Was that a ghost?! Service Bar DC meets Holy Ghost PDX in this killer agave collaboration. These two cocktail powerhouses are teaming up to serve epic drinks, Pan Con Queso's elevated pizzas, and Pip's doughnuts while vintage monster flicks play against candlelit altars and tarot cards. Get your aura read between rounds of spooky exotica and garage rock, because this mystical mash-up is serving occult vibes with zero cartoon nonsense. When these bartending legends join forces, you know the spirits—both liquid and supernatural—are going to be flowing all night long!

Mashup. All PDXCW pass holders can attend.
Location: Holy Ghost, 4101 SE 28th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97202
Sponsored by: Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Altos Tequila

A Portland Cocktail Week 2025 Bar Takeover! Where Visiting San Francisco bar "Trick Dog" joins the local PDX Bar team at "Panther Club" to transport you to an experience out of this world! Event will have elevated cocktails and small bites.

Mashup. All PDXCW pass holders can attend.
Location: Panther Club, 726 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Bulleit, Diageo

Irish House brings the best of Irish spirits and nightlife under one roof. Guests will sip premium whiskey, poitín, gin, and vodka cocktails from bartenders from around the country before the night turns into a full-on Irish club experience with 400 partygoers and bites from Loyal Legion.

Nighttime Event. All PDXCW pass holders can attend.
Location: DreamTENT at The Jupiter Hotel, 800 E Burnside Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Bord Bia, Dingle Distillery, Spirit of Ireland

Celebrate the incredible legacy of Don Julio by bringing industry friends together for a vibrant happy hour that honors both our history and yours. Keeping It 100 Since 1942 highlights what makes Don Julio an unparalleled tequila — crafted with 100% Blue Weber agave and a standard of excellence that’s kept us at the top of the industry for decades. Come raise a glass with friends, enjoy cocktails, and be part of a celebration that’s as timeless as the tequila itself.

Nighttime Event. All PDXCW pass holders can attend.
Location: White Owl Social Club, 1305 SE 8th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Don Julio, Diageo

Hospitality has long struggled with the cycle of high turnover, burnout, and constant retraining. This seminar offers a practical solution: a retention-first framework designed to keep talent longer, strengthen culture, and stabilize margins.

At the heart of the session is a 90-day action plan that any operator can implement immediately. We start with structured onboarding, ensuring new hires quickly reach competency while feeling genuinely welcomed into the team. From there, we explore learning journeys—progressive, staged training that integrates cross-training and skill development, giving staff flexibility, growth opportunities, and a sense of purpose.

Beyond skills, we address the critical role of mental health in hospitality. Attendees will learn how to move beyond reactive stress management toward proactive support models: normalizing conversations about wellbeing, designing schedules that prioritize rest, and making resources easily accessible. These practices not only reduce absenteeism but also build sustainable performance.

The seminar also introduces stay-interviews and recognition rituals, tools that replace passive appreciation with structured, ongoing conversations that help uncover risks early and show staff they’re valued. Paired with measurable KPIs—time-to-competency, retention rates, engagement scores—leaders gain clear ways to track progress and tie people strategy to business results.

Attendees will leave with scorecards, templates, and a clear blueprint for creating environments where staff want to stay, grow, and perform. This is not about abstract culture talk—it’s about turning people into your strongest competitive advantage through retention, training, and mental health strategies that work.

Featuring:
Shawn Soole
Principal Consultant, Soole Hospitality Consultants

Education Classes are for pre-assigned Student Pass holders and Bartender Pass Auditing.
Location: The Arium at Jupiter NEXT, 900 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Lush Life Productions

Shawn Soole, Principal Consultant, Soole Hospitality Consultants
Shawn Soole is the founder of Soole Hospitality Concepts (SHC), where he helps bars and restaurants thrive through tailored training, systems, and education. A BNIC-certified Cognac educator and passionate industry leader, he shares insights on business, culture, and creativity as the host of the Post Shift Podcast, inspiring hospitality professionals to grow smarter and stronger.

