Pizza Expo 2020 Preview: Always Bet on Pizza

Pizza Expo 2020 is taking shape and about to take flight in Vegas

What brings more than 10,000 pizza professionals together under one roof to learn, grow and celebrate? International Pizza Expo, of course!

The 2020 installment of the world’s largest pizza show will run March 30-April 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. There, for a handful of jam-packed days, more than 500 exhibiting companies will display their wares and services on a show floor that is nearly the size of eight football fields. It’s a giant, bustling marketplace where tomorrow’s winning ideas are born.

The event is part-networking, part-educational, part-party and all business! Everyone who’s anyone in this industry is at Pizza Expo.

“At Caliente Pizza & Draft House the countdown is always on for Pizza Expo, literally,” says Pittsburgh pizzeria owner, show attendee and Expo speaker Nick Bogacz. “Three years ago I went to the Expo for the first time with my three managers. We were like kids in a candy shop taking in all of the vendors and watching all the competitions. We gained many ideas that we wrote down in our notebooks and brought back with us. We purchased some equipment at show pricing, which is easily the best pricing of the year for many vendors. We loved the seminars and learned a lot that we used when we got home. We left Vegas rejuvenated and counting down ‘til the next year.”

The advance registration fee for International Pizza Expo 2020 from now until March 30 is $190. On-site registration is $250. So those looking to save a bit of cash would be wise to sign up now. Also, consider bringing a large crew of managers and employees with you, says show director Bill Oakley. Discounted rates may be available to groups of 10 or more.

“Bringing some valued employees and managers with you is a wonderful idea,” Oakley says. “It’s a great perk to offer key members of your staff. It also allows you to divide and conquer to cover more of the show. Take a look at the seminar and demonstration lineup in your attendee show guide or on the International Pizza Expo app and delegate tasks to your staff. Let them know which ones you want each individual to attend so that you can compare notes later.”

New at this year’s show is the introduction of a new competition. The International Italian Sandwich Championship, limited to the first 30 entrants, will take place on the show floor in the World Pizza Games area. The winner will be crowned a World Champion and receive $2,000 in prize money and a trophy. Second and third places will take home $500 and $200, respectively.

“It’s an interesting new twist to our already-exciting slate of competitions,” says Jeremy White, Pizza Today Editor-in-Chief and Pizza Expo’s Director of Seminars and Conferences. “I’m sure we’ll see some fresh new faces bringing in new twists on old classics as well as pushing some boundaries.”

Speaking of comps, the International Pizza Challenge will have five divisions — traditional, non-traditional, pan, pizza Napoletana and Roman. In all, more than 200 competitors will make pies that will be presented to a panel of judges and awarded points based on crust, sauce, overall taste and visual presentation. In the non-traditional and pan divisions, creativity points will also be awarded.

This year’s keynote speakers are Anthony Falco and Ken Forkish, two exciting pizza pros with legendary approaches. Falco, a renowned International Pizza Consultant, first learned pizza making from his Sicilian grandmother before perfecting his craft Roberta’s in NYC. Forkish, the owner of Ken’s Artisan Bakery, Ken’s Artisan Pizza and Trifecta Tavern & Bakery in Portland, Oregon, is the author of the James Beard award-winning book “Flour Water Salt Yeast.” Both speakers will dazzle the Expo crowd with their stories of pizza triumph!

“We’re excited to bring these two to Las Vegas and know their speeches will inspire, educate and invigorate the attendees of the show,” says Oakley. “You won’t want to miss either one.”

To stay tuned to the latest updates between now and the show, check out PizzaExpo.com. Additionally, the show’s mobile app will be available in March. Check for it on the Apple Store or Google Play by searching “Pizza Expo App 2020.”

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Expo Spotlight: The Countdown Has Begun!

International Pizza Expo

(March 31-April 2, 2020 – Las Vegas Convention Center – PizzaExpo.com)

Don’t miss out on this once-a-year opportunity to come together with pizzeria operators from across the U.S. and the world. Now more than ever you need to understand the wants and needs of all your customers, whether they’re Millennials, seniors or somewhere in between. Pizza Expo is your best opportunity to discover what’s new, what’s working and what’s trending. You’ll be able to obtain new knowledge, insights and ideas that will help you position your pizzeria for improved profitability and future growth.

