The Hospitality Ladder Is Broken...
Host
Server
Bartender
Bar Manager
Bartender
Real Estate Agent?
Join Us At
Raising The Bar DC 2025
The conference designed to give bartenders a real path forward in hospitality.
Watch This Video First! (Press Play/Audio On!)
Watch This Video First!
(Press Play/Audio On!)
September 22 - 23, 2025
Washington Marriott Capital Hill
175 L Street NE DC
Liz Zagone Posted This Viral Meme:
This Was The Response From The Bartending Community:
How Much More Fulfilling Would Bartending Feel If You Knew Exactly What Came Next For You?
These two days will shift how you think about your work, your income, and your future in hospitality — and give you the exact roadmap to build a career you can be proud of, without leaving the industry.
At the last young entrepreneur's event in 2019, we rode mechanical bulls...
Another time, we had a magician do this crazy thing where my face showed up on a card... and it BLEW OUR MINDS.
And of course, every year we eat amazing food... play a bunch of games... ah it’s so fun!!!
But that’s not even the BEST part...
This might be my FAVORITE event we put on.
It’s so much fun, you kind of forget you’re also learning a ton of marketing and business advice lol!
Anyway, why do I bring all of this up?
From The Creators of Raising The Bar DC
If you’ve spent years honing your skills, pouring into your guests, and becoming a true professional — but no one ever showed you how to use those skills to create a future in hospitality...
This might be the most important opportunity you’ve seen in your entire career… And we’re about to share why. But, before we do…
You Already Know You're Meant For More...
You may not have known the keys to your future have been in your hands the entire time.
Here’s What’s Really Possible…
You may feel stuck — with no clear way to grow without leaving the industry.
But the reality is this: you already have everything you need to build a bigger future inside hospitality.
When you learn how to apply your skills in new ways, you can:
Transform years of hands-on experience into respected industry authority
Earn more without leaving the bar or starting from scratch
Build meaningful careers rooted in the love of service — not in burnout
And most importantly…
✅ Do it all while staying true to what you love about this industry in the first place.
22 Years Behind the Stick… And One Real Estate Stint Later
My Name Is Jonas Mitchell...
My Name Is Jonas Mitchell...
And I’m a business owner who’s been through the real estate cycle — the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
In fact, I failed miserably for the first two years in real estate because I knew absolutely nothing about business. Even while working alongside a multi-million dollar real estate coach, Andrew Lacy…
I was grinding all day trying to land a client — then clocking in behind the bar at night to survive.
It wasn’t until my 100th failed listing appointment that I realized…
No Matter How Hard I Tried, I Couldn’t Leave the Bar
It even got to the point I was ready to just give up...
My frustration and overwhelm trying to get this real estate thing to “click” was at an all-time high...
But I just couldn’t figure out what was going on.
I was showing up.
I was studying hard.
I was doing all the things they said to do...
So why wasn’t it working?
Then It Hit Me...
It wasn’t that I couldn’t do it...
It was that I had started over in a brand new industry — I was just doing what anyone does when they start something new: learning.
And in the process, I had completely overlooked something important:
💡 I was already a pro — just in a different space.
That realization came after attending a bartender conference, and it changed everything.
With over 100 years of hospitality experience, our team built the event we wish had existed when we were still figuring out what’s next.
That experience taught us something important: there aren't just two ways forward...
There Are Seven.
Intrapreneur — Lead change inside the venues you love
Brick & Mortar Owner — Own the space, the experience, and the legacy
Pop-Up Pro — Build buzz without a building
Brand Ambassador / Influencer — Turn your presence into profit
Online Educator — Teach what you know, scale what you’ve mastered
Consultant — Get paid for your perspective
Hospitality Product Creator — Build what the industry needs
Now pause for a second.
👉🏽Imagine introducing yourself not just as a bartender — but as a consultant, a brand ambassador, or an owner.
👉🏽Imagine walking into a room and being recognized as a creator, an educator, or a trusted industry authority.
Which version of you do you want to step into next?
Whichever path you choose, success comes down to mastering 3 key zones…
Cocktail Creation — Wow guests with your signature style
Branding — Get seen, remembered, and requested
Business — Turn your talent into a scalable asset
When you strengthen these three zones, any of the 7 paths become possible.
Even better?
