The EXPO’s In-Conversation Series will feature one-on-one, “talk-show style” conversations with intriguing guests!
Our “In Conversation” seminar series on Tuesday, August 25, will consist of two separate 20-minute conversations, conducted by the “host,” ED Publisher Dave Manack. Each conversation will be presented “talk-show” style, as the informal Q&A sessions will allow attendees to hear these guests share stories from their careers while also commenting on the state of the industry at large.
In Conversation: Matt Richards
Tuesday, 11:30 – 11:50 am, Brasilia Ballroom
At EXPO, the seminars regularly showcase experts on key industry-related subjects. But one area of club operation that has rarely — if ever — been addressed is the perspective of the club customer. That’s all going to change at this year’s show, as we’ll sit down with a “professional adult nightclub guest”: comedian and ED’s Awards Show host, Matt Richards. “Honestly, I feel at home in strip clubs,” says Richards. “Whenever I’m on the road, chances are I’m hitting a strip club on my night off. I’ll admit it, sometimes I even go by myself! I’ve probably been to clubs in almost every city I’ve worked. I’ve got my home-base clubs in New York where everybody knows me, but some of my favorites are down South.” At EXPO, Richards is going to be asked about his best and worst club experiences, what he looks for when he visits a club, and how he’s seen the industry change over the past few years.
In Conversation: Ken DeGori
Tuesday, 11:55 – 12:15 pm, Brasilia Ballroom
His career spans more than 25 years across New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami, shaping venues that became cultural landmarks. His fingerprints are on groundbreaking concepts including E11EVEN Miami, Stringfellows, Pure Platinum, Gold Rush and more, and now Ken DeGori has returned to BSC Hospitality to help expand and elevate the operations of this collection of clubs in the Pacific Northwest. Ken DeGori’s return to BSC is a homecoming with purpose. For DeGori, this moment represents something far bigger than a resume line. It’s about shaping the next era of an industry that can no longer afford to look backward. “This industry can’t find its future in its past,” DeGori says. “We have to build it.” At EXPO, the always-opinionated DeGori will be asked to define the industry’s future and how the lessons learned and victories earned throughout his career will help him in his new role at BSC’s Executive Vice President of Operations.
To register for this year’s Expo, visit this link!
To book your room at the Rio Hotel & Casino, go right here today – our room block expires on July 31!
For the complete EXPO 2026 agenda, go right here!
