Lauren Mote, a Canadian living in Amsterdam, has over 27 years of experience in the global drinks industry as a bartender, operator, multiple business owner, and leader in on-trade strategy and brand advocacy. She is Global Category Director of On-Trade for Bacardi's agave portfolio, including PATRÓN Tequila, Cazadores Tequila and Ilegal Mezcal, and Marketing Director for the Hacienda PATRÓN brand home and hospitality experience in Jalisco, Mexico. She is also co-founder of Bittered Sling and Mob of Mentors, and author of A Bartender's Guide to the World (2022, Penguin Random House). Recognised for her commitment to education, mentorship and community, she was inducted into the Tales of the Cocktail Dame Hall of Fame (now Catalyst) in 2016 and received Best International Bar Mentor at the 2022 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. She served as North America and Latin America Co-Chair of the Spirited Awards (2017–2021) and Global Co-Chair of the Tales Business Education Committee (2022–2025), and continues as a voting member for the Spirited and Catalyst Awards and as a special consultant and advisor to Tales of the Cocktail.