Industry leaders with extensive experience, innovative methods, and global influence on hospitality

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  • HANDSHAKE | MEXICO

    Rodrigo began his working life as a news reporter where he was for a period of almost 5 years, leaving this job to start in the world of bars with Red Bull where he learned and fell in love with the world of service, he was Brand Ambassador for Torres Brandy for almost 6 years and for a few months, PR advised the Fifty Mils bar at the Four Seasons hotel. He currently works with a spirits distributor called COOP (Company of People) where he seeks the positioning of premium brands.

    In 2019 he became a founding partner of Handshake Bar which today is the #3rd in the world according to the list of 50 Best Bars.

  • CAPE TOWN

    Hailing from Namibia, Cassandra Eichhoff is a hospitality professional based in Cape Town and heads up the European Bartender School. While she thrives on teaching curious drink slingers the art of mixing drinks, Cass is known for being one of the leading liquor ladies in South Africa and has made her mark as an industry icon within bar education, drink culture and community development. Her charismatic energy and kind hearted attitude has earned her multiple awards as a Bar Mentor amongst her peers and continues to influence the hearts of individuals to become their best possible selves.

  • 1930 | MILAN

    Benjamin Fabio Cavagna was born in a small town between Milano and Verona, called Lumezzane. During his studies of philosophy in Milan, he became passionate about the world of whiskies and spirits, of which he is a collector. During that period of time, he approached the bar's world and worked as a bartender. In 2014 he met Flavio Angiolillo, now a friend and business partner, and started working at 1930 Cocktail Bar, where he is now bar manager. Benjamin loves experimenting in the company's laboratory, trying new techniques and tasting new flavors, to propose in seminars and during the trips that he, and the rest of the partners, undertake to get to know new places, collaborations and discover new horizons.

  • PIER 42 | OSLO

    Born in Czechoslovakia, Adrián started his career as a professional hockey player. Through the years he found his true passion - bartending and immediately started his career in the industry. After a few years in Slovakia, he moved to Prague and gained professional skills through his staying. Adrián also won the Czech edition of Diageo World Class and then moved to Oslo, Norway. His ambitious work in Pier 42, which is located in the boutique Hotel Amerikalinjen, helped to win The Best Bar award in Norway and he also became the Bartender of the Year in Norway. The year 2022 was the most successful yet because Adrián won the competition Diageo Global World Class Bartender of the Year 2022 in Sydney.

  • TEDDY'S SPEAKEASY | ATHENS

    Rastislav Kasár, affectionately known as "Rasty," an accomplished barista-bartender with nearly a decade of experience. His journey began with a dream to work at the renowned American Bar at the SAVOY Hotel, which he realized at just twenty, becoming its youngest team member ever. Prior to his London venture, he honed his skills at the Secondary Vocational School of Hotel Services in Banská Bystrica. Since then, Rasty has made his mark in London's vibrant hospitality scene, including stints at iconic venues like the SAVOY Hotel and Rosewood Hotel's Scarfes Bar. His tenure at Kwānt bar Erika Lörincza further fueled his passion for excellence. Despite challenges, Rasty's dedication led him to triumph, clinching top honors at the London Coffee Festival Cofee Masters and the Coffee in Good Spirits competition. Recently, he joined the team at Teddy's Speakeasy & Teddy's Elixir in Athens as Director of Product Development, championing the fusion of coffee and cocktails. Armed with experience and a commitment to hospitality, Rasty continues to redefine the craft with his innovative approach.

    NEITHER BARISTA, NOR BARTENDER, BUT EQUALLY BOTH

  • HEALTHY HOSPO

    Jason-Candid is an award-winning bartender who has developed an arsenal of skills in his 15 years in high-end environments. Jason's heart beats for food, drinks, and people, with the mission to create healthier & happier hospitality.

    Healthy Hospo is a non-profit organization in the hospitality industry, helping to build healthy workplaces that are more profitable and resilient, deliver better customer service, and are much more enjoyable places to work. The services offered are practical and actionable, sharing solutions through in-person seminars and workshops, and their newly launched App to help individuals personally, and professionally around the globe.

  • NOMU|CONSULT

    Kenji Jesse is a Global on-trade consultant, his company Nomu|Consult advises luxury alcohol brands on their training and advocacy programs.

