Breaking Through: POC Perspectives on Growth Beyond Bartending ($5,300)

To sponsor this seminar, choose one of our Annual Education Underwriting levels and add it to your cart. For more information about the different Annual Education Underwriting levels, click the link or continue to the bottom of the page.

Breaking Through: POC Perspectives on Growth Beyond Bartending explores how bartenders from marginalized communities can transition into broader opportunities across hospitality and beverage alcohol, while addressing systemic barriers that often limit advancement. The panel will be moderated by Edward Hansel, a first?generation mixed?ethnicity professional whose journey from bartender to corporate educator with a leading global spirits company offers unique insights into privilege, access, and representation as a white?passing male. He will be joined by John Neely, a gay Black Detroiter who rose from nearly two decades behind the bar to co?owning a thriving venue; Alex Chien, a first?generation Asian?American whose path carried him from bartending to brand ambassadorship, bar ownership, and now beverage management at one of the world’s largest hotel groups; and Katya Bravo, a first?generation Cuban?American who began bartending in Miami Beach, built her career in marketing with global beverage brands, and ultimately launched her own experiential agency, Secret Sauce. Together, these voices showcase diverse pathway to ownership, corporate leadership, education, and entrepreneurship while reflecting on the realities of navigating an industry where leadership has historically lacked diversity and inclusivity. Through moderated discussion, storytelling, and audience Q&A, attendees will gain actionable strategies to build sustainable careers beyond the bar.

Speakers:
Edward Hansel
Katya Bravo
Alex Chien
John Neely

Logistics & Details

Seminars will be hosted at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans and will range from 60-90 minutes. Brands will receive logo placement on the TOTC2025 agenda and signage and have the opportunity to have their product served during their sponsored seminar.

Seminar sponsorships are responsible for the underwriting of the spirits served and will be ordered through the Foundation.

Following May 18th, 2026, all confirmed partnerships will incur a 5% late fee (included in total at checkout) and payment is required in full by credit card.

Seminar Sponsorships - Annual Education Underwriting

The new Annual Education Underwriting model invites brands to support the TOTCF Education program year-round through a holistic lens, opening up opportunities beyond sponsoring seminars during the week of Tales of the Cocktail.

To sponsor this seminar, choose one of our Annual Education Underwriting levels and add it to your cart. To sponsor just 1 seminar, we recommend the Builder Level. To sponsor 2+ seminars and receive even more benefits, you can take advantage of our Mentor Level, Innovator Level, or Leader Level opportunities.