The National Restaurant Association's inaugural International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB) provided restaurant and hospitality industry professionals everything they need to run highly successful beverage alcohol programs in one focused, two-day event, the association said in a statement. NRA released a variety of attendance figures for the event this morning, which brought together 64 exhibiting companies –- representing more than 400 brands and labels –- and some of the industry's leading experts to the annual NRA Show in Chicago. The education programs highlighted the latest trends, marketing ideas, culinary applications and responsible alcohol service strategies.
"Beverage alcohol is one of the hottest trends and biggest profit opportunities in the restaurant industry today –- both at the bar and in the kitchen –- and we saw a need for a forum where industry professionals could explore opportunities to enhance their restaurant and hospitality bar programs with new and established brands and labels," says William C. Anton, FMP, Convention Chairman for the 2008 Show, and Chairman and founder of Anton Airfood, Inc. "The International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event was a great success that provided restaurant and hospitality operators with the place to network and discover new products and trends they need to grow sales and profits as well as please their guests with exciting new ideas on their drink menus and other culinary experiences."
The IWSB education sessions included panel sessions with executives from multi-unit restaurant companies, independent operators, writers and trend-watchers. Topics included how to make responsible alcohol service part of the corporate culture, moderated by Donna Hood Crecca, editor of Cheers magazine; the latest trends in beverage alcohol, moderated by Liza Zimmerman, wine educator and writer; culinary uses and food pairings with alcohol, led by Paul Dray of CIA Greystone's Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies; out-of-the-box promotional ideas, moderated by Patrick Henry of Patrick Henry Creative Promotions; customer loyalty programs that enhance profits, moderated by industry veteran Tim Kirkland; and how to create win-win opportunities with distributors and wholesalers, moderated by Larry McGinn of iMi Agency.
Audio recordings of the IWSB education programs, and of the 65+ other education sessions held at the 2008 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, can be purchased at www.winespiritsbeer.org or www.restaurant.org/show.
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