The best bartenders from the South will convene in Charlotte this weekend for the U.S. Bartender’s Guild regional conference. It’s the first time Charlotte has hosted the annual event.

The Charlotte chapter of the U.S. Bartender’s Guild (USBG) is only about two years old, yet was the first chapter established in North Carolina. Locally, it’s run by Colleen Hughes of Haberdish and Heather Chaney of Diageo, the parent company of brands such as Ketel One, Bulleit, Johnnie Walker, and Don Julio. Hughes is acting president; Chaney is secretary. There are currently 56 members in the guild.

Unlike most years, when the host cities must apply to be chosen as the conference site, USBG asked the Charlotte chapter to host the event.

“The USBG chose us as a city to host it for a multitude of reasons,” Chaney says. “I think because we were a really fast-growing chapter, because this city, we offer a lot of accommodations.”

The conference runs Sunday, April 7 through Wednesday, April 9, kicking off with a Beam Suntory party at Sophia’s Lounge followed by dinner at Stoke on Sunday evening.

The conference includes both networking and seminars, covering topics such as how to make better quality frozen drinks, a class on Italian spirits, and ensuring a healthy work/life balance while working in the beverage industry. Pre-registration is required for all of the sessions, though the event is nearly sold out. Chaney says she expects between 120 and 150 bartenders to be in town for the conference.

The public is invited to join in the festivities at Soul Gastrolounge on Monday night for a “Gin & Jewels” party hosted by Sutler’s Gin. Guest bartender Joe Nicol from Asheville’s Post 70 will be joining Soul’s Kel Minton behind the bar from 6 to 10 p.m. while ’90s hip-hop plays in the restaurant.

Throughout the year, the USBG hosts nonprofit fundraisers, competitions with brands, and educational sessions. The regional conference, which is being put on solely through volunteer efforts by the USBG members, will bring a welcome spotlight to the city.

“Anybody you talk to in Charlotte in any industry will tell you that Charlotte is finally getting the recognition that we feel that we deserve,” Chaney says. “We’re a fast-growing city that has a lot of young folks and, specifically in the food and beverage industry, Asheville has always been lightyears ahead of us as far as experiments and cocktails. Charlotte is slowly designating itself as one of the South’s top cities to eat and drink at. So for us, as a collective group, it only brings more attention to the city.”

Learn more about the conference here. —Kristen Wile

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