The Fight for Bartender Community: A Lord of the Rings Guide to NZBarCon
I never want to read another sub-heading about COVID, borders, distance or apathy - so instead, let me tell you why NZBarCon reminds me of Tolkien's epic Fellowship of the Ring and what we can learn.
NZBarCon is happening August 4th - 6th in Auckland, New Zealand. It’s almost entirely free* for anyone in the bar and beverage community to attend - so it’s time to book your days off, your flights or accommodation and sort out your rideshares to get to Middle Earth for a wild adventure.
(*Select events are ticketed, stay tuned to book and RSVP your tickets)
I. Let me introduce you to The Shire; a magical place where bartenders live in peaceful harmony with each other, brands and the occasional special guest appearance:
The sun streams golden, the beer flows easily and Samwise Gamgee is sloshing out his latest batch of honey mead. The harvest tables are full and the fires cranking. Once the sun goes down, the music is up and the happiness of laughter and back-slappin’ camaraderie rolls through the crowd.
This is Utopia, of sorts. An idyllic island of great drinks, great people and a thriving and sustainable world of customer demand, engagement and inspiration. Our venues are full each night, our staffing rosters simple and brand support flows exactly where desired. But to get there?
Right now there are glimpses of The Shire all around the country, but Gandalf has arrived — with a call to adventure and an invitation to something grand. It’s Auckland for three days of having a damn good time, connecting into community and learning a few things from our best of the best and a few international guests.
It’s NZBarCon and it’s going to be a wonderful adventure.
II. The Fellowship Forms: Your Number One reason to attend NZBarCon
The Call to Adventure: It’s no secret that New Zealand bartending (and customers) will be better off the stronger our community is. Community and connectedness is the answer to finding professional support, and potential for growth. The Shire may not have the population or high-rises of Sydney, London or New York - but the Hobbits that form the heart and soul of our Fellowship and community.
If you want more community, connection and to be having a good time - you’ve got to come on the adventure. Hearing about it later is not the same, as Bilbo Baggins and Frodo will gladly tell you.
Fancy learning a little leadership or creative swordplay from the Aragorn of our time? A little footwork from Legolas or siphoning some Elven magic? NZBarCon will bring remarkable international talent and inspiration from Maybe Group (Maybe Sammy, Nancy & Dean, Sammy Junior, Maybe Frank), Byrdi, Coa, as well as our own Mikey Ball and others.
If building, expanding and protecting The Shire is the dream, then imagine NZBarCon just like Rivendell, although perhaps the celebrations a little more rowdy. A place of connection, rejuvenation and invigoration.
III. The Journey Through Mordor: Where your Fellowship Will Take You
The Fellowship of Stayin’ Alive: Building community at NZBarCon is about building career long mutual support and encouragement – sharing knowledge and techniques, building each other up and most importantly, looking for opportunities to extend and enhance the quality of your bartending life both inside and outside your venue. There are real challenges and obstacles we face: difficult customers, long hours, a competitive environment and a constant push to survive, if not thrive. But you won’t regret a single moment, once you’ve accomplished the mission and formed powerful bonds with the community.
Gandalf's Guidance: For the first time, NZBarCon is bringing the role of mentors in guiding and inspiring the next generation right to the forefront. But you don’t have to take our word for it - just check out the programme of education and skill-building that will set you up for another 12 months of growth.
IV. Victory and Beyond: The Rewards of Camaraderie
The biggest reason why you should plan to be at NZBarCon? The celebrations, the parties and the chance to experience a taste of Shire Utopia. While community and camaraderie is often built in the trenches of hard work, there’s another type shared experience that is equally as effective - just having a bloody good time. Here’s just a glimpse of the parties and gatherings that will light up the Shire for NZBarCon.
Sunday 4th August
Cocchi & Vermouth Bartenders Brunch
Aperol Karaoke - Rocketman
Maybe Group Panacea Takeover
Jameson & Malibu’s Backyard Party - Longroom
Monday 5th August
Jason Crawley Bar Takeover
Flor De Cana Sustainable Cocktail Challenge Final - Cafe 39
House of William Grant Party - ACS & Broken Lantern
Tuesday 6th August
Coa Singapore Takeover - Commercial Bay
Jagermeister Closing Party
The Call to Adventure is yours.
Be sure to stay tuned here and to NZBarCon on socials for all the updates as we get closer to the big adventure.