THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16
REGISTRATION SPONSORED BY DIAGEO BAR ACADEMY & world class
Make this your first stop at Portland Cocktail Week!
Pick up your PDXCW pass in The Jupiter Hotel lobby next to the DreamTENT. Grab a cold bevy, thanks to our friends at Diageo Bar Academy and Diageo World Class.
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
Sponsored by: Diageo Bar Academy and Diageo World Class
First launched in 2011 to train bartenders in Pacific Asia, Diageo Bar Academy is an accredited bar training platform that has trained over 115,000 staff worldwide. Teaching foundational level courses to advanced, world-class workshops, bar professionals in over 40 countries can access their training. They've been raising the bar for over a decade and, for many years, helping to bring Portland Cocktail Week to life! Learn more here.
EDUCATION: Pirateship Bar Owner
Featuring: Mike Shea and Juice Treffehn
Education Classes are for pre-assigned Student Pass holders and Bartender Pass Auditing.
Location: Rum Club, 720 SE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Lush Life Productions
EDUCATION: Mentorship in the Bar: Lessons from the Trenches
Every new bartender has potential, and a good mentor can be the difference between a newbie becoming an overnight-sensation or a long career of trial-and-error. In this panel, Matt Ray (Sazerac) recounts his own story in New Orleans with his favorite mentor, Geoffrey Wilson, now leader of the award-winning hospitality training program “Turning Tables”. We will detail Geoffrey’s on-the-ground experience mentoring students, while Matt, a former high school teacher, will talk through WHY those techniques work so well from an educator perspective. They’ll discuss the ups and downs of mentorship, best practices, and ultimately leave you with simple takeaways that can add immense value to any hospitality program.
Featuring:
Matt Ray, National On-Premise Industry Manager, Sazerac
Geoffrey Wilson, Assistant Programs Coordinator, Sazerac
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: Buffalo Trace, Sazerac
Matt Ray, National On-Premise Industry Manager, Sazerac
Matt Ray is part of the Marketing team for Sazerac Company. He has worked in hospitality for most of his life, from Walt Disney to New Orleans' own “Cure". He left the industry to teach public school but returned to hospitality with his education experience in tow. Originally from Alabama, he uses his Appalachia accent to make spirits and cocktails fun and approachable for the average person. In addition to cocktail development and public speaking for Sazerac, he has appeared in the “Imbibe 75” and was awarded Whiskey Magazine's "Honorable Mention for Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year", which is basically like saying he's the 2nd-best ambassador for whiskey, but he's pretty proud of that!
Geoffrey Wilson, Assistant Programs Coordinator, Turning Tables NOLA
Geoffrey Wilson is the Assistant Program Coordinator for Turning Tables and has spent more than a decade working at some of the best bars across the country, such as Ocotillo in Phoenix, and Multnomah Whiskey Library in Portland. He earned the title of Best Bartender in Chicago, IL in 2008 as well as Best Bartender in Phoenix, AZ in 2014.
EDUCATION: True Grist: The American Single Malt Experience
True Grist is a 2-day educational experience immersing guests in the American Single Malt category – including the full Edinburgh Whisky Academy Certificate in ASM, panel discussions and one-on-one interactions with leading distillers and producers, in-depth tasting and sensory experiences, distillery tour, interactive games, cocktails and more!
Featuring: Gina Fossitt
Two-Day Educational Workshop for pre-assigned Student Pass holders.
Location: DreamTENT, The Jupiter Hotel, 800 E Burnside Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Dandelion BevEd, Stranahan's, Balcones Distilling, Bird Creek Whiskey, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Westland
EVENT: Sazerac Tasting Table
Tasting tables are open to anyone with a PDXCW pass.
Location: The Arium at Jupiter NEXT, 900 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Sazerac
EDUCATION: The Customer Isn't Always Right: Strategies for Dealing with Difficult Customers and Protecting Your Mental Health
Working in hospitality comes with its fair share of challenges, particularly when it comes to dealing with difficult customers. While the mantra "the customer is always right" is deeply ingrained in service culture, it often overlooks the toll that difficult interactions take on workers' mental health. This session provides actionable strategies for managing challenging customer interactions, establishing boundaries, and safeguarding mental well-being in high-pressure environments. Attendees will gain insights from experienced professionals in mental health and the spirits industry.
