Where to find us at the Specialty Coffee Association Expo 2024 in Chicago
Expo talks, our signature in-person Think + Drink event, an espresso throwdown featuring our F1 hybrids—we look forward to seeing you there!
Think + Drink: Annual event
Friday, April 12, 2024 | 2:30–4:00 PM
Room E353C, SCA Expo @ Lakeside Center, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL
The Think + Drink is World Coffee Research’s annual gathering and report-out to the coffee community. This event will include a 30-minute summary of WCR’s progress over the last year and a preview of what’s ahead, with presentations + remarks by CEO Vern Long, Board Chair James McLaughlin of Intelligentsia Coffee, and Vice Chair Pablo von Waldenfels of Tchibo. Drinks to reception follow—there will be ample opportunity to connect with fellow WCR members + like-minded peers. We welcome attendees to bring a friend to introduce to WCR!
Note: We will also be hosting a virtual version of our Think + Drink event on April 30 at 11:30 AM Eastern Time/17.30 CET for those who can’t make it to our in-person session. Register online for the event here.
Flair Espresso Throwdown hosted by Intelligentsia Coffee
Friday, April 12, 2024 | 6–9 PM
Guinness Open Gate Brewery, 901 W Kinzie St., Chicago, IL
World Coffee Research member company Intelligentsia Coffee hosts a Flair Espresso Throwdown at Chicago’s new Guinness Open Gate Brewery. The event will include a competition featuring the manual Flair Espresso Maker, drinks, and an opportunity to learn more about our “final four” F1 hybrid varieties.
International Women’s Coffee Alliance Breakfast*
Keynote by Dr. Jennifer “Vern” Long, Chief Executive Officer, World Coffee Research
Saturday, April 13, 2024 | 8–9:30 AM
Vista Ballroom/S406 Foyer, SCA Expo @ McCormick Place South Building, 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL
Join us for the annual International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA) breakfast fundraiser to show support for the organization and learn more about their work. World Coffee Research’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jennifer “Vern” Long will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.
The IWCA began in 2003 when women from different coffee countries and roles came together and identified a common need: the need to connect, empower, and advance women across the global industry. Today, the IWCA includes locally-driven, unique organizations of women and men in 33+ countries—all joined by the pursuit of the IWCA mission: to unite a global network of chapters and support the work and growth of women in the international coffee community.
*This is a ticketed event. Attendees can sign up for the breakfast when registering for their SCA badges.
