US BARTENDERS’ GUILD, FLAIR BARTENDERS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP
HENDERSON, NV (May 19, 2026) - Today the United States Bartenders’ Guild the national, member-led not-for-profit association of bartenders and other hospitality professionals, and the Flair Bartenders Association (FBA) jointly announce a formalization of a long-standing partnership centered on increasing education and competition avenues for bartenders across the industry.
USBG and FBA have previously collaborated on the ‘Shake It Up’ competition. In 2026, FBA has provided guidance and collaboration on the inaugural United States Cocktail Championship series.
The FBA has been the longest heartbeat of the global flair bartending community—a place where passion, precision, and performance collide. Dedicated to fostering connection, growth, and excellence, the FBA provides a world-class stage for bartenders of all backgrounds to compete, learn, and push the boundaries of their craft.
Said USBG Executive Director Bo Shuff, “We are so excited to partner with the Flair Bartending Association. Flair is a key component of the International Bartenders’ Association’s World Cocktail Championship, so USBG and FBA working together just makes sense. Flair is where the art and entertainment intersect behind the bar and we are thrilled to be able to elevate and amplify these incredibly talented bartenders.”
FBA President Rob Husted commented, “The USBG has been a key advocate for not only the bartending profession, but also for bartenders as people. Through its educational opportunities, healthy competitions, and advocacy, it has helped elevate bartending as a long-term career choice. This aligns perfectly with the mission of the FBA.”
Follow the USBG through multiple social media channels: IG/FB/X: @usbg/@TheUSBG/@TheUSBG.
About the United States Bartenders’ Guild
Founded in 1948, the United States Bartenders' Guild®️ is the national, member-led not-for-profit association of bartenders and other hospitality professionals that unites and elevates the bar industry through education, community, and advocacy. Through its network, the USBG connects members with peer-to-peer learning, expert instruction, service projects, and skills-based competition, all while fostering a fun and healthy environment and reinforcing the importance of the ‘third place’ in neighborhoods across the country.
About the Flair Bartenders Association
The Flair Bartenders Association (FBA) is a worldwide community dedicated to elevating the art, sport, and profession of flair bartending through competition, education, and connection. Bringing together bartenders of all skill levels from around the globe, the FBA fosters passion, creativity, and excellence behind the bar while creating opportunities for growth through events, training, networking, and global recognition. Guided by the spirit of “Service First, Competition Second & Passion Always,” the FBA continues to inspire and unite the next generation of bartending professionals.
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