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
September 22 - 23, 2025
Washington Marriott Capital Hill
175 L Street NE DC
What People Are Saying About Raising The Bar DC 2025
(Press Play To Watch The Videos)
- Moe
- Nique
- Tanya
- Ramonte
Raising The Bar DC Experience
Raising The Bar is a 2-day immersive experience happening in Washington, DC from September 22–23, 2025 — designed to give you the clarity, confidence, and tools to build your future in hospitality.
You’ll walk away knowing how to:
Discover the path that aligns with your personality, passion, and income goals
Build your personal brand so you can stand out in a crowded industry
Turn your skills into opportunity — without leaving the bar or starting over
And best of all? You won’t just hear from speakers — you’ll connect, create, and collaborate inside hands-on labs, brand activations, and live workshops led by top professionals in mixology, branding, and business.
Now Look… We Get It.
There’s a whole lotta moving parts between where you are now — and where you want to go.
And if you’ve been hustling shift after shift, it’s easy to feel like you're stuck in place, wondering: “How the hell do I actually move forward in this industry I love?”
That’s where the Barpreneur Blueprint™ comes in.
This proven roadmap helps bartenders build a career around their craft — instead of away from it.
It's made up of three zones of mastery — and nine core skills you can stack over time to shift from shift work to signature work:
Use It To Find Your Starting Line:
START HERE: If you’re great at pouring shots and popping bottles — but struggle with crafting cocktails from scratch…Start with Cocktail Creation. That’s where you’ll learn how to confidently mix, balance, and build drinks that reflect your style.
START HERE: If you’ve mastered your craft but no one knows your name…
Branding is your next step. You’ll learn how to grow your presence, connect with your audience, and get the right people talking.
START HERE: If you’ve got skills, a following, and momentum — but don’t know how to turn it into real opportunities…That’s when it’s time for the Business Zone. It’s where barpreneurs are made.
This isn’t fluff.
It’s a clear, practical path for bartenders ready to own their creativity — and turn their work into a platform.
Because once you know where you’re starting, we can show you how far you can go.
You Don’t Need Another Lecture…
You Need Real Examples From People Who’ve Done It
The truth is: every path on the Barpreneur Blueprint™ has already been walked — by someone who started right where you are.
That’s why Raising The Bar 2025 isn’t filled with theories.
It’s built on proof.
Every speaker you’ll meet at Raising The Bar 2025 isn’t just here to talk — they walk the path they’re teaching.
Some started behind the bar.
Some behind a brand.
But every single one of them is living proof that the seven paths to Barpreneurship aren’t just possible — they’re happening right now.
You can get “insider access” to them…
And spend 2 days with us…
All for less than the price of what you’ll make during one of your shifts.
What You’re Gonna Get With Your Ticket To Raising The Bar DC:
See What’s Included In The Tickets Below
General Admission
Purchase
Full access to all sessions & panels
Training across the BarPreneur Blueprint: Cocktails • Branding • Business
Networking opportunities with peers and hospitality professionals
Access to parties
👉🏽 Best option if you want the complete Raising The Bar DC experience without VIP perks.
VIP Admission
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Everything in General Admission, plus:
Early access check-in & fast-lane entry
VIP-only lounge
Reserved seating at keynote sessions
TWO VIP-only sessions
Free Parking
Lunch Included
*Hotel Room Included w/ Package (Optional)
Ticket Options
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Small Call to Action
Day Pass
$50
2-Day Pass
$100
VIP Admission
$197
VIP + Hotel Package
$452
Why This Is a Smart Investment
Attending Raising The Bar DC costs less than what you’d make in a single shift.
But the return?
👉🏽 If this conference helps you land one brand deal, one opportunity, or one promotion — it will pay for itself many times over.
Six months from now, you could still be asking “what’s next?”…
Or you could be stepping into new income, new connections, and a new identity in hospitality — because you chose to invest in yourself today.
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Secure Your Spot Before It’s Gone
We’re keeping this experience intentionally intimate — which means space is limited.
👉🏽 Attendance is capped so every bartender has real access to the speakers, sessions, and activations.
👉🏽 Our hotel block rates will expire on September 5, 2025.
👉🏽 And once we hit capacity, doors close. No exceptions.
If you know Raising The Bar DC is for you, don’t wait until the last minute.
Lock in your ticket now and guarantee your place at the table.
Be A Part of the Conference That Changes The Game!
