India Bartender Week (IBW), an initiative held in conjunction with Hanna Lee Communications’ Worldwide Bartender Week, introduces the Handshake Grant, a first of its kind in the country for the bar fraternity. This program is designed to make the India Bar Summit more accessible to talented bartenders across the country, ensuring inclusivity and regional representation while placing a strong emphasis on gender diversity. Offering financial assistance to 100 bartenders, the Handshake Grant will cover travel and accommodation expenses for the summit, taking place on February 26-27, 2025, in Gurugram.IBW is a dedicated platform for the bar fraternity spearheaded by industry stalwarts – Vikram Achanta, Minakshi Singh, and Yangdup Lama. Recognising the challenges faced by bartenders in attending such events, the Handshake Grant ensures that deserving candidates can participate in this transformative experience that celebrates the artistry of bartending while fostering innovation, community, and global connections.
For those not selected, there is an opportunity to attend the event as volunteers. By volunteering, they can gain access to workshops, masterclasses, tastings, and interactions with prominent industry professionals, ensuring they benefit from the experience and expand their network.
65 participants in Bengaluru and 70 in Pune attended the roadshows for IBW, reflecting the immense potential and interest of India’s growing bartending community for opportunities to learn, connect, and showcase their skills.
