Questex Media Group LLC announced today it has named Jon Taffer, a 26-year nightclub and restaurant operations veteran, the president of its Nightclub & Bar Media Group, which includes the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show, Nightclub & Bar magazine and related digital media products. 
Taffer has an impressive background in the restaurant, bar and nightclub industries, and most recently served as chairman of Taffer Dynamics where he acts as a consultant and development adviser to the restaurants, nightclubs and hotels around the world. His clients read as the who’s who of the hospitality industry. Taffer is one of only six inductees into the Nightclub Hall of Fame and holds such distinctions as “Pub Master” in the United Kingdom. In his earlier years, Taffer held such positions as general manager, regional director and vice president of large nightclubs and high volume restaurant operations.
“Jon is an internationally recognized, award-winning restaurant operator, owner, concept developer and respected industry voice whose experience spans the entire spectrum of the food and beverage, hotel and hospitality sectors,” adds Kerry Gumas, president and CEO of Questex Media. “He is a founding member of the Nightclub & Bar Advisory Board, and has been intimately involved with the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show and Nightclub & Bar magazine since its inception, and has been integral to its growth through the years. We are excited to have Jon lead the entire Nightclub & Bar Group and focus on new ways to drive growth and create more value for our customers.”
Taffer’s role is a new Questex position designed to further the synergies and natural connections between the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show and Nightclub & Bar Magazine. To further integrate the trade show and communication properties, Questex Media also announced three staff promotions.
Liza Wylie has been promoted to vice president, events for the Nightclub & Bar Media Group. She is a 20+ year trade show veteran who brings a wealth of experience to the group. She will be responsible for the management and growth of the events in the portfolio.
Donna Hood Crecca has been promoted to publisher of Nightclub & Bar. She also remains editorial director, a role she’s held since joining Questex in 2008. In addition, Donna will continue to play a significant role in developing the conference component of the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show.
Leo Squatrito has been promoted to vice president, sales for the entire Nightclub & Bar Media Group. He has 10 years of media sales and management experience of which nearly five years have been with Questex managing trade show sales and integrated media programs.
“Liza, Donna, Leo, and the rest of the team exhibit such energy and enthusiasm for the on-premise market and their unwavering commitment to the customer experience is evident,” says Taffer. “Together we are going to create new opportunities and programs and deliver winning strategies to on-premise nightclub and bar management professionals. It’s an exciting time to be in our business.”