[caption id="attachment_50289" align="alignright" width="200"] Bill Oakley
Group Show Director[/caption]

This year our education program will include more than 70 business-boosting seminars, demonstrations, workshops and networking events. We’ve added several new industry experts and successful pizzeria owners to our speaker lineup who are eager to share ideas and address the hot-button issues facing restaurant owners and operators.

To get the most out of your Pizza Expo experience, it’s always a good idea to arrive with plan of attack that includes the seminars you want to attend, the products and services you want to research and compare and a list of suppliers and industry experts you want to connect with.

Here are a few tips to ensure that you get the most out of your Pizza Expo experience:

• Take charge! Don’t wait until you arrive at the show to start making appointments with suppliers and experts. Make plans now to find out what other successful operators are doing and what they think the next trends will be.
• Take time to map out the show floor thoroughly and completely. Pay particular attention to new exhibitors, new products and show specials.
• Knowledge is king! Talk to as many industry experts and industry thought leaders as you can. Pick their brains to find out what they are thinking, doing and expecting to happen in the future. What are the emerging trends, and how might they help or hurt your operation? What are other operators doing, and how does your pizzeria compare? Can you take advantage of supplier expertise? Is there an opportunity to expand your menu and/or profit margins? Find out what you can do differently to outshine and outperform the competition.
• Take advantage of once-a-year show specials and deep discounts on equipment, ingredients and supplies. That fact of the matter is our exhibitors don’t want to take the equipment and products back to the warehouse. This is your single best opportunity to negotiate great deals. You will not have another opportunity like this for another year.
• Finally, take notes on what you learn and experience at the show and rethink or analyze your business and marketing plans. How can you differentiate and better position your restaurant in the marketplace? What new ideas and strategies can you implement to achieve your goals?

There will always be winners and losers, but only those who arm themselves with industry knowledge and are willing to take action toward positive change will have the ability to compete and win. The bottom line is this: In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace you need access to all of the latest trends, strategies and product innovations. Pizza Expo is your one-stop solution!

Save time and money by pre-registering now at PizzaExpo.com.

It’s all pizza and it’s all for YOU!

Bill Oakley

Group Show Director

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Pizza Expo 2020: School’s In Session

March 30 – April 2, 2020 (Exhibits: March 31 – April 2)

Designed for pizzeria owners and operators, there’s something for everyone at International Pizza Expo, whether you’re an industry veteran or just thinking about opening your first unit. To succeed in today’s fiercely competitive marketplace you need access to all of the latest trends, strategies and product innovations. Pizza Expo continues to be your one-stop shop for everything you need for your pizzeria, including the newest products, equipment and technology hitting the market. Throw in an education and demonstration program second to none and you have a game-changing experience. Where else but Pizza Expo, can you find more than 550 pizzeria-focused exhibitors on a show floor larger than eight football fields? The short answer is nowhere. On the show floor or in the classrooms, you’ll find real solutions and opportunities to bring home to your business. This is your once-a-year opportunity to meet face-to-face with industry suppliers and take advantage of discount pricing and show specials. Education is the key to success. We feel so strongly about education that we’re offering more than 70 business-boosting seminars, demonstrations and workshops. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to retain and grow your customer base, improve customer service, upsell and cross-promote to boost your bottom line and create marketing plans that will align with your sales goals. International Pizza Expo — the “Show of Shows” for the pizzeria industry — is truly THE place to learn, network, see, shop and make deals. You’ll discover endless opportunities to take your pizzeria to the next level! If you haven’t already registered to attend, visit PizzaExpo.com now to pre-register and book your hotel room. For those of you who have already made plans for Pizza Expo, it’s a good idea to start devising your show strategy by using Pizza Expo Connect, which can be accessed from our Web site by clicking on the Attendee tab. You can locate exhibitors on the floor plan, view product offerings and show specials, as well as message exhibitors and schedule appointments. I like to think that attending Pizza Expo will be one of, if not the best investments of time and money that you’ll make this year. The bottom line is there’s always something new at Pizza Expo that can improve your operation. As always, our commitment to you, our partners, is to produce the biggest and best show ever! Remember, attending Pizza Expo is a tax-deductible working vacation. It’s all pizza and it’s all for YOU! Bill Oakley Show Director Group Show Director Read More ›

Registration is LIVE – Pizza Expo 2020

March 30 – April 2, 2020 (Exhibits: March 31 – April 2)

Can you imagine a show floor larger than nine football fields with pizza-related supplies, equipment and services? Designed specifically for pizzeria owners and operators, there’s something for everyone at Pizza Expo, whether you’re an industry veteran or just opening your first unit. When the show closes on Thursday afternoon, you will have had the opportunity to visit more than 550 exhibitors and attend your choice of more than 80 seminars, workshops and demonstrations.  

