100 Bartenders, Fully Sponsored: Will You Be One?
India Bartender Week (IBW), held in collaboration with Hanna Lee Communications’ Worldwide Bartender Week, is excited to introduce the Handshake Grant 2025 - a pioneering initiative for India’s bartending community. This grant is designed to make the India Bar Summit (February 26-27, 2025, in Gurgaon) more accessible by providing financial aid to 100 bartenders from across the country.
Why the Handshake Grant?
The Handshake Grant aims to ensure inclusivity, regional representation, and gender diversity within India’s vibrant bartending community. Recognising the barriers many bartenders face in attending industry events, this grant covers travel and accommodation expenses, allowing recipients to immerse themselves in a transformative experience that celebrates bartending artistry and fosters global connections.
What Does the Grant Include?
Selected applicants will:
- Receive financial assistance for travel and accommodation to attend the India Bar Summit.
- Gain access to workshops, masterclasses, tastings, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
- Be part of a movement promoting diversity and inclusion in the bartending industry.
For those not selected, there is still an opportunity to attend as volunteers. Volunteers will gain access to all event activities while assisting with event operations, offering a valuable learning and networking experience.
Eligibility Criteria
The Handshake Grant is open to:
- Bartenders aged 18–30 currently working in India with at least one year of professional experience.
- Applicants who demonstrate creativity, passion, and advocacy for their craft.
Application Process
Applying for the Handshake Grant is simple and exciting:
Complete the online application form: Apply Here.
Submit a 45-second cocktail reel showcasing your creativity and flair while preparing a designated cocktail recipe. Include:
- A caption explaining “Why I Love Being a Bartender”.
- Optional: Boost your reel’s engagement on social media for extra points.
Write a 100-word motivation statement on “Why you want to attend IBW”.
Indicate whether you’re open to volunteering during the event.
What Participants Will Gain
The India Bar Summit promises an unparalleled learning and networking experience:
- Learning Opportunities: Participate in sessions covering topics such as:
- Crafting unique flavors with techniques like fermentation, fat-washing, and nitro.
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives, such as the Ada Coleman Project.
- Bartender wellness, addressing mental and physical health challenges.
- Cocktail menu development, from concept to creation.
- Networking: Connect with global and Indian industry icons, including:
- Erik Lorincz (Owner, KWANT, London)
- Shuzo Nagumo (Owner, Mixology Salon, Japan)
- Deke Dunne (Beverage Director, Allegory, USA)
- Indian stalwarts like Shatbhi Basu and Riyaz Amlani.
Selection Process
A panel of IBW experts will evaluate applicants based on:
- Regional representation.
- Technical expertise and passion for bartending.
- Creativity in social media submissions.
Key Dates
- Entries Close: January 30, 2025
- Event Dates: February 26-27, 2025
- Location: Gurgaon, India
Don’t Miss Out
This is your chance to grow, connect, and elevate your craft as a bartender. Apply for the Handshake Grant today and join India’s leading platform for the bar fraternity. For more details, visit the application form.
