In less than two weeks, VIBE Conference, the top education program for on-premise beverage executives and their supplier partners, returns to the beautiful Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California. We’re excited to bring industry leaders back together and help top beverage buyers and suppliers get back to business with our live, in person event taking place September 27-29.
Between our engaging conference program, interactive networking opportunities and trend reports, VIBE Conference allows you to conduct a year’s worth of business in just two days.
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And of course, there’s always time for a little celebration. Each year, VIBE Conference recognizes leaders in the industry for their outstanding contributions, growth and development. Our 2021 VIBE Awards will recognize the top-performing suppliers, innovators and legends that make this industry so spectacular.
Due to COVID-19-related shutdowns, the VIBE Vista Awards are postponed until next year’s show. We look forward to celebrating with the top performers in the beverage industry then.
Read on to find out more about these coveted awards, and keep an eye on our website, we’ll announce the winners here after the show!
Supplier Awards
Now in its 10th year, the VIBE Supplier Awards invites beverage operators to rate their respective supplier companies on key attributes, including business-building support as well as service and support performance through an online survey. To ensure efficient, fair and unbiased balloting and analysis, survey results are analyzed by food and beverage industry research and consulting firm CM Profit Group. Winners are identified in four categories including beer, wine, spirits and non-alcohol beverages, categorized by total annual case volume. 2020’s award-winners including Constellation Brands, The Boston Beer Company, E&J Gallo Winery, Jackson Family Wines, Beam Suntory, Sazerac, Red Bull North America, Monin and Q Mixers, amongst others.
On-Premise Industry Legend Award
The On-Premise Industry Legend Award recognizes outstanding leaders in the food and beverage world. Those who have spent a career in service of this industry, supporting it and pushing it forward. Last year, the award went to Joe Smith, Senior Vice President, Sales, MONIN Gourmet Flavorings. Smith, an industry veteran with over 40 years of experience, was recognized for his contributions to serving customers in new, cutting-edge ways.
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On-Premise Innovator of the Year Award
Where would we be without the vanguards, the rebels and the rule-breakers? It takes innovators to push an industry forward, and that’s why we celebrate them with our annual On-Premise Innovator of the Year Award. These awards recognize the creation, training, execution, management, and on-going positive results of an on-premise national chain company’s corporate beverage program. Last year, VIBE Conference recognized Bert “Tito” Beveridge, founder and master distiller of Tito’s Handmake Vodka, as a pioneer in the world of spirits. Without investors or training, Beveridge opened Texas’ first legal distillery, and grew it into one of the most popular brands in the country.
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VIBE Vista Award
VIBE Vista Awards recognize the top performers in the beverage industry through the creation, training, execution, management and on-going positive results of beverage programs. Each year, entries are reviewed by a panel of Johnson & Wales University beverage faculty, staff and alumni. They’re judged on positive beverage sales initiatives, efficient operational innovations and training and service programs producing high quality standards. Due to the unprecedented conditions of the last 18 months, the VIBE Vista Awards have been postponed until 2021. Last year’s winners included Taco Mac, for the Best Beer Program, Walt Disney World was recognized for the Best Spirits Program, Norwegian Cruise Line received Best Beverage Menu Revamp, and Holland America Line earned Best Wine Program.
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