Show Web site is live –
PizzaExpo.com

The Web site for International Pizza Expo 2020, which has recently been redesigned, will provide you with everything you need to know about attending or exhibiting. 

Online registration is open for business

Register early and SAVE! Make your plans now. As always, Las Vegas will be bulging at the seams during the month of March with Pizza Expo, March Madness, Spring Break and several other trade shows all going on at the same time. And that’s not to mention the great weather, gaming, award-winning restaurants and some of the world’s best hotels! Best of all, it’s a tax-deductible working vacation. Remember, the earlier you plan, the more you save.

Housing is open

We’ve negotiated special discounted rates with the best hotels in Las Vegas, if not the world — through our official housing bureau, OnPeak. Check out our Hotel and Travel pages at PizzaExpo.com for a list of hotel properties, rates and online reservations. Do not be fooled by other bureau’s claiming to be working with Pizza Expo.

Conference program

Do you want to find out how to position your pizzeria to outperform your competition? We’ll deliver more on-target business-boosting seminars and networking events than ever before. If you’re looking to take your pizzeria to the next level, then make plans to attend the School of Pizzeria Management Workshops on March 29 –30. The school’s advanced-track workshops go in-depth on a range of topics and are taught by some of top restaurateurs in the business. New operators and early-arriving attendees will also have the opportunity for education geared to businesses on the rise on Monday, March 30, free-of-charge. 

Exhibit hall

Take a few minutes to check out our floor plan and list of exhibiting companies to find out who’ll be at the show ready to negotiate and deal. If they’re in the pizza industry, then they’ll be at Pizza Expo. Best of all, most of our exhibiting partners will be offering show special and discount pricing. Come see and experience the thrill and excitement of the pizza industry’s No. 1 tradeshow and conference!

Looking to exhibit

International Pizza Expo 2020 is 90 percent SOLD! If you haven’t already reserved your booth space now’s the time. 

If you still have questions after exploring PizzaExpo.com, then call us toll-free at (800) 489-8324. 

It all Pizza and it’s all for YOU!

Sincerely,

Bill Oakley
Group Show Director

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Pizza Expo Wrap Up: Party Time!

International Pizza Expo 2019 raised the bar

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Competitions. Food demonstrations. Vendors showcasing wares. Service experts. Seminars. Pizza acrobatics. Receptions. Keynotes. Prize giveaways.

International Pizza Expo 2019 had it all and set the bar ever higher. With record-breaking attendance — the largest show in its 35-year-history — this year’s Pizza Expo was one memorable highlight after another.

First-time attendee Tony Miller, who plans to open a pizzeria in 2019,  says: “My expectations were very high. I came in with a lot of enthusiasm and desire to learn about the industry. I left with so many deep impressions, great networking friends and an even bigger desire to follow business plans to get into the pizza industry. It is a ‘must’ convention that connects you with the top minds and hearts of the pizza world.”

Scott Sandler of Pizza Head in St. Louis, who delivered a food demonstration as well as a seminar titled “Restaurant Math,” is a Pizza Expo veteran. Here’s what he had to say after the show floor closed.

“Best Pizza Expo yet! My demo and seminar were packed! I counted about 260 people at the Restaurant Math seminar. There were tons of questions at the end. It was a really awesome experience.”

Mitch Rotolo, Jr., of Rotolo’s Craft & Crust in Louisiana, was named 2019’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the show. His presentation wowed attendee-voters and secured him a feature in an upcoming issue of Pizza Today. But Rotolo was far from the only winner. Between the International Pizza Challenge, World Pizza Games and many onsite giveaways, multiple attendees went home with cash prizes. (For a more complete look at the contest winners, visit pizzatoday.com).

