Maria Bastasch is the CEO of Drink Company, a designer, and a hospitality innovator shaping the future of social connection. A leader in the mindful drinking movement, she has built award-winning beverage programs and immersive experiences that challenge industry norms, creating more inclusive and wellness-centered spaces. Growing up in her family’s organic bakery, Maria developed an early understanding of how what we consume shapes our well-being. She carried this insight into hospitality, pioneering alcohol-optional programming and social justice-driven beverage menus. After a Lupus diagnosis in 2019, she deepened her commitment to holistic wellness, integrating it into her work. At Drink Company, she leads the design of immersive pop-ups and events, including Disco Mary, a bar redefining nightlife with plant-based cocktails, and The Mindful Drinking Fest, the largest U.S. event dedicated to conscious consumption. Her work has been featured in Food & Wine, NPR, The Washington Post, and AFAR. A passionate advocate for women in business and leadership, Maria is redefining how we gather, helping brands and hospitality leaders create profitable, inclusive experiences that meet the growing demand for social connection beyond alcohol.
