Latest news with #VibeConference
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Questex's Vibe Conference Announces the Top Beverage Companies at the 2025 Supplier Awards Ceremony
SAN DIEGO, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questex's Vibe Conference, the premier on-premise beverage conference for chain beverage executives, today announces the top adult beverage suppliers at the 2025 Supplier Awards. Vibe Conference takes place March 3-5 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA. For more than ten years, the Supplier Awards have invited beverage operators to rate their respective supplier companies on key attributes, including business-building support as well as service and support performance through live interviews. To ensure efficient, fair and unbiased balloting and analysis, results were analyzed by food and beverage industry research and consulting firm CM Profit Group. Winners were then identified in four categories including beer, wine, spirits and non-alcohol beverages, categorized by total annual case volume. "Congratulations to the 2025 Supplier Award Winners," said Shawn Fox, Partner, CM Profit Group. "The results are based on comprehensive research from CM Profit's annual On-Premise Partnering Study. Through in-depth interviews with over 65 leading operators, we gathered assessments of supplier service performance across the industry. We extend our sincere gratitude to all participating operators who generously shared their valuable insights confidentially, and helped support this important industry benchmark." The winners of the 2025 Supplier Awards are:Best Large Beer SupplierMolson Coors Beverage Company Best Medium Beer SupplierBoston Beer Company Best Small Beer SupplierSierra Nevada Brewing Co. Best Large Wine SupplierGallo Best Medium Wine SupplierJackson Family Wines Best Small Wine SupplierCopper Cane Wines & Provisions Best Large Spirits SupplierBacardi USA Best Medium Spirits SupplierCampari Group Best Small Spirits SupplierRémy Cointreau USA Best Overall SupplierBest Large Non-Alcohol SupplierRed Bull North America Best Medium Non-Alcohol Supplier American Beverage Marketers Best Small Non-Alcohol SupplierFever-Tree To learn more about Vibe Conference, visit: Stay connected with Vibe Conference and industry news at About Vibe ConferenceVibe Conference is the premier event for chain and hotel adult beverage executives and suppliers. This top on-premise conference is held annually and delivers high-level content, tastings and networking opportunities. The 2026 conference will be held at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA February 23-25, 2026. About QuestexQuestex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. Media ContactMichelle OsbourneVibe Conferencemosborne@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Questex's Vibe Conference Announces 2025 Vibe Vista Award Winners
SAN DIEGO, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questex's Vibe Conference the premier on-premise beverage conference for executives, today announces the winners of the 2025 Vista Awards. The 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. Vibe Conference takes place March 3-5 at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego, CA. Tim McLucas, Market Leader, Hospitality Group at Questex, commented, 'Congratulations to the 2025 Vibe Vista Awards winners! Competition was particularly strong this year, and we are proud of the venues that have risen to the top with innovative programs and contributions to the industry.' The Vibe Vista Award winners include: Best Overall: Cruise Line: Princess Cruises Best Overall: Hotel: Marriott International Best Overall: Multi-Unit Chain Restaurant: Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar Best Spirits Program: Delta Sky Club Best Wine Program: Seasons 52 Best Beer Program: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Best Adult Alcohol-Free Beverage Program: Hyatt Lifestyle Best Beverage Limited Time Offer: Delaware North Best Beverage Menu: Marella Cruises & The Apollo Group Best Overhaul of Beverage Program: Hyatt Hotels The Vibe Vista Awards entries were evaluated on the basis of positive beverage sales initiatives, operational innovations, and training and service programs that uphold high-quality distinguished panel of judges included: Brian Warrener – Judging Chair, Associate Professor & Director of the Center for Beverage Education & Innovation, Johnson & Wales University Michael Sabitoni – Associate Professor & Dept. Chair, Food & Beverage + Travel & Tourism Studies, Johnson & Wales University Dale J. Venturini – Former President & CEO, RI Hospitality Association Brian Van Gyzen – Associate Professor, Johnson & Wales University To learn more about Vibe Conference, visit: Stay connected with Vibe Conference and industry news at About Vibe ConferenceVibe Conference is the premier event for chain and hotel adult beverage executives and suppliers. This top on-premise conference is held annually and delivers high-level content, tastings and networking opportunities. The 2026 conference will be held at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA February 23-25, 2026. About QuestexQuestex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. Media ContactMichelle Osborne Vibe Conferencemosborne@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Questex's Vibe Conference Announces the Winners of the 2025 Jim Flaherty Industry Legend Award and the Innovator Award