    Over the past 22 years, he has been activating and judging bartender and engagement platforms such as World Class and Diageo Bar Academy in over 70 countries, including 7 years as their Global Brand Ambassador.

    He’s half Japanese, half British, born in Hong Kong, lives in London and specializes in Eastern Europe. His claims to fame include holding 2 Guinness World Records for the World's Largest Cocktail lesson, being a founding member of the Global Bartending talent agency, and being a frequent speaker at industry events from Imbibe, BCB, London Cocktail Week, MedBS, Athens BarShow and proud host of Ukraine’s Barometer BarShow.

  • FLYING DUTCHMEN | AMSTERDAM

    Timo Janse, a seasoned bartender and co-owner of Flying Dutchmen Cocktails in Amsterdam, has left an indelible mark on the global cocktail scene.

    With numerous accolades, including wins at Bols Around the World and World Class competitions, Timo's expertise extends to bar management and event organization, notably Amsterdam Cocktail Week and Perfect Serve Barshow. He's also renowned for his RevolutionCherry brand and has shared his insights through publications and speaking engagements worldwide.

  • RITUAL CONSULTANCY

    Martin was born in Slovakia and began his career behind bar immediately after graduating from secondary school. He quickly discovered a passion for both coffee and cocktails, and for combining the two, and through determination and hard work moved to London five years later to join one of the world’s best bar teams at The Savoy’s and legendary the best bar in the world American Bar, where he held the position of senior bartender for nearly four years. Not only does Martin hone his bartending skills behind this famous bar but he continues to showcase his expertise by participating in prestigious industry competitions. Currently based in Sydney where he opened with his team a new concept Maybe Sammy as a “swing” on a classic hotel cocktail bar, minus the hotel. Inspired by 1950s Hollywood glamour. And lately won at TOTC – Best New International Cocktail Bar 2019 and also got ranked as Best Australasian Bar and No. 11th among 50 World’s Best Bars 2020. Lastly, during the pandemic, he managed to self-published his very own first book Spiritual Coffee talking about the history, present, and future of coffee cocktails.

  • ANNA SEBASTIAN HOSPITALITY

    Anna Sebastian Hospitality specialises in bar and brand consultancy within the luxury sector providing a hands on, direct, 360 approach to any project with meaningful connections. Providing support and direction to you in the following key areas.

    Anna spent 13 years working in house at The Savoy and The Langham running the bars and looking after the beverage programmes. During this time Anna won several accolades including several nominations and wins at Tales of the Cocktail including Best International Bar Team at the Beaufort Bar, Best Hotel - American Bart, Imbibe Team of year, Class Bar Manager of the year, Class Menu of the year as well as leading the teams into World

    50 Best Bars list. She also features in the CODE most influential women in hospitality and Drinks International Top 100 people in Hospitality.

    Anna also runs a platform to support women in hospitality called Celebrate Her and speaks at numerous events about the importance of Equality and Diversity within the industry.

    Anna is a host and presenter having worked with top brands and presented many awards including Class Bar Awards and created content for many brand partners and celebrities including Rita Ora, David Beckham, Jenson Button and Ellie Goulding.

  • THREE CENTS

    Alexandros has been immersed in the hospitality industry since 2000, based in Thessaloniki and working across notable bar scenes in Chania, Athens, Cologne, London, and Frankfurt.

    Although he began studying electronic engineering, Alexandros shifted gears to pursue his passion for bartending. He completed courses at the Greek Bar Academy, excelled in the WSPC spirits program, and graduated from the prestigious B.A.R. 5-day program in New York in 2017.

    Throughout his career, Alexandros has showcased his skills in national cocktail competitions in Germany and Greece, securing victories such as the Havana Club Grand Prix in 2014 and the Nikka Perfect Serve in 2016.

    With a wealth of experience, Alexandros has managed and consulted for bars both domestically and internationally, imparting his expertise through Bar Academy programs and serving as a brand ambassador for Tsaknakis Premium Brands.

    Recently, Alexandros spearheaded activations as the brand activator for Three Cents in Greece, leading to his role as Three Cents Global Brand Ambassador. In this capacity, he champions premium artisanal mixers and orchestrates events worldwide.