Here’s The Day-By-Day Breakdown of the Live Workshop:
Take A Look At Everything You’re Going To Be Able To Experience
DAY #1:
Inspiration + Deep Dive
9:00 am | Registration Opens
10:00 am | Cocktail Mastery Without Mixology: The Infinite Cocktail Formula
11:00 am | Growing Your Brand Through Authenticity
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Lunch Break
1:30 pm | The Hospitality Ladder Is Broken
2:30 pm | Harnessing AI To Grow Your Hospitality Career
3:30 pm | From Bartending To Bar Ownership
4:20 pm – 4:40 pm | Networking Break
4:40 pm – 5:30 pm | VIP Only Session: Systems That Scale: The Business Side Of Bartending
DAY #2:
Action + Connection
9:00 am | Registration Opens
10:00 am | The Business of Mobile Bartending: Building A Brand On The Move
11:00 am | How I Secured My First Brand Deal
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Lunch Break
1:30 pm | Building A Strong Financial Foundation
2:30 pm | How To Build A Brand That Pours Back
3:30 pm | Career Building Via Travel
4:20 pm – 4:40 pm | Networking Break
4:40 pm – 5:30 pm | VIP Only Session: The New Ladder: A Framework for Designing Your Chosen Path
Meet The Team!
These two days will shift how you think about your work & your income.
Kiya Perrin
Founder
With over 25 years behind the bar and 15 as a business owner, Kiya Perrin believes bartending is the foundation, not the finish line. She is the founder of Raising the Bar DC and BartenderChicks.com, platforms designed to help bartenders, bar owners, and beverage entrepreneurs build brands and step into leadership. Since launching her first business in 2009, she has coached countless professionals on pricing, growth, and scaling. Known for her no-fluff, motivational approach, Kiya is creating space where culture, community, and commerce converge—empowering bartenders to build lasting businesses and legacies in hospitality.
Jonas Mitchell
Co-Founder
A 22-year industry veteran, Jonas Mitchell has worked in D.C.’s top venues—including Dream/LOVE Nightclub, LIMA Lounge, TAP at MGM National Harbor, and The Park at 14th, where he served as Bar Manager. He is the creator of The Barpreneur Blueprint, a nine-step program guiding bartenders from employee to entrepreneur. Jonas also founded Scribble, a 5-star homebuyer education company that has helped clients erase debt, boost credit, and build financial independence. A U.S. Marine veteran, Jonas brings clarity, resilience, and strategy to Raising The Bar DC, empowering bartenders to own their future beyond the bar.
Dwayne Sawyer
Director of Nightlife & Off-Site Activations
As Director of Nightlife for Raising The Bar DC, Dwayne brings a dynamic mix of competitive drive, cultural fluency, and bar world expertise. From managing venues and crafting menus to bartending in Puerto Rico without knowing Spanish, he’s explored every corner of the spirits industry. What began as boredom with routine grew into a passion that earned him cocktail titles and credibility. Now, with Raising The Bar DC in his hometown, Dwayne is turning vision into action—curating nightlife experiences that celebrate creativity while uplifting bartending as a lifelong career path.
Monica Pendergrass
Director of Logistics
With over 25 years of event management expertise, Monica brings her unmatched passion for service and entertaining to the Board of Raising The Bar DC. She has led the planning of high-profile conferences, workshops, and special events—mastering both logistics and guest experience. Known for transforming complex concepts into seamless realities, Monica thrives on fostering collaboration and creating connections that elevate every gathering. Her belief that every event tells a story guides her innovative, hands-on approach. Memorable experiences that celebrate hospitality are what leave lasting impressions on every guest.
Tassia Lacerda
Director of Mixology
A national authority in cocktail culture and bar innovation, Tassia brings over 20 years of hospitality leadership and 10 years as founder of Crème de la Crème, her acclaimed mobile bar service. Known for her appearances on Bar Rescue and award-winning cocktail creations, Tassia has consulted for venues nationwide, developed high-margin beverage programs, and championed underrepresented talent through mentorship and speaking engagements. Today, she leads Forbidden Cocktail Club, a membership-based cocktail lab, to bring craft cocktails to new audiences. At Raising The Bar DC, Tassia represents excellence, evolution, and cultural storytelling.
Meet The Speakers!
