OPENING KEYNOTE! Mike Cessario, Founder & CEO of Liquid Death

Session details:

Known for transforming the perception of healthy beverage into a cultural movement, Liquid Death Founder & CEO Mike Cessario will share how bold creativity, brand authenticity, and a mission-driven mindset have fueled Liquid Death’s meteoric rise—and what hospitality operators can learn from his success.

During this dynamic fireside chat, we'll delve into: 

• Mike’s audacious journey turning Liquid Death from a wild idea into one of the fastest‑growing canned drinks in the world.
• Unconventional, high‑impact marketing strategies small businesses can use to stand out—without needing a celebrity budget.
• How to spark fierce loyalty, build community, and drive massive engagement using creativity instead of cash.
• Why Liquid Death leans into controversy, laughs at the haters, and treats 90% of negative comments as meaningless noise—and how that mindset fuels viral success.