The Beverage Blowout proudly presents an awards ceremony honoring those in the Beverage Industry that advance our trade through their innovation and commitment to delivering superior experiences. Our event is hosted in one of the hottest new Downtown Las Vegas venues, as we celebrate the elite of our industry with Old Vegas glamour
At 5:30 the festivities commence at MEET Las Vegas, with a hosted premium cocktail hour and passed hors d’oeuvres. Our awards gala follows, over a sit down dinner— complete with finely crafted cocktails and specialty beverages. Eleven of the most extraordinary venues, menus and individuals in our local industry will be recognized for their unique contributions to beverage service and industry expertise.
Our Master of Ceremonies for The Las Vegas Beverage Blowout Industry Appreciation Awards Gala is none other than, one of the world’s foremost Mixologists, Francesco Lafranconi, the Executive Director of Mixology and Spirits Educator for Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada. Sought after across the globe for his award-winning mastery, Francesco also counts among his achievements: National Ambassador and Founding Member of the US Bartenders Guild Accreditation Program, Member of the Museum of the American Cocktail and Creator of Fine Service, a 12-week education program that has trained over 1000 beverage professionals and imbued them with the same enthusiasm he brings to every cocktail.
Closing the evening will be a hilarious comedy roast of Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Tony Abou-Ganim. Desert and after dinner drinks will be enjoyed alongside the laughs and camaraderie.
| Time | Event Highlights | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30pm | Red Carpet Arrival | Outdoor Pavilion |
| Cocktail Hour with Sponsor Beverages Featured at Open Premium Bar | Outdoor Pavilion | |
| Butler Passed Hors D’oeuvres | Outdoor Pavilion | |
| 6:30pm | 4 course sit-down Dinner Paired with Sponsor Featured Wines, Beverages & Cocktails | Outdoor Pavilion |
| Presentation of 11 Prestigious Industry Awards | Outdoor Pavilion | |
| 8:30pm | Dessert & Sponsor Featured After-Dinner Drinks | Outdoor Pavilion |
| Comedic Roast of Tony Abou-Ganim & Presentation of The Lifetime Achievement Award | Outdoor Pavilion |
| The 2012 Beverage Blowout Industry Appreciation Awards Honored the Best of the Las Vegas Beverage Industry and the Awards themselves were awarded to: | |
| The Best Cocktail Menu in Las Vegas | Vesper Bar |
| The Best Wine List in Las Vegas (Non-Casino) | Marche Bacchus |
| The Best Beer Menu in Las Vegas | Todd English P.U.B. |
| The Best Spirits List in Las Vegas | The Whisky Attic |
| The Best New Bar Design in Las Vegas | Hyde Bellagio |
| The Best Bar Staff in a Casino Restaurant or Bar | American Fish by Michael Mina |
| The Best Bar Staff in a Non-Casino Restaurant or Bar | Herbs & Rye |
| Sommelier of the Year | Nick Hetzel (Sage Restaurant) |
| Bartender of the Year | Mariena Mercer (The Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas) |
| Bar of the Year | Vesper Bar |
| Lifetime of Achievement in Advancing the Beverage Industry | Tony Abou Ganim |
Didn’t make it to The Beverage Blowout? You were there, but want to re-live the hilarity and magic? Pre-order your copy of The Roast of Tony Abou-Ganim today! Play for your friends and family so you can enjoy the hysterics as Tony’s friends and colleagues lovingly pay tribute–while making sure there’s still plenty of room for his ego to fit inside the ballroom!
Only $25.00 (plus $3.50 shipping/handling in the continental US – tax applies in the State of NV)