(In Order of Appearance)
Tassia Lacerda
Cocktail Mastery Without Mixology:
The Infinite Cocktail Formula
Tassia Lacerda reveals the nine families most cocktails come from — and how to swap ingredients effortlessly. Once you understand the formula, you can craft any drink, anywhere: dive bar, fine dining, or at home.
No glitz. No gimmicks. Just the simple structure behind every great cocktail. With this framework, you’ll never run out of drinks to make — and you’ll finally feel complete confidence behind the bar.
Black Assets
Growing Your Brand Through Authenticity
Ashley Yates, known artistically as Black Assets, doesn’t just post on social media — she builds community. In this session, she shows how to grow your brand by being unapologetically yourself. Learn the art of speaking to your audience so they actually speak back, creating real engagement instead of empty likes.
Ashley will share how authenticity turns followers into a community that grows with you, supports you, and celebrates you along the way.
Jonas Mitchell
3-Part Series:
Building the New Ladder in Hospitality
1. The Hospitality Ladder Is Broken
2. Systems That Scale: The Business Side of Bartending
3. The New Ladder: A Framework for Designing Your Chosen Path
Most bartenders don’t plan to stay behind the bar forever. But years slip by, and suddenly you realize you’re still stuck in the same cycle — working nights, chasing tips, with no clear next step. Everyone talks about management or opening a bar, but few talk about the other paths.
Fewer still talk about the real skills you need to carry you into a lasting, rewarding career in hospitality. This 3-part series exposes why the old “ladder” doesn’t work, shows the overlooked options bartenders can take to stay in hospitality, and gives you the framework to design your own future with intention.
Rod Ferrier
Harnessing AI To Grow Your Hospitality Career
When it comes to AI, there are two schools of thought: those who fear it will replace us, and those who see it as a revolution in human potential. The truth? AI isn’t going to replace humans. Humans using AI will replace humans.
Choosing your path in hospitality is the most important decision you’ll make. With AI, you can collapse time — getting guidance, clarity, and direction in minutes instead of months. In this session, Rod Ferrier shows you how to harness AI as a career accelerator, giving you the tools to move faster along whichever path you choose at this conference.
Scott Parker
From Bartending To Bar Ownership
For many bartenders, owning a bar is the dream — but it’s also one of the riskiest moves in hospitality. Most fail. Scott Parker didn’t. Starting as a bartender, he made the leap to ownership and now runs six thriving bars in Arlington, Virginia.
In this session, Scott shares the real path from behind the bar to owning one, including the pitfalls to avoid and the strategies that work. If bar ownership is on your mind, this is your chance to learn what it really takes to succeed where so many others fall short.
Kiya Perrin
2-Part Series:
From Systems to Success in Mobile Bartending
1. Systems That Scale: The Business Side of Bartending
2. The Business of Mobile Bartending: Building a Brand on the Move
Kiya Perrin is dedicated to helping bartenders turn their craft into a business that lasts. In this two-part series, she shows you both the systems and the strategies to make it happen.
She will take you inside one of hospitality’s fastest-growing opportunities, where you’ll see how to launch and scale a mobile bartending business, avoid common pitfalls, and transform your passion into a profitable brand on the move.
Chimiya Polk
How I Secured My First Brand Deal
Opportunities don’t just appear — you have to create them. Chimiya Polk understood that waiting for students to show up wasn’t enough to grow her Gorgitenders Bartending Academy. Instead, she built relationships: reaching out to the mayor’s office, partnering with casinos and hotels, and connecting with organizations that expanded her reach.
That focus on outreach, visibility, and partnerships is what led to her first major brand deal. In this session, Chimiya shares the process she used, the pitfalls to avoid, and how bartenders can leverage the same approach to open doors and secure opportunities that last.
Darius L. Davis
Business Finance: What To Know Before You Grow
When most entrepreneurs think about finance, they focus on the numbers. But bankers don’t start with spreadsheets — they start with management. In this session, Darius L. Davis brings his experience as a banker and consultant to show why the way your business is structured and managed matters more than your balance sheet.
You’ll learn what lenders and partners really look for before working with a business, the signals that build confidence, and the red flags that turn people away. If you want your business to grow, it’s not just about having money — it’s about proving you know what you’re doing.
Junaid Ahmed
How To Build A Brand That Pours Back
Every bartender knows social media is important — the likes, the follows, the comments. But what comes next? Engagement without direction doesn’t build a career. In this session, Junaid Ahmed shows why every bartender needs to see themselves as a brand — and how to turn attention into opportunity.
