Event Dates:
Event Dates:
Be a part of history!
We are currently seeking Speaker Submissions for the USBG 75th Diamond Jubilee Conference & Gala.
Have you ever had an interest in sharing knowledge with others, or speaking to a group of people about something that interests you? It is not as scary as some may think. In fact, the feeling one gets when they realize they have just impacted a room full of people is quite extraordinary. Be a part of supporting our efforts to educate and build community amongst bartenders and the growth and development of our industry.
Speaker submissions are being accepted for the following categories:
We are accepting Speaker Submissions through March 1, 2023.
Accepted submission will be contacted in May to confirm all details.
For additional information, please view our SEMINAR FAQ’s.
ANNOUNCING THE 2024 USBG BAR SUMMIT KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Keynote Speaker
Keynote Address
Monday, June 3
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Chef, restaurateur, and Emmy Award-winning television host Guy Fieri is one of the world’s most recognizable and influential culinary stars. With a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he is best known as the Mayor of Flavortown and the face of Food Network favorites Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games, and the iconic culinary competition Tournament of Champions. His thriving business empire has grown to include over 80 restaurants worldwide, Hunt & Ryde vineyard, Santo tequila, and Knuckle Sandwich cigars.
Guy Fieri is a chef, restaurateur, New York Times Best Selling author and Emmy Award-winning TV host, Guy Fieri, is one of the world’s most recognizable and influential culinary stars. In 2019, Guy received a star on the celebrated Hollywood Walk Fame, a rare feat for a chef.
Guy began his love affair with food at the age of ten, selling soft pretzels from a three-wheeled bicycle cart he built with his father called “The Awesome Pretzel Cart.” After selling pretzels and washing dishes for six years, Guy earned enough money to pursue his dream of studying abroad in Chantilly, France, where he gained a profound appreciation for international cuisines and further strengthened his passion for food. He returned to the US and graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a degree in Hospitality Management. Upon his graduation, Guy jumped headfirst into the restaurant business, ultimately opening his own casual dining concepts in Northern California.
In 2006, Guy won Food Network’s popular television competition show, “Next Food Network Star” and was awarded his own series, the Emmy nominated “Guy’s Big Bite.” Since that time, Guy has taken food television by storm as host of top-rated TV shows including the iconic, Emmy-nominated “Diners, Drive Ins & Dives,” “Guy’s Grocery Games,” “Tournament of Champions” and “Guy’s Ranch Kitchen.”
Additionally, Guy and his team at Knuckle Sandwich, LLC, have created a thriving culinary empire, opening 75 restaurants around the world. On land and at sea, Guy’s culinary creations are enjoyed globally, every day.
HEAR ALSO FROM THESE SPEAKERS
Amanda Berger, Ph.D. is the Vice President of Science and Health at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). She is a seasoned public health expert with nearly 20 years public health experience, working for a range of federal, nonprofit, and private sector clients. At DISCUS, she advocates on behalf of the distilled spirits industry for U.S. policies and
global actions that are evidence-based and grounded in sound science. Dr. Berger engages with federal, international health organizations, and public health professionals. She also oversees DISCUS' MyPlate National Strategic Partnership to disseminate the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Dr. Berger earned her Ph.D. in Public Health from the University of Maryland; M.A. in Education and Human Development from George Washington University; and B.S. in Psychology and Cognitive Studies (dual degree) from Vanderbilt University. She completed a National Academy of Medicine post-doctoral fellowship at FDA in Regulatory Science and Communication.
Seminar: Empowering Consumers to Make Informed Decisions
Monday, June 3: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Ainsley serves as Vice President of Public Affairs and State Policy at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) where she manages policy communications both on the state and federal levels and serves as DISCUS’ lobbyist for Colorado. She has extensive experience in strategic communications planning, campaign execution, grassroots advocacy and policy promotion. Previously, Ainsley worked on Capitol Hill in D.C. where she served as communications director for multiple members of Congress and went on to be the communications director for a caucus of more than 140 members. Ainsley received her bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and received her master's degree in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University.
