Drinksology’s Richard Ryan hosts seminar at MCF
Richard Ryan, co-founder and creative CEO of Drinksology Kirker Greer (DKG), will host a keynote seminar at this year’s Montréal Cocktail Fest (MCF).
The second iteration of MCF will take place between 18 and 21 May in Québec. With events throughout the city, the festival’s central hub will be the PHI centre.
The festival offers a programme of bar takeovers, competitions, and educational talks.
Ryan’s keynote seminar will take place on 20 May, titled ‘Hospitality by Design – How the Best Bars in the World Approach Design’. He will explore the ‘often-overlooked’ role that thoughtful design plays in creating world-class hospitality experiences.
DKG Group comprises four subsidiaries: Drinksology, a creative design agency; Kirker Greer Spirits; Spiritly, an e-commerce platform; and wine importers Pattison & Co.
With more than a decade of expertise in experimental hospitality design, the Drinksology team has transformed venues such as The Dead Rabbit in New York and Austin, as well as The Merchant Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Using examples from global bar projects led by the Drinksology team, attendees will be invited on a step-by-step journey through the anatomy of a bar experience. The journey covers everything from the moment a guest first discovers a venue to the moment they leave.
Ryan explained: “Design is about much more than visual aesthetics. Every detail, from lighting and materials to sound and flow, affects how a guest feels in a space. In this session, we’ll show how thoughtful, layered design choices contribute directly to commercial and cultural success in hospitality.
“DKG is proud to support MCF 2025 as a sponsor, and to contribute to the global conversation on what makes hospitality truly exceptional.”
MCF’s educational programmes will also feature presentations from Monica Berg of Tayēr + Elementary and drinks YouTuber Kevin Kos.
The 2025 edition has expanded in size and scope, aiming to reinforce its position in shaping the Canadian bar industry.
Other festival highlights include bar takeovers from Death & Co, Overstory, and Baltra Bar. There will also be activations from Campari Academy and Diageo World Class.
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