Vibe Conference 2025: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

7:30am PST

Roundtable Breakfasts: Like Minded Buyer Best Practices

Tuesday March 4, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am PST

Kick off the morning with concurrent roundtable discussions over breakfast, where buyers from national chain restaurants, multi-concepts and regional chains, hotels, and cruise lines can gather to discuss their unique challenges and best practices. Each group will dive into the specific procurement and supplier relationship issues relevant to their sector, fostering open collaboration in an intimate setting.

Participate in category-specific discussions tailored to your buying challenges.
Exchange practical solutions and strategies with peers facing similar operational needs.
Build valuable connections with like-minded buyers over an informal breakfast setting.

Tuesday March 4, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am PST
TBA

Roundtables

Registration Pass All Passes

8:30am PST

Opening Remarks

Tuesday March 4, 2025 8:30am - 8:35am PST

TBA

Tuesday March 4, 2025 8:30am - 8:35am PST
TBA

Registration Pass All Passes

8:35am PST

Back by Popular Demand! Kim Lear to Keynote with “Generations 2.0: The Next Era”

Tuesday March 4, 2025 8:35am - 9:15am PST

TBA

After captivating last year’s audience with her insights into generational dynamics, Kim returns to dive deeper into how Generation Z is reshaping workplace culture and consumer behavior. Discover actionable strategies to engage this influential generation and stay ahead in the evolving hospitality industry.

The newest generation to enter the workplace and marketplace is Generation Z (born between 1996-2010-ish). Like every generation before, they are bringing with them a different set of priorities and new ways of working, connecting, dating, consuming, and even drinking. By seeing the world through the eyes of this new generation, leaders will be better prepared for the workforce and marketplace of tomorrow.

Speakers

Kim Lear

Founder, Content Director, Inlay Insights

Kim Lear is a writer, researcher, and the founder of Inlay Insights. She is known for skillfully weaving eye-opening statistics, insightful stories, and relevant case studies to make presentations come alive. Previously, Kim was the content director at BridgeWorks, a research firm... Read More →

Tuesday March 4, 2025 8:35am - 9:15am PST
TBA

Keynote

Registration Pass All Passes

9:15am PST

Think Global to Win Local

Tuesday March 4, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am PST

TBA

CGA by NIQ will take you on a journey through the latest and greatest drink and outlet trends across the globe, whilst always considering what it means for us in the USA. By combining sales, consumer, analytic and bartender trends, CGA can give the full view on where the channel is currently at and where it is heading. The presentation will include VIBE exclusive data which will be presented for the first time at the conference.

Speakers

Andrew Hummel

Director, CGA by NIQ

Andrew Hummel is Director for CGA by NIQ and is responsible for driving the success of US on-premise supplier, distributor, and operator partners within the channel.Andrew joined CGA by NIQ in 2021, bringing 10+ years of comprehensive BevAl three-tier system experience and valuable... Read More →

Matthew Crompton

VP Beverage Alcohol On Premise (Americas), NielsenIQ

WIth 15+ years of experience working with Beverage Alcohol clients, Matt is an expert in all things On Premise. He has managed and provided consultancy for some of the largest Beverage Alcohol manufacturers across Europe and the Americas, helping his clients to build On premise strategies... Read More →

Tuesday March 4, 2025 9:15am - 10:00am PST
TBA

General Session

Registration Pass All Passes

10:00am PST

Sip & Recharge

Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm PST

TBA

Sip, savor, and let the bright, uplifting atmosphere energize you for the day ahead! Sample cutting-edge No, Low, and Go creations from our Ruby Mix and Ruby Non-Alcohol sponsors. Take this time to refresh, recharge, and rediscover what’s next in beverages.

Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm PST
TBA

Networking

Registration Pass All Passes

10:30am PST

The Experience Economy!

Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST

TBA

Selling consumers on why you and your brand is even more important today than before. Join Colleen McClellan from Datassential to explore how operators and brands are creating personalized and engaging experiences to drive traffic and check averages. From global influence, AI, menuing, activations and more - this session will leave you ready to try something new.

