Tales of the Cocktail Foundation has officially opened ticket sales for the 24th annual Tales of the Cocktail conference, returning to The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans from July 19–24, 2026.
This year’s conference theme, “Spark,” focuses on the ideas, collaborations, and innovations shaping the future of the global drinks industry. The week-long event will once again bring bartenders, distillers, hospitality leaders, educators, and beverage brands to New Orleans for seminars, tastings, networking events, cocktail tours, and the annual Spirited Awards®.
“Spark is about the energy that moves our industry forward,” said Charlotte Voisey in a statement announcing the conference.
More than 60 educational sessions are planned for 2026, selected from over 350 submissions by the organization’s Education Advisory Committee. Organizers say the programming reflects growing conversations around leadership, hospitality design, no- and low-ABV beverages, neuroscience, emerging technology, immigration, accessibility, and the evolving guest experience.
Featured seminars include:
- “Creativity vs Code: Is Data Killing Joy and Whimsy in Hospitality?”
- “The MICHELIN Guide Effect”
- “Flavors of Immigration”
- “Dyslexics Untie/UNITE! How Neurodivergent Teams Thrive!”
- “The Future of Social Fitness: Bars, the Gyms Our Social Muscles Need”
Organizers also highlighted the conference’s emphasis on representation, noting that this year’s speaker roster includes presenters from 20 countries, alongside a majority-female seminar lineup and expanded international participation.
The conference’s long-running Cocktail Apprentice Program (CAP) will return for its 19th year, mentoring 40 first-time apprentices through hands-on hospitality training and event production experience.
Major returning events include:
- Meet the Distillers
- The New Orleans Spirits Competition
- Spirited Awards®
- Tales Catalyst
- New Orleans Cocktail Tours
- The Speed Rack National Finals
This year’s Tales Catalyst honors will recognize Kapri Robinson and Anna Sebastian for their contributions to mentorship and inclusivity within the beverage industry.
Tickets for Tales of the Cocktail 2026 are now available through the organization’s official ticketing platform here.