“There are more than cash prizes at stake at Pizza Expo,” says Bill Oakley, Show Director. “Bragging rights are on the line, too. And that’s why so many competitors turn out every year and put it all on the line in the name of pizza.”

Any way you slice it, the enthusiasm on the show floor this year will be difficult to match in 2020. But, says Oakley, that’s the goal.

“Every year just keeps getting better and better,” he says. “The bottom line is there’s always something new you can learn or see at Pizza Expo that will improve your pizzeria, whether you’re an industry veteran or just opening your first store halfway across the world.”

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International Pizza Challenge 2019 — Photo Gallery

The International Pizza Challenge™ has evolved and grown in stature and prize money to become the best pizza-making competition in North America. There are now five divisions in the pizza bake-off attracting approximately 200 pizzaioli. They bake a pie from their pizza menu on the spot at Pizza Expo and present it to a panel of judges, with cash prizes and plaques going to the winners. The five divisions include Traditional, Non-Traditional, Pan, Pizza Napoletana and Roman. Checkout the action from this year’s pizza-making competition:   [gallery order="DESC" link="file" ids="57239,57238,57244,57240,57235,57236,57237,57241,57234,57242,57243,57245,57246,57247,57248,57249,57250"] Read More ›

Road to Pizza Expo: Demo Day

[gallery order="DESC" link="none" ids="57175,57174,57173,57172,57170,57171"]

The food demonstration lineup at International Pizza Expo comprises one of the show’s most exciting offerings. Sometimes it’s nice to give the feet a rest after hours of walking the exhibit hall, take a seat and watch a skilled expert show you how you can up your kitchen game!

Here’s a look at some of the demos that fill this year’s bill:

[caption id="attachment_56617" align="alignright" width="267"] Chris Bianco, master pizza maker and owner of Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix, will give the keynote address and a “menu favorites” demo at 2019 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas in March.[/caption]

• Vegan Recipes, Scott Sandler — The growing vegan market comprises a prime opportunity for pizzeria operators to appeal to a new demographic. It’s easier than you think to cater to them and eliminate a group’s veto vote. Sandler operates a vegetarian and vegan pizzeria in St. Louis. He’ll show you the ins and outs of doing vegan right.

• Menu Favorites, Chris Bianco — Legendary pizza maker Chris Bianco doubles down on his Pizza Expo commitment by following his opening keynote address with a demo where he walks attendees through some of his favorite menu items. This is one you’ll definitely not want to miss!

• Roman Pizza, Tony Gemignani — The next big pizza wave? You guessed it — Roman. In this informative demonstration, the one and only Tony G. will show you how to get it right in your shop. This will be one of the best-attended events of the entire International Pizza Expo. Roman pizza is red hot right now!

• Creative Ravioli Fillings, John Gutekanst — The sky’s the limit when it comes to ravioli fillings. From pumpkin to pesto to everything in between, there are just so many ways to customize one of America’s favorite pasta dishes. This demo was so popular at Pizza & Pasta Northeast in Atlantic City that it had to be brought to Vegas!

• Detroit-Style Pizza, Jeff Smokevitch — If you’ve been reading Jeff Smokevitch’s three-part series on Detroit-Style pizza, then you’ll know he’s the man to show you how to execute the style in your establishment. “Smoke” has made his living and reputation serving up these square beauties. He’ll show you how you can, too. This style is trending in America, so sit in on this one and learn how to expand your menu when you return home from the show.

• Working with Cheeses, Laura Meyer — How you blend and use cheeses can make a major difference in your pizza and pasta dishes. Learn how a variety of cheeses can work in concert to energize your menu.

• Thin & Crispy Pizzas, Anthony Falco — World pizza traveler Anthony Falco wowed the crowd with a keynote address at Pizza & Pasta Northeast in Atlantic City last October. And now he’s heading to Pizza Expo to show attendees how to pull off a thin and crispy pizza worth writing home about. Falco is entertaining and educational — this will be one of the most talked-about events at the show. 

 

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Pizza & Pasta Northeast

As International Pizza Expo wraps up this month, we’ll begin to turn our eyes to Pizza & Pasta Northeast in Atlantic City next. That event is September 25-26, so mark your calendars!

