Ben is the co-founder of Unfiltered Hospitality as well as the primary operating partner of the award-winning bar, The Sylvester. He is a native Miamian who began working in bars in 2009 when he decided to follow his heart and leave the world of investment banking. Since then he has been selected twice as one of the Top 10 Bartenders in Miami by the Miami New Times and nominated for Best Bartender in the city by Eater. He is an adjunct professor at Florida International University where he teaches courses on bar management.
In 2014, Potts partnered with longtime friend Chef Brian Nasajon to open Beaker & Gray, Wynwood’s go-to spot for cocktails and modern cuisine. Beaker has been recognized as one of the best restaurant bars in Miami as well as a 4 time winner of The Art of Tiki cocktail competition at South Beach Wine & Food Festival. In 2019 Potts opened The Sylvester, a cocktail bar ode to all things Floridiana. The Sylvester won Spirited Miami Best Cocktail Menu 2019 and is consistently recognized as one of the most innovative bar programs in Miami.
When not engaged in developing world-class beverage programs around the country, you can find him enjoying South Florida’s beautiful weather, spending time with friends, and exercising voraciously.
Back for its third year, this high-energy session brings together the industry’s most forward-thinking beverage minds for a fun, interactive dive into what’s next behind the bar. From Gen Z–driven NA innovation and premium trade-offs to large-format sharables, crafted coffees, protein cold foam, dirty sodas, pairings, and even emerging THC beverages, this panel unpacks the trends reshaping beverage programs nationwide. Expect real talk on state regulations, operational realities, legal considerations, and cost implications—plus practical ideas you can take home and pour into your menu tomorrow.