Featuring:
Keyatta Mincey Parker
Founder and Executive Director, A Sip of Paradise Garden
Chief Curating Officer, Pictures and Cocktails LLC
Dr Gregory Canillas
CEO of Soul 2 Soul Global, PHD in Clinical Psychology, Educator
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
Keyatta Mincey Parker
Founder and Executive Director A Sip of Paradise Garden
Chief Curating Officer, Pictures and Cocktails LLC
Keyatta Mincey Parker is a trailblazer in the spirits and hospitality industry, with over a decade of experience as a bartender, brand ambassador, and educator. She is the founder of the nonprofit "A Sip of Paradise Garden," a community garden designed to support bartenders’ mental and physical health. Keyatta’s advocacy for wellness and self-care in the industry has earned her recognition as a leader in fostering healthier, more sustainable practices for hospitality professionals.
Dr Gregory Canillas
CEO of Soul 2 Soul Global, PHD in Clinical Psychology, Educator
Dr. Gregory Canillas is the CEO of Soul 2 Soul Global and a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience. He specializes in relationships, mental health, and wellness, and is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences. Dr. Canillas has worked extensively with diverse communities, offering training and workshops focused on improving communication, fostering resilience, and achieving personal and professional growth. He is also the CEO and co-founder of Canillas-King, a company offering cocktail classes and creation of one-of-a-kind cocktail menus for private events. In addition to his work in mental health, Dr. Canillas has presented on representation and wellness in the spirits industry at conferences like Tales of the Cocktails and the Society for Cross-Cultural Research.
EDUCATION: Pirateship Bar Owner
Featuring: Mike Shea and Juice Treffehn
Education Classes are for pre-assigned Student Pass holders and Bartender Pass Auditing.
Location: Rum Club, 720 SE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Lush Life Productions
EDUCATION: Anatomy of a Banger
Featuring: Maté Hartai
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
EDUCATION: Original Sins: The Most Infamous Cocktails of All Time and Recipes for their Salvation
Why did James Bond ruin the martini for an entire generation... Or did he? Well, there’s a story behind that. This seminar dives into the most misunderstood drinks ever made. In this enlightening but light-hearted session, you’ll learn the how and the WHY of infamous classics in hopes of not only keeping them alive but maybe rescuing a couple of them from the Spill Tab. At the very least, you’ll take home some stories to share and maybe even a little vindication.
Featuring:
Matt Ray, National On-Premise Industry Manager, Sazerac
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: Buffalo Trace, Sazerac
Matt Ray, National On-Premise Industry Manager, Sazerac
Matt Ray is part of the Marketing team for Sazerac Company. He has worked in hospitality for most of his life, from Walt Disney to New Orleans' own “Cure". He left the industry to teach public school but returned to hospitality with his education experience in tow. Originally from Alabama, he uses his Appalachia accent to make spirits and cocktails fun and approachable for the average person. In addition to cocktail development and public speaking for Sazerac, he has appeared in the “Imbibe 75” and was awarded Whiskey Magazine's "Honorable Mention for Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year", which is basically like saying he's the 2nd-best ambassador for whiskey, but he's pretty proud of that!
EDUCATION: You’re Only as Good as Your Last Drink
Reinventing Yourself When the Spotlight Moves On…
In the world of cocktails, it’s easy to get swept up in the highs of popularity until the spotlight shifts and you're no longer the name on every flyer. This seminar is a vulnerable yet empowering exploration of what happens after the buzz fades. Through candid storytelling and hard-earned insight, we’ll explore how to navigate professional “quiet seasons” with grace, resilience, and strategy.
Featuring:
Keyatta Mincey Parker
Founder and Executive Director, A Sip of Paradise Garden
Chief Curating Officer, Pictures and Cocktails LLC
Christian “Suzu” Suzuki-Orellana
Bay-Area Mixologist
Dr Gregory Canillas
CEO of Soul 2 Soul Global, PHD in Clinical Psychology, Educator
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
Keyatta Mincey Parker
Founder and Executive Director A Sip of Paradise Garden
Chief Curating Officer, Pictures and Cocktails LLC
Keyatta Mincey Parker is a trailblazer in the spirits and hospitality industry, with over a decade of experience as a bartender, brand ambassador, and educator. She is the founder of the nonprofit "A Sip of Paradise Garden," a community garden designed to support bartenders’ mental and physical health. Keyatta’s advocacy for wellness and self-care in the industry has earned her recognition as a leader in fostering healthier, more sustainable practices for hospitality professionals.
