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ABOUT BACKS! HOSPITALITY

BACKS! Hospitality is a community organisation established in Glasgow by dedicated hospitality industry veterans. As a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), our mission is to elevate and sustain the standards of hospitality across Scotland and beyond.

 

OUR MISSION

BACKS! Hospitality aims to provide development, support, and networking opportunities for the entire hospitality sector. We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where industry professionals can educate, inspire, and support each other.

 

OUR HISTORY

BACKS! was founded to revive the values of the long-standing Glasgow Bartenders Club, originally established in 2010 in Glasgow’s West End. This club was a gathering of industry individuals and bars committed to educating and inspiring one another. Over time, with the rise of social media, the club transitioned to a Facebook-based community, amassing a membership of 30,000.

RETURNING TO THE PHYSICAL REALM

Our goal is to bridge the gap between the digital and physical realms, reviving in-person networking events, training sessions, and seminars. By bringing the industry together, we aim to harness opportunities aligned with our three core values:

  1. Education: Offering workshops, seminars, and training to enhance skills and knowledge across the hospitality spectrum.
  2. Inspiration: Creating platforms for industry leaders to share insights, experiences, and innovations, sparking creativity and passion within the community.
  3. Community: Building a strong, supportive network that encourages collaboration, mentorship, and mutual growth among hospitality professionals.

Join us at BACKS! Hospitality, where we are dedicated to shaping a thriving, dynamic hospitality community in Glasgow and beyond. Together, we can elevate the standards and enrich the future of our industry.

The Bartenders Ball has become a cornerstone event in the hospitality calendar – a night where the industry comes together to celebrate, connect, and let loose. Since launching in January 2020, the Ball has continued to grow in scale and significance, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional awards nights.

With generous support from our brand partners, we’ve created an unforgettable experience marked by great music, meaningful recognition, and a strong sense of community. The event avoids formal seating, instead placing the emphasis on dancing, socialising, and shared moments. Entry fees remain accessible thanks to brand support, with food and drink tokens provided to attendees.

Alongside the Ball, our Bar Awards shine a spotlight on the talent, creativity, and hard work within the hospitality sector. These peer-voted awards have become a meaningful marker of recognition – a celebration of excellence by those who understand it best.

David Smillie, co-founder of BACKS! Hospitality and a long-standing leader in both the bar and brand world, continues to guide the evolution of our mission. With nearly two decades of experience, his commitment to nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals is central to everything we do.

In a time when connection and recognition matter more than ever, BACKS! Hospitality remains focused on creating opportunities that foster growth, celebration, and genuine community within the industry.

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