The Specialty Coffee Association of America's (SCAA) 24th annual exposition and symposium will be held in Portland, Ore. this April 19 to 22, 2012. At the annual Exposition thousands of coffee professionals from more than 40 countries will converge at the Oregon Convention Center to focus on specialty coffee, learn about the latest innovational trends and products in the coffee marketplace, and engage with fellow industry professionals for the ultimate purpose of delivering a better experience for coffee drinkers.
Locally based Event sponsors and SCAA member companies have events planned around the city to celebrate the first time the Exposition has come to Portland. The 2012 Host sponsor, Boyds Coffee, will be hosting a guided tour of their expansive roasting facility. "We're thrilled that the SCAA has chosen Portland as the host city and Boyds Coffee as the host sponsor," said Katy Boyd Dutt, director of marketing in a prepared statement. "Portland is well known as one of the best coffee cities – not just in America, but in the world. We're looking forward to SCAA members getting to see what's behind all the hype." The facility tour is a sold-out event. Stumptown Coffee Roasters is featuring multiple coffee tastings at their Downtown Brew Bar and Southeast Annex location. Other SCAA member coffee bars will be spotlighting the coffees of Honduras, the Official 2012 Portrait Country, during the 3-day Exposition.
Other activities at The Event include several annual competitions: the United States Barista Championship (USBC), US Brewers Cup, US Cup Tasters Championship, the Roasters Guild Coffees of the Year Competition (COTY) and Roasters Choice Competition. Top-tier baristas, roasters, coffee cuppers, and producers from around the world will compete for the coveted titles. These championships take place in the Activities Hall which is open to the public; Activities Hall badges are $10. Additional events include the Rainforest Alliance and International Women in Coffee breakfasts as well as award receptions recognizing industry excellence such as the Best New Product & Sustainability Awards, among others.
Complete exposition details are available at www.scaaevent.org. For information, call 562-624-4100 or e-mail [email protected].
