Vibe Conference 2023: Full Schedule

8:30am PST

Welcome, Opening Remarks

Speakers

Tim McLucas

Vice President, Bar & Restaurant Group, Questex LLC

Tim McLucas leads the Bar & Restaurant Group within Questex, responsible for Vibe Conference, Bar & Restaurant Expo, and World Tea Expo. Since 2018, Tim has been responsible for evolving the events portfolio to be closely aligned with the contemporary needs of today’s food... Read More →

Charlotte Voisey

Global Head of Brand Ambassador Advocacy, Emcee, William Grant & Sons

Charlotte Voisey is an award-winning mixologist with cocktail recipes published and placedon menus across the world including New York’s famed PDT, the iconic Dorchester Hotel inLondon and Whitechapel in San Francisco.Charlotte’s passion for all things spirits and cocktails keeps... Read More →

Tuesday February 28, 2023 8:30am - 8:35am PST
Pacific Jewel Ballroom San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina

General Session

9:15am PST

Vista Operator Awards

Vibe Vista Awards recognize the top performers in the beverage industry through the creation, training, execution, management and on-going positive results of beverage programs.

Moderators

Mia Mastroianni

The Super Squad, Celebrity Mixologist, Consultant as seen on Bar Rescue

With over 15 years of experience in the service industry from Boston to Miami, Mia Mastroianni became one of the founding bartenders of Soho House West Hollywood –the private members-only club where she remained a well-respected and often requested mixologist for the who's who of... Read More →

Tuesday February 28, 2023 9:15am - 9:35am PST
Pacific Jewel Ballroom San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina

General Session

9:35am PST

On-premise 2023: Operators in the Hot Seat

Join Technomic’s Donna Hood Crecca for an update on the state of the drinks business in restaurants, hotels and bars and a fast-paced discussion with leading operator panelists who will share real-life learnings and best practices for dealing with inflation, labor and other challenges while capitalizing on new growth opportunities.

Moderators

Donna Hood Crecca

Principal, Technomic

Donna Hood Crecca is Principal at Technomic Inc., where she leads the firm’s Convenience Store Practice as well as its Adult Beverage Practice, and is founder of its Cannabis Practice. As Principal, Donna develops research-based insights and recommendations for leading and emerging... Read More →

Speakers

Elisa Cordova

Sr. Beverage Marketing Manager, P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc.

Sr. Beverage Marketing Manager by day, wino by night! Elisa has worked in the hospitality industry for 10+ years now leading P.F. Chang’s in strategic initiatives related to the beverage program for all domestic and global locations. Driven by her passion and a few glasses of wine... Read More →

Gary Gruver

Director, Beverage | Global, US and Canada, Marriott International

Gary Gruver is a highly accomplished mixologist with over two decades of experience in the restaurant and beverage alcohol industry. He currently holds the position of Director of Beverage for Marriott International Global, US & Canada, where he leads beverage programming initiatives... Read More →

Mike Lay

Director of Bars, MINA Group

Expert restaurant operator with proven expertise in national scale multi-venue beverage programming, logistic, cost control, P&L planning, recruitment, impactful team building and training on all levels.Opened multiple awarded best new restaurants, James Beard nominated restaurants... Read More →

Tuesday February 28, 2023 9:35am - 10:25am PST
Pacific Jewel Ballroom San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina

General Session

10:25am PST

CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees): Support the Operator Community that Supports Us All

Supporting CORE at Vibe… CORE is the charity of choice for the Vibe Conference. As many of you know, CORE was founded by members of the beverage vertical. Your support over the years has helped to create CORE – a valuable resource to food and beverage service operations across the country. As their visibility increases, they need our continued support!

Moderators

Sheila Bennett

Executive Director, CORE

Sheila Bennett is an accomplished business development and strategist bringing diverse and blended experience in all areas of the food service industry as well as non-profit capitalization. She has the proven ability to successfully innovate ideas in fast-paced environments to improve... Read More →

Speakers

Joe Smith

Executive Vice President of Sales, Monin Gourmet Flavorings

Joe Smith has over 50 years of sales and management experience in the food and beverage industry. Joe is currently the Executive Vice President of Sales at Monin Gourmet Flavorings, responsible for all sales in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to joining... Read More →

Cole Robillard

Chief Marketing Officer, Smokey Bones

Cole Robillard is the Chief Marketing Officer for Smokey Bones, a barbecue and protein-powered restaurant concept with 62 locations in 16 states. She joined Smokey Bones in 2021, and in the time since has led the launch of a rebranding campaign, positioning the company as Masters... Read More →

Tuesday February 28, 2023 10:25am - 10:35am PST
Pacific Jewel Ballroom San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina

General Session

10:35am PST

Vista Operator Awards

Supporting CORE at VIBE… CORE is the charity of choice for the VIBE Conference. As many of you know, CORE was founded by members of the beverage vertical. Your support over the years has helped to create CORE – a valuable resource to food and beverage service operations across the country. As their visibility increases, they need our continued support!

