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THANK YOU TO OUR EDUCATION SPONSORS
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
01:00 PM
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New to espresso or still building your confidence on bar? This hands-on, small-group workshop will walk you through the essential steps of dialing in for a balanced, flavorful shot. Designed for begin …
02:30 PM
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Taught by our Latte Art World Championship judges, this 2.5-hour small-group workshop offers intensive instruction on the core techniques of crafting espresso-based beverages. You'll receive personal, …
03:00 PM
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This beginner-friendly course introduces the fundamentals of cupping, the coffee industry’s standard for evaluating coffee quality. You'll learn what cupping is, why it’s used across various sectors o …
08:00 AM
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Ready to pour your first heart? This beginner-level hands-on workshop introduces budding baristas to the building blocks of free pour latte art. Taught by our LAWCO (Latte Art World Championship Open) …
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Blending coffee is both a science and an art. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore how individual coffees interact to create balance, complexity, and consistency in the cup. Working in small team …
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Everyone loves a beautiful bar. That is, until they have to work on one that was improperly designed. Then we curse the architect and all involved for creating such a beautiful monster. With the rise …
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Led by Anita Tam, owner and founder of Slow Pour Supply, this workshop teaches the essentials of brewing coffee using the pour-over method. Using equipment consistent with contemporary roast profiles, …Speakers
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Join Monin Gourmet Flavorings as we uncover the formats and ideas shaping 2026 menus, including emerging flavors designed to stand out in today’s visually driven, share-worthy world. Whether you're a …
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In this session we will go over the business side of your business. While numbers can be confusing, they are critical to your success. Topics will include: how to have a healthy business, metrics you …
08:30 AM
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From trends and recipes to efficiency and profits, you will learn how to create and implement a successful energy program. We will share data on the latest trends and help you understand how to best m …
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Textures, layers, and inclusions are currently leading the charge in signature drink innovation. From silky cold foams and decadent cream tops to vibrant fruit purées and playful, crunchy inclusions, …Panel Moderator
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Foundational Coffee Roasting Skills is a practical workshop designed for aspiring and early-stage roasters who want a clear, working understanding of production roasting. This session covers drum roas …
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Join one of Synesso's senior technicians for an in-depth training designed to elevate your espresso machine installation skills. This session will provide essential knowledge and practical guidance to …
09:00 AM
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Signature drinks provide an excellent opportunity to build profitability, brand identity and customer loyalty. This seminar will help get your wheels turning on how to develop these beverages, looking …
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This is a must attend session for existing coffee and tea shop owners facing lease renewal negotiation and for new start-up tenants leasing space for the first time. Learn the 13 costly mistakes tenan …
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Today’s coffee market is crowded; great coffee is no longer just enough. You need packaging that communicates quality, differentiates your brand, and drives real sales across retail shelves, farmers m …
09:45 AM
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This sensory session guides participants through a curated cupping flight that follows coffee through time - from its earliest traditions at origin to its modern expressions shaped by engineering, cul …
10:00 AM
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Wondering how to set & adjust your prices or arrange your menu? Mark Calhoun and Jim Starcev of PerfectCube discuss optimal ways to determine your prices, increase your prices and make your menu work …
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In the current landscape of coffee shops, managing a younger work force is the top challenge faced by owners and operators. For many it feel like an impossible task trying to connect, communicate, and …
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Many independent coffee shop owners have heard the question, "Is this a franchise?" followed by the suggestion that they should expand. However, transitioning into franchising is a completely differen …
10:15 AM
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Alternative milks have gone from a popular trend to absolute necessity in the past few years, and their unstoppable rise has resulted in many barista designed dairy milk alternatives that are easily s …Speakers
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Este panel, realizado en español, se adentra en el mundo del café de especialidad, explorando sus características únicas y lo que lo distingue de los cafés comunes. Debatiremos la pregunta: ¿Es el caf …Panel Moderator
