The 29th Annual Nightclub and Bar Convention and Trade Show poured it on in style at the Las Vegas Convention Center. There was something for every interest and beyond. Jon Taffer, Executive Producer and Star of Spike TV’s popular show “Bar Rescue” along with his team served up an event that would appeal to the record breaking 41,000 attendees and to most anyone else who patronizes clubs and bars. The “wow factors” were all there. I was shaken by the sheer magnitude of the event supported in large part by a vast array of loyal industry sponsors and brands.

While walking the many aisles one could easily get cited with a WUI (walking under the influence) from the countless brands of beverages aggressively offering free small product samples from their themed displays. There were no free samples of bread sticks, popcorn or pretzels in the aisles to keep you vertically moving in the right direction. Virtually every familiar brand of beer along with new designer micros and newly popular hard ciders were flowing in abundance.

As a Vodka purist I had no idea just how many flavored Vodkas were even possible ranging from the very local Booze Brothers brands to eco-friendly selections from 360 Vodka to a gold medal Global Vodka toasting themselves as a “one world, one Vodka” brand at Global Vodka. An impressive selection of gourmet olives and proper glassware were exhibited close at hand. From moonshine to mixes, to sexy energy drinks and more, all strived to balance the popular core offerings. Short of a medical IV injection system every possible exotic means of dispensing beverages along with personal consumption vessels were also being demonstrated.

The club entertainment system offerings and sexy furnishings were a marvel to behold. Sophisticated music, audio and video systems along with laser lighting and effects have long buried the simplicity of the classic juke box but alas there was retro digital juke box manufacturer present. You could try your skills at any number of professional beer pong tables or even have your very own professional game show designed and installed by Game Show Mania. Should you be in the market for a stylish outdoor bar to annex your property then you must see the amazing design wizardry behind Bar Pods. These are shipping container pods nicely detailed for attractive bar functions.

Jeweled hookahs and e-cigarettes of all styles are the current rage. This convention was one of the few where indoor smoking was actually encouraged by sexy models tempting you from costly hipster lifestyle displays. If you remember to wash your hands then you could use the impressive digital Y-Not Sanitize hand sanitizer units being marketed for high-end establishments. These ultra tech portable units include advertising panels so establishments can actually generate revenue from display ads.

The value of a successfully operated nightclub or bar is a proven asset to any property or venue. As nightclubs and bars grow in popularity via our re-emerging social return from a stagnant web based lifestyle, growing risk factors cannot be ignored. This comprehensive industry tradeshow offered much business “food for thought” in addition to the beverage, fixtures and products bonanza. In order to control escalating insurance premiums and address compliance standards one should engage comprehensive professional staff training via companies like Nightclub Security Consultants.

BeerSavvy excels at offering all manner of proper beer service under current guidelines.

The world of accurate entry ID scanning now features cloud-based ID scanning via a mobile app using your phone camera. The tech advantages are obvious and now readily available via companies like IDScan.net , Barbo or patronscan among others who were present and getting serious attention.

Establishment management and marketing duties are made far more accurate and less of a drudgery by companies offering every conceivable form of management software. Swipely and Nexin just to name a few. There is no excuse not to explore the countless benefits of the many offerings of these business support services and products to help establishments with responsible operations.

As it was getting near last call I had the traditional after bar munchies so I noted the mouth watering display of freshly baked alcohol-infused cupcakes offered by Sin City Cupcakes. If you want to just put them on your tab they start at $42.00 per dozen.

Perhaps a chilly BuzzBar will cool your palate. You guessed it, alcohol-infused ice cream bars for adults were also there. “It’s all about the buzz” was their slogan as a variety of flavors and recipes were offered. These sweet treats make it much easier to shout “I’ll have another”!

At last I had enough and was ready to depart this intoxicating but stimulating convention and found a mint for the road. It is called a Happy Hour Supplemint and marketed as a mint with a purpose. You get your vitamins, electrolytes and antioxidants to offset the effects of alcohol along with better breath for the road and the pledge of no hangover. I took two and safely made it back to my office. I confess that I was stirred by this overwhelming Nightclub and Bar Convention and Tradeshow.

Christopher G. Axelrod, a recent Las Vegas resident and former Vice-President of National Concession Company, has been involved in the entertainment business for over 38 years as an event organizer, talent and producer.  He can be reached at Christopher@lasvegasgotoguy.com.