What to Expect at Bar & Restaurant Expo 2022

The hospitality world, as we once knew it, has changed. So have we. Because just like operators, we know you have to adapt to survive. Join us at the Las Vegas Convention Center from March 21-23, 2022 as we embrace the new era of hospitality at the Bar & Restaurant Expo, formerly known as Nightclub & Bar Show.

"The most exciting part about our rebranding into Bar & Restaurant Expo has been the support from the industry," says Tim McLucas, Vice President of Bar & Restaurant Group. "We have had such overwhelming positivity for the new direction we are taking the event, which is critical. We continuously strive to offer an opportunity for learning and development that is accessible by all within the bar and restaurant industry." 

Whether you’re a single-unit operator, a national chain or a major hospitality group, there’s something for you at Bar & Restaurant Expo. Our show delivers the most cutting edge education and innovations that help move your business forward, no matter what comes your way.

Book your tickets to #BRE2022 Now!

Prepare yourself for the year ahead by learning about the latest trends and tasting the newest products before anyone else. Troubleshoot the challenges facing your business by speaking with the experts, and learn what the future of our drastically changed industry will look like.

"Our expansion in the food and restaurant categories has necessitated investing in education and sampling that addresses the newest opportunities that these segments present to operators," explains McLucas. "For example, we have built a 50 person restaurant to showcase the latest food, equipment and technology products in a real life setting, designed to deliver faster understanding of how these solutions can positively impact the operations or guest experience strategies of small and mid-sized operators."

Our 2022 show is bringing you revamped experiences, live demos, hands-on workshops, unmissable keynotes and so much more. This year, Bar & Restaurant Expo is co-located with World Tea Expo and your ticket gets you into both shows. We're also excited about the return of our two charity partners: CORE: Children of Restaurant Employees and Southern Smoke Hospitality.

And hey, if you bump into a celebrity or two – that’s always fun, too! Last year we had Jenny McCarthy, 50 Cent, E40, Sammy Hagar and Rick Springfield. This year, former NASCAR driver and co-founder of City Lights Shine, Brendan Gaughan, will be opening up the expo floor and cutting the ribbon on our red carpet.

Read on to find out what you can look forward to at #BRE2022.

The Expo Hall

A Truly represents prepares a drink at Bar & Restaurant Expo 2021

The Expo Hall floor is the heart of our three-day event. This is where innovation is born. This is where deals are made, contracts are signed, and partnerships are forged. Walk the bustling floor to find over 400 suppliers offering the best in everything from spirits, to bar supplies, low-ABV spirits to apparel, foodservice equipment, furnishings, cannabis-infused products and so much more. NxT, the Restaurant Zone and The Sports Bar are all located throughout the Expo Hall floor, so there’s always something new to see, taste and learn. In addition to discovering new bar and restaurant products on the expo hall floor, explore hundreds of innovative tea products on the co-located World Tea Expo floor, right next door. Tea is a low-cost, high yield ingredient that can easily boost your revenue.

Conference

A speaker presents at Bar & Restaurant Expo 2021

Our world-class conference program returns. This year, every educational session is specifically designed to meet the needs of bar and restaurant owners, operators and professionals looking to excel in a post COVID-19 world. Over the course of three days, you’ll meet with chefs, bartenders, consultants and leaders in the industry to learn how to thrive in the new normal. The conference program covers topics from menu design to efficient tech stacks, and everything in between. In response to labor shortages, this year’s program pays special attention to staffing challenges and solutions, addressing best practices for retaining your workforce. View our full 2022 schedule here. If you’re a VIP ticket holder, make sure to pre-register for your Monday workshop!

NxT

The entrance to the NxT area at BRE2021

Don’t waste time thinking about what the industry was before. The truth of the matter is, everything has changed. The future of your business lies in what’s coming next, and you can find that in our NxT area (pronounced ‘next’). NxT showcases all the latest food and drink creations, trends and innovations in a truly immersive environment. Stop by for wine tastings, competitions, interactive games, live music and power talks on the NxT Stage with industry pros that address real-world challenges, and actionable solutions. This year’s NxT Stage speakers include Death & Co.’s David Kaplan, Jackie Summers, Chef Brian Duffy and more. Stay tuned for the full schedule!

