EXPLORING WHAT MATTERS: PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS AT BCB 2025
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The Education Programme at BCB 2025 brings together international voices and future-relevant topics. All sessions are curated by the multi-member BCB Education Board, under the direction of Priyanka Blah, BCB Director of Education – ensuring the programme reflects both global perspectives and the core challenges shaping today’s bar world.
To illustrate the thematic range and speaker diversity, here are selected highlights from the programme:
• STORYTELLING AND HOW IT MAXIMISES CREATIVITY AND HOSPITALITY
7 October, 6.00–7.00 p.m., Workshop Stage
Ryan Chetiyawardana, award-winning bartender and creative entrepreneur, explores how storytelling can unlock creativity, elevate hospitality skills and create lasting guest experiences.
• BUILDING A SEASONAL BAR IN A NON-TRADITIONAL MARKET – JORDAN
8 October, 12.00–1.00 p.m., Main Stage
Amman Alsaqqaf, bar founder and hospitality consultant, shares her experience developing seasonal concepts in markets where tradition and supply chains pose unique challenges.
• SHOWCASING THE CULTURAL AND POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SPIRITS GLOBALLY
6 October, 1.30–2.30 p.m., Main Stage
Jared Brown, drinks historian and author, examines how indigenous spirits are connected to cultural identity and global relevance, and why protecting their authenticity matters.
• REIMAGINING THE BAR: A NON-ALCOHOLIC FARM-TO-GLASS TRANSFORMATION
6 October, 2.00–3.00 p.m., Workshop Stage
Ezra Star, bar owner and consultant, highlights the creative and operational potential of non-alcoholic concepts – from sustainability to ingredient storytelling.
• AI AND THE FUTURE OF THE BAR INDUSTRY
8 October, 12.45–1.30 p.m., BCB Embassy
Danil Nevsky, thought leader and digital community builder, explores how AI is transforming bar operations, creativity and the customer experience.
The full Education Programme spans multiple curated stages, from strategic panels and interactive workshops to partner-led activations and brand-hosted tastings. Topics range from sustainable bar management and creative product development to workplace culture, leadership, business and innovation. At the heart of it all is the BCB Embassy – a dedicated area that explores a different trend each day. Whether it’s the rise of low and no, the revival of the classics, or the vision of the next generation, this space blends education, experience and guest interaction.
