RBS 2026 PROGRAM
AUDITORIUM
Discover the heart of mixology excellence on the Auditorium stage, featuring 250 seats for enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Here, leading figures from the global bar industry will deliver exclusive masterclasses, sharing the insights, techniques and innovations shaping the world of beverage today.
The Auditorium is located on the First Floor, and access is included with your Roma Bar Show ticket, subject to venue capacity.
Day 1
Auditorium - Foyer
14 September
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
I figli del Padrino: a History of the Italian-American Cocktail
Speaker: David Wondrich
Sponsored by THREE CENT
Day 2
Auditorium - Foyer
15 September
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Humans vs. AI: The Future of the Hospitality Industry
Speaker: Sean Finter
Sponsored by THREE CENT
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Shaken, Stirred & Reimagined: How Rum is Driving the New Golden Age of Cocktail
Speaker: Ian Burrell
Sponsored by THREE CENT
RBS ACADEMY
Step into the heart of innovation at RBS Academy by Perrier, where leading bartenders and industry experts from around the world come together to deliver technical seminars and educational sessions. Explore the art and science of mixology alongside some of the most influential voices in the global bar industry, as they share their expertise, insights and innovative techniques.
RBS Academy by Perrier is located outdoors, and access is included with your Roma Bar Show ticket, subject to venue capacity (120 seats).
Day 1
RBS Academy by Perrier - Outdoor
14 September
1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Technical Seminar - Birds of a Feather, Flock Together
Speaker: Faye Chen
Bar: Double Chicken Please - New York
Sponsored by Altos Tequila
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Technical Seminar - Redefining luxury: the evolution of the bar scene in the United Arab Emirates
Speaker: Marco Corallo
Bar: SAIKINDŌ - Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi
Sponsored by Altos Tequila
4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Technical Seminar - Beyond Bubbles: Advanced Carbonation for Modern Bartending
Speaker: Valentino Girotto
Bar: CROSSROADS - Londra
Sponsored by Altos Tequila
5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Technical Seminar - The Classic Way - Il percorso dal Classico, al Signature, al Nuovo Classico.
Speaker: Alex Frezza & Dario Tortorella
Bar: L'ANTIQUARIO - Napoli
Sponsored by Altos Tequila
Day 2
RBS Academy by Perrier - Outdoor
15 September
12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Technical Seminar - From Zero to Hero
Speaker: Sofokli Cali & Evis Cali
Bar: NOUVELLE VAGUE - Tirana
1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Technical Seminar - Bar Confidential
Speaker: Jimmy Bertazzoli
Bar: AGUARDIENTE - Marina di Ravenna
Sponsored by RBS
3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Going Global: Scaling Beyond Borders Without Losing Your Soul… and Mind
Speaker: Sany Bacsi & Gregoire Schnerb
Bar: COYA Restaurant & Pisco Bar (Global)
Sponsored by RBS
5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Technical Seminar - Adapt or Fade: The Argo Bar Journey
Speaker: Jonathan Gabbay
Bar: ARGO - Hong Kong
Sponsored by COQTAIL + RBS
BUSINESS ROOM
A new educational area dedicated to professionals who have reached a mature stage in their careers and wish to expand their expertise beyond the bar.A space for discussion on business, leadership, and professional growth: from building a brand to developing a managerial career, through to analysing the numbers and strategies that drive business success.
Day 1
Business Room – Concourse
14 September
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m
Your Bar Is Not a Stage. It’s a System
Speaker: Luca Cinalli
Sponsored by PRATESI HOTEL DIVISION
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m
How to create a new spirit : from conception to market launch
Speaker: Luc Merlet
Sponsored by PRATESI HOTEL DIVISION
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m
The Role of the Sales Professional in the Bar Industry: Skills, Numbers, and Relationships
Speaker: Marco Vicentini
Sponsored by PRATESI HOTEL DIVISION
Day 2
Business Room – Concourse
15 September
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m
The Importance of the Concept: Why the Market Rewards Clear Ideas
Speaker: Salvatore Cautero
Sponsored by PRATESI HOTEL DIVISION
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m
Building a Restaurant Concept: From Idea to a Replicable Business Model
Speaker: Pierfederico Sandri
Sponsored by PRATESI HOTEL DIVISION
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m
Functional as Well as Beautiful
Speaker: Andrea Corelli
Sponsored by PRATESI HOTEL DIVISION
one to watch
A space for discussion and knowledge sharing that brings together journalists, opinion leaders, communication professionals, and respected voices from across the industry. Through round tables and open conversations, One to Watch fosters dialogue, the exchange of ideas, and the cross-pollination of perspectives, driven by the belief that the growth of the industry begins with the sharing of knowledge.