Join CHOW and HealthTender to explore:

·Shifting drink culture in the workplace
·What is addiction, respecting the n/a lifestyle, breaking down stigma
·Improving your bottom line with a low/no cocktail program
·Offering support and challenging conversations

Featuring:
Jasmin Parks-Papadopoulos, Chief Growth Officer, CHOW
Amie Ward, Owner/Founder, The Healthtender

Education Classes are for pre-assigned Student Pass holders and Bartender Pass Auditing.
Location: DreamTENT, The Jupiter Hotel, 800 E Burnside Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Lush Life Productions

Jasmin Parks-Papadopoulos, Chief Growth Officer, CHOW
Hi, I’m Jasmin Vitolo Parks-Papadopoulos – in a past life I was a third generation chef, but today I’m CHOW’s Chief Growth Officer and so many other things I never imagined being . For years, I lived with high-functioning anxiety and didn’t even realize how deeply it was woven into my career and identity. Like so many others, I hit a turning point during the Great Resignation and found my way to CHOW in 2020. I was looking for support, clarity, and a way out of an industry where I’d been hiding in plain sight.

CHOW gave me space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with who I really am – and now I get to help create that space for others. As part of the CHOW team, I’m all about building community, sharing real stories, and making sure people feel as welcomed and seen as I did when I first showed up. These days, my mission is to help spread the word about our work, grow our reach, and support anyone navigating the ups and downs of mental health in the food/beverage/hospitality and beyond.

Amie Ward, Owner/Founder, The Healthtender
B.S. M.A, Kinesiology; Board Certified Health Coach
NA Category Judge, L.A. Spirits Awards
Beverage Director, Camp Runamok
President, Baltimore Bartenders Guild
Program Director, HEARD
Executive Director, Safe Bars

How is my cocktail list contributing to the financial success of my bar? Why did my liquor cost rise by 3 points last month? Small bars may not have the financial luxury of an expensive subscription to an inventory management platform. But what if you could have that all and more for free? In this session we dig into the nuts and bolts of Excel (and Google Spreadsheets) to automate your most usual calculations, find opportunities to save money (and make money), and ultimately give you and your staff the tools to run a tighter ship. All illustrated by live, real-world examples. Nerd alert, there might be some coding involved. A full suite of spreadsheet examples will be provided to all attendees following PDXCW.

Featuring:
Jared Sadoian
Director of Operations, Cambridge Street Hospitality Group

Education Classes are for pre-assigned Student Pass holders and Bartender Pass Auditing.
Location: The Arium at Jupiter NEXT, 900 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Lush Life Productions

Jared Sadoian, Director of Operations, Cambridge Street Hospitality Group
Jared Sadoian is an accomplished manager of hospitality programs, generous mentor to the upcoming generation of young bartenders, and in-demand educator at regional and national events. He currently serves as the Director of Operations for Chef Will Gilson's collection of eight restaurants, bars, and event spaces in the Greater Boston area. Jared's eye on the intersection of drink, service, culture and analytics lent a thoughtful, data-driven approach to the group's heightened focus on hospitality, building and providing tools to help staff deliver an unparalleled drinking & dining experience.

Opening a brand-new beverage program for a bar or restaurant is a labor of love and a lot of work. In this class we will cover developing your opening cocktail menu that works for your physical space and theme. Tips on hiring and training a cohesive bar staff, give examples of the seemingly endless shopping, checklists, and all the little, random things it takes to get the doors open without losing your mind in the process.

Featuring:
Colleen Hughes
Beverage Director and Head Mixologist for the Tonidandel Brown Restaurant Group

Education Classes are for pre-assigned Student Pass holders and Bartender Pass Auditing.
Location: The Arium at Jupiter NEXT, 900 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Lush Life Productions

Colleen Hughes, Beverage Director and Head Mixologist for the Tonidandel Brown Restaurant Group
Colleen Hughes is a multi-award-winning, James Beard-nominated mixologist. For the past 12 years, she has served as the Beverage Director for the Tonidandel-Brown restaurant group in Charlotte, North Carolina, creating, opening, and managing multiple cocktail programs. Currently, she has six different bar concepts, ranging from a neighborhood tavern to multiple eco-friendly, anti-wasteful cocktail programs in fine dining restaurants, and an intimate cocktail tasting menu program that delivers modernist cocktails and food pairings on a rotating basis.
A cocktail and distilled spirits expert, she was “Certified BAR Ready” by the Beverage Alcohol Resource Program. Colleen also served for four years as a Director on the National Board of the United States Bartenders Guild and currently serves as the Chair of the National Membership Committee.

