Trade show wrapup:

Nightclub & Bar Convention draws 28,000 industry participants

Las Vegas show full of energy, deal making

CLEVELAND—(APRIL 7, 2009)— Tens of thousands flocked to the second annual International Hospitality Week (IHW) trade show, held March 1-4, in Las Vegas. The hospitality industry came together to exchange ideas, products and services, and take advantage of educational conference sessions that were geared toward surviving and succeeding in this challenging market.

“I believe that the packed aisles and happy exhibitors we saw at this year’s International Hospitality Week clearly demonstrate the importance of these shows to  he hospitality industry,” said Kerry C. Gumas, President and CEO of Questex Media. “Although we often judge success by our attendance and exhibitor numbers, we also just look at relevance to driving business, and in this challenging year for so many, our numbers showed that we are not only relevant but in many respects an oasis.”

With 866 companies exhibiting and more than 229,000 square feet of exhibition space, it took awhile to get around the show floor. From crowd-pleasers such as the Shake it Up events, a glitzy red carpet of industry celebrities and book signings on the Nightclub & Bar Show floor, to culinary challenges, food demonstrations and new product tastings on the International Restaurant Show aisles, to unique networking opportunities happening at HotelWorld, there was something for everyone in the hospitality industry.

Exhibitors received a great reception from the more than 28,000 attendees, according to show officials. “Our participation in the Nightclub & Bar show was very successful. The show coincided with our launch week in Las Vegas and was a great place to position our brand with key business associates, buyers, potential buyers and friends. We will definitely be back next year,” said Madeline Vinski, CEO of IS Vodka.

“The Las Vegas Nightclub & Bar Show is more than just a fun time – lots of great vendors, products and networking opportunities are here, as well as some pretty fantastic events. From the Shake it Up mixologist competition to excellent seminars, they’ve got it covered here,” said Kathy Casey, president of Kathy Casey Food Studios & Liquid Kitchen.

Conference sessions such as Protecting Ourselves from the Perfect Storm, moderated by Dr. Peter H. Cressy, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, U.S., explored the implications of this perfect economic storm and provided strategies on how the industry can protect itself and its customers by standing together. “One of the reasons our numbers were consistent with years past is that people look to this show as a place to stay relevant as well as an industry educational center to learn new strategies to move their business’ forward,” added Gumas.

Returning exhibitors were enthusiastic about the turn-out of attendees to the show.

“It’s been a great show. Busy for us and wonderful for our new products like Red Stag and Maker’s Mark Mint Julep (Pre-made). The reception to the new products has been very positive,” said Ken Ruff, Vice President Customer Management: On Premise for Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.

From Super Sessions on Managing Costs through Difficult Times to Award Winning Beverage Programs to Increase Sales to Beverage Trends: The Future of the Cocktail, attendees had access to critical information to help them navigate successfully into the future with a competitive edge.

“This was the first time I attended HotelWorld and I truly believe that the content and agenda were well thought out, the speakers were excellent and the networking was superb,” said Mark Birtha, VP Development Las Vegas, Project Manager, Marriott International Lodging Development.

But there was also plenty of time for social networking and re-connecting with colleagues and customers. Starting with an evening at Pearl, located at The Palms and featuring the talented Sugar Ray; to a celebration of the Top 100 Nightclubs & Bars at held at XS nightclub at the Wynn to a stellar finale featuring a DJ Spin-off at Club 54 at the MGM Grand. “We want people to remember they also had fun here, and I think we have again accomplished that,” added Gumas.

“The Nightclub & Bar Show, always a great party and a terrific networking opportunity for all of us in the hospitality industry. The whole tone of the show floor was different and even in this difficult market, business was being done at a surprisingly brisk pace. This new imperative will make the Nightclub & Bar Show the must attend sales opportunity of the year,” said Dale DeGroff, King Cocktail.

International Hospitality Week returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center March 7-10, 2010.
For information on 2010 registration packages and pricing, visit
www.ncbshow.com, www.hotelworldexpo.com or www.nightclub.com.

Produced by Questex Media, International Hospitality Week was created in early 2007 and encompasses three specialized events: Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show; International Restaurant Show, Las Vegas and HotelWorld Expo and Conference, which all stage under one roof. This mega hospitality event provides a platform for buyers and sellers to meet, connect and discover new business as it relates to all aspects of the vibrant hospitality industry – food, beverage and lodging.

Questex Media Group, Inc. the owner and producer of International Hospitality Week, is a global, diversified business-to business integrated media and information provider that serves multiple industries including technology, telecommunications, beauty, spa, travel, hospitality, leisure, abilities, home entertainment, landscape design, building services and natural resources through a range of well-established, market-leading publications, events, interactive media, research, information and integrates marketing services. The company operates from offices throughout North America, South America, Asia and Europe.
The company’s businesses are managed through operating companies including Questex Media Group and its six subsidiaries including Oxford Publishing, Inc. publisher and trade show producer serving the beverage and food industries.

Updated May 9, 2009