BIO

Maria Bastasch

Co-Founder, Mindful Drinking Fest

Chief Creative Officer, Drink Company

Maria Bastasch is a brand and marketing expert who specializes in creating experiences that evoke a strong sense of place. She brings communities together through immersive, unforgettable spaces that inspire connection and joy.

With more than 15 years in hospitality and beverage, Maria built her career at the intersection of service, storytelling, and experience design. Raised in her family’s organic bakery, she developed an early appreciation for the connection between what we consume and how we feel. This foundation shaped her work leading award-winning beverage programs that highlighted social justice wines and alcohol-optional innovations.

After a Lupus diagnosis in 2019, Maria expanded her focus to holistic health, earning certifications in herbalism and holistic wellness. She is the creator of Disco Mary, a groundbreaking pop-up that redefined nightlife with vibrant, plant-based cocktails merging hospitality with wellness, and the co-founder of Mindful Drinking Fest, the largest U.S. event dedicated to conscious consumption and community. The festival has become a nationally recognized gathering, partnering with leading brands, attracting thousands of attendees, and earning coverage from NPR, CNN, The Washington Post, and Food & Wine.

Her work blends strategic event marketing with thoughtful, sensory-driven design to create experiences that leave a lasting impact. Whether producing a large-scale festival, curating a pop-up, or speaking on industry stages, Maria’s approach celebrates diversity, fosters authentic connection, and reimagines the way people come together.