Speakers

Colleen Mcclellan

Chief Customer Officer, Datassential

Colleen has over 20-years' experience in marketing, insights, and innovation for both retail and foodservice markets. Throughout her career, she has worked to translate trends and insights into profitable actions across all food and beverage categories. Currently, Colleen is Chief... Read More →

Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST
TBA

General Session

Registration Pass All Passes

11:15am PST

Navigating Today’s Challenges and Tomorrow’s Opportunities: A State of the Industry Panel for On-Premise Beverage Executives

Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

TBA

Join leading voices in a multi-stakeholder panel as they discuss the critical challenges reshaping the industry—from labor shortages and rising costs to shifting consumer demands. Panelists will explore fresh strategies for talent retention, supplier partnerships, and digital engagement, offering insights into adapting and thriving in today’s evolving landscape. Discover how to meet current challenges head-on while staying agile in a landscape where technology and trends are redefining the future of on-premise beverage.

Speakers

Indre Jasaityte

Director, Beverage, BJ's Restaurants

Indre has 18 years of restaurant and 9 years of beverage/alcohol industry experience, and currently holds the role of Beverage Director for BJ’s Restaurants. She oversees the beverage program for over 200+ restaurants in 30+ States. Indre leads the team on strategy, innovation... Read More →

Colleen McLeod Garner

Director of NASA- West, Casa Azul Spirits

Colleen is a futurist and innovator who drives change at the intersection of technology, industry, and hospitality. As the Director of NASA initiatives for Casa Azul Spirits, the #1 organic tequila, she combines strategic leadership with a passion for future-forward initiatives that... Read More →

Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
TBA

General Session

Registration Pass All Passes

12:00pm PST

Networking Lunch

Tuesday March 4, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm PST

TBA

Tuesday March 4, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm PST
TBA

Registration Pass All Passes

1:15pm PST

Advanced Strategies for Maximizing Beverage Sales ROI

Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST

TBA

Unlock advanced strategies to maximize beverage sales ROI across national chains, regional chains, hotels, casinos, and cruise lines. This session will provide a data-driven approach to optimizing beverage offerings, promotions, and pricing to boost profitability. Learn how to leverage market trends, streamline operations, and build supplier relationships that enhance beverage sales performance.

Moderators

Max Lowenbaum

SVP, Sales, Provi

Max Lowenbaum is a seasoned sales leader with a career spanning over 15 years, marked by a series of high-impact roles within industry-leading organizations. Max's impact extends to his role as Senior Vice President of Sales at Provi, where he has dedicated nearly four years to spearheading... Read More →

Speakers

Abe Ruiz

Senior Operating Partner, Ascend Hospitality Group

Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST
TBA

Workshop

Registration Pass All Passes

1:15pm PST

Beyond the Bottle: Creative Wine Sales and Promotions that Redefine On-Premise Success

Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST

TBA

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, wine programs need to be as dynamic as the guests they serve. From reshaping your wine list to experimenting with new varietals, successful on-premise wine sales require a blend of data-driven insights and creative execution. This session delves into how operators can test, rotate, and curate wine menus to maximize profitability and enhance guest experiences. We'll explore the latest trends in wine consumption, examine the impact of changing wine types and pricing strategies, and offer actionable tips on how to craft wine lists that stand out.

Moderators

Colleen Mcclellan

Chief Customer Officer, Datassential

Speakers

Amy Racine

Beverage Director and Partner, John Fraser Restaurants

Amy Racine is Beverage Director and Partner of JF Restaurants (JFR), Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser’s New York City-based, full-service hospitality group that operates creative F&B concepts across America. She is responsible for leading cocktail creation, curating unique wine... Read More →

Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST
TBA

Workshop

Registration Pass All Passes

1:15pm PST

Beyond the Buzz: No/Low Trends and Operator Strategies to Enhance Guest Experience and Drive Revenue

Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST

TBA

This session will explore how operators can successfully integrate low and no-alcohol options into their on-premise beverage programs, addressing shifting consumer preferences and the growing demand for mindful drinking. Learn how to craft a compelling low/no-alcohol menu, leverage supplier partnerships for innovation, and effectively market these options to maximize profitability.

Developing a diverse, creative low/no-alcohol menu that appeals to a broad customer base.
Utilizing supplier relationships to stay ahead of trends and introduce unique, market-leading products.
Implementing targeted marketing strategies to highlight low/no-alcohol offerings and drive guest engagement.

