2022 Regional Conferences are currently underway in Portland, OR, and attendees are sharing what they are enjoying most about the conference, telling us more about their journeys as USBG members and their #1 Takeaways!
USBG Austin Chapter member, @Nicole Cooke aka VodkaGirlATX:
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How long have you been a member? I believe since 2016. I’ve lost track, but in a good way!
How many Conferences have you been to? This is my second Regional Conference. My first was the USBG Southwest Regional in Houston last year!
Next year is the USBG’s 75th Anniversary. Are you planning to attend the 75th Anniversary Conference? Of Course! I had no idea – that should be exciting! I am looking forward to it and being a part of the celebration.
#1 take away from this year’s In-Person Conference? Community! It was a great feeling to see each other again, give (and get) hugs, and continue to support each other.
Anything else you would like to share? I highly recommend attending a meeting and/or USBG Regional Conference. Meet new people; make new friends; learn about new spirits and how to make the most of your membership.
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USBG Oregon Chapter member, @Bradley Stephens:
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How long have you been a member? I have been a member for five years. I was the founding secretary of the Indianapolis Chapter, am the current Board Chair in Oregon, and the Vice Chair/Chair Elect of the USBG Education Committee.
How many Conferences have you been to? This is my fourth Regional Conference!
Next year is the USBG’s 75th Anniversary. Are you planning to attend the 75th Anniversary Conference? Uh…Yes!
#1 take away from this year’s In-Person Conference? It is so nice to finally be a part of the host chapter of one of these amazing conferences. Connecting with our national peers each year is something I look forward most yearlong.
Anything else you would like to share? USBG has (and continues) to help me be the best version of myself professionally. I am so thankful to be a part of our community!
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USBG San Francisco Chapter member, @Jennifer Ward:
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How long have you been a member? Since March 2017. I became Chapter Secretary in February 2020 and became President in February this year!
How many Conferences have you been to? This is my first, and I’m very excited to be in person. I went to the Virtual Leadership Conference in 2021.
Next year is the USBG’s 75th Anniversary. Are you planning to attend the 75th Anniversary Conference? I am now!
#1 take away from this year’s In-Person Conference? For me, it’s this opportunity to talk to others from all over to bounce ideas off of and to learn more.
Anything else you would like to share? The camaraderie & learning opportunities have made the travel and time away from work so worth coming to this event. I look forward to future conferences!
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The conference was filled with unique, educational seminars covering topics on how to better manage finances, how to be mindful as a bartender, a peek behind the scenes of a brand ambassador, the relationship between tequila and coffee, culture in hospitality that creates guest/host relationships, and the history of cocktails! Among them were: "Craft Flair Techniques" presented by Marco Montaguano, "World Class Studio - Community Brew" presented by Adam Fournier, "Happy Hour History" presented by
@David Mayne, "Brand Ambassador Revelations," presented by
@Elayne Duff, Ontologically Speaking, You're Leaving Money on the Table" presented by Alison Anne, "Good Witch/Bad Witch" presented by
@Matt Ray, "Tequila Through the Coffee Lens" presented by
@Egor Polonskiy and
@Taylor Giroux, and "Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence" presented by
@Laura Green and
@Lauren Paylor.
USBG member attendees had a great time getting checked in, meeting our sponsors, and networking at our welcome reception.
USBG members and attendees had a day filled with awesome seminars.
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The USBG National Charity Foundation Urban Hike was a success! Over the past few years, the USBG Foundation has seen growing interest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle while working in the hospitality industry. Some studies show that time spent in green spaces is good for mental and physical health. As we know, shift work, common in the hospitality industry, increases the difficulty in establishing a routine of outdoor activity and exercise. This program aims to connect our industry with the health benefits of green spaces.
Urban Hike
Waterfront Park Trail, Portland, OR
Program with Seedlip
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Congrats to our 2022 World Class US West Finalists!
A virtual toast!
THANK YOU to the USBG Oregon chapter for hosting this year's West Regional Conference!
Next Stop: Chicago, IL for our Midwest Regional Conference, May 15-18. There's still time to register, HERE.
#USBGReCon @usbgpgh @beamsuntory @diageo @PatronTequila @unclenearest
#BeamSuntory #Diageo #PatronTequila #MoreThanWhiskey