Every July, thousands of bartenders, distillers, hospitality professionals, brand representatives, and event planners descend on New Orleans for one of the most influential gatherings in the spirits industry: Tales of the Cocktail.
What started as a small event celebrating cocktail culture has grown into a world-renowned conference that attracts attendees from across the globe. Today, Tales of the Cocktail is more than a celebration of great drinks—it’s an economic driver for New Orleans, filling hotel ballrooms, meeting spaces, restaurants, and event venues throughout the city.
For companies involved in event production, audiovisual rentals, staging, lighting, and technical support, it represents one of the busiest and most exciting weeks of the year.
The History of Tales of the Cocktail
Tales of the Cocktail was founded in New Orleans in 2002 by Ann Tuennerman as a walking tour designed to celebrate the city’s rich cocktail history.
Over the years, the event evolved into an international conference featuring educational seminars, tasting events, brand activations, networking opportunities, and industry awards. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the most important annual events in the global spirits and hospitality industries.
The conference attracts major brands, distributors, suppliers, media organizations, and hospitality professionals from around the world, helping reinforce New Orleans’ reputation as a destination for culture, cuisine, and world-class events.
More Than a Conference
During Tales of the Cocktail week, activity extends far beyond the official conference schedule.
Hotel ballrooms become educational venues. Restaurants host exclusive dinners. Historic properties transform into branded event spaces. Rooftops, courtyards, and private venues become gathering places for product launches, tastings, and networking events.
The result is a city-wide celebration that touches nearly every corner of the hospitality industry.
For event planners and marketing teams, it also creates a unique opportunity to connect directly with decision-makers, influencers, and industry leaders in a highly engaged environment.
Supporting Brand Activations and Special Events
Over the years, Power On Productions has provided audiovisual support, event technology, staging, lighting, and production services for a variety of hospitality and corporate events throughout New Orleans.
We’ve worked with national brands, conference organizers, hotels, and marketing teams to help create memorable guest experiences during some of the city’s busiest event seasons.
Whether the event calls for projection, sound reinforcement, wireless microphones, stage lighting, video displays, or full technical support, successful activations depend on reliable equipment and experienced crews that understand New Orleans venues and logistics.
Why Event Production Matters
Guests may remember the cocktails, but the experience is shaped by much more than what’s in the glass.
Clear audio ensures presentations are heard. Proper lighting creates atmosphere. Video displays communicate brand messaging. Well-designed staging keeps events running smoothly and professionally.
Behind every successful event is a team responsible for making the technology disappear so guests can focus on the experience.
That’s especially important during a high-profile event like Tales of the Cocktail, where brands invest heavily in creating memorable impressions.
Looking Ahead to Tales of the Cocktail 2026
As New Orleans prepares for another year of seminars, tastings, networking events, and celebrations, Tales of the Cocktail continues to showcase what makes the city unique.
It’s a reminder that New Orleans isn’t just a destination for great food and music—it’s one of the premier event cities in the world.
For attendees, it’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the craft of hospitality.
For event professionals, it’s another chance to help bring extraordinary experiences to life.
Need AV Rentals for Your Next New Orleans Event?
From projector and screen rentals and sound system rentals to wireless microphones, video walls, staging, and full event production services, Power On Productions supports conferences, corporate meetings, hospitality events, and brand activations throughout New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana.