Native New Zealander and Global Advocacy Director at the Bacardi Company, Jacob Briars is a passionate and creative builder of global brands, with a particular love of growing success stories using non-traditional marketing, influencer advocacy, and networking to lay a platform for growth. In his role as International Chair for Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards Committee, Jacob evaluates individuals and establishments, writing & media, ensuring that the Spirited Awards are inclusive and represent the breadth and diversity of the global drinks industry. A consummate professional, Jacob is globally respected as an advocate for our industry and for blue drinks.

Australian native, Naren Young began studying classic cocktails at the tender age of 15 and by 23 he was International Bartender of the Year. His hospitality career spans over 30 years, from tending bar to speaking at many of the world’s biggest bar shows and judging various global cocktail competitions. During his time as Creative Director, Dante NY won multiple international awards, including ‘Best Bar in the World’ on the 2019 World's 50 Best Bars list. Naren is also a widely published food and drinks journalist with multiple nominations as one of the top four drinks writers in the world at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. Naren is currently the Creative Director at Sweet Liberty in Miami, FL.