Just like Walmart runs a commercial to drive people into stores, your social media is your commercial. The real question is: where are you sending your people? Junaid will break down how to build a brand that doesn’t just get attention, but pours back into your business with a clear funnel, stronger marketing, and lasting growth.
What People Are Saying About The Vision Behind Raising The Bar DC...
This Is It!
You love this work.
You know you’re meant for more, but you’re not sure what that looks like yet.
You want to build a future inside hospitality, not outside of it.
The bar will always be there. But this chance to design your future won’t.
Secure your seat at Raising The Bar DC 2025 — and step into what’s next.
Claim your seat. Let’s raise the bar — together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the name of the event, and where is it happening?
The event is called Raising The Bar DC.
It’s happening at the Washington Marriott Capitol Hill, located at:
175 L St NE, Washington, DC 20002
When is the conference, and what’s the daily schedule like?
Raising The Bar DC takes place September 22–23, 2025, at the Washington Marriott Capitol Hill.
Monday, Sept 22 & Tuesday, Sept 23
9:00 am | Registration Opens
10:00 am | General Session
11:00 am | General Session
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Lunch Break
1:30 pm | General Session
2:30 pm | General Session
3:30 pm | General Session
4:20 pm – 4:40 pm | Networking Break
4:40 pm – 5:30 pm | VIP Only Session
Who is this event for?
Raising The Bar DC is for bartenders who love hospitality.
Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned vet, it’s never too early — or too late — to start mapping out your next move up the ladder in the hospitality industry.
If you’re serious about growth, clarity, and leveling up your craft or career, this event is for you.
Is this a bartending competition or skills-based event?
Raising The Bar DC isn’t a competition — it’s the start of a much-needed conversation in our industry.
This is about growth, connection, and clarity.
You’ll get access to:
Educational classes focused on cocktails, branding, and business
It’s a professional development and networking experience designed for bartenders, by bartenders — not just to sharpen your skills, but to help you shape your future.
Do I have to be 21 to attend this event?
Yes. This event is exclusively for guests 21 and over. We will be checking IDs at the door, and anyone under 21 will not be permitted entry — no exceptions.
What’s included with the ticket?
🎟️ General Admission – $100
Full access to all sessions & panels
Training across the BarPreneur Blueprint: Cocktails • Branding • Business
Networking opportunities with peers and hospitality professionals
Access to parties
👉🏽 Best option if you want the complete Raising The Bar DC experience without VIP perks.
✨ VIP Admission – $197
Everything in General Admission, plus:
Early access check-in & fast-lane entry
VIP-only lounge
Reserved seating at keynote sessions
TWO VIP-only sessions
Free Parking
Lunch Included
*Hotel Room Included w/ Package (Optional)
What if I can’t make it? Can I get a refund or give my ticket to someone else?
Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferrable.
If something comes up and you can’t attend, you can give or sell your ticket to someone else — just contact the event team to update the name on the registration at [email protected]. Transfers are allowed up to 48 hours before the event.
What’s the dress code?
Bartenders come in every style — so be authentically you.
There’s no strict dress code. Whether you’re rocking sneakers and streetwear or keeping it classic with slacks and collars, show up as yourself.
If there’s a formal or theme night announced closer to the event, we’ll let everyone know in advance.
Can I come if I’m not a bartender?
Yes — all are welcome!
While the educational content is tailored for bartenders, the process and principles translate across the hospitality world.
Whether you’re a brand rep, barback, manager, student, or just passionate about the craft, there’s something in the room for you.
Is this event beginner-friendly?
Yes! Whether you’re just getting started behind the bar or you’ve been doing this for years, the sessions are designed to meet you where you are — and show you what’s possible next.
Are meals included with the ticket?
Meals are included with VIP tickets only.
However, snacks, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase throughout the venue.
Is there a hotel room block or discount available?
Yes! We’ve secured a discounted room block at the Washington Marriott Capitol Hill for Raising The Bar DC guests.
👉 Reserve Your Discounted Hotel Room
We recommend booking early — space is limited and rooms will go fast.
Will there be recordings or replays available?
No — this is a live experience. To get the full value, you’ve got to be in the room. VIP guests will receive exclusive bonus content after the event, but session recordings will not be publicly distributed.