The Restaurant Zone

A chef puts the final touches on dishes at the FBIC

Whether you want to improve your existing food program, or start completely from scratch, The Restaurant Zone is where you need to be. The Restaurant Zone, designed by Specifi Global, is dedicated to all things food and food service-related. Here’s where you can find the Food & Beverage Innovation Center, where Brian Duffy and his team of celebrity chefs create an immersive culinary experience, complete with live demonstrations, cutting-edge restaurant equipment and creative recipes that you can use to boost revenue (even if you don’t have a full kitchen – looking at you bar owners!). We have an exciting new addition to The Restaurant Zone this year: The Bistro. The Bistro is a fully functioning 50pax restaurant located on the show floor. Designed to showcase the latest food, beverage, technology and FOH products in a real-life setting, VIP Pass attendees can pre-schedule their reservation, menu choices and beverage pairings.

Sports Bar

A woman displays her product at BRE2021 Sports Bar

Feeling parched? On a show floor with so many delicious offerings, we doubt it. But just in case, you can always stop by our Sports Bar, designed by Specifi Global. The experiential bar, helmed by Chris Hopkins, lets you mingle with mixologists, suppliers and thought leaders over delicious, complimentary cocktails. And the best part is, everyone is there to help you level up your own bar. Discover and sample the latest drink trends, including premium spirits, zero-proof cocktails, CBD-infusions, and more. Chris has already mapped out a few drinks you can find at the bar, including the non-alcoholic ‘Busy Bee’, made with tea and a Boiron blueberry puree, and the ‘Mango-ing Going Gone’, which features Oyo vodka, Boiron mango puree, a hint of citrus and refreshing soda water.

Industry Excellence Awards

After a two year-hiatus, our awards program returns with a new name and ethos. We're thrilled to introduce you to the Industry Excellence Awards, presented by Bar & Restaurant Expo. The Industry Excellence Awards recognize, celebrate, and support the people who make the independent bar and restaurant industry great. These awards honor leaders and teams for their talent, in addition to their integrity and commitment to equality, sustainability, community and culture across the industry. Learn more here.

Nightlife & Parties!

50 Cent enjoys bottle service at Omnia Nightclub

It wouldn’t be the Bar & Restaurant Expo without some amazing parties. Kickstart #BRE2022 at our Welcome Kickoff Party on March 21 at the SAHARA Hotel’s beautiful Azilo Pool. Everyone is welcome to join! Entrance is included in all registration passes so you can mingle with over 2,000 industry pros while enjoying complimentary beverages from our sponsors. After, make your way to XS Nightclub for our first VIP Platinum Party at the best club in the country. This multi-million venue has pyrotechnics, LEDs, lasers and the world’s top DJs. On Tuesday night, the party continues at OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace. Spanning over 75,000 square feet, it’s more than a club, it’s an experience. The 11-ton kinetic chandelier alone is worth a visit, it morphs and moves hypnotically with the music, creating one of the best displays in the world. 

Private Platinum Party hours are exclusive for Bar & Restaurant Expo attendees, and they run 9:00pm-11:00pm. Arrive early to avoid lines! Platinum Party tickets are included with VIP Pass, Expo + Party Pass. You can also purchase additional tickets while space lasts.

Read More About #BRE2022

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A First-Timer's Guide to Bar & Restaurant Expo

Meet the Bar & Restaurant Expo 2022 Chefs!

Bar & Restaurant Expo Announces SAHARA Las Vegas as Official Host Hotel

The Women That Make #BRE Great!

Industry Excellence Awards Finalists Announced!

The First #BRE2022 Speakers Announced

#BRE2022 Joins Las Vegas Food & Beverage Industry Week

Download the full event brochure here to access even more information about the show, and an exclusive promo code.

Bar & Restaurant Expo (formerly Nightclub & Bar Show) is a live, in-person event held March 21-23, 2022 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Early bird registration is open now. Click here get your tickets now!  

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Fadi Alsayegh at [email protected], Veronica Gonnello at [email protected] or Tim Schultz at [email protected].

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