Tales of the Cocktail 2021 will take place virtually this September. The annual conference hopes to return to an in-person event in 2022.
Last year, the New Orleans-based festival was forced online in 2020 for the first time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, Tales of the Cocktail will take place virtually once again, running from September 20 to 23. Usually occurring in July, the event has been pushed back because “early 2021 will continue to be a crucial time for establishments to focus on recovery efforts.”
“Community” will be the theme for Tales of the Cocktail 2021, underscoring the festivals aim of bringing the global drinks industry together to share knowledge and compassion.
“As New Orleanians, we know resilience when we see it. There’s no doubt that the spirits industry had the tenacity and the grit to make it through 2020,” Caroline Rosen, president of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. “Now, as we look ahead to 2021, it’s time to focus on the goal of true advancement of not only our craft but our industry’s culture and how we rise together.”
Tales of the Cocktail will offer the educational, cultural, and lifestyle programming it has become known for. Seminars and workshops during this year’s festival, meanwhile, will be free to attend.
While this year’s festival will have virtually, the Foundation said it was “still leaving the door open” for local activations in global markets if they are safe for attendees.
The Foundation is now welcoming applications to host seminars and workshops during this year’s festival. Those interested in applying to host a seminar can do so by visiting the official website.
Check out the winners from the 2020 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. In August, the festival also revealed its picks for the best bars in America across four categories: High Volume Cocktail Bar, Hotel Bar, Restaurant Bar, and New American Cocktail Bar.