MINNEAPOLIS — The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) will hold its 20th Annual Conference & Exhibition at the Minneapolis Convention Center, May 2-5, in Minneapolis. The conference and exhibition is an annual worldwide gathering of coffee professionals, coffee companies and coffee connoisseurs.
More than 7,000 attendees will discover hundreds of exhibit booths featuring coffee goods and equipment, espresso machines, new product launches, tastings and supplies. The event also features the 2008 United States Barista Championship and the 2008 Coffee of the Year Competition.
This year's highlights include:
- United States Barista Championship: Competitors will prepare and serve 12 coffee concoctions - four espressos, four cappuccinos and four signature coffee drinks of their own creation in just 15 minutes. The winner of the event qualifies for the World Barista Championship in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 19-22.
- Coffee of the Year Competition: The Roasters Guild 2008 Coffee of the Year Competition, hosted by Roast Magazine, Probat Burns and Volcafe Specialty Coffee, will identify the world's best specialty coffee.
- SCAA 20th Annual Conference & Exhibition: The exhibition is open Saturday, 12 - 6 p.m.; Sunday, 12-6 p.m.; and Monday, 12-4 p.m.
- Portrait Country Ethiopia: This year, in "Portrait Country Ethiopia," SCAA conference attendees join Ethiopian coffee growers, cooperatives and exporters in two unique forums. The first forum presents the achievements and progress of the Ethiopian Fine Coffee Trademarking and Licensing Initiative. The second forum discusses how Ethiopian producers and international distributors can jointly meet the challenge of increasing the supply of Ethiopian fine coffees while improving and maintaining quality.
Click here to register for the 20th Annual SCAA Conference & Exhibition.