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Road to Pizza Expo: Game Plan

Pizza Expo can be overwhelming, that’s why a solid strategy is needed

Do you have a solid game plan in place to tackle the beast that is International Pizza Expo? The show floor is teeming with great vendors ready to showcase their products, wares and services. The seminar rooms are packed with experts prepared to distill only the most helpful business advice. The competition areas are overflowing with contestants that tantalize attendee taste buds (International Pizza Challenge) or excite the minds with acrobatic feats (World Pizza Games). We say it all the time — there’s just so much to see, do, taste, smell and touch at the event.

We know it can be a bit overwhelming, particularly for first-time attendees. That’s why having a solid game plan in place is so important. And even though you’re likely standing in the Las Vegas Convention Center as you read this, don’t fret. Take a few moments to sit down, take a deep breath and get your plan in order. It’ll help you tremendously.

1) Did you bring co-owners, managers or other key staff members with you? If so, great! Don’t walk around in one big group. Divide and conquer. Take a look at the seminar and demonstration lineup in your attendee show guide or on the International Pizza Expo app and delegate tasks to your staff. Let them know which ones you want each individual to attend so that you can compare notes later.

2) Looking for a certain piece of equipment? Prioritize your needs from most to least important and then take a day to hit every vendor that offers the items you’re looking for. Talk pricing, warranties, features, support … you get the picture. Take your time to decide what company will best serve you as a business partner moving forward.

3) Take time to unwind. You’re going to be on your feet a lot. You’re going to be tired. Take some down time by attending the World Pizza Games Finals and Rockin’ Party. There will be food, drinks, networking and plenty of entertainment. Many say it’s the highlight of the show for them every year. You won’t want to miss it.

4) Looking to expand your menu offerings? Start by hitting up the food booths on the show floor. There you’ll find samples and be able to get insight into what’s trendy and what you can offer your customers in 2019 that will keep them interested and coming back for more. But be sure to swing by the International Pizza Challenge as well, because that’s where some of the real ingenuity happens. You’re sure to find a flavor combination there that’ll knock your socks off!

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Expo Spotlight: Pizza Expo 2019 — It’s Show Time

International Pizza Expo – March 4 – 7, 2019 (Exhibits: March 5 – 7) – Las Vegas Convention Center

[caption id="attachment_50289" align="alignleft" width="200"] Bill Oakley
Group Show Director[/caption]

If you haven’t already registered for Pizza Expo 2019, do so now by visiting PizzaExpo.com. We also accept walk-up registrations at the show. This is your only chance this year to join more than 12,000 pizza professionals from around the globe to SEE, SHOP, NETWORK, and LEARN at the World’s Largest All-Pizza Conference and Tradeshow. With an exhibit hall the size of nine football fields, Pizza Expo becomes a giant face-to-face international marketplace for independent and chain restaurant owners seeking show specials and discount pricing on all the latest ingredients, equipment and technology.

Attendees are truly eager and motivated to get into discussions about new products, emerging trends and what’s working for their pizzerias, as well as hot-button issues. This year you’ll be able to experience more than 1,400 booths, 550 exhibiting companies and 80 seminars, demonstrations and networking events all devoted to pizza. In fact, there is so much to experience you should bring key employees, so you can divide up the education program and exhibitors you want to check out. The interaction between attendees, exhibitors and presenters is sure to have a positive and lasting effect on your pizzeria for years to come.

We’re expecting another record-breaking attendance with more international visitors than ever before, offering you an immense opportunity to network and establish connections with top suppliers and thought leaders from the U.S. and abroad. Where else but Pizza Expo would you have the chance to learn from a super-successful group of fellow pizzeria owners and operators? I’ll tell you, nowhere. In fact, I like to think our pizza-focused education program alone is worth the price of admission.  The bottom line is there’s always something new you can learn or see at Pizza Expo that will improve your pizzeria, whether you’re an industry veteran or just opening your first store halfway across the world.

Here are four tips to a successful show.

1. Get connected. Download the Pizza Expo mobile app by searching the App Store or Google Play for “Pizza Expo 2019”. Use Pizza Expo Connect to network with exhibitors and colleagues before, during and after Expo.