Christian “Suzu” Suzuki-Orellana, Bay-Area Mixologist
Christian “Suzu” Suzuki-Orellana (also known simply as Suzu) is a Bay Area–born mixologist whose childhood in Tokyo’s hospitality culture deeply shaped his approach. After honing his craft in San Francisco at acclaimed establishments like 15 Romolo, Benjamin Cooper, and Wildhawk, Suzu took his talent to streaming screens as a contestant on Netflix’s mixology competition Drink Masters (Season 1, 2022), where he finished in 4th place.
With roots spanning California and Japan, Suzu blends technical precision and narrative-driven cocktails across pop-ups like Kagano, virtual teaching platforms, and his upcoming New York City bar slated for 2026, Suzu Sips. He’s earned accolades such as national finalist in Bombay Sapphire’s “Most Imaginative Bartender” (2020), Bacardi Legacy (2018), and nominations for Bartender of the Year and Spirited Awards (2022–2023).
Dr Gregory Canillas
CEO of Soul 2 Soul Global, PHD in Clinical Psychology, Educator
Dr. Gregory Canillas is the CEO of Soul 2 Soul Global and a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience. He specializes in relationships, mental health, and wellness, and is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences. Dr. Canillas has worked extensively with diverse communities, offering training and workshops focused on improving communication, fostering resilience, and achieving personal and professional growth. He is also the CEO and co-founder of Canillas-King, a company offering cocktail classes and creation of one-of-a-kind cocktail menus for private events. In addition to his work in mental health, Dr. Canillas has presented on representation and wellness in the spirits industry at conferences like Tales of the Cocktails and the Society for Cross-Cultural Research.
EDUCATION: How to Conquer Your Email and become a Productivity Superhero
Email and notification overload takes an immense toll on our time, productivity, and sanity. As bartenders we have tried-and-true systems for managing our shifts - guests, orders, tickets, etc., but in the jump to management, we are opened to a new, less analog world that can easily swallow an entire week's worth of our energy if we aren't careful. In this class we'll introduce a basic framework for structuring email communication as well as using digital tools to take control of your inbox, create opportunities to put more time back in your week, decrease your stress, and and increase your productivity.
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.
DINNER: Redbreast Irish Whiskey
Dinner. Student Priority. Invite Only.
Location: TBD
Sponsored by: Redbreast Irish Whiskey
DINNER: The Pathfinder
Dinner. Student Priority. Invite Only.
Location: TBD
Sponsored by: The Pathfinder
DINNER: Frey Ranch's Ranch On The Road
Please join “Whiskey Farmers” and Co-Founders Colby & Ashley Frey for an intimate farmto-table dining experience to celebrate our award-winning farm grown whiskey.
Born from more than 170 years of Nevada farming tradition, Frey Ranch is proud to be one of the few distilleries in the world to sustainably grow 100% of its whiskey grains onsite.
Showcased in every sip of Frey Ranch Whiskey are the world-class, slow-grown grains grown at the Farm + Distillery in Fallon, Nevada.
In partnership with Noble Rot the multi-course meal will feature dishes prepared with Frey Ranch whiskey grains.
Dinner. Student Priority. Invite Only.
Location: Noble Rot, 1111 E Burnside St, Fourth Floor, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Frey Ranch Distillery/Whiskey
EVENT: Jungle Love : Sips & Sounds with Bardstown & Green River
Step into the jungle at Hey Love for a night of bourbon, bites, and beats. Jungle Love brings Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Whiskey together under one lush canopy, where you can get lost in the greenery with DJ 100 Proof setting the soundtrack for an unforgettable high-proof party.
Nighttime Event. All PDXCW pass holders can attend.
Location: Hey Love, located inside Jupiter NEXT, 920 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Sponsored by: Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Whiskey
EVENT: FOCUS ON HEALTH
Nighttime Event. All PDXCW pass holders can attend.
Location: TBD
Sponsored by: Focus on Health