SAN DIEGO, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questex's Vibe Conference, the premiere on-premise beverage conference for beverage executives, today announces the winners of the 2025 Jim Flaherty Industry Legend Award and the Innovator Award. Larry McGinn, Partner/Owner of IMI Agency, has been honored with the Jim Flaherty Industry Legend Award, and Indre Jasaityte, Director of Beverage at BJ's Restaurants, Inc., has won the Innovator Award. These prestigious awards celebrate individuals who demonstrate a passion for the beverage industry and have made significant contributions to its advancement. Tim McLucas, Market Leader, Hospitality Group at Questex, said, 'Congratulations to Larry McGinn and Indre Jasaityte on these well-deserved honors. Larry's exceptional leadership and creativity have left a lasting impact on the industry, and Indre's innovative approach continues to push boundaries and elevate beverage programs. Both winners exemplify the spirit of these awards, and we celebrate their remarkable achievements.' The Jim Flaherty Industry Legend Award recognizes individuals whose careers have left an enduring mark on the on-premise beverage industry. Larry McGinn has been a transformative force in on-premise and national accounts for decades. His creativity, leadership, and relationship-building skills have shaped the industry in profound ways, and his philanthropic work with CORE has further solidified his legacy. Despite personal and health challenges, Larry's focus and leadership have inspired countless peers and colleagues, making him a true Industry Legend. The Innovator Award honors individuals driving creative and impactful change in the industry. Indre Jasaityte, Director of Beverage at BJ's Restaurants, Inc., has earned this distinction for her visionary leadership and innovative strategies that have elevated BJ's beverage program to new heights. Her commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences through beverage innovation exemplifies the forward-thinking spirit of this award. The award winners were chosen by the Vibe Conference Advisory Council, a group of industry leaders dedicated to recognizing excellence within the beverage sector. To learn more about Vibe Conference, visit: Stay connected with Vibe Conference and industry news at About Vibe ConferenceVibe Conference is the premier event for chain and hotel adult beverage executives and suppliers. This top on-premise conference is held annually and delivers high-level content, tastings and networking opportunities. The 2026 conference will be held at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA February 23-25, 2026. About QuestexQuestex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. Media ContactMichelle OsborneVibe Conferencemosborne@
Associated Press
03-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
MWG Holdings VP of Marketing, Nicole Hanratty, to Keynote Beverage Session at Vibe Conference 2025 in San Diego
Hanratty to Discuss Consumer Data Driving Hemp-Derived THC Beverages for On-Premise Operators on March 5 SACRAMENTO, CA - March 3, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE) - MWG Holdings Group, Inc. ('MWG Holdings' or 'MWG'), a leading purpose-driven, vertically-integrated cannabis company with award-winning roots in the California medical and recreational markets, is pleased to announce that Nicole Hanratty, Vice President of Marketing at MWG Holdings, will be a keynote speaker at the upcoming Questex's Vibe Conference event, taking place March 3-5 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, California. Hanratty will present, 'How Consumer Data is Unlocking Cannabis Beverages for On-Premise,' on Wednesday, March 5, at 10 a.m. PST in the Pacific Ballroom. Vibe Conference is the premier event for chain and hotel adult beverage executives and suppliers. This top on-premise conference is held annually and delivers high-level content and networking opportunities. In 'How Consumer Data is Unlocking Cannabis Beverages for On-Premise,' attendees can learn how consumer demand is shaping hemp-derived THC beverages in hospitality settings, how dispensary retail sales data can inform on-premise purchasing, and what the numbers reveal about shifting consumer preferences. The session will also explore how the average purchase frequency and price sensitivity metrics of hemp-derived THC beverages largely align with mid to premium cocktail trends. 'Understanding that a majority of Millennials and Gen Z are shifting spend to include alternative effect-based social beverages like hemp-derived THC beverages is critical for the hospitality industry if they want to stay relevant with these generations,' said Nicole Hanratty, VP of Marketing at MWG Holdings. 'This session will give operators actionable insights into how hemp-derived THC beverages can increase average ticket value with menu offerings that meet the mood.' Recent data from a Q4 2024 Brightfield Group study shows the growing crossover between alcohol and hemp-derived THC consumers. While 40% of the US population reports consuming alcohol, 52% of hemp-derived THC consumers also report drinking alcohol. These insights signal that hemp-derived THC beverages are complementary rather than competitive, and the evolving hemp-derived THC beverage market presents a unique opportunity for on-premise operators looking to meet consumer demand in both categories. With MWG having recently launched 5G Pop and 5G Tea in California, Hanratty has seen first hand the steady and sustained growth of the cannabis beverage segment within Perfect Union and Wild Seed Wellness licensed dispensaries across the states. According to 2024 BDSA