Tales of the Cocktail Hosts 2025 Halfway to Tales Day of Education

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Tales of the Cocktail Foundation invites the New Orleans spirits industry to Halfway to Tales on Jan. 27 for a day of inspiration, education and networking. Hosted in partnership with Moët Hennessy USA at Latrobe’s on Royal, the event celebrates the drinks community and the halfway point to Tales of the Cocktail with free educational sessions, cocktails and opportunities for connection. 

The program features a Beyond the Bar seminar led by Julia Segal, focusing on preparedness for bartenders and hospitality professionals. This session will explore strategies for managing the pressures of high-impact events, including the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras and Tales of the Cocktail, offering practical tools based on recent research in stress management and resilience. 

Julia Segal is the founder of Body of Work, an inclusive design consultancy serving the hospitality industry. With 15 years of experience in restaurants and bars across Canada, the United States, and Europe, she is also a hospitality researcher, writer, and professor. 

In addition to the seminar, Moët Hennessy USA will host a panel discussion on building community through mentorship, featuring industry leaders Zahra Bates; Gary Gruver, Director of Beverage/Global Operations, US & Canada at Marriott International; Touré Foulkes, Executive Director & Founder of Turning Tables; and Jen Marshall from Moët Hennessy USA’s Trade Advocacy team. This session will highlight the importance of mentorship in hospitality and provide actionable insights for fostering meaningful connections within the industry.

Zahra Bates, a hospitality veteran, is renowned for her passion for uplifting others—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. With a career spanning global roles, Zahra has worked as a cognac ambassador, mentor, and founder of Art Beyond the Glass. Her journey, from bartending at LA’s Bar Marmont to leading innovative bar programs worldwide, reflects her commitment to sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Educational programming begins with the first session at 12:30 p.m., followed by a networking break and the second session at 1:45 p.m. The day will conclude with a New Orleans drinks industry happy hour from 3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering attendees the chance to connect with peers, learn more about working with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, and celebrate the vibrant community.

Additional support for this event is provided by New Orleans & Co.

Space is limited. To reserve your free spot and learn more, visit the website: talesofthecocktail.org/events-halfway-to-tales

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