Moderators

Donna Hood Crecca

Principal, Technomic

Donna Hood Crecca is Principal at Technomic Inc., where she leads the firm’s Adult Beverage Practice, as well as its Convenience Store Practice and is founder ofits Cannabis Practice. As Principal, Donna develops research-based insights and recommendations for leading and emerging... Read More →

Speakers

Nathaniel Brethold

Vice President - Restaurant Bars and Events, CoralTree Hospitality

Nathaniel grew up working as a roadie for his father’s wedding band in St. Louis, which naturally involved seeing a slew of hotels and restaurants. This insider’s view lead him to his first real job within hospitality as the youngest employee at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, St. Louis... Read More →

Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST
TBA

Workshop

Registration Pass All Passes

1:15pm PST

RFPs in Regional, Multi concept & National Chains

Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST

TBA

This session will delve into the complexities of navigating Request for Proposal (RFP) processes across regional, multi-concept, and national chain restaurants. Attendees will gain insights into optimizing their approach to securing beverage program contracts while aligning with diverse business needs.

Crafting tailored proposals that resonate with different chain types and operational models.
Building strong supplier partnerships to enhance negotiation power and program success.
Streamlining the RFP process to improve efficiency and increase win rates across multiple concepts.

Speakers

Rachael Lowe

National Director of Beverage, Levy

Rachael Lowe has crafted wine programs at some of the most distinguished dining establishments throughout the United States. She holds an advanced Sommelier degree from the Court of Master Sommeliers, where she was rewarded the Rudd Scholarship for top scores on the Advanced Exam... Read More →

Daniel Grajewski

Sr. Director, Wine & Beverage, José Andrés Group

Daniel Grajewski brings over 20 years’ experience in the beverage industry to his role as the Sr. Director of Wine & Beverage at José Andrés Group, where he oversees the beverage programs for the group’s concepts in 9 different markets.Working to foreshadow trends before they... Read More →

Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST
TBA

Workshop

Registration Pass All Passes

1:30pm PST

Savor the Scene

Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm PST

TBA

Take a breather in a cozy, laid-back setting. Emerald and Sapphire beer and wine sponsors will delight you with unique pours and light pairings to fuel conversations and inspire connections.

Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm PST
TBA

Networking

Registration Pass All Passes

2:15pm PST

Advanced Leadership & Management Best Practices

Tuesday March 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST

TBA

This session will explore advanced leadership and management strategies designed to help beverage leaders succeed in both mid-size multi-concept and large-scale beverage programs. It will focus on communication techniques, fostering team collaboration, and leading multigenerational teams for sustained success.

Implementing communication techniques that resonate across diverse age groups.
Developing training programs tailored for multigenerational teams to improve cohesion and performance.
Enhancing leadership practices to drive efficiency and innovation within mid-size multi-concept and large-scale beverage programs.

Speakers

Jennifer Jackson

Enterprise Beverage Manager, Thompson Restaurants

Jen Jackson is an accomplished beverage manager with extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, specializing in bar management and restaurant creation. With over seven years in the wine industry and five years in the beer sector, Jen has developed a deep understanding... Read More →

Matt Poffel

Director of Beerology, SPB Hospitality

A hospitality industry veteran of over 30 years, Matt has been working in the casual dining segment for the last 24. Since 2019, he's been part of the beverage department at SPB Hospitality, part of a team of two overseeing beverage menu curation and ideation of concepts like Old... Read More →

Tuesday March 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST
TBA

Workshop

Registration Pass All Passes

2:15pm PST

Brews Clues: Crafting Smart Beer Strategies for On-Premise Success

Tuesday March 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST

TBA

Boost your on-premise beer sales by learning how to successfully list, promote, and sell beer in creative and profitable ways. This session offers actionable strategies for optimizing beer menus, running successful promotions, and testing different beer offerings for maximum impact.

Learn how best to craft beer menus in 2025 that increase sales and resonate with customers.
Explore creative and approaches to promoting beer and running successful on-premise campaigns.
Discover best practices for testing and rotating beer offerings to keep your menu fresh and boost profitability.

Speakers

Matt Stock

National Beverage Manager, FSC Franchise Co.

Matthew Stock brings over 20 years of bar and restaurant experience to his role as National Beverage Manager for FSC Franchise Co. Since joining the company in 2013, he has previously served as Training Manager and Beer Specialist, leveraging his extensive expertise to develop and... Read More →

Tuesday March 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST
TBA

Workshop

Registration Pass All Passes

2:15pm PST

Crafting the Beverage Blueprint: Building a Critical Path for Successful Concept Development

Tuesday March 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST

TBA

For executive beverage leaders across national chains, regional chains, hospitality groups, hotels, casinos, and cruise lines, developing a successful beverage concept requires a well-defined critical path. This session provides a step-by-step approach to building and executing beverage programs that are both innovative and aligned with guest expectations. Learn how to collaborate with suppliers and stakeholders, manage timelines, and implement strategies that drive guest engagement, brand differentiation, and revenue growth.

