Elevating Barista Craft: A New Dawn for Professional Development

Pioneering a New Era for Barista Development

A novel non-competitive event, christened 'Level Up,' is poised to make its debut in Minneapolis this autumn, featuring an impressive lineup of the coffee industry's most esteemed educators. This innovative gathering seeks to provide baristas with an unparalleled opportunity for growth and connection.

The Visionaries Behind Raise the Bar

Scheduled from September 27-29 at the state-of-the-art new headquarters of Mill City Roasters, this 2.5-day immersive program caters to baristas of all skill levels. It is the brainchild of Raise the Bar, a nonprofit organization established by Rachel Apple, Ivana Chan, and Sandra Loofbourow. Their mission is to champion professional barista development, particularly for individuals traditionally marginalized by conventional coffee institutions.

Cultivating Craft and Community

The organizing committee, supported by a distinguished board of directors including Lauren Lathrop, Alexandra Littlejohn, and Kat Melheim, envisions 'Level Up' as a transformative experience. Participants will have the chance to refine their expertise, forge meaningful connections, and envision a sustainable future within the coffee sector.

Addressing the Industry's Evolving Landscape

This event emerges at a critical juncture, as several prominent barista support organizations, such as the Barista Guild of the Specialty Coffee Association, and former U.S. nonprofits like Go Fund Bean and Glitter Cat, have either paused national activities or ceased operations entirely. This shift underscores a pressing need for innovative support structures.

A Commitment to Inclusivity and Empowerment

Rachel Apple, a co-founder of Raise the Bar, emphasized the pivotal role of baristas, describing them as the vital link between the entire coffee value chain and the public. She highlighted their function as interpreters, frontline educators, and custodians of the coffee experience. Apple articulated a clear intent: to construct a desired future rather than relying on existing frameworks that no longer adequately serve the community's needs. She asserted that now is the opportune moment for such an initiative, not only for emotional support but also because of evident deficiencies within current industry systems.

An Immersive Educational and Networking Experience

The 'Level Up' event promises a rich agenda, including comprehensive workshops, practical training sessions, and elective-style courses. Beyond formal instruction, attendees can look forward to a public cafe, insights from guest speakers, local excursions, and various community-building activities, all designed to foster a holistic development environment.

Event Access and Logistics

Tickets for the event, limited to 80 participants, are expected to be available for purchase later this month. Raise the Bar plans to offer a range of scholarships to ensure accessibility for a diverse group of baristas. All ticket options include access to group events, lodging, meals, and local transportation. Full-price tickets are set at $775 for a private hotel room and $550 for a shared hotel room, with a matching system in place to facilitate shared accommodations. Additional registration details, sponsorship opportunities, and event information can be found on the 'Level Up' website.