Why Become A Member?
There’s never been a better time to shake up your bartending career. Join USBG to connect with a nationwide community of professionals while accessing complimentary education, discounted certifications, exclusive networking opportunities, and member benefits that support your career and well-being.
With our new Bar Professional payment plan, membership is more accessible than ever—just $12 a month for 12 months. For about the cost of one cocktail each month, you can invest in your career and unlock education, community, and exclusive member benefits all year long.
Not a bartender? USBG also welcomes Industry Professionals and Enthusiasts looking to connect, learn, and support the beverage community.
Bar Professional
Bartenders, Sommeliers, Barbacks, Servers, Hosts, Restaurant/Bar Owners, Managers/Directors
$125 - OR - Prefer to spread out the cost? Choose our new payment plan—just $12 a month for 12 months.
Community Enthusiast
Enophiles and Sherry Swillers, Beervaangelists and Whiskey Nerds, Bar flies and Cocktilians, Ginthusiasts and Rum Revelers
$200 for an annual membership - OR - pay in two equal installments.
Industry Associate
Consultants, Educators, Brand Ambassadors, Suppliers Distributors, Media, Public Relations, Marketing Representatives, Employees of Hospitality Advocacy Groups
$250 for an annual membership - OR - pay in two equal installments.
Member Benefits
Elevate Your Expertise
- Level up with LEAD (Learn-Engage-Achieve-Discover) Education, monthly online seminars included with your USBG membership
- 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.
- Education Month - A chapter crafted journey every September! Each USBG community can design its programming to best fit their members’ needs. Whether it's a single-day multi-seminar event, a full week of education, or recurring sessions throughout the month (e.g., every Monday in September), the choice is up to each chapter.
Compete on the National & Global Stage
Put your skills to the test through the United States Cocktail Championship (USCC), USBG's premier competition program. Members have the opportunity to compete for the title of National Champion and earn a spot on Team USBG, representing the United States in international cocktail competitions while showcasing their talent on the world stage.
Access Unparalleled Opportunities
Step into unforgettable experiences like the Wellspring and Immersion Tour Programs, Campari Day of Service, Behind the Fault Line with Balcones, and more. When it’s time for a break, USBG members can access exclusive discounted rates on luxury, adults-only cruises with Virgin Voyages and discounted airfare and hotels with Engine.
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, legal aid, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
