LAS VEGAS, NV — The Bar & Restaurant Expo returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center March 23–25, 2026, marking its 40th year with more than 30 masterclasses, workshops and keynote presentations designed to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the hospitality industry.
Produced by Questex Hospitality Group, the annual gathering will bring together nearly 10,000 operators, owners, beverage directors, chefs and suppliers from across the U.S. and more than 25 countries. This year’s education program centers around the theme, “Every Moment Counts,” emphasizing actionable strategies that operators can immediately apply to their businesses.
Industry-leading keynote speakers headline the Expo
The 2026 Expo will feature two high-profile keynote speakers whose influence spans beverage innovation and culinary entrepreneurship.
Mike Cessario, Founder and CEO of Liquid Death, will share insights into disruptive branding, audience engagement and scaling a beverage concept into a global phenomenon.
He will be joined by Roy Choi, the acclaimed chef widely recognized as a pioneer of the modern food truck movement. Chef Choi’s keynote will explore innovation, authenticity and cultural influence within today’s restaurant landscape.
Together, these keynote sessions set the tone for a conference focused on leadership, creativity and growth.
Education sessions address real-world challenges
More than 30 breakout sessions will cover operational, marketing and financial topics critical to today’s bar and restaurant operators. Organizers structured the program to ensure that attendees leave with practical takeaways.
Highlighted sessions include:
- “Gen Z Speaks: What They Want as Employees & Customers”
- “Creating Experiences Guests Can’t Resist”
- “How Women Bar Owners Attract and Retain Female Guests”
- “Become Your Own Influencer”
- “Turn Guest Complaints into Revenue Wins”
- “How to Avoid 3 Deadly Mistakes in Labor Cost”
- “The F&B Trends Driving Traffic for Independents”
Each session aims to provide real-world insights into staffing challenges, customer acquisition, brand storytelling and cost control—issues that remain top of mind for hospitality operators in 2026.
Influential voices shaping the industry
In addition to keynote speakers, the Expo will host more than 40 influential industry experts, including:
- Andrew Hunter, Head of Culinary R&D, Wolfgang Puck Worldwide
- Jackson Cannon, Beverage Director, Eastern Standard
- Mia Mastroianni
- Tony Scardino, Owner, Professor Pizza
- Sean Kenyon, The Spirits Authority, Williams & Graham
- Sam Miller, Owner, Remora Bar
- Colleen McClellan, Chief Customer Officer, Datassential
These speakers represent a cross-section of culinary innovation, beverage leadership, data intelligence and independent restaurant ownership.
Beyond education: a full industry experience
In addition to classroom sessions, the Expo floor will feature hundreds of suppliers showcasing thousands of product activations and live demonstrations. Attendees will have opportunities to sample emerging trends, discover new technologies and connect directly with brands.
Exclusive VIP events and parties across Las Vegas will further expand networking opportunities, reinforcing the Expo’s role as both an education hub and relationship-building platform.
Celebrating 40 years of hospitality leadership
For four decades, the Bar & Restaurant Expo has helped shape industry evolution—from craft cocktails to zero-proof innovation. By bringing together operators, chains, distributors, investors and suppliers under one roof, the event continues to serve as a cross-industry platform where ideas and partnerships thrive.
Registration for the 2026 Bar & Restaurant Expo is now open at barandrestaurantexpo.com.
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