2. Plan your show agenda in advance. Sign up for seminars and the School of Pizzeria Management, check out the keynotes and special presentations, as well as our demonstration schedule.

3. Map out your floor plan. Take time to review the exhibit hall floor plan and exhibitor list before mapping out your itinerary. You can find a listing of new exhibitors and products in the Pizza Expo and International Artisan Bakery Expo Show Guides, as well as on our mobile app and Web sites.

4. Enjoy Las Vegas. When the show floor closes, take advantage of all Vegas has to offer. Las Vegas will be bulging at the seams with spring-breakers and pizza professionals, so it’s always a good idea to make plans prior to your arrival.

In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace you need access to all of the latest trends, strategies and product innovations. Pizza Expo is your one-stop solution!

Save time and money by pre-registering now at PizzaExpo.com.

It’s ALL Pizza and it’s all for YOU!

Sincerely,

Bill Oakley

Show Director

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School is in session: Advanced Business Training Courses at Pizza Expo 2019

4 reasons you should take advanced business training courses

International Pizza Expo in March will assemble the brightest minds in the pizza business to teach fellow operators how to make their pizzerias run better and be more profitable. Let’s face it: sometimes you need more help than a one-hour seminar can offer. Enter the School of Pizzeria Management. These fee-based, intensive courses are designed to serve as advanced training for pizzeria owners and managers who wish to strengthen their businesses and elevate profits. Here are three reasons you should take advantages of the advanced business training courses:

1. Each session is up to four hours long. This means you will be able to dive into topics extensively and engage with the instructors.
2. Get real-world, applicable take-home materials. That’s right — guides, worksheet, templates and additional resources.
3. The courses are taught by top pizza industry professionals and consultants.
4. Workshops take place before the show floor opens. So you will not miss out on the rest that Pizza Expo has to offer.

What can you learn at Pizza Expo advanced training workshops? Courses include starting a pizzeria, critical systems for success, marketing basics, employee management, hiring, menu development, pizza making and more. Sign up for the School’s workshops when you register for Pizza Expo. Take a look at the complete list of workshops:

Workshop 1	So, You Want to Open a Pizzeria, Part I: Getting Your Dream Off the Ground	With Michael Shepherd	Sunday, March 3	1 – 5 pm
Workshop 2	Restaurant Business Essentials, Part I: Critical Systems for Success	With David Scott Peters	Sunday, March 3	1 – 5 pm
Workshop 3	Marketing Basics for Pizzerias: Establishing Your Brand and Creating a Plan	With Clayton Krueger and Eric Shepherd	Sunday, March 3	1 – 5 pm
Workshop 4	Recipe for Success: Proven Ways to Increase Sales and Boost Profits	With Mike Bausch and Keith Coffman	Sunday, March 3	1 – 5 pm
Workshop 5	Employee Management Crash Course, Part I: Setting Up for Success – Hiring the Best	With Ann Farrell and Mike Rutledge	Sunday, March 3	1 – 3 pm
Workshop 6	So, You Want to Open a Pizzeria, Part II: Planning for Profitability	With Michael Shepherd	Monday, March 4	8 am – 12 pm
Workshop 7	Restaurant Business Essentials, Part II: Quick-Start Guide to Controlling Food and Labor Costs	With Fred Langley	Monday, March 4	8 am – 12 pm
Workshop 8	Employee Management Crash Course, Part II: Keeping the Best – Building A High-Performance Team	With Ann Farrell and Mike Rutledge	Monday, March 4	8 am – 12 pm
Workshop 9	The Million-Dollar Pizzeria X 3	With Dan Collier and Glenn Cybulski	Monday, March 4	8 am – 12 pm
Workshop 10	Making Pizzas With Tony Gemignani, Part I: Starters and the Properties of Dough	With Tony Gemignani	Tuesday, March 5	8:30 – 10 am
Workshop 11	Scott’s Las Vegas Pizza Tour	With Scott Wiener	Tuesday, March 5	5:30 – 9:30 pm
Workshop 12	Making Pizzas With Tony Gemignani, Part II: Prepping and Baking Authentic New York, Sicilian, Grandma and Neapolitan Pies	With Tony Gemignani	Wednesday, March 6	8:30 – 10 am

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