Are you gearing up for Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Expo? Maybe it’s your inaugural trip to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Expo and you’re wanting to make the most of it or maybe you’re a seasoned EXPO veteran looking for new ways to connect. Either way, we’ve got you covered!

Excitement and maybe a hint of nervousness might be coming to mind. Attending the SCA Expo can be a transformative experience in your coffee industry journey, offering opportunities for learning, networking, and discovering the behind-the-scenes world of specialty coffee. 

Whether it’s your first time, or maybe even your fifth, here are a few things to know while attending:

1. Be PrepareD TO LEARN

The SCA Expo is not just a trade show, it’s a community filled with people, just like yourself, on a journey of learning about coffee. It’s a goldmine of knowledge, relationships, and opportunities. From educational lectures and hands-on workshops to sensory experiences, live demonstrations, and afterparties, the Expo offers a wide array of learning opportunities.

Before you arrive, review the event schedule and prioritize sessions that align with your interests and goals be they personal or professional.

Plan ahead. With so much to see, it’s easy miss something. Make a list of what you don’t want to miss and be sure to check if any of those events require prior registration (they may be full if you wait until last minute).

Whether you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of coffee roasting techniques, explore emerging trends, master the art of cupping, or get new sales leads, there’s likely a session tailored to exactly what you’re looking to learn more about or find a solution for.

You can find an overview schedule here. 

Learn:

• SCA Lectures (educational presentations) 

• SCA Workshops (hands on learning)

2. CONNECT with Industry Leaders

One of the greatest assets of attending the SCA Expo is the unparalleled networking potential.

With over 16,000 expected attendees this year, it’s your opportunity to rub shoulders with industry titans, gain insight from baristas, roasters, shop owners, and make meaningful connections that can propel your career or business forward.

Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations, exchange business cards, and participate in networking events. It’s now or never!

Remember, the coffee community is (for the most part) incredibly welcoming and eager to share insights, experiences, and stories. Approach each interaction as a new opportunity to learn and grow.

Places to Connect: 

• Green Coffee Connect (connecting green coffee buyers/sellers)

• Retail Buyers Lounge (connection point for retail buyers)

• Cupping Exchange (connect with importers, roasters, and organizations)

And of course, don’t forget to connect with those around you while attending lectures, workshops, on the show floor, and after hours events!

3. ENGAGE IN A Sensory Journey

Prepare your palate (and your tummy) for a sensory adventure. At Expo, you’ll have the opportunity to sample coffee on a level you’ve probably never experienced before, honing your sensory and cupping skills.

A word to the wise—pace yourself, stay hydrated, and don’t forget to eat. If you’re attending workshops and making great connections, it’s easy to get caught up in conversations and suddenly you start feeling a bit hangry.

Food is fairly scarce at these events other than a few limited concession areas. It’s always a great idea to pack a few protein-packed snacks and water. Nothing is worse than not being able to fully enjoy or engage in your Expo experience or missing out because you’re not feeling great!

If you’ve got a multi-day pass, remember to take your time! Plan out your scouting and sipping so you can savor it and be fully engaged in developing your palate. Don’t forget to attend the cupping sessions, espresso tastings, and sensory experiences to hone your sensory skills and refine your palate. Some of these events require registration in advance, so plan ahead.

4. Explore the Expo Floor and World Coffee Championships

The Expo floor is a bustling marketplace full of innovation and new possibilities. Take time to explore the booths of exhibitors showcasing the latest equipment, technology, and services moving the coffee industry forward.

From state-of-the-art roasters and brewing devices to sustainable packaging solutions and green coffee suppliers, there’s no shortage of new and interesting tech and trends. Be curious, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the energy of the Expo floor.

SCA Expo Main Areas: 

• Show Floor (vendor booths)

• Roaster Village (special area for roasters and importers serving brewed coffee)

• World Brewers Cup and World Cup Tasters Championship 

• WCC Info

• WCC Schedule

• WCC Competitors

• Not attending WCC in person? Watch online

Booths we recommend checking out:

• Bird Friendly

• Roest

• Cropster

• Planetary Design

• Created Co

• Cafe de Honduras (claro que si)

5. Go in with an Open Mind

Above all, approach your SCA Expo experience with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity. Embrace the diverse perspectives across the supply chain, practices old and new, and philosophies that define the specialty coffee community.

