PRESS RELEASE
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is pleased to announce that applications for the 2024 Tales Catalyst Honorees and Featured Speakers are open from March 4 – March 18, 2024. Established to celebrate individuals who are making significant contributions to the equity and inclusivity of the global drinks community, Tales Catalyst will recognize two new honorees, a U.S. Honoree and an International Honoree, during Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. The public is invited to self-apply or apply on behalf of an inspiring changemaker for the two 2024 Tales Catalyst honors.
Launched in 2023, Tales Catalyst was designed to amplify achievements not commonly recognized by other bar awards, while also promoting inclusivity and lifting voices often overlooked by traditional systems. Tales Catalysts have not only positioned themselves as a collective of diverse leaders but also as energizers and guideposts for the ever-evolving cocktail community. In 2023, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation was pleased to recognize Tara Fougner as its U.S. Honoree and Anistatia Miller as its International Honoree.
Tales Catalyst Application Criteria and Selection Process
For the 2024 Tales Catalyst Honorees, TOTCF and the Tales Catalyst Committee are seeking candidates who are breaking barriers and thinking about the beverage community in a new light, while also advancing the hospitality industry in positive and different ways – those who make us think about things on a deeper level. Self-applications are encouraged and welcome, as are applications on behalf of any inspirational and influential individual. It only takes one application to be considered as they are not weighted based on quantity received. Specific information about how each applicant has made strides towards inclusivity and/or accessibility is requested within the application form.
This year’s U.S. and International Honorees will be chosen by the Tales Catalyst Committee Members, helmed by Co-Chair Tiffanie Barriere and newly appointed Co-Chair Robin Nance, and evaluated based on specific application criteria. From these scores, the highest ranking individuals will be asked to submit a resume, bio, and honoree statement; from there, the Tales Catalyst Committee will vote to select one U.S. and one International Honoree who will be announced on June 26.
“The Tales Catalyst Committee is looking for those boundary-pushers to honor,” said Robin Nance, Tales Catalyst Co-Chair. “We want to recognize the folks who have their hearts rooted in the spirits industry and are driving change in diversity and inclusivity.”
The 2024 Tales Catalyst Honorees will be celebrated with a spirited event during TOTC in New Orleans, which will provide a unique platform for the honorees to address a group of engaged and inspired industry peers. And, of course, refreshments will be served to toast the achievements of the new Tales Catalyst Honorees. More details to follow about the celebratory event.
Tales Catalyst U.S. and International Honorees
U.S. Tales Catalyst Honoree considerations include:
- An individual whose professional and personal accomplishments have shaped the beverage landscape and provide visible models of achievement for tomorrow’s leaders
- Serves as a leader and mentor
- Resides in the United States
International Tales Catalyst Honoree considerations include:
- An individual whose professional and personal accomplishments have shaped the beverage landscape and provide visible models of achievement for tomorrow’s leaders
- Serves as a leader and mentor
- Resides outside of the United States
More information on Tales Catalyst nominee guidelines and requirements may be found on the TOTCF website.