Speakers

Majdi Kayyali

Corporate Vice President of Food & Beverage, Gila River Resorts & Casino

Majdi Kayyali began his 15-year career in food & beverage in Charlotte, NC before moving to Phoenix, AZ in 2017. In the thriving foodie city, he assisted in managing F&B programs at the esteemed Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. He then transitioned to open Maple & Ash... Read More →

Alfio Celia

Vice President F&B, Crescent Hotels & Resorts

Alfio Celia is a visionary leader in the hospitality industry with over a decade of experience transforming guest experiences and redefining the art of food and beverage operations. As Vice President of Food & Beverage for Crescent Hotels & Resorts, Alfio has established himself as... Read More →

Tuesday March 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST
TBA

Workshop

Registration Pass All Passes

2:15pm PST

Spirited Success: Leveraging Trend-Driven Strategies to Elevate On-Premise Experiences and Boost Revenue

Tuesday March 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST

TBA

Stay ahead in the ever-evolving beverage landscape with strategies that capitalize on the latest consumer trends to drive revenue and enhance guest experiences. This session dives deep into trend-driven innovation, exploring how beverage executives and operators can identify and implement market-driven insights that resonate with their target audience.

Tuesday March 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST
TBA

Workshop

Registration Pass All Passes

3:15pm PST

Closing Panel: Creative Partnerships for Immersive Activations in On-Premise Beverage

Tuesday March 4, 2025 3:15pm - 3:55pm PST

TBA

Explore the power of creative partnerships in crafting immersive activations that resonate with today’s trend of experiential marketing across hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, and "eatertainment" venues. This session will delve into successful collaborations between hospitality operators and suppliers, showcasing innovative activations that enhance guest experiences and drive engagement. Attendees will learn how to leverage these partnerships to create unique, memorable events that not only elevate their brands but also align with evolving consumer expectations.

Discover best practices for forming successful partnerships that lead to impactful activations.
Learn how to design immersive experiences that engage guests and enhance brand loyalty.
Explore case studies of innovative collaborations that exemplify the power of experiential marketing in the hospitality industry.

Moderators

Simone Ventura

Customer Solutions Director On-Premise, Bacardi

Simone has been with Bacardi USA for 14 years, with the last 8 dedicated to the On-Premise. She currently leads the Customer Solutions function for the Total On-Premise Commercial Team. This includes all on-premise channels for both the National Account and Independent Divisions in... Read More →

Speakers

Todd Schuessler

Director, National & Regional On Premise Accounts, Campari America

Todd Schuessler began his career at an advertising agency in Atlanta, GA, where he managed the Remy Cointreau USA Account. After several years servicing this account, Remy Cointreau USA hired him from the agency to work in their corporate offices in New York City. Todd spent 15 years... Read More →

Lindsay Truesdell

Director, Partnership Marketing, Delaware North

Lindsay Truesdell serves as Director, Partnership Marketing at Delaware North, one of the world's largest privately held hospitality and entertainment companies. In this role, she works with the company’s vendor and supplier partners to create mutually beneficial marketing programs... Read More →

Nicole Haarklau

Corporate Director, Food and Beverage, Coury Hospitality

Nicole Haarklau is Corporate Director, Food & Beverage Operations for Coury Hospitality. Haarklau elevates the bar with her focus on front of the house operations and premium culinary and beverage programming for lifestyle hotels and restaurants across Coury’s portfolio. Working... Read More →

Tuesday March 4, 2025 3:15pm - 3:55pm PST
TBA

General Session

Registration Pass All Passes

3:55pm PST

Vista Operator Awards

Tuesday March 4, 2025 3:55pm - 4:30pm PST

TBA

Tuesday March 4, 2025 3:55pm - 4:30pm PST
TBA

Awards

Registration Pass All Passes

4:30pm PST

The Vibe Odyssey

Tuesday March 4, 2025 4:30pm - 6:30pm PST

TBA

Step into a time-traveling adventure that blends the past, present, and future of the beverage industry. Explore themed stations hosted by Pinnacle and Cameo sponsors, paired with unique offerings from our Emerald and Sapphire beer and wine partners. It’s a sensory extravaganza that redefines what it means to vibe at Vibe!

Tuesday March 4, 2025 4:30pm - 6:30pm PST
TBA

Networking

Registration Pass All Passes