Questex Launches Free Virtual Event Series for Bar and Restaurant Industry
October 14, 2020
While the live U.S. trade show industry remains on pause, some event producers are doing what they can to support the challenged industries their shows represent by becoming community resources in the virtual space. Case in point: Questex, which has created online programming for its Nightclub & Bar Show and VIBE Conference audiences via Evolve, a free, six-month-long virtual event and engagement series designed to help restaurant and bar owners, operators, investors and suppliers achieve success into 2021 and beyond.
Geared to help exhibitors, sponsors and suppliers reconnect until the industry is able to gather face-to-face, Evolve will offer a wide range of education, sales, marketing, networking and engagement opportunities, says Tim McLucas, vice president of Questex’s bar and restaurant group.
“Owners, operators and suppliers are all suffering, and at this time, no one can say for sure when live events will resume,” McLucas said. “We recognize these challenges and understand that this unique crisis requires a unique solution to support the industry at its time of need.”
Beginning in November, Questex’s bar and restaurant team will visit six bars and restaurants throughout the U.S., speaking to local operators about the key lessons they have learned and ideas they’ve created to help maintain or build new business during the pandemic. The captured content will then be presented in a live, interactive virtual event format over two half-days each month for six consecutive months.
Evolve’s content will include current and relevant education to save, support or grow a business; multiple one-to-one sales meeting and networking opportunities with owners, operators and investors; marketing opportunities via live product demonstrations of new industry innovations, and access to free skills development and certification programs.
The series will also cover six themes, on the following schedule:
1. Technology
On-location recording: Washington, D.C.
Virtual event air dates: Nov. 10 and 17
2. Operations
On-location recording: Seattle
Virtual event air dates: Dec. 7 and 14
3. Marketing
On-location recording: Austin, Texas
Virtual event air dates: Jan. 13 and 26, 2021
4. Food and Beverage
On-location recording: Las Vegas
Virtual event air dates: Feb. 9 and 22, 2021
5. People and Staffing
On-location recording: New York
Virtual event air dates: March 8 and 22, 2021
6. Guest Experience
On-location recording: Los Angeles.
Virtual event air dates: April 12 and 26, 2021
This new virtual event series is part of the company’s core business strategy of serving the needs of its event communities through a multi-channel approach that spans live events, webinars and virtual events, according to Questex CMO Kate Spellman.
“For the past two years, Questex has been laser-focused on connecting buyers and sellers in the right place, at the right time with the right information,” Spellman said. “We have taken this premise with all of our [event] communities… building on communicating and helping our audiences run their businesses throughout the year [and] giving them the information they need, when and where they need it.”
Originally set for Oct. 19-21 this year, the next in-person edition of the Nightclub & Bar Show will take place June 28-30, 2021, at Las Vegas Convention Center.
Learn more or register for the free Evolve virtual series here.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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