Focused education across new conference tracks:

Food & Beverage: Renowned culinary experts will discuss the importance of creating proprietary menus that set owners apart from the competition without putting them behind on labor and food costs. Operators will continue to run with streamlined menus, fewer employees, higher costs, and demanding customers, staying lean and profitable without giving up creativity. Attendees will also learn about unique beverage trends including the rise of zero-proof cocktails, sustainability, and the latest in wine, tea, and RTD.

Guest Experience: While cleanliness remains important hospitality always comes first in driving customer satisfaction. But in an age of fewer employees and less-patient customers, how do enterprises ensure a great experience?  To help operators deliver value to their guests when dining out, each guest experience session will provide insight into the tactics that are driving new and repeat business alike.

Staff & People: Focusing on how bar and restaurant operators attract, train and retain all-star, diverse staff members, attendees will learn from industry experts as they discuss a variety of topics ranging from wellness and benefit offerings to how bar owners are leaning into higher wages but also creating a culture that makes work more than a paycheck.

Operations: While systems and profit and loss statements may not be the most glamorous discussion, nothing else sets operators up for continued profitability and expansion. A sharp eye on financials and cash flow is how many continue to survive during challenging times. Not only does it increase the odds of being successful in this tough business, but it also allows owners to get hours of their day back by running a business instead of the business running them. Attendees will learn from operators who have both earned millions in sales and raised seven-figures in funding.

Marketing & Promotions: Providing guests with a playbook of how to stand out among a sea of competitive messaging, each marketing and promotions session will break down a different element while addressing local search, online reputation, social media, advertising, public relations, loyalty programs, experiential and more.

Technology: Where do you even start with your tech stack? With so many providers, solutions, and competitors in the same space, smartly managing your spend on programs and partners is crucial. After all, you can’t live without it! Hear from some of the best-in-class companies and experts as they share ways to improve efficiencies and profitability.