director of Purchasing for SpenDifference, LLC: a strategic supply chain resource company that assists small to mid-size regional and national chains with their food and smallwares supply chain needs. He lives in Larkspur, CO with his wife Laura.
Session: Cutting Costs without Killing the Patient
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Will Knapp, Marketing and Promotions Director, Cabanas Beach Bar and Grill and Martini Beach
Will Knapp has worked just about every angle of the restaurant business, though most of his ideas come from the customer side. Will has spent the last three years as the Marketing Promotions Director for Cabanas Beach Bar and Grill and Martini Beach, both located in the seasonal resort town of Cape May, NJ. Both restaurants have seen profits rise to unprecedented levels as he has focused his efforts on developing customer loyalty and ROI based marketing strategies. Will spends his spare time with his wife and dogs, getting as much beach time as possible.
Session: Training Your Servers to Develop Repeat Business
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Jason Lee, President, Maelstrom Partners, LLC
Jason Lee is President of Maelstrom Partners, providing innovative solutions to a chaotic beverage alcohol industry. He is the director of the board of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association, the beverage retailer association of Massachusetts; Froghop, a mobile media technology company; and the Association of ex-Lotus Employees, and owner of a beverage alcohol retail store in Boston. With more than 15 years of experience working in the emerging technologies market, Jason has a proven track record formulating business and revenue strategies, forging strategic business partnerships, and leading and managing teams. He has completed complex IT engagements for more than 30 Fortune 500 clients. Prior to joining Maelstrom Partners, Jason held management positions at Lotus and IBM, and C-level positions at TheNewsMarket.com and Safetytips.com.
Off Premise Session: Maximize Today’s Technology for Your off-Premise Business
Off Premise Session: Risks and Rewards: Navigating Legislative Hurdles
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John Lingo, Owner, A New World Production
John Lingo’s distinguished career in the hospitality industry spans over 30 years beginning with Food & Beverage Sales Management at Walt Disney World Orlando Resort Division. After 10 years he started Tooters Promotions, a pioneer of creative drink ware for the beverage industry. With the addition of A New World Production, a company with their focus on overseas development and manufacturing they have become one of the nations leading promotional drink ware companies. As a result of vast experience, their client list reads like the who’s who of the food and beverage industry. He has since expanded his businesses to include distilling and bottling with the addition of Mango Bottling Inc. A distillery and bottling facility focusing on custom and contract bottling of distilled spirits. Mr. Lingo is a successful businessman and entrepreneur who has catered to the food and beverage industry throughout his career.
Super Session: Effective Beverage Promotions & Marketing Strategies
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Wyatt Magnum, President, CMS and Magnum Music Group
Wyatt Magnum, President of CMS and Magnum Music Group, is considered one of the world’s leading experts in recorded entertainment programming. Over the past 25 years, he has consulted with thousands of nightclubs, restaurants and hotel concepts throughout the world, providing customized music programs and DJ development.
Session: Building Your Business with a Tight Music Format
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John McDonnell, Chief Operating Officer, Patron Spirits International
John McDonnell was appointed to his current position at Patrón Spirits in January 2005 after several years overseeing international sales and marketing efforts at Seagram in various positions. As COO/EVP, McDonnell is responsible for management of day-to-day activities of the corporation; monitoring daily operations of the company and reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. Upon taking this role, McDonnell has helped the company grow from 340,000 cases when he started, to 1.7 million cases in 2008. He has also overseen international growth into more than 100 countries and islands worldwide, and recently helped close the company’s acquisition of Ultimat vodka.
Session: Stay Strong to Succeed
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Mary Melton, Beverage Director, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Inc.
As Director of Beverage for P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Mary Melton brings more than 25 years of industry experience to her role. She is responsible for the overall strategy of the beverage program across 200 restaurants and manages the creation of beverage menus, the wine program, drink innovation and development, wine and spirits education and bartender training. Prior to joining P.F. Chang’s in 2005, Mary worked with the Henry Wine Group as a fine wine specialist and gained experience in wine sales with the Regal Wine Company. Mary’s first foray into the industry included restaurant and nightclub management in San Diego.
