Tales of the Cocktail® return for its 19th year in a hybrid digital and in-person format from September 20-23. Headlining the conference will be the Foundation’s signature educational initiatives featuring over 60 digital seminars selected by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Education Committee. Sub-divided into three streams of education: Business, Culture and Beyond the Bar, these committees have worked collectively over the past few months to curate seminars that address the interests, needs, and goals of bartenders from this year’s open call seminar submission process.
Read on as Holly Graham – Beyond the Bar Advisory Member, Managing Editor – DRiNK Magazine and Academy Chair at The World’s 50 Best Bar talks about the selection process of this year’s seminar slate, our annual theme of COMMUNITY, and their must-see digital seminars taking place at Tales of the Cocktail® 2021 (TOTC2021).
Q: Why are you looking forward to the slated education seminars for Tales of the Cocktail® 2021?
A: I’m looking forward to this year’s education seminars as we had so many great submissions, so it was a hard choice narrowing it down but we’ve got some wonderful people doing incredible things.
Q: What is your definition of COMMUNITY and why do you think it is an important theme for #TOTC2021
A: Community is incredibly important and I think the pandemic has shown us this more than ever. It’s an important theme for #TOTC2021 as usually we’d all be together in New Orleans, but even in the midst of global shutdowns, we can still come together as a community digitally.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about the “All-women Bar Team in Russia: From Zero To Heroine” seminar?
A: I’ve been following Alyona and the Tagliatella Caffe team for a while and can’t wait to hear all about their journey.
Q: What interests you about the “Psychological mindfulness and drinking” seminar?
A: The importance of mindfulness has become not only important, but a necessity not only in our industry but globally, and mindfulness and booze is something I think we can all benefit from.
Q: What made you choose “SOJU/KOREA 101: The misconception of the most consumed liquor in the world” as one of your must-see seminars?
A: I used to live in South Korea and think soju is incredibly misunderstood, so I can’t wait to hear what the stellar team of experts have to say about this awesome spirit.
Q: What struck you as important about the “Rum Is Ready for Its Flowers: Decolonization, Paradigm Shifts, and a New Path Forward” seminar?
A: This is a subject that unfortunately many aren’t aware of, yet the conversation so desperately needs to be had.
Q: What fascinates you about the “Cocktails and spirits and ADHD: Embracing neuro-diversity behind the bar” seminar?
A: Full disclosure, my husband is on the panel, but he was recently diagnosed with ADHD. Having seen his journey from bartender to bar consultant while struggling with ADHD to where he is today means I’m really looking forward to hearing other people’s journeys.
Q: Why does it just make sense to include “Koji Cocktails, From “Simple” Syrup to Enzyme Magic” to this year’s lineup?
A: Koji is used in a lot of Asian spirits and I’m looking forward to seeing knowledge on this subject shared with a wider audience.
Add any of these seminars to your agenda, catch up with old friends, learn new techniques, and further your career at Tales of the Cocktail 2021!
You must be of legal drinking age to register and attend this conference and any events associated.