Join CHOW to explore how to check in with yourself and those around you, how to offer support and start challenging conversations and the importance of role modeling in Self Service.

We'll be using Workplace Wellness tools to practice checking in with ourselves often and authentically, and extending the practice to our teams. Let's practice assertive communication, maintaining interest in someone else, and use TACOS as tools for our wellness toolkit!

Featuring:
Jasmin Parks-Papadopoulos, Chief Growth Officer, CHOW

Education Classes are for pre-assigned Student Pass holders and Bartender Pass Auditing.
Location: DreamTENT, The Jupiter Hotel, 800 E Burnside Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Lush Life Productions

Jasmin Parks-Papadopoulos, Chief Growth Officer, CHOW
Hi, I’m Jasmin Vitolo Parks-Papadopoulos – in a past life I was a third generation chef, but today I’m CHOW’s Chief Growth Officer and so many other things I never imagined being . For years, I lived with high-functioning anxiety and didn’t even realize how deeply it was woven into my career and identity. Like so many others, I hit a turning point during the Great Resignation and found my way to CHOW in 2020. I was looking for support, clarity, and a way out of an industry where I’d been hiding in plain sight.

CHOW gave me space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with who I really am – and now I get to help create that space for others. As part of the CHOW team, I’m all about building community, sharing real stories, and making sure people feel as welcomed and seen as I did when I first showed up. These days, my mission is to help spread the word about our work, grow our reach, and support anyone navigating the ups and downs of mental health in the food/beverage/hospitality and beyond.

The Tanqueray Gin Workshop is an in-depth education on the complex history of Gin and its botanicals. 

This fun and interactive session focuses on Tanqueray and its expressions. Guests will have the opportunity to create their own "Gin” with a neutral spirit and botanicals flash-infused with hand-picked botanicals on site!

3-Hour Educational Workshop for pre-assigned Student Pass holders.
Location: Dimo's Apizza, 701 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Tanqueray Gin

William Codman, National Educator, Tanqueray Gin
William is a seasoned and accomplished bar/restaurant veteran with over 25 years of experience in the spirits industry; as a bartender, bar manager, and brand ambassador, all of which set him up for success as the National Educator for DHP. Energetic, happy, and fun, he is driven to be the best educator he can be and draws inspiration from his life and mentors. He is a former Master of Whiskey, where he worked firsthand in distilleries all over the world. Later, becoming a Program Specialist for all Diageo Reserve brands. Mentoring team members, educating trade and working national distributors. He enjoys creating programming and sharing his learnings with people who have a thirst for knowledge. William believes that while hospitality isn’t fixing rainy days, it does bring sunshine. “There are so many amazing things to learn about our industry, I am lucky and get to share the science, history and techniques that were taught to me”.​

His passion for wine took him to Burgundy where he lived and worked a full harvest. His skills as a mixologist won him multiple spirits and cocktail certifications and he has competed in many national cocktail competitions, including being awarded "Boston's Best Bartender '10" and an appearance on TV’s “On the Rocks, America's Best Bartender.” He is the creator of the nationally recognized bartending competition, Cocktail Wars and has executed the event for more than 7 years. He has been the Director of Operations for large high volume companies, successfully overseeing multiple bars and restaurants at one time.

A lifelong student, Bill believes there’s always something new to learn, and he strives to learn and teach as much as possible— his philosophy is never one-size-fits-all. A graduate of Douai Abbey School, Farnham College, and Portsmouth University, he has also completed the Malt Advocate certification.

A passionate snowboarder (he even teaches lessons), Bill also loves to surf, run, play tennis, go to concerts, and ride motorbikes. You might be surprised to learn he can even fly a non-powered sail plane! He resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.

So you want to open your own bar, eh? This class is the equivalent of three short fifteen min "TED Talks" on how to do it on your own, like we did with Happy Accidents. How to navigate the PR and marketing wheel of chaos without the out of pocket expense of hiring a firm. How to build the best bar team who shares your vision and stays motivated. What about the paperwork? The licensing? What even is a certificate of occupancy? Do you want an S Corp? a C corp? We will show you our 30,000 foot overview of PR/Marketing, Leadership and Operations Management for the little bar that made waves in the sand of New Mexico.

