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Bar Convent Brooklyn gets record turnout
The annual Bar Convent Brooklyn drinks conference saw more attendees this year than ever before, with more than half a million drinks and spirit samples poured.
If the imaginative installations and massive crowds weren’t indication enough, data from this year’s Bar Convent Brooklyn shows that the conference continues to grow, and reached record numbers in 2024. In total, more than 5,300 attendees came to the Industry City event over its two day span, an increase of 18% on last year’s show.
The jam-packed experience featured 230 exhibitors representing 48 countries and 47 US states. On the show floor, 550,000 drinks and spirit samples were poured while 52 education sessions provided a stage for 132 speakers.
“We could not be happier with the success of Bar Convent Brooklyn 2024 and are grateful to all who attended and contributed to making this event a memorable experience,” event vice-president Jackie Williams said.
“Over these last two days, this industry reunion displayed such energy, creativity and camaraderie. It has been an inspiring event, and we look forward to seeing how the ideas and trends showcased here will shape the future of our industry.”
Educational sessions, curated by a committee led by Speed Rack co-founder Lynette Marrero, focused on global hospitality trends. In ‘Mixing Cultures: The Art of International Hospitality’ participants explored diverse hospitality styles and traditions from around the world, highlighting the use of fruit distillates in Mexico, the emergence of shochu in cocktails, and the importance of supporting small producers and creating unique flavours.
‘Unveiling Middle Eastern Hospitality’ examined Middle Eastern culture’s intersection with the global hospitality industry, the intrinsic nature of hospitality in Persian traditions, and contributions to modern cocktail ingredients.
Workplace health and safety were prioritised as well in sessions like ‘Mixing in Mental Health as a Bartender’, which provided a platform for discussing practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being in the fast-paced hospitality industry.
At Bar Convent Brooklyn’s first Lunch & Learn session, led by Alison Anne of Restaurant Revolution, ‘How Do I Get Everyone to Care As Much As I Do?’ offered leadership training and development, focusing on effective and inclusive leadership strategies.
Beyond the sessions, there were multiple floors of lively discussion and appearances from well-known bartending professionals such as Dale Degroff, Tony Abou-Ganim, and more.
“What I love about Bar Convent Brooklyn is there’s so many people – so many bartenders from all over the country – coming together in New York City,” Xavier Herit, of Campari Group, said. “This year, I’ve seen far more education, new techniques, new brands, new categories. Bar Convent Brooklyn is growing every year and getting bigger and bigger.”
The Bar Convent team is already planning the 2025 event, which is scheduled for 10 and 11 June.