Oh, what a year and a half it’s been. But despite the unprecedented challenges, shutdowns, government mandates and uncertainty, the people of the hospitality pushed on.
It was an honor to welcome the industry back together, in person, for the 2021 VIBE Conference, held at the beautiful Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California. After the unrelating challenges of the last 18 months, VIBE Conference was honored to recognize leaders in the industry for their outstanding contributions, innovations and development.
Read on to find out more about the winners of this year’s VIBE Industry Award Winners. You can find more information about the VIBE Supplier Awards here. Cheers to all of our award winners, we look forward to toasting to you again in 2022!
On-Premise Industry Legend Award
The On-Premise Industry Legend Award was officially renamed the Jim Flaherty Award, in honor of James “Jim” Flaherty, SVP Corporate National Accounts, Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine, who passed away in January. This award has always recognized outstanding leaders in the food and beverage world. Now, with its new name, it also recognizes those who live by Flaherty’s motto: “relationships first, business will follow.” Scott Hempstead, Sr. Director – Divisional, Trade and Experiential Marketing at The Boston Beer Company, was the first recipient. Though he never had the opportunity to meet Flaherty, Hempstead says he’s honored to continue his legacy.
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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. This year, Bruce Skala, Senior Vice President of Marketing, HOA Brands, was recognized for his storytelling through social media and QR codes. As he took the stage, he told the audience, “2021 was all about being nimble. It taught us that failure is okay. COVID-19 gave us the license to take risks.”
Lifetime Achievement Award
This year's VIBE Awards included a special award for our very own Lawrence "Laddie" Weiss. Weiss, the VIBE Conference Event Director, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award and touching video tribute from his colleagues throughout the years. Weiss was instrumental in developing National On-Premise Accounts, and the driving force behind Questex's VIBE Conference. On behalf of the VIBE Conference team, thank you again, Laddie, for your years of service, your vision and your mentorship!
READ MORE: Congratulations to the Winners of VIBE Supplier Awards 2021
VIBE Vista Awards
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 2022. 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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