Fundamentals of Bartending aims to build and diversify the hospitality profession by offering foundational education to novice bartenders so that they may confidently enter the workforce with bartending and spirit category knowledge.

Academia Patrón formed this in partnership with Christiane Buggs, creator of the Virtual Bartending Academy based in Nashville, TN, The inaugural Fundamentals of Bartending launched in February 2021 with a class of 50 application-based students. The first in-person event took place in October of 2021, complete with two robust days of programming, education, and training. Students gathered to hear from industry experts and brand ambassadors and to gather applicable skills and information they can use to further their careers in hospitality. 

Below, find a video recap of the Charlotte event. 

Fundamentals of Bartending wouldn’t be possible without the incredible field of presenters who shared their experience and spirits with participating students, including:

• Christiane Buggs | Chair of the Metro Nashville Board of Education + Founder of Virtual Bartender Academy
• Colin Asare-Appiah | Director of Multicultural/​LGBTQ+ Advocacy Bacardi
• Jaymee Mandeville | Director of Education Bacardi
• Larisa Yanicak | North Carolina Whiskey Guardian Angel’s Envy
• Nathan Reffell | Bacardi Multicultural Ambassador Atlanta
• Steph Teslar | East Coast Trade Education Manager Patrón
• Sullivan Doh | Global Brand Ambassador D’USSE
• Tara Marshall | Multicultural Portfolio Ambassador Washington DC
• Taurell Bush | Bacardi Multicultural Ambassador Detroit
• Terrance Barnhill | Brand Activation Manager NC Bacardi Multicultural Market

Prospective students are encouraged to continue to connect with Bacardi advocacy members with any questions or opportunities for mentorship, and should stay connected to our social media for future sessions and to learn more.

Academia Patrón is looking toward the future with this program, and is excited to bring the event to Atlanta, Georgia in early 2022! Follow along here or on Instagram @Academia_Patron to keep in touch with the program and participation options in the coming year.