Seminar: Empowering Consumers to Make Informed Decisions
Monday, June 3: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
@Highball.Hendo
@Highball.Hendo
From roles as head bartender in Boston to brand ambassador and trainer in New York, John was a fixture in the upper Northeast bar scene. John brings ten plus years of experience to his role as Master Educator for The Diageo Hospitality Partnership. He has earned the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 (2016) and Level 2 (2017) certifications, is a Certified Spirits Specialist (CSS) with the Society of Wine Educators (2018). He also holds both a General Certificate of Spirits Packaging and a General
Certificate of Distilling (GCD) from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (2021). John is also a 2013 US Finalist and 2014 Northeast Regional Finalist in the USBG Presents World Class US Competition
Seminar: Develop Your Cocktail Color Palette
Monday, June 3: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sponsored By:
@BartendBetterNow
With over 29 years behind the bar, keyboard, or on camera... Rob Husted and his company BarWars LLC have a vast market reach and respect within the hospitality industry. His influence on classic and current trends has been sought out by numerous organizations - from the United States Bartenders’ Guild to The Food Network. Whether he’s behind the bar educating consumers or speaking at educational seminars to the elite family of bartenders, his passion motivates others.
Rob’s philosophy of creating quality cocktails in a timely manner while entertaining your guests has been embraced and demonstrated by bartenders of all skill levels across the globe. He doesn’t claim to be one of the best bartenders in the world, he just wants to help you to be.
Now to add to those accomplishments, Rob has appeared on A&E, Travel Channel, CMT, Forbes and Food Network numerous times promoting Flair & Mixology. He was the founding president for the United States Bartenders’ Guild Palm Beach Chapter as well as for the United States Bartenders’ Guild National Flair Committee.
In 2004, he won the title of “World’s Most Accurate Bartender” & 2005 “2nd Best American & 11th in the World Flair Bartender” at the Legends of Bartending in Las Vegas, NV. Through BarWars LLC (www.BartendBetterNow.com) Rob and his team do as much as they can to help spread the gospel of Flair bartending and Mixology with great Service.
To further add to his reach, Rob runs an event staffing company called Cocktails4Hire where they staff and showcase many different styles of bartenders for events and consumers worldwide.
Along with Dean Serneels, Rob co-created and helps run Cocktail Network Live which is an exciting new platform for bartenders across the globe to showcase their passions and exchange ideas.
Anything else you would like to know, you can ask over some drinks… Cheers!
Seminar: Crafting Your Future Using AI & Technology
Tuesday, June 4: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
@mrlovenoego
@mrlovenoego
Freddy is an inspirational and transformational speaker, social-emotional learning (SEL) coach, personal trainer, educator, author, and founder of The Love No Ego Foundation, located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Freddy's Love...No Ego philosophy serves as the foundation for igniting clients' human intuition, being the resolution to end conflict and stress, while facilitating them into purposeful serving, despite their career and industry choice. Freddy's message results in consistent, daily happiness and productivity, personally as well as professionally, enabling participants to grow and perform better than their everyday pressures, and gain optimal performance. Domestically, as well as internationally, Freddy has delivered powerful, engaging, and relevant presentations, mentored, consulted, and conducted workshops for individuals and a variety of teams and organizations. His approach improves their overall awareness and sustainability, promotes self and team development, helps them to notice the ego and where the limitations are, and gets them committed to living a life of resiliency!
Seminar: Love. . .No Ego: The Courage to Be You
Monday, June 3: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
I'm Leslie Michele, a dedicated wellness coach with a profound background in music. My passion for wellness coaching stems from my belief that true transformation encompasses not only the mind but also the body and soul. Having explored the world through my musical travels in Scandinavia, Asia, and North America, I've been captivated by the diverse expressions of human experience. This journey has empowered me to incorporate holistic approaches to wellness, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Now, my purpose is to guide individuals on their path to well-being, drawing from my rich experience as both a musician and a global explorer. I aspire to help others discover their unique harmony, just as I've uncovered the harmonies of different cultures worldwide. Whether through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, or transformative retreats, I'm committed to supporting individuals in their quest for health and fulfillment.