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  • ALMA | PRAGUE

    Pavel Sochor began his journey in the hospitality industry as a barback at Oblix, a stunning restaurant bar in central London, in 2013.

    Following this, he honed his craft at Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, ranked 39th in the world's top 50 bars. Since returning to Czechia in 2016, Pavel has been instrumental in overseeing the beverage program for Kro Group, managing four venues, including the newly opened gastronomic complex, Alma, in Prague.

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  • TOUR DE BAR | COCKTAIL CLASS | DISTILLERY TOUR

    George Nemec, also known as Jirka Nemec, embarked on his bartending journey by winning Australian Bartender of the Year in 2004, paving the way for his international success. He later became renowned for his innovative cocktail menus in Australia before anchoring in Shanghai, where he contributed to the city's burgeoning bar scene.

    Returning to the Czech Republic, George started his long and successful journey with Becherovka and later championed cocktail education and founded platforms like Tour de Bar and Cocktail Class, aiming to bridge the gap between patrons and bartenders. Through his ventures, George seeks to elevate cocktails as a cherished aspect of social life, akin to coffee, wine, or beer.

  • ELYSIAN | BUDAPEST

    The esteemed Hungarian Brand Ambassador for Naked Malt, Macallan, Highland Park and Brugal, boasts nearly a decade of illustrious service in the hospitality industry. His journey has spanned luxury hotel bars and prestigious cocktail bars, where he honed his expertise and passion for premium beverages.

    Currently, he is the visionary founder and owner of Elysian Budapest, an exciting new cocktail bar known in Hungary for its devoted hospitality, use of local ingredients, and incorporation of modern technologies. Elysian stands out for its commitment to sustainability and zero-waste initiatives, positioning itself as a pioneering force in Hungary's hospitality sector.


  • BECHER'S BAR | KARLOVY VARY

    Vítězslav Cirok is a seasoned Czech bartender with over 18 years in the industry, originally trained as an electrical engineer. He currently manages Becher's Bar at Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary and owns "Apollo Bar & Beverage Consulting and Apollo Drinks".

    Vítězslav's expertise shines through his meticulous attention to detail, balanced drinks, and inventive presentations, drawing inspiration from nature, art, and personal experiences. He's known for combining simplicity with surprise, creating memorable drinking experiences that reflect his passion for hospitality and creativity.

    Viťo also participated in numerous competitions and become 3rd best bartender in the world according to Diageo World Class Competition in 2015 and 2022

  • LOUNGE BOHEMIA | LONDON

    Pavel Tvaroh, founder of Lounge Bohemia in 2007, defied convention by establishing a hidden, appointment-only bar in a basement without signage or a dress code. His aim was to craft an intimate and theatrical experience, akin to a captivating magic trick.

    Drawing from his background in molecular cooking, Pavel creates avant-garde cocktails that engage multiple senses, combining sight, smell, textures, and flavors to offer multi-sensory adventures. His innovative approach earned Lounge Bohemia a spot in The World’s 50 Best Bars and opportunities to collaborate with prestigious brands and chefs.

    With 25 years in London, Pavel continues to push boundaries in bartending, fostering creative partnerships and receiving accolades, including the Silver Jan Masaryk Honorary Medal for his contributions to Czech-UK relations in 2019.

  • MANHATTAN | SINGAPORE

    When he first arrived in Singapore in 2017, he was poised to take up the job as head bartender at 1880, a private member’s club. As he oriented himself in his new hometown, he discovered Manhattan as a guest and declared it his favorite bar. Over the course of his time here, the grand New York bar was a place he would frequent for drinks and eventually became a second home to him. In December 2020, Rusty took the leap and joined the Manhattan family as Bar Manager, in spite of the challenges of the global pandemic.As of December 2022, Rusty assumes the bigger role of the Director of Beverage in Conrad Singapore Orchard. He now manages the beverage offerings and experiences across 5 gourmet dining destinations in the hotel alongside his first love, Manhattan.

  • AGITE CLUB

    Bartender with more than 10 years of experience in the sector. Of Peruvian origin, trained in hotel management in Lima. After passing through cities like Buenos Aires and Barcelona, has made a name for herself internationally. 

    Recognized as the best bartender in Spain in 2023. Currently living in Madrid and Barcelona with a consultancy company as well as founder of Agite club. 

