Kate’s passion for local flavors, spirits, and cocktails, as well as her natural inclination toward the art of hospitality, have guided her way through the world of bars and restaurants. For over a decade, she has worked with many industry leaders and earned numerous national and global accolades, including 2021 Bartender of the Year at Les Lauriers de la Gastronomie Québécoise, International Bartender of the Year Top 10 Nominee at both the 2022 and 2023 Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Spirited Awards®, and named one of Drink International’s 100 most influential bar world figures in 2023. In her role as Partner and Beverage & Education Director for the Barroco Group, she strives to lead by example, help build a stronger and healthier bar community, and be a vocal champion of the Montreal and Canadian bar scenes

Giorgio began his journey in hospitality at his aunt’s restaurant bar in Pisa, Italy, where he developed a deep-rooted passion. Starting as a bartender in local nightclubs while pursuing a Communications degree, he was drawn to the creativity and relationship-building aspects of the job. Inspired by London’s top hotel bars, Giorgio joined a luxury hotel to further hone his skills. His career took a pivotal turn when he joined The Connaught Bar in 2014, starting as a bar back and rising to Head Mixologist by January 2019. Working alongside Ago Perrone, Giorgio has become an ambassador of world-class cocktail-making and hospitality. Awarded International Bartender of the Year at Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards 2023, Giorgio continues to captivate guests with his showmanship and passionate storytelling, aiming to create unforgettable drinking experiences and inspire others worldwide through masterclasses and events.

Giulia Cuccurullo, head bartender at Artesian, The Langham London, is an award-winning mixologist known for her innovative yet sustainable cocktails. Originally from Italy, she transitioned from studying architecture to bartending, gaining experience in top venues across London and Paris. Since joining Artesian in 2018, she has earned accolades like Global Winner of Patrón Perfectionists 2020 and serves on the Tales of the Cocktail Culture Committee. Giulia’s creations are celebrated for their clean, unique flavors and boundary-pushing pairings.

Joshua Monaghan is the beverage director at Zapote Bar, an award-winning cocktail bar located within the Rosewood Mayakoba resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. A native of Leon, he has experience in bars ranging from Mexico City to Cancun.

Julie Reiner is a celebrated mixologist, co-owner of Clover Club and Leyenda in Brooklyn, and author of The Craft Cocktail Party. With over 25 years of experience, she has elevated New York City’s cocktail scene, starting with Flatiron Lounge and Pegu Club, which she opened with Audrey Saunders. Inspired by her Hawaiian upbringing, Julie incorporates fresh, high-quality ingredients into her award-winning beverage programs. In 2020, she and partner Tom Macy launched Social Hour Cocktails, a line of ready-to-drink canned cocktails. Julie is also a partner at Beverage Alcohol Resource and a respected spirits judge including time on Netflix’s Drink Masters.

Kapri Robinson, DC’s 2017 Cocktail Queen, is a bartender, educator, event organizer, president, and founder of Chocolate City’s Best (CCB). She has won cocktail competitions, appeared in media outlets like PUNCH and Eater, and led seminars on hospitality and empowerment. In 2020, Kapri co-founded Back To Black to support Black food and beverage creators, and she co-founded Empowering The Diner. Named one of Eater’s New Guard in 2021, she was a top 10 bartender nominee by the Tales of The Cocktail Spirited Awards in 2022 and one of Netflix’s first Drink Masters. She co-hosts the Soul Palate Podcast and advocates for Black and Brown representation in the industry.

Josh Harris, founder of The Bon Vivants, is a San Francisco native and hospitality veteran, Harris is the owner of Trick Dog and the upcoming Quik Dog. A passionate ultra trail runner, vintage watch dealer, and advocate for non-alcoholic drinking culture, he’s been sober since 2003. Harris also co-founded the BV Run Club and established The Bon Vivants Scholarship, raising nearly $850,000 for nonprofits and supporting underserved youth in San Francisco.