The former “Dame Hall of Fame” rebrands to “Catalyst Luncheon” as it grows to become a more inclusive and intersectional space for all individuals in the cocktail community
NEW ORLEANS, LA (March 15, 2023) — Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is pleased to introduce the newly created Catalyst Luncheon, formerly Dame Hall of Fame, aimed at celebrating the accomplishments and advancements of all people in the cocktail community. Founded in 2012, Dame Hall of Fame offered an opportunity for women in the industry to come together and honor achievements not commonly recognized by other bar awards, and while this intention has not changed, it has been broadened to divest from the gender binary so as to include all genders. By introducing the Catalyst Luncheon, the group has not only positioned itself as a collective of diverse changemakers, but also as a catalyst for the industry to continue growing and developing.
“This feels like the beginning of a new era for this event, which was born out of the simple desire to get women in a room together at Tales, and has become so dear to our hearts in the last ten years,” said Co-Chair, Kirsten “Kitty” Amann. “I look forward to what this group will co-create in this space and in our own communities in the next ten years — and beyond!”
Each year, TOTCF will recognize two new honorees, or “Tales Catalysts” — a U.S. Honoree and an International Honoree – who are honored and celebrated at the Catalyst Luncheon. To celebrate the 2023 Tales Catalysts, the Catalyst Luncheon will take place at Tales of the Cocktail on Friday, July 28 at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, the conference’s host hotel.
Now accepting nominations for 2023 Catalysts, the Catalyst Luncheon nomination period is open from March 15-April 3, 2023, and welcomes nominations and self-nominations for individuals who have made a unique and lasting contribution to the global hospitality industry.
Catalyst Luncheon Nomination Criteria and Selection Process
Dedicated to making the Catalyst Luncheon more inclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community, in 2020, the Foundation and LUPEC chose to move towards the use of the word individual to include all genders, non-binary people, the trans community, and all who are working for the accessibility and intersectionality of the drinks industry.
Catalyst Luncheon nominations are open to the public from March 15 – April 3, 2023, and nominations are encouraged on behalf of any inspirational and influential person. Specific information about how this individual has made strides towards inclusivity or accessibility within the industry is requested within the nomination form.
This year’s U.S. and International honorees will be chosen by the Catalyst Luncheon Committee Members and evaluated based on the nomination criteria. From these scores, the highest ranked individuals will be asked to submit a resume, bio, and nominee statement; from there, the Catalysts will vote to select one U.S. and one International honoree, who will be announced on July 12, 2023. This award recognizes an individual who has encouraged mentorship and contributed to making the hospitality industry equitable and inclusive by working to remove barriers as it pertains to gender identity, race, religion, and socioeconomic status.
“With the rebranding and the chance to recognize this year’s Tales Catalyst Honorees there’s nothing but inspiration, support, and excitement around the Tales Foundation,” said Co-Chair Tiffanie Barriere. “Change is among us and I am inspired by the collaboration, support, and time shared to make it happen. Cheers to history in the making!”
Catalyst U.S. and International Honorees
U.S. Catalyst Honoree considerations include:
- A person whose professional and personal accomplishments have shaped the beverage landscape and provide visible models of achievement for tomorrow’s leaders.
- Serves as a leader and mentor
- Resides in the United States
International Catalyst Honoree considerations include:
- A person whose professional and personal accomplishments have shaped the beverage landscape and provide visible models of achievement for tomorrow’s leaders.
- Serves as a leader and mentor
- Resides outside of the United States
Catalyst Luncheon Partners
Catalyst Luncheon is proud to share its presenting and supporting sponsors, who help make the 2023 Luncheon possible. The 2023 U.S. Honoree is presented by 21Seeds Infused Tequila and the International Honoree is presented by Diageo Bar Academy. The 2023 Visionary Award is presented by Johnnie Walker.
For more information on Tales of the Cocktail or the Catalyst Luncheon, please visit Tales of the Cocktail Foundation website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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About Tales of the Cocktail Foundation:
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization that educates, advances, and supports the global hospitality industry and creates lasting impact in our host communities. Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is the global leader in spirits education and a platform to tackle issues facing the industry. The pillars of the Foundation are to Educate, Advance, and Support the hospitality industry through programs that benefit individuals and organizations in the community and to make a lasting impact in communities that host our events. This year, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation hosts its 21-year anniversary Tales of the Cocktail® (TOTC) conference in New Orleans from July 23-28, 2023, and will celebrate the theme of “Vitalize.”
Media Inquiries:
Foxglove Communications
Gia Vecchio, [email protected], 917.280.5043
Hunter Smith, [email protected], 803.397.8878
