Brian P. 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. A recognized thought leader, Brian was named one of the "30 Most Influential Educators in Global Hospitality" by The International Hospitality Institute in 2023 and was invited to deliver a TEDx Talk, sharing his insights on innovation and risk-taking in a presentation titled “Be Curious & Take Risks.”

Brian’s extensive consulting work spans various sectors, including independent and multi-unit restaurant groups, hotels, resorts, entertainment venues, private clubs, hospitality REITs, the mega yacht industry, and global cruise brands. As the Wine Consultant for Celebrity Cruises, he played a pivotal role in developing their award-winning beverage programs and trained one of the largest teams of Sommeliers worldwide across a fleet of ten ships.

An engaging speaker, Brian is frequently invited to present at national forums on topics such as innovative education, food and beverage trends, modern wine education, strategic marketing, and leadership. His expertise has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Trip of a Lifetime and in numerous national television and print media outlets.

Brian holds a master’s degree from the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, a Bachelor of Science from the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University and has a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University. He is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), an International Bordeaux Wine Educator (IBWE), and a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE). Additionally, he has trained for his Sommelier certification at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and is certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.