Nightclub and Bar Trade Show Las Vegas 2005
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Home | |
Newsletter | |
Advertising | |
Contact Us | |
|
LAS VEGAS:! NO LAST CALL! CITY GUIDES: Photos Article Writeup, Coverage of theof "The Show" with photos and prose from PubClub.com
|
|
Nightclub and Bar Trade Show, Vegas Style
One of the more fascinating facts about businesses in the free world is that they all have trade shows, places where industry people gather to showcase new products, cutting-edge technology and present products and services to customers and potential clients. There are trade shows for hardware (hammers and chain saws), software (computers), planes, trains and automobiles (plus boats) even, we suppose, for lamps and lighters.
In 2005, Nightclub and Bar and Beverage Retailer magazines hosted the 20th anniversary. It attracted more than 4,000 people from bars around the USA, representatives of spirits and beer companies, bartenders and other industry shakers. The general public is always welcome, as well. A two-day floor pass for 2005 was $85, with party packages available on an individual basis or as part of a package. In addition to the two days on the show floor, it involved nightly parties and a private concert by Sammy Hagar. Overall, it was a show of staggering proportions. Literally. Like many shows, part of the allure is being able to test the products. Since this show's prime business is liquor, this means sampling drinks. Over the massive Las Vegas Convention Center, just about every major beverage – and some not-so-major ones, as there seemed to be as many vodka brands as customers – offered samples either straight or mixed with various enticing combinations. Pusser's Rum, for example, ladled out Pain in the Asses, direct from the Virgin Islands.
Over time, specific trends in the bar and beverage industry became easily identifiable. For example, energy drinks are all the rage. There were more energy drinks than actual drinks. Wisely, most employed sexy models in tight outfits showing off their cans (cans of product, that is). Another prominent product were hangover prevention remedies. Some were pills, while others were liquids to be consumed before and after drinking. These come in really handy at the Nightclub and Bar Trade Show. Jim Beam, which seems more at home with a soda than limejuice, was offering its version of a margarita. Surprisingly good. Starbucks, which apparently isn't satisfied to simply be serving coffee on every major streetcorner in America, has developed a liqueur, which it was serving out of edible chocolate shot glasses. The ladies were really going for this drink.Expect to see more of these and other products on the consumer market in the coming months.
Much like a bar might bring out certain eccentric figures, this year's convention also attracted a fair amount of interesting innovations. The Hooter Shooters, for example, squirted liquids from, you guessed it, plastic replicas of large womens' bosoms. It's booth was adjacent to something called the PissOff, a game akin to the county fair's hammer swing that tests one's strength. Designed to be installed above urinals in bars, it was billed as The Ultimate Pissing Contest (demonstrations were accomplished by pouring water down a urinal. Pause for visual sigh of relief). Post show-floor entertainment for 2005 was highlighted by two events, the FutureBrands and Friends Party and the Hagar show. The former was held in a huge ballroom and attracted approximately 3,000 showgoers. It had girls dancing in cages, a DJ, dancing and drinks from Absolut Vodka, Level Vodka, VOX Vodka, Jim Beam, DeKuper Pucker and Budweiser products, including the debut of slick new Michelob and Michelob light bottles.
Wristbands with seven drink coupons were required for consumption, although as the party wound down, organizers ran out of wristbands and it turned into a free-flowing festival. This was just fine with the free-drinking guests; they even arrive to the many evening parties carrying cocktails. Hagar performed for the third consecutive year, this time in Club Rio. The intimate venue maxed out at about 900 people, and it was a show to remember. "I'm playing for you, the fans," Hagar said. "You have been so great to me, I'm happy to be here." He then played non-stop for two hours, inspiring people to rush to the bar and consume his Cabo Wabo tequila.
The Nightclub and Bar Trade Show and Convention gave it its best shot for 2005. And those in attendance gladly took the best shots the various companies offered. For more information on future trade shows, go to the organizer's web site at www.nightclub.com. Shots from Past Nightclub & Bar Shows!
• Click Here for More PubClub.com Party Shots of the Day |
|
|
So,
too, there is a show for bars and the alcoholic beverage industry. About
three years ago, we stumbled into the Nightclub and Bar Beverage Retailer
Beverage & Food Convention Trade Show in 
And
if all that was not somehow intoxicating enough, Coors had NFL legends
John Elway and Ronnie Lott pouring brews at its booth and Jim Beam had
sports' new superstars – professional poker players – inviting
people to join them for a few hands.
