As Tales of the Cocktail gears up for its annual event being held July 20-25 in New Orleans with the theme "Evolve," there's been a flurry of news.
New Executive Director for Tales of the Cocktail Foundation
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) announces Charlotte Voisey as its new Executive Director. A respected and established leader in the global spirits and hospitality industry, Voisey brings nearly two decades of experience, award-winning achievements, and a deep passion for spirits and education to her new role.
Reporting to Eileen Wayner, CEO, and the Board of Directors, Voisey will oversee the Foundation’s mission to Educate, Advance, and Support the global drinks community, ensuring that Tales of the Cocktail Foundation remains a driving force for innovation and collaboration within the industry.
“I am excited to welcome Charlotte to the Foundation’s leadership team," said Wayner. "Her unique career in this industry ensures that the work we do will drive thought leadership and anticipate and respond to the needs of our colleagues across the industry. With the additional support of Charlotte, I look forward to expanding the reach of the Foundation to consumers and creating new business development initiatives that continue to celebrate and support the drinks industry.”
Co-Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Gary Solomon, Jr. states, “The Board has absolute confidence that Charlotte will continue building on the Foundation’s important work to date, showcasing the depth and breadth of talent across the drinks industry in new ways and exploring opportunities to establish partnerships within and adjacent to the drinks industry. We believe that she will expand the year-round reach and impact of the Foundation.”
Prior to the Executive Director appointment, Voisey served as the Overall Chair of the Spirited Awards from 2016 to 2024. In 2010 her contributions were recognized when she won a Spirited Award for “Best American Brand Ambassador.” Further, she’s served as a Seminar Moderator annually since 2007, offering meaningful contributions to Tales’ Education program.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Charlotte Voisey as the new Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation,” said Neal Bodenheimer, Co-Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “I have known Charlotte for a long time, and it would be hard to find someone who cares more deeply about this industry, understands its unique challenges and opportunities, and is committed to its growth.”
Voisey’s career is also marked by her tenure at William Grant & Sons, where she led the globally respected Brand Ambassador program from 2006 to 2024, managing a team of 100 professionals across 40 countries. Her role helped redefine how spirits brands connect with the hospitality industry. In 2019, she further cemented her legacy as an educator by becoming an Associate Partner of the esteemed B.A.R. 5-Day Program.
“I greatly admire the incredible work Eileen, the Board of Directors, the Foundation team, and global committees have done over the last seven years and don't take lightly the responsibility to represent the needs of the industry at large in this position," said Voisey. "Tales has been close to my heart since I first attended in 2006. I have witnessed firsthand the incredible catalyst Tales has been for the industry during two decades of seismic evolution in the cocktail and spirits world. With the support of our tremendous global committees, I look forward to taking the Foundation through the next chapter of educating, advancing, and supporting bartenders and our broader community."
Voisey had her innovative cocktails featured at world-renowned establishments such as New York’s PDT and London’s Dorchester Hotel. Recognized with numerous accolades, including UK Bartender of the Year, Mixologist of the Year, and a Silver Medal at the World Female Bartender Championships, Voisey has also captivated mainstream audiences with appearances on TODAY and the Food Network, solidifying her status as a leading voice in the world of cocktail craftsmanship.
Spirited Awards Open for Nominations
Nominations are now open for the 19th Annual Spirited Awards® through February 13, 2025. Since its inception in 2007, the Spirited Awards have become one of the most prestigious honors in the global cocktail community, recognizing the exceptional work of individuals, products, establishments, and media across the spirits and hospitality industry.
“As we prepare for the 19th Annual Spirited Awards, and the continued celebration of excellence in our industry across the world, I am delighted to introduce new leadership for the Spirited Awards by way of our new U.S. Chair Tiffanie Barriere and our new International Chair Ryan Chetiyawardana,” shares TOTCF Executive Director Charlotte Voisey.
The 2025 Spirited Awards nomination period will be open from January 22 to February 13, 2025. The Regional Honoree list will be published on April 16, followed by the announcement of the Top 10 Nominees on May 21 and the Top 4 Finalists on June 12.
The 19th Annual Spirited Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at The Fillmore New Orleans during the 23rd annual Tales of the Cocktail conference. Additional details, including ticketing information, will be released leading up to the event.
The nomination form, available on the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation website, is open to all, including self-nominations. It only takes one nomination to be considered for the 2025 Spirited Awards, and all nominations are welcomed and encouraged.
2025 Spirited Awards Categories Open for Public Nomination:
- (International/U.S.) Bartender of the Year
- Best (International/U.S.) Bar Mentor
- Best (International/U.S.) Brand Ambassador
- Best (International/U.S.) Bar Team
- Best (International/U.S.) Cocktail Bar
- Best (International/U.S.) Hotel Bar
- Best (International/U.S.) Restaurant Bar
- Best New (International/U.S.) Cocktail Bar
- Timeless (International/U.S.) Award
- World’s Best Cocktail Menu
- World’s Best Spirits Selection
- Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient
- Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing
- Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication
- Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series
- Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book
- Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits
- Visionary Award
To learn more about the Spirited Awards Committee and awards criteria, please visit the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards page.
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