Bar & Restaurant Expo, formerly known as the Nightclub & Bar Show, returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center March 21-23. Now in its 36th year, it is the premier education, networking and buyer event for those in the hospitality industry. The event is presented by Questex, the parent company of Hotel Management.
The rebrand was announced last year as part of the ongoing efforts to support the vast food and restaurant segments of the industry within bars, hotels and nightlife establishments.
“The most exciting part about our rebranding into Bar & Restaurant Expo has been the support from the industry,” said Tim McLucas, VP of Questex’s 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.”
This year’s event will be even bigger and better than in the past.
“Our expansion has necessitated investing in education and sampling that addresses the newest opportunities for operators,” McLucas said. “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 midsized operators.” Bar & Restaurant Expo serves single-unit operators, national chains, major hospitality groups and hotels by delivering the most cutting-edge education and innovations that help move your business forward.
Learn about the latest trends and taste the newest products before anyone else. Troubleshoot your business challenges with panels of experts, learn about changing consumer behaviors and get a glimpse at the future of a drastically changed industry.
Here’s what to expect at Bar & Restaurant Expo 2022.
The Expo Hall
The Expo Hall is the heart of the three-day event. This is where connections are made and contracts are signed. The bustling floor has more than 400 suppliers offering the best in everything from spirits to bar supplies, apparel, foodservice equipment, furnishings, cannabis-infused products and more. Explore hundreds of tea products on the co-located World Tea Expo floor, right next door, to learn about this low-cost, high-yield ingredient.
Conference
The event’s world-class conference program returns, focusing on the skills industry professionals need 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.
NxT
The future of your business lies in what’s coming next, and you can find that in the NxT area (pronounced ‘next’). NxT showcases all the latest food and drink creations, trends and innovations in an 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, microdistiller Jackie Summers, Chef Brian Duffy and more.
The Restaurant Zone
The Restaurant Zone is a dedicated hub for food and foodservice-related education. Here’s where you can find the Food & Beverage Innovation Center, where Duffy and his team of celebrity chefs create an immersive culinary experience complete with live demonstrations, the latest restaurant equipment and creative recipes that you can use to invigorate your food offerings. VIP Pass attendees can reserve their space at The Bistro, a fully functioning 50-person restaurant located on the show floor, boasting the food, beverage, technology and front-of-house products operators need to know.
Sports Bar
Visit this experiential bar, helmed by Hashtag Mixology founder Chris Hopkins, to mingle with mixologists, suppliers and thought leaders over complimentary cocktails. Discover and sample the latest drink trends, including premium spirits, zero-proof cocktails, CBD infusions and more.
Industry Excellence Awards
After a two year-hiatus, the awards program returns with a new name and ethos: 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.
Platinum Parties
It wouldn’t be the Bar & Restaurant Expo without some nightlife, and this year its at three of the best venues in the city. More than 2,000 industry professionals will come together for the Welcome Kickoff Party at the Sahara Hotel. Afterward, come to XS Nightclub, named the best club in the country, for the event’s first VIP Platinum Party. On Tuesday night, the party continues at Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace. Spanning more than 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 with the music.