The annual VIBE Conference returns to the lush Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, CA this September 27 - 29, 2021. This exclusive event is the top educational program for on-premise beverage executives and suppliers, and for good reason. We bring a world-class line up of speakers, information and networking opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else.
This year’s show program is immense. Between the 12 conference sessions, discussions from the top industry agencies and talks by the biggest names in the business, like Buffalo Wild Wings, Dave & Buster’s, Marriott International and more – it’s almost overwhelming trying to plan your visit.
That’s why we’ve rounded up four events you need to check out at this year’s VIBE Conference. Register now to take advantage of Early Bird pricing, available through August 2, 2021.
Annual Consumer Trend Survey
Matthew Crompton - Client Solutions Director, Americas - and Alexandra Martin - Operator & Analytics Director, Americas - for Nielsen IQ will be presenting this year’s annual consumer trend survey. “Understanding exactly what consumers want from their on-premise visits is vital in helping suppliers and operators plan for the months ahead,” explains Crompton. After 15 months of gathering data, Martin promises, “a discussion packed with the most up to date & actionable beer, wine and spirit/cocktail trends, providing vital insights into consumer behaviors and needs.” Both Crompton and Martin are looking forward to the event. “It feels like we have gone full circle with VIBE, as the last major conference before COVID-19 hit, and now the first one back after it… Everyone should be raring to go, and it feels to me like fresh and relevant thought leadership, and the chance to network, have never been more needed.”
RELATED: Early Bird Registration for VIBE Conference Opens!
CORE Silent Auction
This is the eighth consecutive year that VIBE Conference is partnering with CORE, Children of Restaurant Employees. Throughout that years, we’ve raised over $350,000 to bring financial relief to food and beverage service employees with children facing crisis together, and we’re honored to continue supporting their work now, when it’s needed more than ever. “The demand for CORE increased in 2020 dramatically,” says Sheila Bennett, Executive Director. “Prior to COVID-19, if CORE received five applications a week, that was a big week. At the height of COVID-19, we received up to 43 applications a day.” The items for the silent auction haven’t been released yet, but we know there will be at least one autographed item from Tiger Woods, and special large-format bottles of wine (perfect for the VIBE audience!). “VIBE attendees are a special group, they have heart and truly care about others,” says Bennett. “The CORE team is eternally grateful for everyone at VIBE who has supported our work…take pride in knowing that you helped to create CORE, and together we have helped more than 1,200 families in 50 states.”
The Road to Recovery: 5 Factors for Future Growth in Beverage Alcohol
In this industry, it’s not enough to know what’s hot now. You need to know what’s going to be hot next week, next month, next year. That’s why Brandy Rand, Chief Operating Officer, Americas for IWSR is presenting a talk on future growth factors for the industry. “Our industry has faced a great deal of challenges over the past year, but from this has arisen opportunity. Never has there been a more dynamic time to adapt and innovate. From the rise in alcohol e-commerce to explosive growth of RTDs (hard seltzers and canned cocktails), consumers have changed how they buy and experience alcohol. We have to pay attention to this and meet the consumer where they are now,” says Rand. “Volumetrically, 2020 growth was the highest in 30 years for total beverage alcohol. A lot of this had to do with a concentration in retail sales and at-home consumption. People also changed how they shopped (more online, fewer trips, larger packages) and socialization was virtual or outdoors. Key categories like RTDs, tequila, Cognac all accelerated growth.” This talk will offer a concise view on the key factors that will help you adapt your business for the future.
RELATED: Q&A with Charlotte Voisey, VIBE Conference Emcee
Masks On or Masks Off? Panel
David Commer, President of Commer Beverage Consulting, is moderating a panel on the impact of COVID-19 on beverage operations. Panelists include, Dana Pellicano of Marriott Hotels, Cami Lehman of Brinker International, Jamie Carawan of Buffalo Wild Wings and Art Carl of Dave & Busters. “This panel consists of multi-unit operators who will share their insights and experiences on the impact of COVID-19 on their beverage operations,” explains Commer. “I hope that operators can take away a few nuggets that will help them think more creatively about their business, and I hope that supplier partners think about better ways to support their operator partners.” Come listen to the experts talk about what worked, what didn’t and what trends are here to stay.
Keep checking barandrestaurant.com and vibeconference.com for show updates and all the latest news. We’re looking forward to seeing you in California this September 27 - 29. Early Bird Registration is open now through August 2, 2021, register here.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Donna Bruns at [email protected], Charlie Forman at [email protected].
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