5 minute read
IDEA LAB – MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
FROM LITTLE THINGS, BIG THINGS GROW
“We are all driven by our passions and interests, but are too often scared or discouraged from pursuing them because we cannot see a way to make them happen. The Blend’s IDEA LAB was designed to enable bartenders to realise their dreams” - Ago Perrone and Giorgio Bargiani, Connaught Bar, London.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world as we knew it and we are having to adapt in ways never anticipated.
It brought the hospitality industry to its knees overnight, and everyone hurt. But the industry is resilient and one that can rebuild with support.
The IDEA LAB is a new initiative offering multiple grants of up to $20,000, or $5,000 worth of Beam Suntory stock, to bartenders, teams or venues with the strongest ideas to innovate, grow or support the industry.
The lockdown has given us time to think and create; now IDEA LAB is a chance for the industry to have their ideas heard.
Shortlisted finalists were paired with an industry mentor to help them bring their idea to life, from creation to presentation, during the next phase ‘Take the Stage’.
The Blend is all about supporting and celebrating the bartender journey, and the IDEA LAB follows the same format as The Perfect Blend in that this initiative will allow the shortlisted entrants ample time with the right support to set them up for success when they present to the judges in the next phase.
WE HEAR FROM THE MENTORS ABOUT THE IDEA LAB, THEIR EXPERIENCE AND THE ROLE THEY PLAYED...
Barfly caught up with the mentors of the IDEA LAB for 2020, who are also hosts within The Blends of the Virtual World online education platform. Each of the mentors have been partners of The Blend program, some even since inception into the market in 2016. The mentors are exceptionally well versed in the industry and have invaluable expertise they can share to their mentee and group sessions that will be offered to the shortlisted finalists.
Ago Perone (Connaught Bar), Stefano Catino (Maybe Sammy) and Giorgio Bargiani (Connaught Bar)
STEFANO CATINO
Maybe Sammy & Maybe Frank
TELL US WHY YOU PARTNERED WITH THE BLEND’S IDEA LAB?
The best thing you realise when you grow up is that you enjoy doing things for others more than for yourself. I have been working closely with Hayley Morison from The Blend for the past year, and it’s been a great way to give back to the community I love.
WHAT EXCITED YOU ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH THE INITIATIVE?
The best thing you can do with your experience is to learn from it and share your advice. I’m excited to be involved in this project to pass on my knowledge and potentially help someone build their career in this industry.
WHY DID YOU PARTNER WITH THE BLEND’S NEW PLATFORM, IDEA LAB?
I want to inspire future generations of bartenders and provide support through creative and stimulating platforms and mentoring programs. Building confidence, encouraging self-expression and driving positive change are key to helping individuals and moving the industry forward, particularly this year. We are pleased to take part in the IDEA LAB and hope our contribution will help bartenders to feel optimistic and inspired about what they do and how they want to shape their future.
WHAT WAS IT THAT EXCITED YOU ABOUT THIS INITIATIVE?
Giving opportunities. We are all driven by our passions and interests, but are too often scared or discouraged from pursuing them because we cannot see a way to make them happen. The Blend’s IDEA LAB has been designed to enable bartenders to realise their dreams. It offers amazing opportunities to come up with ideas, build projects and fuel the passion many bartenders globally have for this profession and industry. We cannot wait to see the submissions and discover the entrants’ creativity.
“I hope that I will have helped someone to navigate this process and create something with longevity that has a positive impact on our industry” - Sam Egerton, Merivale Group.
SAM EGERTON Merivale Group
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WITH THE IDEA LAB?
My role is to help the shortlisted applicants develop their ideas and provide guidance as they work through the process.
WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT THIS EXPERIENCE, WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE ABLE TO SAY ABOUT THE ROLE YOU PLAYED AND THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE FOR ALL INVOLVED?
I have been fortunate enough to work on some amazing concepts in my career, some that are still going today and some that have gone into the experience bin. I hope that I have helped someone to navigate this process and create something with longevity that has a positive impact on our industry.
LUKE WHEARTY
BYRDI
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WITH THE IDEA LAB AND HOW HAVE YOU HELPED THE SHORTLISTED FINALISTS BRING THEIR IDEAS TO LIFE?
I am a mentor, but I’ve always felt that the word is a little pompous; I prefer to think of myself as a facilitator of sorts and more of a sounding board to help people direct their creativity and bring their ideas to life. I’d like to think that, given my experience in the industry, I can offer some valuable insight into creative development and execution of ideas from start to finish.
WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT THE EXPERIENCE, WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE ABLE TO SAY ABOUT THE ROLE YOU PLAYED?
I’d like to be able to say that I helped someone to execute their idea. Everyone has ideas, but it’s harder to get them off the ground. I would find helping someone rewarding.
JOE SCHOFIELD
SCHOFIELD’S BAR
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE IDEA LAB AND HOW DO YOU THINK IT’S GOING TO HELP THE INDUSTRY AT THIS TIME?
I think the IDEA LAB platform is an incredible opportunity for any food and beverage industry professional to bring their ideas to life. Participants are encouraged to create something beneficial to their community and colleagues.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WITH THE IDEA LAB?
I am a mentor and will be doing whatever I can to help the shortlisted participants on their journey.
Log onto www.idealab2020.com to see all the shortlisted ideas.