Speakers

Mia Mastroianni

The Super Squad, Celebrity Mixologist, Consultant as seen on Bar Rescue

Tuesday February 28, 2023 10:35am - 10:55am PST
Pacific Jewel Ballroom San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina

General Session

11:30am PST

Reaching Consumers in 2023: A Market of One

All consumers wish to be engaged (if they do at all) on their own terms – via their communities, preferences, platforms, loyalties. So, what’s working in today’s complicated marketing environment? With so many options available, how do operators distinguish themselves and their brands in a social media glut, create/find community, generate clear and appealing messaging, effectively use loyalty programs and, importantly, engage their employees and outside influencers? We’ll look at paid and free advertising, including FB, IG, TT, location-based, digital billboards, email, WOM, SEO, reputation marketing, loyalty programs, offers/promotions, and more!

Moderators

Cami Lehmann

Director of Marketing, Brinker International, Inc.

Cami Lehmann serves as Director of Marketing at Brinker International, Inc. where she oversees Maggiano’s Little Italy® marketing department. In this role, Cami leads the marketing efforts for the brand including: food and beverage menu innovation and development, media planning... Read More →

Speakers

Elisa Cordova

Sr. Beverage Marketing Manager, P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc.

Melissa Salbert

Director, Brand Marketing, Hooters of America

Melissa Salbert is a marketing professional who is passionate about the beverage and restaurant industry. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Advertising and Italian Language, and began her career as an account manager for a graphic design agency. Her... Read More →

Wendy Nyberg

VP On-Premise Marketing, Trinchero Family Estates

Wendy Nyberg began her career in 1987 by turning a college intern job at Freixenet USA into a life-long marketing pursuit in the adult beverage industry.In her thirty plus years of industry experience, Wendy spent 11 years with Freixenet USA holding roles as Marketing Brand Manager... Read More →

Tuesday February 28, 2023 11:30am - 12:15pm PST
Pacific Jewel Ballroom San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina

Workshop

1:45pm PST

Reviving Key Dayparts

Happy Hour, Late Night and Brunch are prime time for alcohol sales but remain challenged in the post-pandemic environment. Work from home, slowing consumer spending and other factors are compressing visits and spend. Hear the latest insights from Technomic and learn from our expert panel how to put the happy back in happy hour, enliven late night sales and wake up the brunch occasion.

Speakers

David Henkes

Senior Principal, Technomic

David Henkes is a Senior Principal within Technomic’s Advisory Group and is responsible for directing strategic consulting and research assignments for clients active in the food, beverage, equipment and related industries. As a senior member of the firm, his specific responsibilities... Read More →

Aubrey Mansene

Director of Beverage, Fox Restaurant Concepts

Aubrey Mansene, Director of Beverage for Fox Restaurant Concepts (FRC), has 20+ years of experience in the hospitality industry. Working his way from being a dedicated “gum scraper” at his father’s public house in Flagstaff, AZ, Aubrey went on to pursue his bachelor’s degree... Read More →

Ebony Austin

Owner, Nouveau Bar & Grill

Ebony Austin is Owner of Nouveau Bar & Grill, which is an Atlanta-based restaurant that currently has locations in both College Park and Jonesboro.Before opening the restaurant, Austin worked for several years in corporate as a corporate specialist and business development manager at Campbell Soup, Godiva, and 1-800-Flowers... Read More →

Jamie Carawan

VP of Brand Menu & Culinary, Buffalo Wild Wings

Tuesday February 28, 2023 1:45pm - 2:30pm PST
Pacific Jewel Ballroom San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina

Workshop

2:45pm PST

Beer, Wine or Spirits: What's Driving On-Site Consumption

It’s a fact: people are drinking across categories more than ever before. Learn what to expect for future shifts in category consumption, higher spending across more premium products and increased demand for innovative products. Led by Technomic, a panel of on-premise operators and brands will focus on what’s next in beverage alcohol and how you should starting planning for the consumer of the future.

Moderators

David Henkes

Senior Principal, Technomic

Speakers

Jon Augustin

Vice President of Food & Beverage, True Food Kitchen

Jon Augustin has spent over 25 years in hospitality, and the last 14 with True Food Kitchen. He has been there since the inception of the first location in Phoenix and now oversees all F&B innovation. Jon is originally from Minnesota but calls Phoenix home now.

Terry Boyer

VP, National Accounts – On Premise, Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits

Terry Boyer began his career in the late ‘80s as a retail merchandiser for a local distributor in Dallas, Texas, American Wine & Importing. Terry then moved to Glazers Wholesale as a retail sales representative, and then later, an on-premise sales representative. In 1996 he left... Read More →

Tony Romano

Anheuser-Busch, Vice President, U.S. On-Premise Sales

Tony Romano’s extensive career spans over 30 years in multiple key Anheuser-Busch Leadership Positions. Currently the Vice President of U.S. On-Premise Sales. Previous roles included leading Bud Light Marketing, U.S. Regional Marketing and numerous Sales & Marketing positions within... Read More →

Tuesday February 28, 2023 2:45pm - 3:35pm PST
Pacific Jewel Ballroom San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina

General Session

3:35pm PST

Vibe Supplier, Legend, and Innovator Awards

VIBE Awards recognize the top performers in the beverage industry!

Speakers

Tom Fox

Partner, CM Profit Group

Tom’s entire career has been spent in the beverage industry on both the distributor, supplier and consulting sides of the business. The cornerstone of Tom’s consulting is their annual Partnering Report where retailers and operators identify important services and competencies... Read More →

Mia Mastroianni

The Super Squad, Celebrity Mixologist, Consultant as seen on Bar Rescue

Tuesday February 28, 2023 3:35pm - 4:05pm PST
Pacific Jewel Ballroom San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina

General Session

4:05pm PST

Tuesday Closing Keynote: The Truer Vision

Jackie Summers’ and Dr. Hoby Wedler’s collaboration seems to have been preordained. As the first Black licensed distiller in America and the founder of Sorel Liqueur, and facing his own challenges, Jackie has devoted years to advocating for differently abled, disadvantaged, and marginalized people. Hoby, blind from birth, earned his PhD in organic chemistry, is a sensory expert, entrepreneur, and educator. These two have now professionally partnered to create a unified front to combat systemic barriers of all kinds. Toby has brought his gifts in chemistry and sensory literacy to improve the quality of Sorel – a complex blend of botanicals and now, the most awarded liqueur of 2022 - while scaling production. According to Jackie, the product not only tastes better, it’s less expensive to deliver. Imagine have a common desire to make the world more accessible while building a better brand.

Speakers

Jackie Summers

Creator and Founder, Sorel Liqueur

An acclaimed author, public speaker, and entrepreneur, Jackie Summers is the founder of JackFromBrooklyn Inc. and the creator of the award-winning Sorel Liqueur. After being diagnosed with a spinal tumor and given a small chance to live, Jackie Summers not only beat those odds, but... Read More →

Hoby Wedler, Ph.D.

Chemist and Food and Beverage Entrepreneur, Hoby Wedler

Dr. Hoby Wedler is an insightful, disarming, and passionate thinker who loves to bring people together to help them see new possibilities. With the heart of a teacher, Hoby helps turn dreams into realities. Hoby has been completely blind since birth. He is a chemist, an entrepreneur... Read More →

Tuesday February 28, 2023 4:05pm - 4:55pm PST
Pacific Jewel Ballroom San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina

Keynote

8:30am PST

The Contradictions of Beverage Marketing

Ever go to McDonald’s and get a Big Mac and Diet Coke? Ever drive with one foot on the gas and the other on the brake? We get it. Life is full of contradictions and tension between what we want to do and what we need to do and life as a beverage buyer, supplier or third party agency is no different.

In this panel-oriented session, we’ll hear from industry experts who will talk about the reconciling the many challenges and contradictions involved in marketing beverage alcohol, and how experienced operators overcome them. We’ll cover topics like beverage pricing (to list or not list on the menu), choosing the right well products (value or premium), how to create the “right” level of innovation for your brand, how to market beverages in a sea of other priorities, and much, much more! The discussion will be moderated by Matt Durbin, co-founder of Durbin Consulting Group and DC Marketing Group. Come join what’s sure to be an informative and enlightening session!