Day 1
One to watch – Concourse
14 September
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Adult Non-Alcoholic (ANA) - a global perspective on the EU and US markets today & the future of this dynamic category
Speaker: DAN GASPER
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
How to Make a Bar Global. Visibility, Reputation and Relationships Beyond Borders
Moderators: Chiara Degl’Innocenti, Penelope Vaglini
Guests: Lorenzo Querci, Riccardo Rossi, Alex Frezza, Patrick Pistolesi
Sponsored by COQTAIL
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
THE SHE SIDE 2026 - power speech
Speaker: Ezra Star, Laura Grassulini, Lucia Creed, Andrea Grujic
Sponsored by THE SHE SIDE
Day 2
One to watch – Concourse
15 September
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Beyond the bar, effective leadership and adaptability
Moderator: Daniela Garcea
Speaker: Antonella Nonino Marella Batkovic, Desiré Verdecchia, Giulia Castellucci
Sponsored by THE SHE SIDE
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m
TED STYLE SHORT RUN SPEECHES
Speaker: Paula Garcia, Claire Warner, Giulia Cuccurullo, Tess Posthumus
Sponsored by THE SHE SIDE
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Youngest, The Boldest: Will the Next Generation Change Hospitality?
Moderators: Chiara Degl’Innocenti, Penelope Vaglini
Guests: Alessandro Mengoni, Nausica Vitali, Miriam Nini, Lorenzo Uberti
Sponsored by COQTAIL
TASTING ROOM
Throughout Roma Bar Show, producers, distributors and brand ambassadors will showcase the stories, production methods and distinctive characteristics of their brands through dedicated technical tasting sessions.
Access to the Tasting Rooms is included with your Roma Bar Show ticket, subject to seat availability.
Day 1
Tasting room Concourse
14 September
12.30 p.m. – 01:30 p.m.
3EXP – Il vino entra nel cocktail: la nuova frontiera della mixology
Speaker: Fabio Bacchi e Teodosio D'Apolito
Sponsored by 3EXP – Wine for Mixology
01:45 p.m. – 03:15 p.m.
LimonLab Cocktail Competition 2026
Speaker: Fabio Bacchi
Organized by BarTales Magazine in collaboration with Caffo 1915 - Compagnia dei Caraibi - Drup - Gruppo Montenegro - Luxardo 1821 - Meregalli Spirits - Nazionale Spirito Italiano- Pallini- Sarandrea - Casoni - Dora Grossa - Fusetti -Three Cents
03:30 p.m. – 04:30 p.m.
Hotel Mixology: The Bar Manager as a Creator of Identity and Brand Ambassador
Speaker: Alessio Mercuri, Bar Manager Cafè Romano Lounge Bar
Sponsored by Café Romano Lounge Bar - Hotel d'Inghilterra
05:00 p.m. – 06:00 p.m.
Mixing Talent with Hilton
Speaker: Tom Quinn
Relatori: Lorenzo Politano e Valentina Andrada Mircea
Sponsored by Hilton
Day 2
Tasting room Concourse
15 September
12.30 p.m. – 01:30 p.m.
DOLOMITI ICE: LA SCIENZA DEL GHIACCIO NELLA MISCELAZIONE
Speaker: Giorgio Chiarello, Umberto Davide Pecoraro
Sponsored by Dolomiti Ice
02:00 p.m. – 03:00 p.m.
Stoelzle Cinema Club – A Film Cocktail Journey.
Speaker: Alessandro D'Ospina - Global Business Developer di Stoelzle, Giovanni Mantoan & Graziano Gasparini - Zest
Sponsored by Stoelzle Glass Group
03:30 p.m. – 04:30 p.m.
Beyond the Glass: Where The Dalmore Meets Luxury Hospitality at Corinthia Hotel
Speaker: Steve Ascough - The Dalmore Global Market Controller, Massimiliano Dessi - Bar supervisor, Corinthia Rome
Sponsored by The Dalmore
OPEN STAGE
An open platform for content, presentations, and special events that will take place over the two days of the Roma Bar Show. A constantly evolving space dedicated to dialogue and sharing.