Super Session: Training in 2010 & Beyond
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Jonathan Newman, Chairman & CEO, Newman Wine & Spirits
Jonathan Newman has been recognized as one of the top leaders in the wine industry during the past decade. In 2003, he was named Wine Enthusiast’s Man of the Year. In 2006, he was named Chairman-Elect of the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, which represents the 18 control states. He was the recipient of the Rotary Club’s Vocational Service Award in 2007 and was the keynote speaker at the Nightclub & Bar Convention in Atlantic City in 2008. Now at Newman Wine & Spirits, Jonathan is revolutionizing the wine-buying process with his unique business plan of opportunistic buys that provide great value to the consumer with superb profit-margin opportunities for the retailer and restaurateur. Jonathan is very active in his community. He is currently a Director of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation. Jonathan graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bowdoin College and received a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Off Premise Session: Driving Growth and Profitability: “The Wine Treasure Hunt”
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Robert Plotkin, Founder, BarMedia & BarMedia.com
Robert Plotkin is an expert in the field of mixology and beverage management. With more than 30 years of hands-on industry experience augmented by 20+ years as a consultant and writer, Plotkin understands the demands of the beverage industry. He has authored 16 books based on his proven policies, procedures and operational strategies for profit-generating beverage operations. His books are used in university classrooms and as in-house guides for on-premise operators. Plotkin also writes for trade magazines including Nightclub & Bar, Wine Enthusiast, Cheers, Beverage Dynamics, Sante and Restaurant Hospitality. He is a frequent lecturer at industry trade shows, where he speaks about cost control, beverage marketing and how to increase sales. His sense of humor is as well-known as his reputation for professionalism, which makes his speaking engagements as fun as they are informative.
Workshop: Successful Beverage Management: Proven Strategies for the On-Premise Operator
Session: 50 Moneymaking Ideas in 50 Minutes
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George F. Reisch, Brewmaster and Director of Brewmaster Outreach, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
George F. Reisch, a fifth generation brewmaster by trade, is a Brewmaster at Anheuser-Busch, Inc and is the Director of Brewmaster Outreach for Anheuser-Busch. With his family brewery, Reisch Brewing Co., of Springfield, Ill. in operation from 1849 to 1966, Reisch fell in love with the art and skill of brewing at an early age. Always an avid home brewer, Reisch attended the University of Wisconsin to gain his Bachelor of Science in Food Chemistry while working at Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co., as a brewery worker, and at Miller Brewing Co. as research assistant during the summer months. Reisch serves as President of the Master Brewers Association of the Americas (MBAA). He is a tasting judge at both the World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival. He also serves as a member of the Board of Advisors for the North American Brewers Association (NABA). Reisch was named “Large Company Brewmaster of the Year” at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. He and his wife Kathy have four grown children and reside in Wildwood, Missouri.
Session: Powerful Food and Beer Pairing Programs
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Sam Sameni, President, Sameni Entertainment Group (venues include: Wish Ultralounge (Top 100), Joyce Nightclub, Brownstone Restaurant & Lounge)
Sam Sameni started his career in the nightclub industry at the age of 19. Starting out as a bouncer at Dallas’ famed Area 51 Nightclub, he quickly climbed the ladder to Assistant Floor Manager in less than 6 months. As a manager, he increased Sales and Net Profit by 180% and 148%, respectively within his first year. Sam has owned, operated and consulted for over 58 bars and nightclubs since 1999. Upon graduating Summa Cum Laude from SMU in December of 2002 with a Bachelors in Finance, he held corporate positions with Washington Mutual’s Investor Reporting Dept, Pizza Hut’s Finance Dept and Gold’s Gym International’s Acquisition Dept. In March of 2008, he left the Corporate world to create Sameni Entertainment Group which provides Nightlife/Hospitality consulting, strategic planning and marketing. SEG currently has over 22 clients with combined sales of $56 Million Dollars in 2009.
SEG also currently owns Dallas’ Ultra Exclusive Wish Ultralounge (2009 Top 100), Joyce Champagne Lounge & Nightclub (Dallas, TX) and Brownstone Bistro & Lounge (Ft. Worth, TX).
Session: Celebrations: Dollars for Your Business
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T.J. Schier, President and Founder, Incentivize Solutions and p.o.d. Training
T.J. Schier provides keynote addresses, consulting and training materials on motivating and training today’s generation and enhancing guest service and sales. He works with many of today’s leading chains and has authored a variety of books and articles, developed server training kits and created the Bartender M.D. (Mobile Device), a training tool for servers and bartenders. Frequently featured or quoted in Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, Nation’s Restaurant News, Franchise Times, and other leading publications, Schier founded both Incentivize Solutions and p.o.d. Training, an innovative training approach focused on delivering training in handheld video devices. He is also a member of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s HR Advisory Council.
Session: Moving Employees from ‘Whatever’ to ‘Whatever it Takes’
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Scott Schmidt, Regional Director of Operations/Beverage Director, Mitchell’s Fish Market
Scott Schmidt is entering his 9th year with Mitchell’s Fish Market and his 25th year in the restaurant industry. Mitchell’s Fish Market is an award-winning, upscale casual fresh seafood restaurant and bar known for its high quality food, fresh beverages, contemporary dining atmosphere and excellent service. The concept was developed by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants in 1998 and acquired by Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in February 2008. Scott has worked on both the culinary and front of house side of restaurants. Scott began a consulting business in Columbus, Ohio working with independent bar operators to help develop beverage and operations programs. Scott was then hired by one of his clients to oversee the operations and franchise development of bar and nightclub concepts. After 5 years in the bar and nightclub industry, as an owner and operator, Scott sold his interests and decided to return to the full service segment and has remained there ever since.
