The global drinks conference returns to New Orleans from July 20-25, 2025, toasting its 23rd year with the theme ”Evolve”
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is pleased to announce the 23rd annual Tales of the Cocktail® (TOTC) conference, returning to the historic The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans from July 20-25, 2025. Centered on the theme Evolve, the conference will explore the cocktail industry’s ongoing transformation and development, highlighting evolution as a catalyst for innovation and a necessity for growth. TOTCF invites all to attend the annual conference in July – from cocktail enthusiasts to seasoned industry veterans and everyone in between. Tickets will be available on World Cocktail Day: May 13, 2025.
“We’re thrilled to bring Tales of the Cocktail 2025 to life with the theme Evolve,” said TOTCF CEO Eileen Wayner. “This focus demonstrates our commitment to growth and innovation in the hospitality industry, and we look forward to exploring new ideas, fostering progress, and inspiring our community to continue evolving together.”
TOTC proudly hosted more than 400 unique events in 2024, and 2025 attendees can expect another stellar lineup of signature programming. Headlining the festival will be curated educational seminars, Beyond the Bar activations, Futures Labs, networking opportunities, tastings, guided walking tours, awards programs, and more. The official TOTC 2025 agenda, including seminar and presenter information, will be released as we approach the conference in the coming months.
Tales of the Cocktail’s Economic Impact on New Orleans
TOTC takes pride in its continued positive impact on the New Orleans economy, contributing a total economic impact of $24.8 million in 2024, marking a 3% increase from the $24 million generated in 2023. The event also supported 215 jobs through visitor spending, participating businesses, and organizational investments. These positions are estimated to have generated an additional $7.2 million in earnings for New Orleans residents.
The 2024 TOTC conference saw a 10% increase in attendees compared to 2023. Notably, international visitors accounted for 14% of the audience, with participants joining from countries including, but not limited to, Belize, Canada, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Tales of the Cocktail® Sustainability Initiatives
TOTCF is dedicated to creating a more sustainable event by minimizing its environmental footprint and supporting its local community of New Orleans. In 2024, TOTC introduced a range of new initiatives and is proud to share the successes of this year’s sustainability initiatives:
- Replaced 60,000 single-use plastic cups with BPI-certified compostable PLA cups derived from corn and sugarcane
- In this initial rollout, TOTCF significantly reduced—and in many cases, entirely eliminated—single-use plastics at the conference
- Diverted 21,997 pounds of waste from landfills via on-site recycling and composting efforts
- Reduced 19,599 pounds of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent by waste diversion initiatives
- Donated 11,550 pounds of glass to Glass Half Full, where it will be converted to sand and gravel used to restore coastline, aid in disaster relief, and create recycled building materials
- Implemented composting and recycling at 30 off-site events
TOTCF pledges its ongoing commitment to a more sustainable cocktail conference and in turn, a more sustainable hospitality and beverage industry. The Foundation looks forward to building on these initiatives and introducing even more efforts at the 2025 conference.
Tales of the Cocktail® and The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
TOTC is pleased to once again partner with The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, a beautiful and historic property located in the heart of the city’s renowned French Quarter as the official 2025 host venue. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans has provided a room block and special rate for 2025 attendees.
For the TOTC room block, reservations can be made either online on the TOTC website here or by calling The Ritz-Carlton Central Reservations at 1.800.826.8987. Guests are invited to secure their reservations early as reservations are first come, first served, and the last day to book is June 23, 2025.
Call for Volunteers
TOTCF is now accepting volunteers for the 2025 event. Applications are available on the TOTCF website.
To learn more about Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, follow along via the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation website, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
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ABOUT TALES OF THE COCKTAIL FOUNDATION:
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, advancing, and supporting the global hospitality industry while making a meaningful impact in its host communities. Recognized as the global leader in spirits education, the Foundation serves as a platform to address key issues facing the industry. Its core pillars—Educate, Advance, and Support—guide programs designed to benefit both individuals and organizations within the community, ensuring lasting positive contributions in the areas that host its events.
Media Inquiries:
Foxglove Communications
Gia Vecchio, [email protected], 917-280-5043
Julia Hollings, [email protected], 504-202-7566
