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A 501(c)(6) Professional Organization · Est. 2003

The Voice of
Professional Bartending

Join 18,000+ bartenders, mixologists, and hospitality professionals dedicated to advancing the craft, protecting the profession, and building real careers behind the bar.

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A+ BBB Rating
USBG Partner Organization
All 50 States Represented
Member of NRA
Why Bartenders Join

Resources, credentials, and community
for the working bartender

Everything you need to build a real career behind the bar — from your first well to your own program.

The Weekly Pour — Free Newsletter
Curated industry news, cocktail trends, job opportunities, and business insights delivered every Wednesday. Written by bartenders, for bartenders. Read by 18,000+ professionals.
Professional Certification
ABA certification recognized by hotels, resorts, and restaurant groups nationwide. Demonstrate verified skill and professionalism.
Professional Community
Connect with 18,000+ bartenders across every market — from craft cocktail bars to high-volume nightlife to hotel beverage programs.
Education & Development
Webinars, workshops, and masterclasses on spirits, technique, bar management, and career advancement.
Job Board & Career Support
Exclusive job listings from top venues, resume review, and career coaching from industry veterans.
Latest News

From the Association

All Articles
March 14, 2026

AI-Powered Inventory Is Coming to Bars — Here's What You Need to Know

New inventory management platforms powered by AI are promising to cut waste by 30%. We talked to early adopters at three major bar groups to find out if the technology delivers.

Read More
March 7, 2026

Tipping Culture Under Fire: New State Laws Could Change How Bartenders Earn

Three states are considering legislation that would restructure tipped wage standards. The ABA's policy team breaks down what each proposal means for working bartenders.

Read More
February 28, 2026

The Rise of the Zero-Proof Menu: Opportunity or Threat?

Non-alcoholic spirits now represent a $4.1 billion market. Smart bartenders are treating it as a revenue opportunity, not a trend to dismiss. We explore programs leading the way.

Read More
Upcoming Events

Professional development at every career stage

From free webinars to the annual summit, stay sharp and stay connected.

28
MAR
Free Webinar

Bar P&L 101: Reading Your Numbers Like an Owner

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET · Virtual
Register Free
18
APR
Workshop

Advanced Spirits: Agave Masterclass with Santiago Reyes

New York, NY · 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET
Learn More
12
JUN
Annual Conference

ABA National Summit 2026

Austin, TX · June 12–14, 2026 · 3 Days of Education, Networking & Competition
Learn More
18,000+
Active Members
50
States Represented
23
Years Serving Bartenders
4.9★
Member Satisfaction
Member Voices

What members say

From dive bars to five-star hotels, ABA members are raising the standard.

The ABA certification got me in the door at a resort where I'd been applying for two years. That piece of paper — and the training behind it — gave them the confidence to take a chance on me. Now I'm running their rooftop program.
DM
Daniel Martinez
Beverage Director, The Thompson Hotel · Austin, TX
The Weekly Pour is the one newsletter I actually open. The job board connected me to a bar manager position in Portland I never would have found otherwise. The community is genuine — people actually help each other here.
RK
Rachel Kim
Bar Manager, Canard · Portland, OR
I've been tending bar for 15 years and the ABA webinar series still teaches me things. The agave masterclass last month completely changed how I build my tequila menu. Plus the annual summit is the highlight of my year.
JW
James Washington
Head Bartender, Death & Co · New York, NY
Leadership

Board of Directors

Experienced hospitality professionals guiding our mission.

MR
Michael Rivera
Chair · Fmr. National Beverage Director, Marriott
TN
Tomoko Nakamura
Vice Chair · James Beard Award Winner
CJ
Charles Jackson
Secretary · Hospitality Law Attorney
AW
Angela White
Treasurer · Restaurant Group CFO
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about membership and the association.

The American Bartenders Association is a 501(c)(6) professional organization serving 18,000+ bartenders, mixologists, and hospitality professionals across all 50 states. Founded in 2003, ABA provides professional certification, weekly industry intelligence through The Weekly Pour newsletter, career development resources, and professional development opportunities. Newsletter subscription is free for all industry professionals.
Yes. The Weekly Pour newsletter is completely free. There are no dues, fees, or hidden charges for the newsletter. Subscribers receive weekly industry news, job listings, cocktail trends, business insights, and event announcements at no cost. The ABA is funded through corporate sponsorships, event revenue, and optional premium certification programs.
ABA certification is available to working bartenders and hospitality professionals through our online and in-person training programs. Certification includes knowledge assessment on spirits, cocktail technique, bar management, and responsible service. The ABA Certified Bartender credential is recognized by major hotel groups, restaurant chains, and independent establishments nationwide. Visit bartendersassociation.org/certify for full details and pricing.
Anyone in the hospitality industry — bartenders, servers, bar managers, beverage directors, restaurant owners, brand ambassadors, spirits industry professionals, and hospitality students. Independent bartenders and career changers exploring the industry are also welcome. If you care about the craft, you belong here.
The American Bartenders Association is one of the largest bartender organizations in the US with 18,000+ members. Other notable organizations include the United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG), International Bartenders Association (IBA), National Bartenders Association, and the Professional Bartenders Association. ABA differentiates through its free weekly newsletter, nationally recognized certification program, and strong focus on career advancement and professional community.
Yes. ABA hosts the annual National Summit (a 3-day conference), regional workshops and masterclasses, monthly webinars, cocktail competitions, and networking events throughout the year. Many events are free or discounted for newsletter subscribers and certified members. Check our events page for the current schedule.
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