Featuring:
Kate Gerwin, Owner, Happy Accidents
Blaze Montana, Owner, Happy Accidents

Education Classes are for pre-assigned Student Pass holders and Bartender Pass Auditing.
Location: The Arium at Jupiter NEXT, 900 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Lush Life Productions

Blaze and Kate are the powerhouse team behind the multiple award winning bar Happy Accidents located in the tertiary market of Albuquerque. Opened in 2021 with minimal budget and just the will and determination of two bartenders, this bar won Best New Bar in America TWO TIMES right out of the gate. They then went on to win a plethora of awards including Innovators of the Year, Best Bar Team, Bar of the Year, Food & WIne's Top Ten Bars in the US and many many more. Still driving and growing, the bar has become a mark of independent bar ownership all around the world.

Ever speed date a whisky? We’re having some fun with this one, giving you the opportunity to learn about Canadian whisky in 5-minute increments! After your rye romance blossoms, your team will participate in a speed challenge to earn a spot in a whisky-version of The Dating Game! Here, contestants will personify their favorite Canadian whiskies as Dave Mitton tries to find his perfect whisky soulmate. 

Kaitlyn Stewart will be joining in on all the fun, and we’ll get to talk with her about the development and writing of Three Cheers, releasing October 7th!

Disclaimer: This event is not intended for the purposes of forming romantic relationships between humans. Although, if that happens, we would like to be invited to the wedding.

Featuring:
Gina Fossitt, Founder, Dandelion BevEd
Dave Mitton, Global Ambassador, J.P. Wiser's and Lot No. 40
Kaitlyn Stewart, Bartender, Author of Three Cheers!

3-Hour Educational Workshop for pre-assigned Student Pass holders.
Location: Union Pine, 525 SE Pine Street, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Lot No. 40, J.P. Wiser's

Gina Fossitt, Founder, Dandelion BevEd
Gina Fossitt (she/her) is the founder of Dandelion BevEd, a creative agency producing impactful educational programming for spirits brands, trade, and enthusiasts. In 2014, she became a member of the esteemed Diageo Masters of Whisky program and started earning several spirits certifications. She led the team hosting ambassador internships at The George Dickel Distillery and developed a 6-month mentorship to prepare ambassadors for the revered IBD General Certificate of Distillation. She went on to become the U.S. National Ambassador of Lot No. 40 for Corby Spirits and Wine, where she eventually took the role of Trade and Education Manager, leading the trade and educational programming globally on the portfolio. Gina spearheaded the creation of the first-ever certification in Canadian whisky, providing a deep dive into the category. Dandelion BevEd now leads production and business development of the four-week course independently, as well as with partners such as WSET, Lush Life Productions, and Bourbon Women. Gina is also an Educator for the Edinburgh Whisky Academy.

Dave Mitton, Global Ambassador, J.P. Wiser's and Lot No. 40
For the last decade, Dave has travelled the world as the Global Ambassador for Lot No.40 and J.P.Wiser’s whiskies. As Head of Education and Advocacy for the brands, he has a great passion when it comes to enlightening the bartender community about the history, production and of course the creation of cocktails with his country’s national spirit.

Previously he was the owner and operator of several well-known restaurants and bars in Toronto as well as the inaugural President of The Canadian Professional Bartenders Association, Ontario Chapter. He has always had a great devotion for community and security amongst bartenders. Dave is a big believer in training and providing staff with the knowledge and tools they need when it comes to making great drinks and everything else that comes with working behind the bar. Additionally, he loves gathering stories from those on the front lines and his unyielding curiosity continues to drive him across the globe, seeking new cocktail adventures and connecting with the fascinating individuals behind them.

Dave was recently honored with the following awards in 2024.
“Best International Brand Ambassador” - Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards
“Brand Ambassador of the Year” - Canadian Whisky Awards

Kaitlyn Stewart, Bartender, Author of Three Cheers!
Kaitlyn Stewart is an internationally recognized bartending professional with nearly 20 years of experience in hospitality. She was the first Canadian to win the World Class Bartender of the Year title in 2017. Since then, she has traveled extensively, conducting seminars, judging competitions, and guest bartending at top bars. Recently, she was short listed for two Spirited Awards in the categories of Best International Bar Mentor and Best Broadcast, Podcast or Online Video Series. As well as named #65 on the Drinks International Bar World 100 most Influential Bartenders, list.

