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.