  • SCARFES | LONDON

    Originally from Slovakia, Siska came to London where he discovered his passion for bartending and creating innovative cocktails. He started out bartending at D&D’s Pont De La Tour Restaurant and then moved to HUSH in Mayfair. There he developed his mixology skills before he headed to The Donovan Bar at Brown’s Hotel. Over his 5-year tenure at The Donovan Bar Siska refined his cocktail-making techniques and his talents didn’t go unnoticed as he was made Head Bartender after just one year. At Scarfe Bar, Siska heads up the bar teams with support from the Head of Mixology, Yann Bouvignies and the Bar Manager. Over the years they have tailormade a strong team of skilled professionals, and together they ensure the ultimate drinking experience for each and every guest. Siska leads on all bars management, training programs, in-bar partnerships, contractors, and brand collaborations. Martin Siska now acts as an Area Director of Bars in Europe.

  • THE BAR IN FRONT OF THE BAR | ATHENS

    Athenian born in 1989, has emerged as one of Greece's leading figures in international bartending. With a career spanning since 2007, he has established notable ventures including The Bar In Front Of The Bar in Athens, recognized on the "50 Best Discovery" list and awarded by Flag Awards as one of Greece's best bars in 2023. Konstantinos also founded the consulting company BART and operates a distillery producing liqueurs, cold teas, and cordials, showcasing his diverse expertise in the hospitality and beverage industry.

  • SESTO SENSO SPIRITS ACADEMY

    Certified WSET Level 3 Spirits Educator and bartender with a decade of experience, whose passion for flavors and aromas ignited his journey in the beverage industry. Over the years, Felice has managed bar operations at high-end cocktail bars, including prestigious hotels, while serving as a Global Brand Ambassador, Director of Education, and Brand Consultant for acclaimed spirits brands.

    Based in Oslo, he travels extensively, sharing his expertise through his WSET School 'Sesto Senso Spirits Academy' and remains committed to continuous improvement and inspiration in the world of distilled spirits.

  • SOULMATE | VIENNA

    Austrian born and raised in Vienna, has been immersed in hospitality for 14 years. Since September 2023, he has been involved in the conceptualization and management of Soulmate, where he currently serves as Bar Manager. Dominik's accolades include winning Worldclass Austria in 2022, securing a place in the Global Top 20, and earning the Bartenders Choice Award

  • MONIN | PARAGON

    Mišel Posavac brings over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry to his role as Global Advocacy Brand Manager. He honed his skills at the finest Italian school for bartenders and holds a degree in Hospitality Management, providing him with a comprehensive foundation in the industry. Mišel's career has seen him excel in various settings, from cocktail bars and clubs to restaurants, across Italy and Croatia, where he served as both bartender and bar manager.

    Today, Mišel plays a vital role within the Monin global team, focusing on the Paragon brand. His diverse background and expertise enable him to drive brand advocacy and innovation within the industry, leveraging his deep knowledge of mixology and hospitality management to create impactful experiences and initiatives. Mišel's dedication to excellence and passion for the craft make him an invaluable asset in shaping the future of beverage innovation and brand development.

  • MAFFEO DRINKS | PODCAST

    The Founder of MAFFEO DRINKS and the Host of The MAFFEO DRINKS Podcast. With over two decades of experience as a Drinks Industry Advisor, Chris specializes in building brands from inception to success. Originally from Rome, Italy, Chris is now based in Prague, Czech Republic, where he has established himself as a global leader in the beverage industry.

    Over the course of his career, he has lived and worked in six different countries, collaborating with over 30 markets worldwide to drive innovation, brand development, and market expansion. Chris's passion for mixology and entrepreneurship fuels his mission to inspire and educate others in the drinks industry through his podcast and consulting services.

  • SUPER PANDA CIRCUS | BRNO

    Michal Nevrlý is the “Principal of the Super Panda Circus”, known for his role as the “chief helmsman” of this imaginative cocktail bar. With a passion for pushing the boundaries of hospitality in Czechia to new heights, Michal is dedicated to elevating the industry.

    He is also a proud participant in the Mirror Hospitality Expo for the second time, showcasing his commitment to innovation and excellence in mixology.