The global drinks conference returns to New Orleans from July 19-24, 2026, toasting its 24th year with the theme “Spark”
NEW ORLEANS, LA (September 9, 2025) – Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is pleased to announce the 24th annual Tales of the Cocktail® (TOTC) conference, returning to the historic The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans from July 19-24, 2026. Guided by the theme Spark, the 2026 conference celebrates the idea that every great movement begins with a single spark—a moment, idea, or connection—honoring the inspiration and small actions that ignite meaningful change across the cocktail industry and beyond. 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 16, 2026.
“Every year, Tales of the Cocktail sparks thousands of connections between people, ideas that grow into businesses and moments of motivation that inspire our industry forward,” said Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail. “In 2026, we are excited to gather once again in New Orleans to spark more opportunities into reality as we network, educate, and champion the people and stories that shape cocktail culture worldwide.”
In 2025, TOTCF hosted over 400 events dedicated to educating and advancing the hospitality community, and in 2026 attendees can expect another legendary lineup of signature programming. Headlining the festival will be an industry leading line up of Tales Educational Seminars, Spirited Awards, Beyond the Bar sessions, Futures Labs, networking opportunities, the latest and greatest brand activations, rare spirit tastings, guided walking tours, competitions and much more.
“As Tales of the Cocktail prepares to enter its 24th year, we’re proud to see how the conference continues to grow as a global platform for education, collaboration, and innovation,” said Neal Bodenheimer, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Co-Chair. “Each year, we’ve expanded opportunities for learning, amplified diverse voices, and fostered dialogue around the issues that matter most. Tales continues to build lasting impact by creating spaces where hospitality professionals can share ideas, strengthen community, and inspire the future of our industry.”
The official TOTC 2026 agenda, including seminar and presenter information, will be released as we approach the conference in the coming months.
Tales of the Cocktail 2026 Seminar Proposals
Tales of the Cocktail® invites spirits professionals and thought leaders to share their expertise by submitting seminar proposals for this year’s conference. Seminar applications will be open from September 9, 2025, until November 25, 2025. As the world’s leading cocktail event, Tales of the Cocktail® provides a global platform to explore the ideas shaping the future of the industry. From innovative techniques and emerging trends to equity, inclusion, and business insights, proposals should reflect the evolving needs of the hospitality community. This is an opportunity to inspire, educate, and connect with bartenders, brand leaders, and enthusiasts from around the world. Apply here.
Tales of the Cocktail Scholarship Opportunities
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is pleased to announce a scholarship opportunity for Tales of the Cocktail 2026. Applications will be open from October 2, 2025, until October 15, 2025.
Scholarship recipients will be awarded a bespoke trip to Tales of the Cocktail 2026. The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Scholarship will include career mentorship and a custom itinerary of seminars, events, workshops, and meetings to bolster education and skill-building. Topics will include Business of Bars, Bar Community, Technique and Tools, and Future-Planning.
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 empowering the global hospitality industry through education, advocacy, and community support. As the world’s leading spirits education platform, the Foundation provides year-round programs and initiatives that foster professional growth and drive meaningful change. Each July, the industry gathers in New Orleans, the beating heart of cocktail culture and hospitality, for a one-of-a-kind conference that blends education, networking, and celebration like no other. Guided by its core pillars—Educate, Advance, and Support—the Foundation’s impact extends far beyond the U.S. reaching professionals and communities around the world.
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