Event Checklist
Required Immediately
1) Cocktail Recipes
It’s time to create your cocktail for the event!
What we’re looking for is a standard cocktail recipe (ingredients and alcohol) at any size, which can be made into larger batches and then portioned into 2 or 3 oz. samples.
Sample sizes are determined by ABV.
Low ABV cocktails (13% or less) are 3oz.
High ABV cocktails (up to 18%) are 2oz.
Our preference is to have most folks doing low ABV cocktails.
Once we have your recipe, we will input it into our ABV calulator and let you know what size you can pour. This will help you determine what to bring to the event later on.
2) Certificate of Insurance
We require a certificate of insurance from all participants. This is a standard document that your insurance provider can easily provide. Please get in touch with them to request one.
Please make sure Curated Tours & Events Company Incorporated is listed as additionally insured:
Curated Tours & Events Company Incorporated
2131 Maitland Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2Z8
Once you have it, please email it to: alex@curatedmagazine.ca
3) Event Contacts
We should be good on this already, but if you need to update your email contacts for this event, please let us know.
Before the Event
Guest Count
There will be 700 - 900 guests in attendance for each of the 2 sessions at this perennially sold out event.
PLEASE NOTE: There will also be approximately 22 participating restaurants and producers serving sample cocktails at this event.
Purchasing Alcohol (hugely important)
It is required that all participants bring an invoice for alcohol purchased for this event. This alcohol NEEDS to be on its own unique invoice and not part of a larger order for the restaurant.
At the end of the event, the remaining alcohol can be returned to your restaurant.
PLEASE NOTE: This a requirement from Alcohol & Gaming
Booth Design
Everyone has the same 6ft. tables x2, which is more working space than last year’s event. With 1400 - 1800 guests attending, we are recommending extra time and care be put into making your booth look awesome.
If you do not require tables or have unique requirements, please let us know.
Working Space
Each participant will have more than sufficient space for work area, supply storage, props, banners, etc.
Booth Lighting
Additional lighting for tables is highly encouraged. Battery-powered rechargeable LED is the ideal set-up.
Glassware
Take-home glassware is provided by the Halifax Cocktail Festival. You DO NOT need to bring glassware.
Glass Rinsing
While there will be several rinse stations at the event, you should have a glass rinsing set-up at your booth.
WIFI
In order to prevent system overload, WIFI is not available. If you are selling products at the Halifax Cocktail Festival, make sure you have your own hotspot.
Selling Bottled Product
Product sales IS permitted for anyone with a permit to do so from Alcohol & Gaming.
PLEASE NOTE: Purchased products are meant for at-home use and CANNOT be consumed at the event.
Picking a Load-in Time (important)
We are to get everyone’s preferred load-in time on the schedule as soon as possible. Please have a look at the list of what’s available (below) and send us your preferred time.
The Morning of
Load-in Schedule
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
The Artful Cut
Morris East + Drink Sprizzi
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Stardust
Compass Distillers
Via Condotti
Black Sheep
Still Fired
Lot Six
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Lupin Dining
Seasmoke
The Church
Dear Friend Barkeep Cocktails
Soberish
The Barrington
Load-in Location
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
1919 Upper Water St, Halifax
Loading Dock (far left of main entrance)
Load-in Instructions
When it’s your turn, pull up to loading dock.
Say “hi” loading dock volunteer. They are there to help you.
Unload everything.
Move your vehicle so that the next vehicle can unload.
Go with loading dock volunteer and bring your stuff to your assigned table. He/she will know where your table is.
Once you have dropped everything off, park your vehicle.
Parking Instructions
Unless you are staying overnight, do not park in the hotel’s underground parking. Space is limited and the daily rate is substantial.
Affordable parking is available at the Casino.
Street parking is free on Saturdays.
Booth Set-up
Setting Up
Please be aware that we open 30 minutes ahead of the official start times (listed below). You don’t need to be 100% ready at this time, but you should be ready to serve guests.
Ice Delivery
If you require ice for your booth, please let the hotel staff know, ideally well before the event or session start time.
Please bring ice storage with you.
Need Assistance?
If you require assistance during set up, please seek out one of the many available hotel staff.
The Event
The Halifax Cocktail Festival is a two-session event.
Session One (1:00 - 4:00 p.m.)
Doors open early at 12:30 p.m. Please be ready.
Session Two (6:00 - 9:00 p.m.)
Doors open early at 5:30 p.m. Please be ready.
Glassware
Take-home glassware is provided by the Halifax Cocktail Festival.
Glassware and Fill Lines
Glasses provided are 7oz and come with 2oz, 3oz, and 4oz fill lines. You will be provided with fill line instructions that are specific to the cocktail you are serving at your booth.
Halifax Cocktail Festival Glassware
Glass Rinsing
While there will be several rinse stations at the event, you will need to have a glass rinsing set-up at your booth.
Ticket Collection
All participants are compensated based solely on ticket collection. Compensation is $2.50/ticket collected.
Make sure you are collecting sample tickets!
Right to Refuse Service
If you encounter a guest that has clearly had too much to drink, please refuse service and bring this to our attention immediately.
More Ice Needed?
It’s entirely possible that you will need more ice or to have your rinse bucket emptied during the event. If this is the case, please ask one of the hotel staff for assistance and please do so before having any immediate needs.