Why Become A Member?
There’s never been a better time to shake up your bartending career! As a USBG member, you’ll gain access to a vibrant community of professionals, free educational seminars, discounts on certifications, and exclusive networking opportunities. You’ll also unlock a host of money-saving member benefits—including the Hospitality Assistance Program (HAP), industry partner discounts, and financial resources—designed to support you both behind the bar and beyond it.
And now, joining is more accessible than ever with our new payment installment option fro Bar Professional memberships—just $12 a month for 12 months. It's an easy, affordable way to stay connected and invest in your career all year long.
The Hospitality Assistance Program
Every USBG membership comes with a generous helping of Hospitality Care! The Hospitality Assistance Program is an exclusive benefit for USBG Bar Professional members, offering free access to essential and immediate mental health support, financial support, and legal aid.
Additional Member Benefits
Elevate Your Expertise
Level up with LEAD Online Educational Seminars, free for members, and gain insider knowledge through discounted courses from the Napa Valley Wine Academy—all designed to help you grow as a beverage professional. Attend local chapter community events and USBG Conferences focused on trends, techniques, and professional growth.
Access Unparalleled Opportunities
Step into unforgettable experiences like Education Month, the Wellspring Program, Campari Day of Service, and more. When it’s time for a break, USBG members can access exclusive discounted rates on luxury, adults-only cruises with Virgin Voyages.
Expand Your Impact
Be seen and celebrated. Members can gain exposure through features in local, regional, and national media, helping you grow your professional brand and reach a wider audience.
Support for Life Behind the Bar
All Bar Professionals members can enroll in the Hospitality Assistance Program (HAP)—a confidential resource for mental health, financial wellness, and substance use support. Because caring for bartenders goes beyond the bar.
Build Financial Security
Through our partnership with Signature Federal Credit Union, USBG members can access competitive financial tools—including low-interest loans, thousands of surcharge-free ATMs nationwide, and a custom USBG Visa card—online banking tailored to hospitality professionals.
Grow Your Credibility & Compete Globally
USBG Members receive a 50% discount on Independent Restaurant Coalition membership. USBG is also working with the IBA to launch a new educational program and qualifying competition to annually select Team USA representatives to compete on the world stage.
Shake Up the Competition
Show off your skills in premier cocktail competitions like Shake It Up, Torres Brandy Zero Challenge, National Prosecco Week Cocktail Competition, and more.
Celebrate 75+ Years of Community
Join a legacy. Since 1948, USBG has served as the USA’s largest and most active trade organization for bartending professionals—founded on the values of camaraderie, education, and elevating the craft.
The USBG has been a game changer in my career path in hospitality. Between the amazing educational opportunities and the unbelievable people I’ve met, it has made me the best version of my professional self.
Not only has the USBG been an incredible resource for networking, finding a tribe of people who care about the same things I do, and educational opportunities; I’ve also been able to travel to Mexico, Amsterdam, and Italy. The USBG has done so much for me that I continue to try to give back.
The USBG does an incredible job empowering bartenders in their careers. This has never been as clear to me than during this difficult year. Besides its regular offerings of peer-to-peer learning, expert seminars with internationally recognized brand representatives, service projects, and cocktail competitions, the USBG has been instrumental in creating and implementing resources to assist those in the hospitality industries during this time of crisis.
The USBG has really helped me find myself. Through the connections I’ve made locally and nationally, together we’ve been able to help our communities thrive.
My biggest takeaway from the USBG is the way it builds a community of like-minded individuals to support each other. Our industry needs it.
Hospitality Assistance Program, offering mental health services, financial and legal aid. Learn More..
A robust social community of like-minded folks! USBG is home to industry tips from seasoned professionals and queries from those just getting started in their career, our growing cache of educational materials (including videos, blogs, and articles), and other resources to advance your knowledge and career. Join the Conversation..
Connect with Your Local Chapter
Explore your local bartending community through your chapter benefits, including annual Education Week seminars, dynamic networking events, mentorship opportunities, impactful community service projects, leadership training, and the invaluable camaraderie shared among fellow industry pros.
Expand Your Reach with Multiple Chapters
As a member, you'll have the option to join multiple chapters, allowing you to participate in events across different locations. This option is perfect for Industry Associates who network in multiple states. Check with your employer to see if your USBG membership is a reimbursable expense!
Customize Your Experience with Three Membership Options
Explore the Mix of Industry Education and Networking membership has to offer. Craft Your Role as a Bar Professional, Industry Associate, or Community Enthusiast. Tailor your experience by choosing from three membership options:
Bar Professional
For those actively working in the industry. This membership supports the mission of the USBG and is designed for individuals primarily employed in the hospitality sector—as an employee or principal of a bar, restaurant, hotel, or catering company. Annual dues for Bar Professionals are $125, which includes membership to one local chapter. Additional chapter memberships can be purchased for an added fee, allowing Bar Professionals to access events in multiple chapter locations.
Prefer to spread out the cost? Choose our new payment plan—just $12 a month for 12 months.
- Bartenders
- Sommeliers
- Barbacks
- Servers and Hosts
- Restaurant and Bar Owners
- Partners
- Managers and Directors
Industry Associate
Ideal for industry agents and representatives. Supports the mission of the USBG and primarily earns income as an agent of a consulting, media, beverage supply/distribution company, or other company with a commercial interest in the industry. Industry Associate memberships are $250 annually and that includes membership to one local chapter location. Additional chapter location memberships can be purchased for an additional fee, so Industry Associates can access as many local chapter events as they wish to subscribe to.
- Consultants and Educators
- Brand Ambassadors
- Suppliers Distributors
- Media
- Public Relations and Marketing Representatives
- Employees of Hospitality Advocacy Groups
Community Enthusiast
Support the mission of the USBG for personal enrichment. Community Enthusiast memberships are $200 annually and that includes membership to one local chapter location. Additional chapter location memberships can be purchased for an additional fee, so Community Enthusiasts can access as many local chapter events as they wish to subscribe to.
- Enophiles and Sherry Swillers
- Beervangelists and Whiskey Nerds
- Bar flies and Cocktilians
- Ginthusiasts and Rum Revelers