Beyond the Bar Seminar Track

Tales of the Cocktail Educational Beyond the Bar seminars focus on mental health and physical wellness, social justice, substance use, sexual harassment prevention, and sustainability. The intersectionality of such topics allow attendees to easily distinguish topics of interest they are seeking to participate in while at Tales of the Cocktail®.

Festival Entry Pass

In 2025, special Beyond the Bar (BTB) events are included in the $10 Festival Entry Pass, including access to onsite workshops, networking sessions, and fitness classes, and sobriety support groups. The Festival Entry Pass is included in all ticket types, or may be purchased individually. 

Beyond the Bar Wellness Workshops

TOTCF is excited to host Wellness Workshops led by industry leaders onsite at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. Wellness Workshops offer daily programming to encourage and lead bartenders to prioritize mental health, wellness, and safety behind and beyond the bar.

Beyond the Bar Fitness Activities

Start your day with a group run or yoga class. The Daily Fitness Activities allow you to take a break from tastings and education to move your body, stretch, and focus on your physical presence at TOTC2025.

Ben’s Friends

 Monday, July 21, Tuesday, July 22, and Wednesday, July 23 

4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Beyond the Bar Space – Carondelet, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

Ben’s Friends is a community of chefs, bartenders, line cooks, servers, sommeliers, host and hostesses, GMs and owners who have found or are seeking sobriety. Our mission is to offer community, hope, and a path forward for those struggling with substance abuse and addiction. At our core, we are hospitality workers who have found connection, and the tools to seek and maintain sobriety while managing our careers and lives in a sane and purposeful way.