The News
The 2026 Bar & Restaurant Expo, produced by Questex Hospitality Group, took place March 23–25 in Las Vegas. It attracted over 10,000 attendees and featured a theme of "Every Moment Counts," highlighting guest experience touchpoints. Keynote speakers included Mike Cessario, founder of Liquid Death, who shared insights on the industry's future.
Drawing more than 10,000 professionals from every state and over 25 countries, the Bar & Restaurant Expo’s 40th‑anniversary run in Las Vegas was less a celebration than a recalibration point for operators who have long taken the “guest experience” for granted. The expo highlighted the theme “Every Moment Counts,” positioning menu design, service cadence, social‑media engagement and real‑time data as the new drivers of footfall and profit.
Keynote speakers ranged from Liquid Death’s disruptive branding to chef‑entrepreneur Aisha Tyler. Their talks underscored that brands must weave multiple stories that resonate across digital touchpoints.
Rev Ciancio of Handcraft Burgers & Brew led a “Got Marketing Questions?” session, sharing field‑tested tactics for turning social followers into paying guests—a response that 68 % of consumers say online reviews significantly influence dining choices (Technomic).
Kenneth Knief’s financial masterclass reminded attendees that hidden profit killers still lurk in labor costs, which can consume 32–35 % of operating expenses for full‑service restaurants. The contrast is stark: digital platforms are propelling industry growth while many establishments remain trapped in legacy cost structures that erode margins.
More than 400 firms—from Diageo and Heineken to DoorDash and Uber Eats—underscored a shift toward integrated delivery ecosystems. Off‑premise dining now accounts for roughly 30 % of total restaurant revenue, up from about 20 % before the pandemic. The presence of these tech giants at the expo signals that any portfolio lacking robust digital ordering infrastructure is risking a sizable share of potential sales.
Craft spirits grew 8.2 % in volume in 2024, yet they remain a niche against the U.S. restaurant industry’s roughly $899 B in sales in 2023.
First, treat online reviews as a core component of your marketing mix—each positive review can be leveraged in promotions, social posts or loyalty programs to drive repeat business. Second, integrating delivery tech into your operational model is no longer optional; it’s essential for meeting consumer expectations when they choose where to dine.
Original Press Release
LAS VEGAS, NV — The 2026 Bar & Restaurant Expo, produced by Questex Hospitality Group, concluded a highly successful milestone event in Las Vegas March 23–25, bringing together over 10,000 people across the hospitality industry for three days of education, networking, and innovation as the Expo celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Centered around this year’s theme, “Every Moment Counts,” the Expo highlighted the power of intentionality across every touchpoint of the guest experience—from menu design and service to marketing and brand storytelling.
As the industry’s premier event for bar and restaurant professionals, this year’s Expo united influential voices shaping the future of food, beverage, and operations. Attendees gained actionable insights from leading operators, marketers, chefs, and business leaders, while discovering the latest products, technologies, and trends driving the industry forward.
“The energy and engagement we saw this year truly reflects the resilience and evolution of the hospitality industry,” said Brandy Rand, VP & Market Leader at Questex Hospitality Group. “From packed sessions to impactful keynote conversations, it’s clear that our core audience of independent owners and operators are looking for ideas they can implement right away to grow their businesses.”
Headline Keynotes Inspire and Challenge Operators
This year’s keynote lineup featured a dynamic mix of innovators and cultural leaders. Mike Cessario, founder of Liquid Death, shared insights on building a disruptive brand in a crowded marketplace, while chef Roy Choi and actor, producer, and entrepreneur Aisha Tyler delivered a compelling conversation on creativity and the evolving role of hospitality in modern life.
Education Focused on Real-World Impact
Across dozens of sessions, workshops, and masterclasses, attendees engaged with practical, results-driven content designed to address today’s most pressing challenges, reinforcing how every decision, big or small, contributes to the overall guest experience.
For example, the workshop “Got Marketing Questions? Get Real Answers from Restaurant Owners,” led by Rev Ciancio of Handcraft Burgers & Brew, provided field-tested strategies operators can immediately implement to turn followers into paying guests.
In a financial foundations masterclass led by Kenneth Knief, Managing Director of Hospitality Resource Group, attendees walked away with practical, real-world financial strategies, learning how to confidently read key financial statements, identify profit killers, and make data-driven decisions to improve their bottom line.
Data-driven insights also took center stage in “What Yelp Data Reveals About Today’s Diners,” where Cliff Cate, Vice President and General Manager of Restaurants at Yelp, explored how leading operators are turning guest feedback into a competitive advantage. The session highlighted the importance of actively monitoring reviews, identifying patterns, and responding consistently to foster stronger guest relationships and drive demand.
Marketing strategy remained a critical theme throughout the event. In “Marketing Essentials for Busy Operators,” Marlo Fogelman of Marlo Marketing reinforced the importance of consistency and long-term planning. “Marketing is a marathon, not a sprint,” she noted. “Before spending money on anything else, make sure the elements within your control are fully optimized and up to date.”
A Hub for Connection and Industry Advancement
Beyond the conference sessions, the Expo floor buzzed with activity as attendees connected with peers, discovered new products, and built partnerships that will shape the year ahead. Leading suppliers and partners including Allied Potato, Brunswick, Cozzini Bros, Constellation Brands, Diageo, DoorDash, Heineken, Hoshizaki, Kikkoman, Land O’Lakes, losophe, Middleby, SpotOn, Square, Stoller Imports, The J.M. Smucker Co., Tito’s, Uber Eats, Workwear Outfitters, and more showcased the breadth and innovation driving today’s hospitality industry, alongside a dynamic mix of emerging brands.
Looking Ahead
With another successful year in the books, the Bar & Restaurant Expo continues to serve as a vital platform for education, inspiration, and industry advancement. Plans are already underway for the 2027 event, taking place March 22–24 in Las Vegas, which promises to build on this year’s momentum and deliver even more value to the hospitality community.
Sources consulted (web research):
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- Roy Choi To Headline Anniversary Bar Restaurant Expo In Las Vegas
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- Annual Bar And Restaurant Expo In Las Vegas Featured 500 Plus Exhibits
Source: BevNET