Tales of the Cocktail Foundation invites the New Orleans spirits industry to Halfway to Tales on January 27, 2025, for a day of inspiration, education, and networking. Hosted in partnership with Moët Hennessy USA at Latrobe’s on Royal, the event celebrates the drinks community and the halfway point to Tales of the Cocktail with free educational sessions, cocktails, and opportunities for connection.
The program features a Beyond the Bar seminar led by Julia Segal, focusing on preparedness for bartenders and hospitality professionals. This session will explore strategies for managing the pressures of high-impact events, including the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and Tales of the Cocktail, offering practical tools based on recent research in stress management and resilience.
Julia Segal is the founder of Body of Work, an inclusive design consultancy serving the hospitality industry. With 15 years of experience in restaurants and bars across Canada, the United States, and Europe, she is also a hospitality researcher, writer, and professor.
In addition to the seminar, Moët Hennessy USA will host a panel discussion on building community through mentorship, featuring industry leaders Zahra Bates; Gary Gruver, Director of Beverage/Global Operations, US & Canada at Marriott International; Touré Foulkes, Executive Director & Founder of Turning Tables; and Jen Marshall from Moët Hennessy USA’s Trade Advocacy team. This session will highlight the importance of mentorship in hospitality and provide actionable insights for fostering meaningful connections within the industry.
Zahra Bates, a hospitality veteran, is renowned for her passion for uplifting others—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. With a career spanning global roles, Zahra has worked as a cognac ambassador, mentor, and founder of Art Beyond the Glass. Her journey, from bartending at LA’s Bar Marmont to leading innovative bar programs worldwide, reflects her commitment to sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Educational programming begins with the first session at 12:30 p.m., followed by a networking break and the second session at 1:45 p.m. The day will conclude with a New Orleans drinks industry happy hour from 3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering attendees the chance to connect with peers, learn more about working with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, and celebrate the vibrant community.
Additional support for this event is provided by New Orleans & Co.
Space is limited. To reserve your free spot and learn more, visit the website: https://talesofthecocktail.org/events-halfway-to-tales/
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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.
ABOUT MOËT HENNESSY:
Moët Hennessy is the Wines and Spirits division of LVMH, which also owns renowned wine estates through “LVMH Vins d’Exception”. Moët Hennessy is a group of twenty-eight Maisons, internationally recognized for the richness of their terroirs, the quality of their products and the craftsmanship with which they are created. For many years, Moët Hennessy has been committed to its environmental and social program, Living Soils Living Together.
Ao Yun, Ardbeg, Armand de Brignac, Belvedere, Bodega Numanthia, Chandon, Château d’Esclans, Château Galoupet, Cheval des Andes, Clos19, Cloudy Bay, Cravan, Dom Pérignon, Eminente, Glenmorangie, Hennessy, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Krug, Mercier, Minuty, Moët & Chandon, Newton, Ruinart, SirDavis, Terrazas de los Andes, Veuve Clicquot, Volcán de mi Tierra, Woodinville.
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