When not traveling, Kaitlyn operates her own consulting and recipe development business, and manages a popular social media account, Like•a•ble Cocktails. Additionally, she is set to publish her inaugural cocktail book later this fall, titled Three Cheers!

Join CHOW for an interactive workshop that explores the 8 key ingredients of wellness – physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, occupational, and financial.

Through guided activities and open discussion, you’ll gain practical tools to create balance and enhance well-being in every area of your life.

Featuring:
Jasmin Parks-Papadopoulos, Chief Growth Officer, CHOW

Education Classes are for pre-assigned Student Pass holders and Bartender Pass Auditing.
Location: DreamTENT, The Jupiter Hotel, 800 E Burnside Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Lush Life Productions

Jasmin Parks-Papadopoulos, Chief Growth Officer, CHOW
Hi, I’m Jasmin Vitolo Parks-Papadopoulos – in a past life I was a third generation chef, but today I’m CHOW’s Chief Growth Officer and so many other things I never imagined being . For years, I lived with high-functioning anxiety and didn’t even realize how deeply it was woven into my career and identity. Like so many others, I hit a turning point during the Great Resignation and found my way to CHOW in 2020. I was looking for support, clarity, and a way out of an industry where I’d been hiding in plain sight.

CHOW gave me space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with who I really am – and now I get to help create that space for others. As part of the CHOW team, I’m all about building community, sharing real stories, and making sure people feel as welcomed and seen as I did when I first showed up. These days, my mission is to help spread the word about our work, grow our reach, and support anyone navigating the ups and downs of mental health in the food/beverage/hospitality and beyond.

Attendees will begin the day with a keynote discussion on “Bar Nightmares,” with Mary Palac and a special guest. The talk will explore how to navigate the highs and lows of living your life in the hospitality industry. The afternoon will feature three rotating hands on breakout sessions—One Mash Bill to Rule Them All: A Bourbon Blending Experiment with Benny Hurwitz and JoAnn Street, Will it Spritz? with Olivia Cerio, and Orange You Glad You Came to This Class? With Xavier Herit. These immersive education sessions will deepen the students’ practical and theoretical skills while entertaining and inspiring their next brilliant cocktail idea.

Featuring:
Mary Palac, Mexican Spirits Portfolio Ambassador, Campari America
Benny Hurwitz, American Whiskey Portfolio Ambassador, Campari America
JoAnn Street, American Whiskey Portfolio Ambassador, Campari America
Olivia Cerio, Italian Icons Portfolio Ambassador, Campari America
Xavier Herit, Cognac Portfolio Ambassador, Campari America

Full-Day Educational Workshop for pre-assigned Student Pass holders.
Location: Mildred Hall, 5138 NE 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211
Sponsored by: Campari Academy, Campari, Aperol, Wild Turkey, Wilderness Trail, Grand Marnier, Crodino

Mary Palac, Mexican Spirits Portfolio Ambassador, Campari America
With over 20+ years of experience working in hospitality, Mary Palac is Campari Group's Mexican Spirits Portfolio Ambassador and offers industry knowledge that expands across the globe. Mary has received national recognition from the Spirited Awards as a Top 4 Finalist for the “American Bartender of the Year" honor, as well as being named a Top 10 nominee for "Best U S Brand Ambassador" in 2023 & 2024. She was also the first bartender to be commended by the city of San Jose for her contributions to the food and beverage community.

Born in the Philippines and raised in California, Mary grew up surrounded by both Filipino and Mexican culture, which helped build her connection to agave and Mexican spirits. Mary is also passionate about spirits education and building communities. She strives to seek out opportunities for others within the industry, especially women of color who are frequently overlooked or undervalued.

Due to her unwavering love for spirits and the industry a s a whole, Mary has visited distilleries and bar all over the world to continue expanding her expertise and knowledge. She is thrilled to be a Brand Ambassador of the Mexican Spirits Portfolio at Campari and is looking forward to what lies ahead.

Benny Hurwitz, American Whiskey Portfolio Ambassador, Campari America
As a Brand Ambassador for Campari's American Whiskey Portfolio, Benny joins the illustrious ranks of the Russell family and the Founders of Wilderness Trail to help spread knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for these iconic spirits both on-and off-premise.