Moderators

Matt Durbin

Co-founder, Durbin Consulting Group , DC Marketing Group

Matt Durbin is the co-founder of both Durbin Consulting Group and DC Marketing Group. Both firms specialize in providing strategic on-premise consulting, beverage marketing and operational support that assists restaurant and bar chains and beverage suppliers in building their overall... Read More →

Speakers

Wiley E Bates III

Director of Culinary Innovation, Main Event/Dave & Buster’s

Wiley is an incredibly tenured and passionate hospitality industry veteran with deep experience in all aspects of the hotel, restaurant, country club and eatertainment industries. Wiley’s passion for the industry began at an early age as he literally sold Grilled Cheese sandwiches... Read More →

Craig Richards

Sr. Manager - Global Beverage Marketing Strategy & Innovation, TGI Fridays

Craig Richards is an award-winning industry veteran with over 17 years of experience in enterprise beverage management, strategic initiatives, and operations. With a wide range of experience working with large international concepts such as TGI Fridays and Dave & Busters all the way... Read More →

Majdi Kayyali

Corporate VP of Food & Beverage, Gila River Resorts & Casinos

Majdi Kayyali began his career in food & beverage in Charlotte, NC where he developed several cocktail and wine programs, before moving to Phoenix, AZ in 2017. In the thriving foodie city, he assisted in managing F&B programs at the esteemed Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort... Read More →

Wednesday March 1, 2023 8:30am - 9:15am PST
Pacific Jewel Ballroom San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina

Workshop

9:35am PST

Global to Local

CGA by NielsenIQ’s On Premise team will explore macro trends and what they mean for your local markets. The session will compare and contrast BevAl category sales with newly available state, city, and channel granularity. CGA’s leading On Premise consumer data, and an expert operator panel, will help contextualize the nuances and enable you to confidently shape a dynamic beverage strategy. VIBE exclusive insights are designed to benefit all three-tiers of the industry.

Moderators

Matthew Crompton

Regional Director – North America, CGA Strategy by NielsenIQ

Matthew Crompton is the Regional Director – North America for CGA Strategy by NielsenIQ and is responsible for the implementation of CGA’s on premise services in the US.Since joining CGA Strategy in January 2010, Matthew has risen through the CGA ranks becoming an expert in all... Read More →

Andrew Hummel

Client Solutions Director, CGA Strategy by NielsenIQ

Andrew Hummel is a Client Solutions Director for CGA Strategy by NielsenIQ and is responsible for driving the success of On-Premise Operator & Supplier partners within the channel. Andrew brings comprehensive three-tier system experience and Bev Al industry knowledge to the CGA team. His... Read More →

Speakers

Scott Brown

Director of Beverage Strategy & Analytics, Levy Restaurants

Dana Pellicano

President, Patina Restaurant Group

Dana Pellicano, a hospitality industry executive with more than 25 years of experience, serves as president of Patina Restaurant Group.As a wholly owned division of Delaware North, Patina Restaurant Group operates premium street-side restaurants and catering services in locations... Read More →

Thomas (Mac) McFarland Gregory III

Vice President of Food & Beverage, Pacifica Hotels

Mac Gregory is the Vice President of Food & Beverage for Pacifica Hotel Company as well as a Certified Advanced Sommelier and Master Mixologist. Gregory is proud to serve as a Beverage Competition judge and he’s a 9-year veteran of the SFWSC and an Advisory Council member of the... Read More →

Wednesday March 1, 2023 9:35am - 10:25am PST
Pacific Jewel Ballroom San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina

General Session

10:25am PST

Closing Keynote: Drinking Our Way to a Cleaner Planet

Join Marian Leitner (Founder and CEO) and Elizabeth Banks (Chief Creative Officer) of leading canned wine company, Archer Roose, as they discuss the importance of sustainability within the wine category as well as the company’s own efforts to “drink their way to a cleaner planet” one canned wine at a time! Marian and Elizabeth will delve into various relevant topics such as the following…

Importance of thoughtful alternative packaging due to global warming
On-premise challenges such as staffing, margin protectors/enhancers, fast to service, 1-on-1 inventory management
How Archer Roose’s efforts around sustainability work to align with their wider mission to create a better future for our planet while democratizing the wine industry
The interview-style discussion is designed to create an “aha” moment for businesses to think outside the bottles
Elizabeth will speak about what attracted her to AR, how it aligns with her brand ethos, the importance of sustainability in her line of work, and how that translates to her life

Speakers

Marian Leitner-Waldman

Co-Founder and CEO, Archer Roose Wines

Marian Leitner-Waldman is the founder and CEO of Archer Roose Wines, one of the fastest growing wine companies in the U.S. She is on a mission to democratize fine wine by making the wine industry more inclusive and leveraging format to fit the lifestyles of modern consumers. Her emmy-award... Read More →

Elizabeth Banks

Actress, Producer, Writer and Director

Actress, producer, writer and director Elizabeth Banks is known for roles in both comedy and drama, as well as film and television. Her work includes stand-out performances in projects including The Hunger Games franchise, Love & Mercy, The LEGO Movie and Mrs. America. She is... Read More →

Wednesday March 1, 2023 10:25am - 11:15am PST
Pacific Jewel Ballroom San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina

Keynote