Day 1
Open Stage Concourse
14 September
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
New Martini Narratives. Presentation of the book "Zen and the Art of the Martini Cocktail"
Speaker: Fabio Nascimbeni
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Menu Engineering: Managing Bar Costs in the Modern Era
Speaker: Domenico Maura
Sponsored by AIBES
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Presentation of the IBA 101 Cocktail List
IBA: Identity, Global Mission, and Its Role in International Cocktail Culture
Speaker: Giorgio Fadda
Sponsored by AIBES
Day 2
Open Stage Concourse
15 September
12.00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
L'evoluzione del no-alcohol: tra innovazione di marca e mixology
Speaker: Patrick Simoni, CMO Gruppo Lunelli e Patrick Pistolesi, Bartender Drink Kong
Sponsored By TASSONI
1.00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
"Celiachia senza filtri" vivere social, uscire, divertirsi. con il supporto di Regione Lazio e ARSIAL
Con Giancarlo Righini
Assessore all’Agricoltura, alla Sovranità Alimentare e al Bilancio della Regione Lazio
Massimiliano Raffa
Presidente ARSIAL
Angelo Mocci
Presidente AIC Lazio
Marco Bertucci
Consigliere Regione Lazio Presidente IV Commissione Bilancio
Sara Schiavella
Content creator
I giovani di AIC Lazio
Modera
Domenicoantonio Galatà
Nutrizionista
2.30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
A Sensory Journey into the World of Cognac - with Guided Tasting
Speaker: Luca Di Francia
Sponsored by AIBES
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m
LA VITA A 33 GIN – Storie, jazz & tonic
Presentation of the book of the same name, written by journalist Freddie Del Curatolo and agronomist Alessio Colussi. Stories of blind gin tastings and iconic jazz records best enjoyed with a gin and tonic.
Speaker: Freddie del Curatolo
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m
3D Vault wagon bar
Putting the Customer Experience First
Speaker: Dario Bellantuono, Matteo Fatica
Sponsored by 3D Vault
MEXICO TALK ARENA
A journey into the heart of Mexico through its stories, regions, and agave spirits. The Mexico Talk Arena brings together producers, experts, and professionals to explore the culture that gives rise to tequila, mezcal, and other Mexican delicacies.
Day 1
Mexico Talk Arena – Outdoor
14 September
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
New World Agave: Africa Spotlight
Club Cantina Agave Camp
Speaker: Phillipp Lowe & Robbie Marwick - founders of Roho Agave, Africa
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fermentation Behind the Bar: From Microbes to Mixology
Club Cantina Agave Camp
Speaker: Dr. Fabienne Kurt Biotechnologist and co-founder of BEÚ Spirits
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
BBB – Bartender Brand Building
Speaker: Giorgio Bargiani
Sponsored by American Beverage Marketers (ABM)
5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Mezcal, the Liquid Culture of Mexico Among Aromas and Flavors: A Sensory Experience of Mezcal Cata de Mezcal
Speaker: Q.B. Abelino Cohetero Villegas, LIC. Héctor Óscar Hernández García
Day 2
Mexico Talk Arena – Outdoor
15 September
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Origin of Bacanora - History, Prohibition and Denomination of Origin
Club Cantina Agave Camp
Speaker: Liza Madrigal founder of BAM Bacanora, Mexico & El Bar del Rancho
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Terroir over Agave Variety
Speaker: Jon Darby founder Sin Gusano, Sorbito Bar
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Changes in Mezcal NOM-070 - what will be the consequences?
Club Cantina Agave Camp
Speaker: Lupita Leyva, Victor Pérez, Pedro Quintanilla, Gernot Allnoch
PRESENTATION ROOM
A dedicated space for conversation and exchange, where brands and industry professionals can present new ideas, projects and visions for the future of the Bar Industry. A more intimate setting to explore topics, experiences and innovation through talks and moments of connection.
Day 1
Presentation Room Concourse
14 September
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Grappa Under the Glass
A guided tasting for enthusiasts: producers consider it one of the world's great spirits. What do you think?
Speaker: Leonardo Pinto
Sponsored by Consorzio Nazionale Grappa
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Beyond the Drop: Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP in Mixology
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI is not only a prized ingredient of Italian cuisine, but also a new frontier in mixology. This masterclass explores its unique organoleptic characteristics, remarkable versatility, and its use in creating innovative cocktails and mocktails.
Speaker: Elisa Favaron
Sponsored by Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena
Day 2
Presentation Room Concourse
15 September
16:00 – 17:00
