Coffee Culture
Global Coffee Events: Beyond the Barista Championship
2025-08-21
The global coffee community is buzzing with an array of events leading up to the much-anticipated World Barista Championship in Italy. Far from being a mere prelude, these gatherings offer unique opportunities for professionals and enthusiasts alike to engage, learn, and connect within the dynamic world of coffee. From empowering initiatives to grand international festivals, the coming months promise a rich tapestry of experiences that highlight the industry's vibrant and diverse landscape.

Discover the World of Coffee: A Calendar of Unmissable Events!

Empowering Women in the Coffee Community

On August 29th, Olympia Coffee in Seattle is set to host a groundbreaking event focused on supporting women and gender-expansive individuals within the coffee industry. This inaugural \"Women In Coffee\" gathering will provide a platform for networking, skill-sharing, and celebrating the contributions of women, from baristas to behind-the-scenes leaders. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments, participate in exciting giveaways, and even capture professional headshots to enhance their career profiles. The event is free, emphasizing inclusivity and community building, but requires advance registration to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.

A September Full of Global Coffee Celebrations

September is poised to be a pivotal month for coffee aficionados worldwide, with a packed schedule of festivals. The excitement kicks off from September 13th to 15th with the Paris Coffee Show, a comprehensive event designed for industry professionals. This show will feature coffee experts, roasters, cafe owners, and culinary masters sharing their knowledge through tastings, interactive workshops, competitive championships, and insightful conferences. Following this, the focus shifts to Slovenia for the Ljubljana Coffee Festival, running strong since 2016. On September 20th and 21st, this festival, a highlight in Central Europe, will host numerous tastings, exciting barista competitions, and educational sessions. Concurrently, Coffee Week Berlin, now in its third year from September 22nd to 25th, transforms the German capital into a hub of coffee innovation. This decentralized event will see various coffee shops and roasteries across the city hosting pop-up events, showcasing new brewing methods, unique beans, and innovative concepts. The week culminates on September 26th and 27th with Coffee Festival Berlin, a dual B2B and B2C event facilitating networking and offering tasting and learning experiences for both professionals and enthusiasts. Stateside, from September 27th to 28th, the Pennsylvania Chocolate and Coffee Festival will welcome visitors to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, featuring over 900 vendors offering gourmet delights.

October Kicks Off with Dutch Coffee Flair

As the calendar turns to October, the last major festival before the HostMilan event will be the Rotterdam Coffee Fest, taking place on the 11th and 12th. This event will shine a spotlight on 15 local roasters and an equal number of coffee-related brands. The festival promises a diverse program including coffee tastings, tea experiences, curated discussions, workshops, and panel sessions that delve into the city's history, culture, and social responsibility initiatives. It's an ideal opportunity to explore the nuances of coffee while engaging with broader community themes.

Advancing Professional Skills in Coffee

An innovative new initiative, 'Level Up,' presented by the coffee non-profit Raise the Bar, offers an immersive, multi-day educational experience. Scheduled from September 27th to 29th at Mill City Roasters in Minneapolis, this program is designed specifically for working coffee professionals. It encompasses 2.5 days of practical workshops, opportunities for community service, and robust community-building activities. The organizers are committed to making 'Level Up' accessible by keeping costs low and offering need-based scholarships, ensuring that valuable professional development is available to a wider audience within the coffee industry.

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