Prior to joining Campari, Benny Hurwitz served a s Head Bartender at Washington D.C. hotspot, the Jack Rose Dining Saloon, a high-end award-winning American bar. There, he
oversaw all bar programs and innovated the dynamic cocktail menu. Benny's creations for Jack Rose have been featured in Tasting Table, Chilled Magazine, DCist, VH1 and Wine &
Spirits, among others.

Hurwitz's inspiration behind the bar starts in his hometown of D.C. as he learned from some of the top bartenders in the city, working alongside Rachel Sergi, who took Hurwitz to open J a c k Rose in 2011. Hurwitz lends his vast bourbon expertise as Brand Ambassador for Campari's American Whiskey Portfolio, helping to fuel education of Wild Turkey, Russell's Reserve, Longbranch and Wilderness Trail. Benny lives in Los Angeles and when not preaching the gospel of bourbon, you can find him spending time with his wife Denise or brushing up on his skateboarding skills.

JoAnn Street, American Whiskey Portfolio Ambassador, Campari America
As a brand ambassador and a proud member of the Russell family, Jo Ann is dedicated to enthusiasts and industry professionals on the Campari American whiskey portfolio. With a passion for storytelling, I like to bring the rich heritage and craftsmanship of these iconic brands to life, fostering a deeper appreciation for our Wild Turkey and
Wilderness Trail distilleries.

Originally from Nashville, TN, she made her way north to Kentucky for school. Shortly after college, JoAnn joined Wild Turkey in the visitor center, where she quickly worked her way up to becoming a brand ambassador. Her journey then took her to New York City, where she is one of the National Brand Ambassadors, sharing her deep passion for her brands. Driven by her love for storytelling, JoAnn was eager to take her knowledge on the road, bringing to life the rich legacy of her family's whiskey and the heritage of Kentucky bourbon. JoAnn now travels the country sharing her knowledge on Campari American Whiskey from Wild Turkey, Russell's Reserve, Longbranch and Wilderness Trail brands. She lives with her husband and dog in Brooklyn, NY. When JoAnn isn't talking whiskey, you will typically find her at a football game, in the park or surrounded by close friends.

Olivia Cerio, Italian Icons Portfolio Ambassador, Campari America
With a background as an on-premise specialist for Campari and extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Olivia brings these iconic brands to life with authenticity and passion. Her journey in the hospitality industry, which started in restaurants in BOH, moving to front of house and eventually into a brewer and Brand Manager role for a New York Farm Brewery, reflects her deep-rooted love for the field. Olivia's affinity for brands with rich heritage and legacy drew her to Campari.

Her deep-rooted passion for plant life and botanicals, Italian culture, and the rich tradition of eating and drinking ingrained in her heritage informs her genuine dedication to her role as a Brand Ambassador. She approaches her responsibilities with a desire to educate and empower hospitality professionals. Olivia's goal is to ensure that those serving these brands not only feel knowledgeable but also deeply connected, fostering an authentic enthusiasm for the products they offer.

Central to Olivia's mission is Campari Group's commitment to encouraging individuals to embrace the Italian culture of savoring small moments of celebration. Through her efforts,
Olivia helps bring this to life, fostering a sense of camaraderie and appreciation for the joys of slowing down and enjoying life's simple pleasures.

Xavier Herit, Cognac Portfolio Ambassador, Campari America
Xavier taps into his experience behind the bars of Paris and New York to help bartenders and members of the spirits trade rediscover the legendary world of Grand Marnier in his role as Brand Ambassador. Growing up in Paris with roots in France's Bordeaux region, Xavier Herit started his career path with restaurant apprenticeships that included such mentors as chefs Daniel Boulud and Alain Ducasse. But Xavier found his real home and his voice behind the bar.

In New York, Xavier' s skills as a bartender were harnesses at Ala in Ducasse's much anticipated Mix in New York. Continuing his career at Daniel, he spent nearly seven years as head bartender and co-authored "Daniel Boulud Cocktails and Amuse Bouches for Him and Her."Xavier went on to continue to define cocktail trends at the Experimental Cocktail Club, his own bar Wallflower, and the innovative program at NoMo Soho Hotel.

