The Bar Institute at Portland Cocktail Week Is Coming To Phoenix This May

Last year, more than 1,500 bartenders applied for just 400 spots at The Bar Institute at Portland Cocktail Week. The prestigious program includes "advanced level education for current and future professionals in the bar industry," according to the Portland Cocktail Week website — and if you live in the Valley and didn't get a spot, we have some good news. 

In the upcoming months, The Bar Institute is hitting the road and will make stops in six cities, including Phoenix, from Sunday, May 1, to Tuesday, May 3. Registration for the Phoenix program is open now and starts at just $25. 

In each city, The Bar Institute will offer three days of classes, a trade-show floor for attendees to sample products, and other events. MashUp events will "take two bar teams and challenge them to create a new concept," while newly created UpFront events will highlight each city's bar scene.

Each UpFront will feature "five bars in each region that are setting the standard for American bars" by setting trends, pioneering new techniques, or raising service standards. Featured bars will be allowed to make a one-hour presentation about their bar, and the top two bars from each region will be invited to attend and present at The Bar Institute's New York event.

The Bar Institute began as a structured educational program for bar professionals and served as the focal point for Portland Cocktail Week. However, as applications for the program grew, organizers decided to grow the program by bringing The Bar Institute to professionals throughout the country. In addition to Phoenix, the 2016 tour will stop in Baltimore, Austin, Miami, and New York.

To register for The Bar Institute or to submit your bar for participation in the program, visit The Bar Institute website.