Super Session: Training in 2010 & Beyond
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Andy Scoggins, Vice President of Culinary and Beverage, Ruby Tuesday, Inc.
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 2003 Andy moved back to Knoxville to work in the corporate office to be the Director of Training and Development. Not long after, Andy added the responsibility Director of Operations Human Resources to his list of accomplishments. 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-year old daughter, Kendall.
Super Session: Effective Beverage Promotions & Marketing Strategies
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Robert C. Smith, President & CEO, Nightclub Security Consultants Inc.
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.
Workshop: Minimizing Violence and Liabilities: Changing Standard Procedure
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Jonathan Spadafora, Founder, Kitchen Sink Entertainment
Through the course of his career, Jonathan Spadafora has held management positions in various F&B operations. Attending college at The University of Colorado, Jonathan had intentions of continuing his education in law school and one day practicing sports law. The plan took a new path while bar tending at a small Mexican restaurant. It was here that Jonathan jumped at a position as assistant manager. After college, love and marriage took Jonathan to Louisiana. It was here that he accepted a job at Delta Downs casino, first as a bartender and soon after as a manager in training. A year later the family packed up and moved to New Jersey as Jonathan accepted a position with The Borgata. His career moved quickly on the East Coast and 2 years after achieving the position of Director of Nightlife at the age of 26, Jonathan took a position as General Manager of LAX Nightclub. In April of 2009, Jonathan founded Kitchen Sink Entertainment. The consulting firm is built on his experience in nightlife marketing, operations and event planning as well as a passion for helping other businesses. He lives in Las Vegas with his wife Sandi and their three amazing children.
Session: Business Changing Nightclub Management Tactics
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Jon Taffer, Chairman, Taffer Dynamics, Inc.
A 28-year hospitality veteran, Jon Taffer is an internationally recognized & award-winning bar, nightclub & restaurant operator, owner and concept developer. His unique expertise spans the food and beverage, hotel and hospitality arenas, as his experience includes hands-on experience in the creation, development and management of full-service, limited-service, quick-serve and large theme restaurants, resort facilities, live entertainment venues, nightclubs, specialty concept clubs and other trendsetting food and beverage formats. Jon’s projects and Taffer Dynamics’ clients have included Ritz-Carlton Hotels, InterContinental Hotel Group, Marriott Hotels, Molson-Coors Canada, DB Brewery-New Zealand, Rainforest Café, The Hollywood Palace and many, many others worldwide. Jon is also a Founding Member of Nightclub & Bar Magazine’s Advisory Board.
Workshop: Jon Taffer’s Business Changing Dynamics: Increase Your Revenue by 18% – Guaranteed
Session: Champion’s Panel: Maximizing Beverage Sales
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Steve Ury, Manager, Psychotropic Industries, Inc.
With over 10 years of fine dining and bar management experience, Steve currently manages The Firehouse in Southern California and has successfully implemented strategies to drive sales growth and reduce shrinkage.
Session: Applying Big Business Strategy to Your Small Business Operation
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Alex Velez, Mixologist, Progressive Bar Las Vegas
Alex Velez is also known in the industry as “Mr. Mixx”. Originally from Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, I got my start in the industry at the tender age of 15. In 1993 I got my first job at the historic Amanda’s Cafe in Old San Juan designing my first drink menu. I worked in such venues as The Caribe Hilton – where I designed the first specialty drink menu for The Peacock Paradise Restaurant in 1995, Club Lazer in 1997, The Parrot Club and Dragonfly, both from 1998-2000, Tantra, which I helped open in 2000, and El Convento in 2002. Beginning at Bleu Bar and Tapas in 2004, I began working at various bars to assemble flair bartending teams, Mixology teams and specialty drink menus. Late in 2006, I moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. While working and attending classes at the UNLV as a Psychology major, I became more proficient in molecular mixology successfully creating spheres, foams, liquor dusts and using a variety of other strange and exciting molecular techniques teaching them in a series of seminars at UNLV.
