Director

Derek Brown is an author, NASM-certified wellness coach, and founder of Positive Damage, Inc. Previously, Brown owned Spirited Awards 2017 “Best American Cocktail Bar” Columbia Room in Washington, D.C., and was one of the nation’s top bartenders.

Brown published his first book, Spirits, Sugar, Water, Bitters: How the Cocktail Conquered the World in 2019, and was named 2020 “Author of the Year” at the Nightclub & Bar Show Awards. He published his second book, Mindful Mixology: a Comprehensive Guide to No- and Low-Alcohol Cocktails in 2022.

Brown has been recognized as a leading beverage figure affecting positive change in the global bar industry by Drinks International in 2020 in their “Bar World 100” list and as “one of the most inspirational people and places that will shape how we drink in 2023” in Imbibe magazine’s “Imbibe 75” for 2023.

Creative

Maria Bastasch is a visionary in the social wellness movement, known for curating immersive, storytelling-driven environments that foster connection and well-being. Her early career shined in Michelin-starred beverage programs, where she championed ethically sourced, social justice wines. Featured in Food & Wine, NPR, Afar Magazine, and The Washington Post, Maria’s influence spans the beverage and hospitality industries. Through her acclaimed pop-ups, Disco Mary and Playhaus, she blends innovation with belonging, offering alcohol-optional, artful spaces that promote mindful celebration. As co-founder of the Mindful Drinking Fest, a yearly festival promoting conscious consumption, Maria continues to inspire intentional gatherings. Focused on sustainability and storytelling, she creates experiences that bridge cultures and foster deeper connections through creativity and social wellness.

Pauline Idogho is a dynamic entrepreneur committed to transforming the non-alcoholic beverage landscape. As the Founder and CEO of Mocktail Club, she has developed a line of premium crafted ready-to-drink non-alcoholic cocktails that cater to a growing demand for sophisticated alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. Her journey began with a personal quest for healthier options, leading her to create products that reflect both richness and complexity in flavor.

Before launching Mocktail Club, Pauline amassed extensive experience in investment banking, international development, and clean energy finance, with a career spanning over 15 years. Her roles included working with esteemed organizations such as the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank. Pauline's global exposure, having lived and traveled across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, has greatly influenced the diverse flavor profiles of her cocktail offerings.

Marcos Salazar is the CEO of Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA) supports its members in creating a world where everyone has access to adult non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy in every social situation. The mission of ANBA is to promote, protect, and grow the adult non-alcoholic beverage industry with a unifying voice that serves its members from production to marketplace. In addition to ANBA, he is the Co-Founder + CEO of Be Social Change, a social impact community providing expert professional development, networking, and coaching to help professionals around the world grow successful social impact careers. 

Anika Sawni, founder of Grüvi and Chief Brand Officer, started Grüvi in 2019 along with her brother Niki Sawni. Today, Grüvi is the only company in North America to offer a multi-award-winning line of non-alc social beverages including beer, wine and sangria. 

A sought after thought leader in the space, Anika was named to Forbes Top 30 Under 30 List and the company was recently named as EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 Finalist.  

In just under five years, Anika has co-led Grüvi to be one of the fastest-growing non-alcoholic brands in North America, with products available in 4000+ retail outlets and on-line. Credited as trailblazers in the non-alcoholic beverage space, the team at Grüvi continue to challenge the status quo, filling the void of appealing beverage options available for sober curious consumers.  

Partnerships

Michelle Garske is the Founder/CEO of Garske Grand LLC, a company dedicated to supporting grand events by building deep, meaningful partnerships. With a passion for collaboration and a commitment to integrity, Michelle’s expertise spans both small, intimate events and large-scale productions, always ensuring that each experience is impactful and memorable.

Before founding Garske Grand LLC, Michelle built a successful career as a sales and event leader, with extensive experience working with global teams and managing multimillion-dollar growth strategies. She has worked with renowned companies across diverse industries, fostering relationships and delivering results that have left lasting impressions on clients and audiences alike.

Michelle’s love for creating extraordinary events is inspired by her belief in the power of genuine partnerships. She emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and detail in every project, turning visions into reality with a personal, hands-on approach. Michelle is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of excellence, ensuring that every event reflects the values of trust and integrity that she holds dear.