Do you want a cheat code to unlocking everything you need to know to stay on top of everything there is to know about running a successful restaurant business?
Do what I do. Do what other restaurant leaders do to keep their swords sharp.
Use our cheat code. Go to trade shows and conferences.
This industry has more than enough trade shows happening and in more than enough places that there’s one either and / or near you, as well as specifically designed to fit the needs of your business model!
Trade shows are where successful restaurant leaders go to learn, network, and be inspired. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day of your business because, to quote my friend and incredible thought leader Zack Oates, "the backyard is always on fire."
That’s why it’s so vital for you to pull yourself out of your headspace and put yourself in an environment where you can soak up new ideas, best practices, and make connections with partners that will help you advance your business.
Here are three things you’re missing out on by not attending trades shows and a few shows I’ll be going to this season and next.
BEST PRACTICES
Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of resources available to restaurant operators, especially around marketing, that equate to being a playbook or instruction manual. There’s a lot of great people supplying that information, but the resources are fragmented.
Sometimes it’s even like where do we start?
Go to Trade shows and conferences.
A good trade show will make sure that there is the opportunity for you to bathe deeply in learning opportunities for whatever it is you’re trying to figure out for your restaurant business.
In fact, that’s the number one reason why I go to them – I know there’s not anywhere else better to gather ideas from people who are having success in trying something new or improving a process.
**Pro-tip** If you’re gonna go to trade shows and conferences, take copious notes and ask questions. Don’t assume your questions will be answered.
NETWORKING
This is an incredible business made up of incredible people. The amount of creativity and drive in the restaurant business is, from what I’ve seen, unmatched, given the breath.
I have met so many incredible people that have turned into business partners, vendors, clients, and most importantly, friends. This business is tough and it’s important to have a network support from people who get you, who want to help you and you have incredible ideas.
Those are the people who are already going to Jose. Neither my consultant business nor my restaurant would be where they are at today. If I didn’t have the type of connections, I make by going to Trade shows and conferences.
TECH
Look – let’s be honest here, this business is becoming increasingly technology driven and it’s clear that technology is what’s driving efficiency and revenue. But let’s also be honest that the options for Tech are often bountiful and have a lot of crossover between platforms. It is without a doubt difficult to know what is the right one for your business.
A lot of restaurants wait until they have the problem and are knee-deep in a necessity before trying to solve it. Wouldn’t it have been better to have anticipated the problem before it happens and have a solution in place before it becomes an infection in your business?
Go to trade shows and conferences.
It gives you a chance to find out what’s working for other brands, to window shop, to open your mind to curiosity and get on the spot questions answered about platforms.
Not only will going to trade shows and conferences put you one step ahead, it will put you 5 to 10 steps ahead! If you know what’s available, you’ll start to work out ways of how it can help your business before you’re in the emergency zone.
Here are the trade shows and conferences I’ll be focused on for the next couple months and why:
International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York
March 3-5, 2024
(NYC)
Who is this show for: independent operators, growing multi-unit concepts / groups and any restaurant within a drivable distance of NYC.
This event has a great business education program and in fact, Im hosting a panel!
Your Restaurant Marketing Questions Answered
Restaurant marketing is a whole lot easier when you have the right tips, tricks and tools. How do you get more people to find your restaurant when they search Google for what they crave? How frequently should you post to social media? What's the best way to stop 1-star reviews? What kind of content on social media gets people to not just follow you but more importantly, to place an order? Get the answers to these questions, and any others you have, about restaurant marketing!
Bar & Restaurant Expo (aka Ncb Show)
March 18-24
(Las Vegas, NV)
Who is this show for: independent operators, especially bars and nightclubs, growing multi-unit concepts / groups and any restaurant within a drivable distance of Las Vegas.
This event has a great business education program and in fact, Im hosting a panel!
Pouring Wisdom: Social Media Tactics, Google Searches, and More – Your Marketing Questions Answered!
- Participate in an interactive Q&A session with restaurant owner and marketing consultant David “Rev” Ciancio, along with three successful restaurant operators.
- Receive actionable tips and tricks from industry experts that can be immediately implemented in your restaurant marketing strategy.
- Get answers to a wide range of restaurant marketing questions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of effective marketing practices.
- Benefit from insights shared by successful restaurant operators, gaining insider perspectives on what works in the competitive landscape of restaurant marketing.
The International Pizza Expo
March 19-21, 2024
(Las Vegas, NV)
Who is this show for: independent operators, especially pizza and italian concepts, growing multi-unit concepts / groups and any restaurant within a drivable distance of Las Vegas.
This event has a great all encompassing education program designed specifically to help new and growing businesses.
I will be judging the pasta competition! Are you competing?
Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit
March 24-26
(Kansas City, MO)
Who is this show for: growing multi-unit concepts / groups through enterprise brands.
This event is highly focused on networking, tech discovery and unit growth with access to insights from industry leaders. It's a smaller show which is fantastic for relationship building.
Restaurant Leadership Conference
April 14-27
(Scottsdale, AZ)
Who is this show for: multi-unit brands highly focused on growth and leadership.
This event is highly focused on leadership and growth. It's known as the show that the highest executives from the biggest brands attend. It presents an excellent opportunity to network and be inspired by success.
Do you go to trade shows and conferences? Which ones and why?
-—Do you need help with any of this? Send me an email rev@brandedstrategic.net
- Rev Ciancio
WHAT DOES REV DO?
*I help restaurants to build guest marketing programs.
*I help hospitality tech companies with lead generation and content marketing.