While the live U.S. trade show industry remains on pause, some event producers are doing what they can to support the challenged industries their shows represent by becoming community resources in the virtual space. Case in point: Questex, which has created online programming for its Nightclub & Bar Show and VIBE Conference audiences via Evolve, a free, six-month-long virtual event and engagement series designed to help restaurant and bar owners, operators, investors and suppliers achieve success into 2021 and beyond. 

Geared to help exhibitors, sponsors and suppliers reconnect until the industry is able to gather face-to-face, Evolve will offer a wide range of education, sales, marketing, networking and engagement opportunities, says Tim McLucas, vice president of Questex’s bar and restaurant group.

“Owners, operators and suppliers are all suffering, and at this time, no one can say for sure when live events will resume,” McLucas said. “We recognize these challenges and understand that this unique crisis requires a unique solution to support the industry at its time of need.”

Beginning in November, Questex’s bar and restaurant team will visit six bars and restaurants throughout the U.S., speaking to local operators about the key lessons they have learned and ideas they’ve created to help maintain or build new business during the pandemic. The captured content will then be presented in a live, interactive virtual event format over two half-days each month for six consecutive months.

Evolve’s content will include current and relevant education to save, support or grow a business; multiple one-to-one sales meeting and networking opportunities with owners, operators and investors; marketing opportunities via live product demonstrations of new industry innovations, and access to free skills development and certification programs.

The series will also cover six themes, on the following schedule:

1.     Technology

On-location recording: Washington, D.C.

Virtual event air dates: Nov. 10 and 17

2.     Operations

On-location recording: Seattle

Virtual event air dates: Dec. 7 and 14

3.     Marketing

On-location recording: Austin, Texas

Virtual event air dates: Jan. 13 and 26, 2021

4.     Food and Beverage

On-location recording: Las Vegas

Virtual event air dates: Feb. 9 and 22, 2021

5.     People and Staffing

On-location recording: New York

Virtual event air dates: March 8 and 22, 2021

6.     Guest Experience

On-location recording: Los Angeles.

Virtual event air dates: April 12 and 26, 2021

This new virtual event series is part of the company’s core business strategy of serving the needs of its event communities through a multi-channel approach that spans live events, webinars and virtual events, according to Questex CMO Kate Spellman.

“For the past two years, Questex has been laser-focused on connecting buyers and sellers in the right place, at the right time with the right information,” Spellman said. “We have taken this premise with all of our [event] communities… building on communicating and helping our audiences run their businesses throughout the year [and] giving them the information they need, when and where they need it.”  

Originally set for Oct. 19-21 this year, the next in-person edition of the Nightclub & Bar Show will take place June 28-30, 2021, at Las Vegas Convention Center. 

Learn more or register for the free Evolve virtual series here. 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!