Serving Plaintiff & Defense Attorneys Nationwide
(702) 696-8745About Ryan Dahlstrom
Consulting & Testifying Expert Witness
With over 35 years of experience in the entertainment and hospitality sectors, Ryan Dahlstrom offers an in-depth, hands-on perspective to each case -- retained by plaintiff and defense attorneys nationwide.
About Ryan Dahlstrom — Expert Witness
Ryan Dahlstrom is a nationally retained expert witness specializing in dram shop liability, liquor liability, negligent security, and premises liability in licensed hospitality venues. He has more than 35 years of direct operational experience as a general manager, responsible beverage service trainer, and security consultant at bars, nightclubs, hotels, casinos, restaurants, and live entertainment venues across the United States. He holds an ASIS International certification in security management and is a certified trainer in responsible beverage service programs including TIPS. Ryan has provided expert witness services — including case review, written expert reports, deposition testimony, and trial testimony — for both plaintiff and defense counsel in state and federal courts nationwide. He can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at (702) 696-8745.
Executive Summary
Bridging Hospitality Operations with Legal Standards
With over 35 years of experience in the entertainment and hospitality sectors, Ryan Dahlstrom offers an in-depth, hands-on perspective to each case. His extensive background spans various roles -- from management to consultancy -- providing a comprehensive understanding that ensures every detail is considered.
Attorneys representing both Plaintiffs and Defendants nationwide have retained Ryan for his insights, expert opinions, and testimonies tailored to the complexities of the hospitality and entertainment industries. He serves as a Consulting Expert, Testifying Expert, and Educating Expert -- providing support at every stage of litigation from initial case review through trial.
Areas of Expertise
Specialized Knowledge for Complex Cases
Dram Shop Liability
Comprehensive knowledge of responsible alcohol service, overservice, and legal implications for licensed establishments.
Nightlife & Entertainment Security
Expertise in security management, use of force, foreseeable risks, and crowd control in high-volume venues.
Hospitality Operations
Deep understanding of operational procedures, training, and management best practices across diverse hospitality settings.
Premises Liability
Proven expertise in identifying and mitigating hazards, ensuring safety protocols, and assessing liability in commercial spaces.
Video Compiling & Analysis
Skilled in analyzing and compiling surveillance footage for incident reconstruction and legal proceedings.
Ownership & Management Neglect
Assessment of management failures and their impact on safety, security, and operational standards.
Alcohol Service to Minors
Expertise in preventing and identifying underage drinking and the associated legal ramifications.
Special Event Management
Proficient in planning, executing, and securing large-scale events, festivals, and concerts.
Injury, Violence, Accidents, Death
Comprehensive analysis of incidents, contributing factors, and liability in cases involving injury, violence, accidents, or death.
Courtroom Record
Trials & Depositions
Vander Blue v. Pasha & Sina, Inc
Arnold & Itkin LLP Trial Lawyers (Plaintiff)
Premises Liability · Event Negligence
July 10-12, 2023
County Court at Law No. 5, Dallas County, TX
Case No. CC-18-02128-E
Haupt v. Fiesta Hotel and Casino
GGRM Law Firm (Plaintiff)
Premises Liability · Event Security
March 20, 2020
District Court, Clark County, NV
Case No. A-18-776379-C
Martinez v. Bowlero of Farmington
Weems Hazen Law (Plaintiff)
Dram Shop · Security · Video Surveillance
January 23, 2025
11th Judicial District, San Juan County, NM
Case No. D-1116-CV-2023-00849
Case History
Case Engagements
Partial list of retained engagements across plaintiff and defense matters.
Completed Engagements
| Case | Services |
|---|---|
| Draskovich v. Richards Bar | Review, Report |
| Edith Broten v. Brinker Texas, Inc d/b/a Chili's | Review, Report |
| Martina Perez v. MC-VC, Inc d/b/a Party Place Cabaret | Review, Report |
| Abdullah v. Blazing Wings Inc | Review, Report |
| Hernandez v. Potrero LLP | Review, Report |
| Smith v. Lucky's of Columbia | Review, Report |
| Marilyn Feldman v. Stewed Cow | Review, Report |
| Danny Chavez v. Chaserz | Review, Report, Rebuttal Report |
| Albert Boston v. Romi Hospitality Group d/b/a Days Inn by Wyndham | Review, Report |
| Sanders v. AJB Holdings | Review |
| McCombs v. Sexton Enterprises LLC | Review, Compile Video Surveillance |
| Kai Pelleriti v. Chicken on the Hill | Review |
| Estate of Kenneth McBreen v. Stevens Inn and Cal's Shade Western Lounge | Review |
| Jimenez v. Ojos Locos | Review |
| Claudia Gonzalez Rosas v. Glynn's Shamrock Pub | Review |
| Smith v. Aloha | Review |
| Jane Doe v. Rattlesnake Mountain | Review |
Pending Engagements
Angela Rodriguez v. Twin Restaurants Park North Beverage Holding
Dram Shop
Estate of Jafar Karzoun v. State of Connecticut
Event Safety
Estate of Scott Elias v. Jam Productions, LTD
Event Safety
Estate of Darrell Caldwell v. Live Nation Worldwide Inc
Event Safety & Security
Bradley Escamilla v. Live Nation Entertainment
Event Safety
Jane Doe v. ASM Global Parent
Event Security
Sandra Coke, Ron Coke v. Compadres Del Norte Inc
Dram Shop Liability
Estate of Donald Snyder v. Arbor Lodging Management
Dram Shop Liability · Safe Harbor
Secoia Key v. Space Nightclub
Nightclub Safety
Chantell King v. Buddha Entertainment
Nightclub Security · Stage Management
Professional Experience
Career History
Ryan Dahlstrom Consulting and Expert Witness
2013 - PresentConsulting Expert | Testifying Expert | Educating Expert
- Provides expert witness services in litigation related to dram shop, nightlife and entertainment security, hospitality operations, and premises liability.