Session: Competitive Mixology: Making Competitions Profitable
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Richard Verrecchia, Director of Beverage, OSI Restaurant Partners
Richard Verrecchia has been in the hospitality industry for more than 25 years. He began his management career 1988 working for Dalt’s American Grill (a sister concept to T.G.I.F.) in Marlton, N.J. Richard then went on to be a Regional Director of Operations for Ground Round restaurants and in 1997, he accepted a position with Houlihan’s Restaurants as the Corporate Beverage Director. In January 2001, Richard was named Beverage Director for Outback Steakhouse and in January 2006, he was promoted to Director of Beverage for OSI Restaurant Partners which includes Outback Steakhouse, Carrabbas Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Roy’s Restaurants and Blue Coral. He currently sits on the Nightclub & Bar Magazine Advisory Board and is a member of the Millennium Board.
Super Session: Training in 2010 & Beyond
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Mark Vidano, Vice President of Operations, MarkeTeam Inc.
Mark Vidano is Vice President of Operations for MarkeTeam Inc., an award-winning agency that works with clients like Hyatt hotels, Royal Caribbean cruise lines, O’Charley’s restaurants and Stations casino group to build profitable, sales-generating beverage programs. Vidano began his career in the hospitality industry in 1979, experiencing everything from washing dishes to providing tableside service in a five-star restaurant. During his career he has held field-manager and director-level marketing and operations positions with Dick Clark’s Bandstands, A&W Restaurants, Stuart Anderson’s and Kinko’s. He joined MarkeTeam in 1999 and enjoys sharing his real-world experience with clients, as well as through speaking engagements and articles in trade magazines.
Session: Finding Hidden Money in Your Food & Beverage Menus
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Jesse Waits, Partner, XS Nightclub, Tryst Nightclub, Drai’s After Hours (Las Vegas), Drai’s Hollywood (Los Angeles)
Jesse Waits has established himself as one of the most influential and powerful figures on the national nightlife scene in his distinguished role as managing partner for XS nightclub inside Encore Las Vegas, Tryst nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas and Drai’s After Hours inside Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall.
Waits is also a partner at Drai’s Hollywood – the highly anticipated new venue coming to the W Hotel in West Hollywood, Calif., in February – where he will further displays his unique style of professional savviness and impeccable managerial skills. He takes pride in ensuring everyone from a local nightclub visitor to an A-list celebrity has an incredible experience when they visit all three of his venues, as well as Botero restaurant inside Encore Las Vegas, where he is also a managing partner. Needless to say, Waits has played a crucial part in creating the massive popularity at all properties he’s involved with in Las Vegas.
The powerhouse team followed up Tryst with XS, which is arguably the most profitable and powerful nightclub in the world after an amazing first year on the nightlife scene. Combine all that with Drai’s After Hours’ unparalled success as the longest-running after hours venue in Las Vegas that will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in 2010 and the threesome’s latest venture – Drai’s Hollywood – and you have one of the world’s most dominant nightlife teams which Waits has had one of the biggest hands in developing into greatness.
Session: Behind the Scenes of Success
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Ted Wright, Managing Partner, Fizz
Ted Wright is Managing Partner at Fizz and has been at the nexus of beverage and word of mouth marketing since he helped Neal Stewart’s team bring back Pabst Blue Ribbon in 2001. Often quoted correctly in the press about marketing, Ted leads his team of word of mouth marketing professionals from their offices in Atlanta and Mumbai. With years of experience and clients throughout the hospitality, entertainment and beverage industries, Fizz has become a global leader in word of mouth marketing. Ted and his team at Fizz have been honored for their work with a variety of awards and the occasional bomb threat. They take none of it seriously. An alumni of Booz Allen & Hamilton, Ted also holds an MBA with honors from The University of Chicago, enjoys great bourbon and drives too fast.
Session: Building Your Bar/Brand Through Word-of-Mouth Marketing
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Scott Young, President & Founder, www.ExtremeBartending.com
Scott Young, President & Founder of www.ExtremeBartending.com is the world’s leading ambassador of the flair bar arts & creator of 25 instructional videos & DVDs, and has been featured in over 360 TV, magazine & newspaper interviews. His team has trained staff & performed at special events in 14 countries & 27 states. Working Flair Bartending & Customer Service Excellence 2-5 day seminars, speaking at trade shows & writing articles. Extremebartending.Com is the most complete bar site on the net: bar products, 17,000 drink recipes, jokes & bar bets. The Flair Bartenders Assoc. recognized Scott for having the Most Impact Internationally as a trainer.
Session: All Bartenders Are NOT Created Equal
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Boris Zhuravel, Director of Business Development, Modern Line Furniture
Boris Zhuravel is Director of Business Development for Modern Line Furniture. Boris has worked with Modern Line Furniture for more than 5 years focusing on developing and marketing modern furnishings for the nightclub and bar industry. He is an expert in the areas of marketing, business management and interior design.
Session: How to Utilize Furniture to Attract Patrons and Maximize Revenue