Today, as Brand Ambassador for Grand Marnier, Xavier is reintroducing this luxury French Liqueur to a new generation of spirit and cocktail enthusiasts. Xavier crisscrosses the country to educate restaurant and bar teams. He is based in New York City.

Haley Perros, Wilderness Trail Brand Ambassador
As one of the first employees of Wilderness Trail Distillery, Haley Perros has played a pivotal role in building the brand from the ground up. A Danville native with a background in biology and communications, she has been instrumental in expanding Wilderness Trail’s national presence, shaping its identity, and educating both industry professionals and consumers on the science behind its bourbon.

Just as Wilderness Trail Distillery merges science with tradition, Haley bridges both through her expertise in fermentation, blending, and education. A trusted industry voice, she showcases the distillery’s innovative techniques while leading tastings, training distributors, and crafting immersive brand, she ensures Wilderness Trail’s commitment to science and quality shines through.

Through her strategic vision and dedication, Haley has helped establish Wilderness Trail as a leader in science-driven bourbon production. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Integrated Strategic Communications from the University of Kentucky, along with a degree in Biology and a Minor in Communications. Her passion for whiskey, education, and brand storytelling continues to drive the distillery’s growth and innovation.

When she’s not sharing her love of bourbon, you can find Haley out on a hiking trail or at a live concert, always seeking new experiences and inspiration.

Join your friends at Amaro Montenegro and Mezcal Derrumbes as we deconstruct the infamous M+M. Amaro aficionado, Tad Carducci, and Mezcal Derrumbes ambassador, Adhel Martinez, will unearth the histories, talk terroir and postulate on the Italian and Mexican cultural parallels that make Montenegro + Mezcal a magically delicious mash-up on its own or as the base to innovative cocktails.

Featuring:
Tad Carducci
Gruppo Montenegro Director of Education & Trade Engagement

Adhel Martinez
Mezcal Derrumbes Ambassador

Chris Chamberlain
Sr. Manager, Gallo Spirits Academy

3-Hour Educational Workshop for pre-assigned Student Pass holders.
Location: Grand Stark Library, 509 SE Grand Street, Portland, OR 97215
Sponsored by: Amaro Montenegro, Select Aperitivo, Mezcal Derrumbes, Spirit of Gallo

Make this your first stop at Portland Cocktail Week!

Pick up your PDXCW pass in The Jupiter Hotel lobby next to the DreamTENT.

A physical pass/badge is required for anyone attending PDXCW events. This includes Student, Bartender, Industry, Media, Educator, and Staff.

Sign up for your pass online before you arrive, then pick it up at Registration. Learn more about Registration & Passes here.

Location: The Jupiter Hotel, 800 E Burnside Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Enjoy coffee and pastries from Diageo as you participate in Career Counseling, get fresh headshots, and prepare for the day's classes.

Coffee and Pastries. All PDXCW pass holders can attend.
Location: DreamTENT at The Jupiter Hotel, 800 E Burnside Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Diageo and Diageo Bar Academy

Portland Cocktail Week Students and Bartenders will be paired with industry mentors for one-on-one sessions focused on taking their careers to the next level. Brought to you by Diageo Bar Academy, these life-changing meetings help form mentorships, boost careers, and provide invaluable connections and information. Sessions fill up fast, so don’t hesitate to sign up once the schedule is available for booking. Be sure to check back as new sessions and mentors become available.

We always try to accommodate as many folks as possible in getting an opportunity to connect with a mentor each year. This year’s sessions filled up very quickly! We are always accepting new Mentors who want to sign up to offer a session. If you are a Sponsor, Industry Professional, Media Member, or Educator who would like to be a Mentor for a session or two, please click here to sign up! If you are a Mentee looking for an open session, check back to see if new sessions have come available.

Additionally, if you are particularly interested in a spot that is currently full, please contact shannon@historicrevelry.com to be added to a waitlist/backup list in case that person does not show up on the day of. We will text you and let you know of any last-minute openings.

Learn more and sign up for a mentoring session once the schedule of Mentors is live at pdxcw.com/careercounseling

Career Counseling Hours: Monday, October 13-Thursday, October 16, 9-11:30 am
Location: The Jupiter Hotel, 800 E Burnside Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Diageo and Diageo Bar Academy