- Conducts thorough assessments, generates expert reports, and delivers compelling testimony in depositions and trials.
- Offers strategic consulting to legal teams, leveraging extensive industry experience to provide valuable insights and opinions.
The Bar & Restaurant Experts
October 2013 - PresentFounder / Consultant
- Specializes in hospitality design, buildout, and fulfillment for Bars, Restaurants, Hotels, and Nightclubs, overseeing projects from concept to completion.
- Developed and authored over 1,000 pages of fully editable training manuals, handbooks, reports, guides, job descriptions, pricing guides, and operating procedures, resulting in more than 100,000 fulfilled requests within 12 months.
- Publications: The Bar Starts Here | Life Behind Bars | Bartender Training Manual | Wall Street Journal | Las Vegas Weekly | Fox TV | Server Training Manual
Nightclub Hall of Fame
October 2013 - PresentFounder / President
- Recognizes and honors outstanding members of the Nightclub & Bar industry through inductions, award ceremonies, speaking engagements, and global events.
Questex Media Group
October 2011 - October 2014Nightlife & Entertainment Director -- Nightclub & Bar Convention | Program Director -- On The Rocks Las Vegas
- Programmed celebrities and managed nightlife events for the 2012-2014 Nightclub & Bar Show and Jon Taffer's On The Rocks Las Vegas.
- Collaborated with high-profile nightclubs and celebrities including CeeLo Green, Calvin Harris, Toby Keith, Tiesto, Lil Jon, Ne-Yo, XS Nightclub, Marquee Nightclub, Hakkasan Nightclub, Tao Nightclub, and more.
Crowne Plaza Dallas / Thrive Nightclub
May 2009 - June 2010Hotel Director of Beverage / Nightclub General Manager
- Served on the Upper Management Team for the comprehensive hotel remodel, including FFE sourcing and fulfillment.
- Oversaw the design and buildout of the restaurant, nightclub, and event space.
- Managed all beverage operations for the hotel and nightclub, ensuring profitability and adherence to brand standards.
Other Relevant Experience
2000 - 2014- Park City Live Utah: Operating Manager -- received two letters of appreciation from the City of Park City (2014-2015).
- KRAVE Nightclub: Manager -- secured and activated licensing and permits to operate as the first 18 & Over Nightclub on the Las Vegas Strip (2011).
- Steve Wyrick Theatre: General Manager, Las Vegas Strip (2008-2009).
- Soul Circus Inc ('UniverSoul Circus'): Touring Manager for the 2008 United States Tour.
- NAVY Entertainment: Managed 2009 United States Military Celebrity Tours in Spain, Italy, Greece, Korea, Guam, Kuwait, Iraq, Africa, Japan, Dubai, Germany, Turkey, and Jordan.
- Our Troops First: International Tour Manager (2007-2009).
- CSA Ltd, Kuwait: USO Coordinator / Tour Manager (2005-2007).
- Dahlstrom Entertainment: Owner / Producer -- coordinating security, venue production, live performances, celebrity meet & greets, travel, and accommodations (2000-2008).
Client Portfolio
Partial Client List
A selection of venues, organizations, and individuals Ryan has worked with across his career.
Consulting Fee Schedule
Professional Services Rates
All fees are outlined below. An initial retainer is required prior to commencement of any work.
Fee Schedule -- 2026
Expert Witness Rate
Initial $5,000 nonrefundable retainer billed at $500/hr. Additional $5,000 retainer required when balance reaches $1,000.
Report Writing
Half Day Deposition (4 hrs)
Minimum
Full Day Deposition (8 hrs)
Maximum
Half Day Trial Testimony (4 hrs)
Minimum
Full Day Trial Testimony (8 hrs)
Maximum
Site Visit
Travel Time
Per Diem
Plus travel and lodging at actual cost
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation within 1 week of scheduled deposition or trial results in a 4-hour charge. Cancellation within 48 hours results in an 8-hour charge. Payment for deposition and trial fees must be received prior to testimony or the engagement will be considered canceled.
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Contact Ryan directly for a confidential consultation. Available for case review, deposition, and trial testimony nationwide.