More than 500 beverage executives from across the nation came together for Cheers Beverage Conference 2010, January 25-26, at the Hyatt Regency Miami, to compare notes, share insights and look toward a year filled with innovative ideas and forward-thinking strategies for rising above the economic challenges that have plagued the on-site industry in recent months.

Industry titans including Danny Meyer and Cameron Mitchell set the stage for a two-day brainstorm that tapped the knowledge, experience and expertise of restaurant and bar operators, suppliers, researchers, trend gurus, marketers, legal consultants and more. 

Billed as “a new twist on the classic event,” Cheers Beverage Conference 2010 was the 14^th annual conference hosted by Cheers magazine. It included a variety of roundtables, tastings, interactive sessions, panel discussions and networking events designed to give participants a forum for discussing the latest trends and opportunities.

Satisfying the New Breed of Drinker
Millennials – the 20-somethings who are becoming increasingly critical to the success of bars and restaurants – were top of mind among attendees. Dennis Lombardi and Michelle Fenstermaker of WD Partners shared exclusive research data on this market, covering everything from their drinking habits to the qualities they seek in a restaurant or bar.

Additional proprietary research presentations included spirits, wine and beer consumption and survey data from The Beverage Information Group, as well as highlights of the Cheers Consumer Trends Monitor. 

Marketing to a New Beat
Social marketing made its way to the forefront as well, as Fred LeFranc and Karen Zaniker of Results thru Strategy helped operators discover how to make true inroads through one-to-one marketing. Other hot topics? Leveraging the most innovative hotel trends, ensuring responsible service, strategies for success in the new beverage marketplace and the latest design trends. A special operator/wholesaler workshop led by Dick Fuller of BTS helped participants gain a better understanding of their business partners, and USBG offered operators the opportunity for certification.

A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On
Celebrity mixologists made quite a stir both during and after conference hours. Conference attendees were treated to the creations and insights of a well-respected team of celebrity mixologists, including The Modern Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, King Cocktail Dale DeGroff, the internationally renowned Francesco Lafranconi, bar-chef pioneer Kathy Casey, Nacional 27 GM, mixologist and sommelier Adam Seger CCP, and H – Cocktail Ambassadors’ Chief Ambassador H. Joseph Ehrmann. Members of the team hosted a variety of tastings and stole the show at the closing gala reception.

More Award-Winning Performances
Cheers Conference 2010 would not have been complete without the traditional Beverage Excellence Awards, celebrating innovation in beverage program development in a broad range of categories. 

Looking Forward: Cheers Conference 2011
Plans are already in motion for the next annual Cheers Beverage Conference. Dates and location will be announced soon! To be the first to get details about the conference, click here.