Industry Event - Bar Convent Brooklyn, 2021

Shaping theFuture

RECONNECT AT BAR CONVENT BROOKLYN, 2021

By Terri Marshall Photos courtesy of Bar Convent Brooklyn, RX

What started in 2007 as a small industry meeting in Berlin quickly became the leading international bar and beverage trade show. When Reed Exhibitions acquired Bar Convent in 2015, the event expanded globally, arriving in Brooklyn in 2018. This year, Bar Convent Brooklyn returns to the Brooklyn Expo Center on August 17 and 18.

“Bar Convent Brooklyn provides a welcoming and collaborative environment for members of the bar and beverage community to gather together. Through education, sharing best practices, and generating business opportunities we celebrate and shape the future of liquid culture,” explains Jackie Williams, Event Director of Bar Convent Brooklyn. “BCB is really about connections. We connect attendees with beverage professionals to create an environment for the exchange of ideas and to build valuable relationships.” With exhibitors often making their first debut in Brooklyn, BCB offers unique experiences. “We’ve seen solid growth each year in the number of attendees, exhibitors, and education sessions,” says Williams. “In 2019, we had over 350,000 samples (including cocktails) served to attendees. That’s just so cool to say!”

Education continues to be a considerable aspect of BCB. The event boasts a main stage, two demo stages, a taste forum, and Park Street University, where attendees can expect seminars on such topics as brand management, marketing, and packaging design.

“We have a new education committee in place this year. They are dedicated to helping us craft the best content that we’ve ever had, both onsite and online,” shares Williams. “The education program could not be in better hands.”

Committee members include Alexis Brown, founder of Causing a Stir; Johnny Caldwell and Taneka Reaves, industry consultants and founders of The Cocktail Bandits; Joshua Davis, an industry veteran and founder of Brown and Balanced; Lynnette Marrero, co-founder of Speed Rack and Beverage Consultant; Julie Reiner, author, co-founder of Social Hour Cocktails and co-founder of Clover Club and Leyenda; and Jackie Summers, author, and industry speaker.

Working with BCB globally for several years, education committee member Lynnette Marrero appreciates the local focus of Bar Convent. “I really like how each event taps into the regional needs of the local community. The content of seminars takes a closer look at micro issues as well as covering broader topics,” she says. “The access to education is so important for the growth of the community. I would not have had the career I’ve had without industry educational programs, so I value the opportunity and hope to help shape the needed content in a meaningful way.”

Focusing on increased diversity, equity, and inclusion, topics of BCB education sessions include conversations about social issues. According to Williams, “it’s imperative that we are representative of our industry as a whole.”

Based on feedback from 2019, this year’s event includes increased access to food and water with healthy options and dietary accommodations. Expect plenty of San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna onsite compliments of Nestlé. Another highlight, the Infused Saloon, showcases international customers who can’t make it to the event this year. “We’re also launching some pretty awesome BCB merchandise available online and onsite,” says Williams.

Reconnecting with friends and colleagues ranks at the top of the highlights for 2021. “It’s always great to see and taste new products and hear about new trends— and trust me, I love that—but nothing beats the community. We can’t wait to get back together again in person.” BCB is really about connections. We connect attendees with beverage professionals to create an environment for the exchange of ideas and to build valuable relationships.