USBG Community

During the week of October 4-10, 30+ USBG chapters around the country took part in the 4^th annual USBG National Education Week. During a year that is anything but ordinary, the hard work and creativity each chapter put into investing in our members’ professional and personal education was extraordinary. Despite the unique challenges they had to face in the midst of a global pandemic, USBG chapters held dozens of events – both virtual and in-person – on topics ranging from bar techniques, various spirit categories, ice, garnishes, yoga, fitness, financial advice, resume writing, consulting work… the list goes on!

“I believe Education is at the forefront of what we do as an organization, and especially during these challenging times for our hospitality community it’s critical to make education a real priority; whether that be learning more about a particular spirit or bar technique, or taking the time to make mental, physical, and financial health a priority. The plethora of events our chapters put together is absolutely amazing and is a thoughtful testament to their genuine love of learning and camaraderie in our community,” said Christina Basham, Chair of the National Education Committee and President of the Columbus Chapter.

To help plan for Education Week, the Education Committee hosted a virtual town hall in which chapter leads were invited to share ideas with one another and ask questions. A few chapters chose to team up with another chapter from a nearby city for their events, and many were creative in their approach to keeping their events socially distanced. They did this by offering cocktail kit pickups and deliveries, staggering sessions to keep the number of participants small, using a virtual format, and taking advantage of nice weather and hosting workshops outdoors. Overall, an estimated 175 hours were dedicated to providing education to an estimated 1,000 USBG members in 33 cities during #USBGedweek 2020!

National Education Week is an initiative of the USBG National Education Committee to showcase the educational opportunities that our chapters execute around the country and support the USBG’s mission to provide ongoing professional development and learning for its members!

As outlined in the ChOps manual, it is recommended that each chapter host three educational seminars and one hands-on educational lab as as part of their participation during the week. The 2020 Education Week national planning committee members were @ChristinaBasham (Columbus), @Brantley Newton (Orlando), @Bradley Stephens (Portland), @Anne Marineau (Chicago), and @Frederic Yarm (Boston).

We will begin planning for Education Week 2021 in August and will ask chapters to nominate a chapter lead and submit a coordination form shortly thereafter. If you’re interested in helping plan for the next Education Week, reach out to your local chapter leaders or contact the National Education Committee by emailing edcom@usbg.org.

A few highlights from #USBGedweek 2020…

Orange County member Ravin Buzzell at a #USBGedweek event	The Philadelphia chapter held an ice sculpting seminar during #USBGedweek.

Hawaii members Daniel Bruce and Jen Ackrill before a #USBGedweek event.	Columbus members learn about whiskey sweaters during #USBGedweek.

Chicago member Ramon Ray Henderson shared his set up for a ‘Jack and Cheese’ #USBGedweek seminar on social media.

The Palm Beach chapter hosted a virtual seminar called ‘Balancing Life and Cocktails’ with Nick Hogan and Shannon Michelle of Mover & Shaker.

Brantley Newton National Education Week Chair and Orlando member	Fred Yarm National Education Week committee and Boston member	Bradley Stephens National Education Week committee and Portland member	Anne Marineau National Education Week Committee and Chicago member