2022 Regional Conferences are currently underway in Chicago, IL, 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 Nashville Chapter member, @Jerrett Braden (Ashton):
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How long have you been a member? I have been a member for one year and am the Treasurer for the Nashville Chapter.
How many Conferences have you been to? This is my first conference.
Next year is the USBG’s 75th Anniversary. Are you planning to attend the 75th Anniversary Conference? Absolutely!
#1 take away from this year’s In-Person Conference? There are so many knowledgeable people with an insane level of experience. One of the best parts is their willingness to help to give you the direction you need for several tasks that may seem daunting at first. The conference is very well put together.
Anything else you would like to share? I appreciate all of the connections I’ve made since joining the USBG. There are plenty of like-minded professionals gaining knowledge while also being a fun environment.
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USBG Cleveland Chapter member, @Cassaundra Hollaway:
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How long have you been a member? I have been a member of the Cleveland Chapter for over six years. For the past two years, I have been the Board Liaison and Education Chair and just recently became a board member and joined the National Education Committee.
How many Conferences have you been to? I have been to over four conferences!
Next year is the USBG’s 75th Anniversary. Are you planning to attend the 75th Anniversary Conference? I would adore to go! I can’t wait to see what seminars are in store!
#1 take away from this year’s In-Person Conference? Not only are the seminars a blast and quite informative, keeping up-to-date with trends, health, and social issues. The conference also provides great bonding experiences! The first night I walked into the bar and saw over four people from my past in all walks of life. These conferences really do create deep connections.
Anything else you would like to share? The community and support found within this organization is utterly incredible. This is a truly hard and stressful career path and to have a camaraderie to fall back on fills me with warmth. Surrounded by those who are like-minded and filled with knowledge is a much-needed support system in these difficult times.
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USBG Chicago Chapter member, @Luke Nevin-Gattle:
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How long have you been a member? Five years. I was formerly the Chapter Board Member, President, Membership Director, and am currently a Midwest Regional Council Representative.
How many Conferences have you been to? This is my second conference. My first was in 2018, visiting Cleveland.
Next year is the USBG’s 75th Anniversary. Are you planning to attend the 75th Anniversary Conference? While I do not actively have plans to attend, it is certainly on my radar!
#1 take away from this year’s In-Person Conference? Health and Wellness has been such an important conversation among my peers. The one-on-one and group discussions regarding a healthy regime and navigating a work/life balance has shown to be more important than ever to our members.
Anything else you would like to share? The variety of seminars has been fantastic! Covering a spectrum of topics, our speakers have all put focus on the core values that embody our organization.
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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, turning your side project into a business, the relationship between tequila and coffee, culture in hospitality that creates guest/host relationships, technology in nightlife, and gender expansive training for the hospitality community!
Among them were: "Color the Future," presented by Torey Mill, "Hospitality," presented by
@Andie Ferman, "Grow Your Side Project into a Business," presented by
@Randy Tarlow. "Brand Ambassador Revelations," presented by
@Elayne Duff, Ontologically Speaking, You're Leaving Money on the Table" presented by Alison Anne, "The Future of Nightlife," presented by Rohan Brown, "Tequila Through the Coffee Lens" presented by
@Egor Polonskiy and
@Taylor Giroux, and "Mindful Drinking" 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
Program with Seedlip
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Congrats to our 2022 World Class US Midwest Finalists!
A virtual toast!
THANK YOU to the USBG Chicago chapter for hosting this year's Midwest Regional Conference!
#USBGReCon @usbgchicago @beamsuntory @diageo @heavenhilldistillery @molinarisambuca @tequilakomos @PatronTequila @torresbrandyofficial @unclenearest
#BeamSuntory #Diageo #PatronTequila #KomosKnows #MoreThanWhiskey