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.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
Add new comment