California Restaurant Show 26

Brian Connors




Brian P. Connors is a visionary leader and industry innovator with over two decades of expertise in hospitality, higher education, and business development. As Managing Partner of Connors Davis Hospitality, LLC, Brian has been instrumental in developing transformative strategies and forging strategic partnerships with premier hospitality and beverage brands worldwide. His consulting portfolio includes high-impact projects for global corporations such as Bacardi North America, Royal Caribbean International, and Sandals Resorts International. Brian is the Director of Innovation & Strategy and a lead facilitator for Accelerating Leaders, that collaborates with industry and academia to design cutting-edge solutions for operational training, leadership development, and educational resources. He is also an Advisory Board Member for growth and partnerships for Cecilia.ai. the world’s first interactive bartender utilizing artificial intelligence. Previously, Brian served as the Senior Director of Global Food & Beverage Innovation and Founding Faculty Director of the Bacardi Center of Excellence at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. During his tenure, he established the groundbreaking Bacardi Spirits Management Major and launched innovative digital learning platforms such as Future Proof and BacardiTeach. He also hosted the acclaimed BacardiTalks series and the 2 Barstools & a Knife podcast. Brian managed the Bacardi Innovations Fund, which introduced Cecilia.ai, the world’s first interactive robot bartender, a project that garnered national attention on NBC’s Today Show, FOX & Friends, and other international media outlets.

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