Stay receptive to new ideas, challenges to conventional wisdom, and opportunities for growth. Remember, the journey of discovery is never ending, and each Expo experience offers fresh insights and revelations for the curious coffee professional.

Basic Event Info:

• Registration

• Venue map

• Show flow and exhibitor list

Download the official SCA App for more. 

Attending your first SCA Expo is worth celebrating. It’s a chance to expand your coffee and industry knowledge, broaden your horizons, and connect with a global community of coffee enthusiasts and professionals.

By coming in prepared, engaging wholeheartedly, and embracing curiosity, you’ll leave with new inspiration and hopefully a renewed passion for coffee and your work.

📣 Let us know if you’re planning to attend the event. We’d love to connect!

🪩🥂 More Opportunities to Connect outside the Expo - Afterparties and Events in Chicago

THURSDAY AFTERPARTIES:

What: U.S.A. Comandante Championship + Leaderboard Live
When: 5–9p
Where: Dayglow Coffee, 1757 N. Kimball Ave., Chicago

What: 100 years of Mahlkönig supported by 10 years of Standart
When: 6p-midnight
Where: Intelligentsia Chicago Roasting Works, 1850 W Fulton St., Chicago

What: Big Shoulders Coffee Roasting Workshop
RSVP here
When: 6p
Where: Big Shoulders Roastery, 2415 W. 19th St., Chicago

What: Something New Is Brewing In the Wild
RSVP here.
When: 6–9p
Where: YETI Chicago, 1572 N. Milwaukee Blvd., Chicago

What: Rancilio’s Welcome to Chicago Party
When: 6p-midnight
Where: Solemn Oath Still Life, 2919 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago 

FRIDAY AFTERPARTIES:

What: Stronger Than Coffee Screening
When: 5-7p
Where: Morrison Family Foundation, 50 East Washington, Chicago 

What: Actionable Impact
When: 5:30p panel discussion
7:30p party
Where: Metric Coffee, 2021 W. Fulton St., Chicago

What: Chi-Town Wine Mixer
When: 6p 
Where: Foxtrot Market, 171 North Green, Chicago 

What: Espresso Throwdown & After Party
When: 6p
Where: Guinness Open Gate Brewery, 901 W. Kinzie St., Chicago

What: Elevating Dreams, Erasing Divides – A Coffee & Innovation Pitch Competition
When: 6-9p
Where: The Hatchery, 135 North Kedzie Ave., Chicago

What: Weber Workshops Brewing Competition.
When: 6:30p sign-up
7p start 
Where: Dayglow Coffee, 1757 N. Kimball Ave., Chicago

What: Synesso’s 20th Anniversary Party
When: 6:30–9:30p
Where: Middleby Residential, 350 N. Wells St., Chicago

What: Coffee Technicians Guild Party (Registration Required)
When: 7–9p
Where: Lavazza Training Center, 444 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 3220, Chicago

SATURDAY AFTERPARTIES:

What: Washed & Naturals
When: 5-9p
Where: Metric Coffee, 2021 W. Fulton St., Chicago 

What: Coffee Is Dead
When: 6p–2a
Where: Dark Matter Coffee, 475 N. Campbell Ave., Chicago

What: Ikawa and Algrano.
When: 6-9p  
Where: Overflow Coffee, 1449 S Michigan Ave., Chicago

What: Coffee Roasters Guild Chicago Party (Registration Required)
When: 7–9p
Where: FatPour Tap Works McCormick, 2206 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago

What: Simonelli Group North America Party
When: 6–10 p.m.
Where: Bar Cargo Roman Pizza, 605 N. Wells, Chicago

What: La Marzocco SCA Expo Party
When: 8 p.m. 
Where: City Hall Events, 838 W Kinzie St., Chicago