After a tumultuous year, the annual VIBE Conference is needed now more than ever, as the beverage industry adjusts to a post-COVID market. Consumer trends have evolved, and the industry landscape has shifted. But VIBE Conference has the information you need to navigate these unprecedented changes with ease, and even excitement.
VIBE Conference is a live, in-person event happening September 27 – 29 at the beautiful Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California. Registration is open now, reserve your space here and join us for three days of impactful conference sessions and exceptional networking opportunities.
Read on to get a glimpse at five of our exclusive educational sessions.
Legal Issues in the Post-Covid World
As we emerge from COVID, our businesses look a little different and their needs have changed. How do the esoteric laws of the alcohol beverage industry apply in the new environment? Elizabeth DeConti, Shareholder at GrayRobinson, a full-service law firm and lobbying firm, will review the legalities of supplier support as applied to new concepts such as digital menus and other tools which seem here to stay post-pandemic. She will also discuss retailer-focused issues, such as the legalities surrounding how to change the footprint of your premises in the “new normal”.
Register for VIBE Conference 2021 Now
Doing More with Less in the “New Now”
As on-premises operate in a post-pandemic world, they’re facing a host of new challenges. This panel, moderated by Ken Ruff, VP National Accounts, On-Premise for Beam Suntory, will explore the ways in which operators are managing with less. And that means less of everything: corporate resources, front-line team members, guests, SKUS, promotional opportunities and distribution support. Our panel of savvy operators will provide us with key insights as to how they are managing these problems, and how supplier partners can help. Panelists include Elisa Cordova from P.F. Chang’s, Nate Grover, Director of Bar & Beverage at Applebee’s, Stephen Harrington, Chief Procurement Officer and SVP of Design & Construction, Culinary, Retail and Sustainability at Delaware North, Jessamine McLellan, Academy Lead at Campari America and Bruce Skala, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Hooter’s of America.
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Do We Really Need Technology in Beverage? Only if it is S.M.A.R.T.: Simple – Manageable- Actionable – Revolutionary Technology
Join this All-Star panel to hear case studies and testimonials about how technology is currently being used to benefit customers, operators, suppliers and the beverage industry at large. Our panelists, lead by moderator Patrick McGinn, Director of Account Management at IMI Agency, will identify new safety expectations for guests, responsible service initiatives for operators driving upsells and continued premiumization, and expanded points of distribution supporting our front-line associates – CORE. Panelists include Adam Billings, Founder PayBev, and Rachel Morgan, Director, Technology + Innovation at IMI Agency.
RELATED: The VIBE Conference 2021 Conference Sessions You Can’t Miss: Part I
The Style Trends That Will Drive the Future of Hospitality
“Design” impacts virtually everything in both our personal lives and business environment. During this panel conversation, learn from experts in areas of industry-related design including: Drinks, Promotions, Concept Development, Menu &Marketing Materials, Operations and Training. Led by Ken Taylor, VP of Strategic Development, MarkeTeam Inc., this diverse and distinguished panel will provide cutting edge examples of how forward-thinking designs in a variety of disciplines have positively impacted their companies, and can do the same for yours! Panelists include Molly Brandt, Innovation Chef, North America at Gate Group, Devin Burns, VP, Rooms and F&B at Omni Hotels & Resorts, Robbi Jo Oliver, Sr. Director of Wine & Spirits / Training at Mastro’s Restaurants, and Chad LaSota, Director of Creative Services, MarkeTeam Inc.
RELATED: The VIBE Conference 2021 Conference Sessions You Can’t Miss: Part II
Return to Experience
Before the pandemic, one of the biggest industry trends was the rise on experiential spending. It spanned travel, restaurants, live events and beyond. Experiential spending was generating $445 billion in annual consumer spending, but ground to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as the industry looks towards a post-pandemic future, will consumers once again seek out experiences, and can beverage marketers capitalize on a return to the experiential beverage occasion? Join David Portalatin, Vice President, Food Industry Advisor at The NPD Group as he examines the latest data on consumer spending, attitudes, and movement patterns to help business leaders anticipate the right moves to once again engage consumers.
Keep checking barandrestaurant.com and vibeconference.com for show updates and all the latest news. Don't miss a moment of VIBE Conference, sign up for the exclusive newsletter today. We look forward to welcoming you to VIBE Conference 2021 this September 27 – 29th at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California. Operators can register now through September 6, 2021 and save $200.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Donna Bruns at [email protected], Charlie Forman at [email protected]
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