Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) and Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails (LUPEC) announced two of the 2021 Dame Hall of Fame inductees: Lauren Paylor of Silver Lyan and Focus on Health, and Sandrae Lawrence of The Cocktail Lovers.

Established in 2012 as a platform for recognizing the accomplishments of women across the global hospitality industry, Dame Hall of Fame now celebrates women, womxn, non-binary, and trans leaders who have made a unique and lasting contribution to the intersectionality and accessibility of the cocktail community.

This year’s candidates were selected from a pool of 99 open nominations and voted on by the existing 42 Dames. Woodford Reserve will introduce Paylor and Lawrence, while the 2021 Pioneer Award winner (to be announced at the TOTCF Spirited Awards Ceremony on September 23) will be presented by The Blend,  into the hallowed group of hospitality leaders and mentors. 

“We are honored to invite Lauren Paylor and Sandrae Lawrence to join the Dame Hall of Fame as two of our 2021 inductees. As outstanding leaders in the hospitality community who have dedicated their time and efforts to better our industry, I can’t think of more deserving recipients of this recognition,” Eileen Wayner, CEO of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, said in a news release. “We look forward to celebrating Lauren and Sandrae at this year’s Tales of the Cocktail celebration, as well as the Pioneer Award Winner to be announced during the Spirited Awards Ceremony. We know they will each be exceptional additions to our esteemed group of Dames.” 

To celebrate this year’s U.S. and International inductees, a live, virtual ceremony will be held on September 23 at 3:30 p.m. via Tales of the Cocktail’s online festival platform. The ceremony is presented by Woodford Reserve with support from Bacardi Spirit Forward, Don Q, Tequila Fortaleza, Laird’s Apple Jack and Three Roll Estate.

Open to guests and media, all are invited to digitally attend the event by registering on the TOTC website through the general attendee portal and the media portal. For those who would like to view the festivities following the live ceremony, the induction ceremony will remain on the festival platform for viewers to enjoy at their leisure.