Seminar: Conflict Resolution Workshop
Tuesday, June 4: 2:30 - 3:30 PM
@LeiraKnowsCocktails
Ariel E. Neal is a trailblazer in the Chicago bar industry, redefining hospitality and inspiring a brighter future. As the VP of USBG Chicago 2023 and founder of Leira Knows Cocktails, Events & Production LLC, she is dedicated to providing sustainable resources and fostering the growth of hospitality professionals. Ariel's journey began as a bartender, where her love for serving delicious libations blossomed. Now, as a social entrepreneur, educator, and community advocate, she creates opportunities for career advancement in the hospitality field. Through her company, Ariel designs exceptional cocktail events, prioritizing education, inclusion, and professionalism. She co-founded Causing A Stir to address challenges faced by professionals of color and co-created Good Vibes Healing Haven to promote holistic professional development. Ariel is transforming bartenders into skilled professionals through education, mentoring, leadership training, and immersive travel programs. Her motto, "Connecting people through cocktails," reflects her mission to make cocktail education accessible for all. Ariel firmly believes in the power of community to drive economic growth and hosts industry events to showcase vibrant neighborhoods. She actively educates her community on cocktails, inspiring young adults to consider a career in the hospitality industry. Ariel's passion for hospitality and educational travel has earned her recognition in Ebony Magazine, Food and Wine, and other publications.
Seminar: Events: Pre, Post, & the USBG
Tuesday, June 4: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Randy Tarlow is the President/Founder of Liquid Alchemist syrups and former professional bartender.
Seminar: Mindset for Success
Tuesday,, June 4: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Jessica Taylor is a talent development professional and certified instructional designer in the beverage alcohol industry with 24 years of experience in bars and restaurants.
Seminar: Team Operating Principles
Tuesday, June 4: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Sponsored By:
Associate Professor, The College of Hospitality Management Director, The Center for Beverage Education & Innovation Johnson & Wales University
Professor Brian Warrener has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the hospitality industry. He began waiting tables in 1985 and has since worked in virtually every position within food and beverage operations, including bar back, bartender, bouncer, beverage manager, assistant manager and general manager. Since 2002 Professor Warrener has been a full-time faculty member in the College of Hospitality Management and the College of Business at Johnson & Wales University. His teaching focuses on food and beverage operations and beverage operations and management. He has taught classes in The College of Hospitality Management, The College of Business, The College of Professional Studies, and the Alan Shawn Feinstein Graduate School. Professor Warrener has twice taught at Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Tourismo in Estoril, Portugal. Professor Warrener has held a number of certifications including the AH&LA Certified Hospitality Educator; The Wine and Spirits Education Trust Certificates in Wine and Spirits and in Professional Spirits Management; and Certified Instructor by ServSafe Alcohol, TIPS, ServSafe Sanitation and the RI Department of Health. He has served as a member of the National Advisory Board for Nightclub & Bar and the New England Tequila and Rum Festival. He currently serves as Director of the Center for Beverage Education & Innovation at JWU. Professor Warrener has presented to both local and national professional associations. He has authored more than 50 articles on the topic of beverage operations for a number of national publications.
Seminar: Developing Your Unique Leadership Style
Monday, June 3: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
SEMINAR CONTENT WILL FOCUS ON THESE THEMES:
These seminars are reserved for USBG Chapter Leaders. Seminars under this track include general leadership, chapter finances, fundraising, membership, general chapter operations and governance, social media, marketing, volunteer management, event planning and management.
These seminars are industry-driven and designed for bartenders and industry professionals with a focus beyond the introductory level. Seminars under this track include spirit category exploration, cocktails and trends, techniques, methodology, career possibilities, and a conference excursion.
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