data, cannabis beverage sales continued to grow in California dispensaries even while the broader edibles category experienced some compression last year across the state. Hanratty added, 'Cannabis beverage sales in dispensaries see spikes in sales beyond OND, notably during summer months and other holidays such as Valentine's Day, Easter and 4th of July.' Joining Hanratty in this discussion will be Angelica Sanchez, Sr. Director of Government Affairs & Compliance at MWG Holdings and Perfect Union. Sanchez played a key role in securing MWG's adult-use retail, cultivation, nursery, and distribution licenses. She actively collaborates with legislators and local jurisdictions on cannabis-related legislation, codes, and ordinances while also leading internal audits and regulatory guidance for MWG's store leadership. Hanratty is a seasoned marketing strategist with a proven track record of driving brand growth and innovation. She has led transformative initiatives in cannabis retail, including product line expansions and strategic retail shifts that quadrupled sales and set record-breaking revenue milestones. During the 2023 industry recession, Hanratty strategized new product lines and retail initiatives to help MWG quadruple brand sales while optimizing costs and profit margins. Her initiatives led to record-breaking revenue and customer counts, with January 2024 sales soaring 25% above the previous year and December 2024 being the company's highest revenue generating month on record. In April 2024, Nicole launched smish., a captivating print magazine featuring renowned personalities like Jim Belushi and Bill Romanowski, showcasing her creativity and market insight. For more information on Vibe Conference or to register for the event, visit About MWG Holdings MWG Holdings Group, Inc. is California's largest wholly-owned, vertically-integrated cannabis company. Founded in 2017, MWG owns and operates ten retail locations, including nine Perfect Union stores and one Wild Seed Wellness store, all of which achieved record-setting sales in 2024. The company's flagship Perfect Union store and its Fireworx Farms indoor grow are based in Sacramento, California, where MWG began as Magnolia Wellness 15 years ago. MWG's retail stores are consistently recognized for their award-winning brands and community-driven approach. MWG's management team leverages over a decade of experience building profitable cannabis businesses, having raised millions in capital and bringing the company to cash flow positivity. MWG's diverse and growing portfolio, featuring top brands like Blazy, 5G Pop, Cap City, 530 Grower, and Shake That solidifies its standing as an industry leader.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Questex's Vibe Conference Announces Finalists for 2025 Jim Flaherty Industry Legend Award and Innovation Award
Vibe Conference takes place March 3-5 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questex's Vibe Conference, the premiere on-premise beverage conference for beverage executives, today announces finalists for the prestigious 2025 Jim Flaherty Industry Legend Award and Innovation Award, honoring individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the hospitality industry. Each finalist exemplifies a passion for the industry, serving as a leader, mentor, and advocate for progress. Considerations for both awards included: Evidence of unique and lasting contributions to the hospitality industry Enhancing employee culture Leadership and mentorship Advancing social issues, mental health, sustainability, inclusivity, and more 'These seven individuals exemplify the passion, leadership, and innovation driving the beverage industry forward,' said Tim McLucas, Market Leader, Hospitality Group at Questex. 'We're excited to celebrate their achievements and announce the winners at the Vibe Conference in March.' 2025 Jim Flaherty Industry Legend Award Finalists Diana Caballero, Executive Director of Strategic Sourcing for Food & Beverage, Hospitality & Development, MGM Resorts International Lou Constant, Vice President of National Accounts & International Sales, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Larry McGinn, Partner/Owner, IMI Agency Warren Thompson, Founder, Thompson Hospitality 2025 Innovation Award Finalists Ed Eiswirth, Senior Beverage Director, Royal Caribbean International Indre Jasaityte, National Director of Beverage, BJ's Restaurants Nichole Robillard, Chief Marketing Officer, Red Lobster Winners will be revealed during the Vibe Conference Awards Ceremony on March 4, 2025, bringing together the top leaders in the hospitality industry to celebrate excellence and innovation. Vibe Conference takes place March 3-5 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA. To learn more about Vibe Conference, visit To submit an Operator qualification form by the deadline of February 14, 2025, click here. To attend Vibe Conference as a supplier, companies must be a sponsor. Learn how to become a sponsor by contacting Donna Bruns (Companies A-L) at donna@ and Fadi Alsayegh (Companies M-Z) at falsayegh@ About Vibe ConferenceVibe Conference is the premier event for chain and hotel adult beverage executives and suppliers. This top on-premise conference is held annually and delivers high-level content, tastings and networking opportunities. The 2025 conference will be held at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA March 3-5, 2025. About QuestexQuestex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. Media ContactMichelle OsborneVibe Conferencemosborne@ Sign in to access your portfolio