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Supportive tools and equipment for a commercial roasting facility What do you need to equip an efficient and productive roastery? In this free session, we share our recommendations for supportive tool …
10:45 AM
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Join us as we catapult the NEW Business Building Essentials program! This intro will help set the stage for the educational content each of these ~20-30 minute sessions will cover over the course of …
11:00 AM
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Barista Basics is a comprehensive session covering essential skills for crafting consistent espresso-based drinks in your business. Participants will learn about the origin of coffee, understanding ov …
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The Synesso pressure profiling system gives you ultimate control in espresso extraction and shot manipulation. Come learn how to get the most out of your coffee and how to program the Synesso Hydra. T …
11:15 AM
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As specialty coffee continues to grow it may seem that there's a shop on every corner, including across the street from yours. If that's got you stressed about how to distinguish your café from your c …
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Join Mill City Roasters for a guided coffee tasting to understand the elements of coffee extraction and how to maximize coffee quality through controlled brewing variables. This session is presented i …Speakers
11:45 AM
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The opportunity to grow and scale your cafe is a dream of shop owners everywhere. But for many cafes, their growth can become a nightmare when the proper considerations are not addressed. Loss of cult …
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Marketing your coffee shop doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or out of reach. In this session, we’ll strip away the jargon and focus on straightforward strategies that actually work. Whether you’re ju …
12:00 PM
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Asia is home to some of the fastest-growing and most exciting coffee-producing regions in the world. From the earthy, full-bodied coffees of Indonesia to the rich, nutty flavors of India and the intri …
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From purchasing your first espresso machine to ensuring your old workhorse doesn’t break down during the morning rush, come explore simple equipment essentials that every coffee entrepreneur should ha …
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Barista Workflow and Efficiency is an interactive 60-minute workshop crafted for baristas, managers, and cafe owners eager to build a faster, smoother coffee bar operation. This class dives deep into …
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Opening your shop soon and trying to make sure people actually show up, your team is ready, and your menu will make money? In this session, Allison and Jason DeVelvis, two of the owners of Family Room …
12:15 PM
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The coffee shop experience is constantly evolving, driven by changing customer expectations, advances in equipment, and emerging business models. For current and aspiring coffee professionals, staying …Panel Moderator
12:30 PM
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Cleaning grinders and changing burrs seems like a big task but has massive impact on your coffee quality. Come check out Mazzer grinders and how to perform basic maintenance and cleaning to keep your …
01:00 PM
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It’s time to be intentional about hiring. At Dillanos, we have a saying, “We don’t hire warm bodies, we hire cool people.” Who you hire is essential in determining if your business will thrive. Th …
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Connect. Reflect. Grow. Drop in, grab a seat, and connect with fellow coffee professionals in a space designed for real conversations, honest reflections, and meaningful support. Whether you're a bari …
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Selling a Flavor Experience With specialty coffee packaging, your job is to sell a flavor experience. Tasting notes are created at the cupping table and can be a powerful sales tool when used effectiv …
01:15 PM
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As coffee menus evolve to include "swavory" global flavors (miso, pandan, ube) and functional ingredients (mushrooms, proteins, adaptogens), the role of green coffee sourcing is changing. This panel b …Panel Moderator
01:30 PM
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Ready to maximize your profitability? In this session, we'll do a deep dive into 4 of the most important areas of your business: Sales, COGS, Inventory, and Waste. We'll talk about and show examples o …
01:45 PM
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Placing an espresso machine isn’t just about counter space - it’s about setting your café up for smooth operations, service flow, and long-term equipment performance. This session walks through key co …
02:00 PM
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The road to latte art glory starts here! In this qualifier, baristas will battle in a sudden-death, 32-competitor bracket for a coveted spot in the next Official Competition in Los Angeles. Only the t …
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From co-ferments to infused lots, coffee processing is entering a bold new era—one that’s redefining how we think about flavor, quality, and innovation. In this tasting-focused workshop, you’ll explor …
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Master the fundamentals of creating exceptional guest experiences in our “Customer Service 101” seminar. Learn how to build genuine connections, handle challenging situations with confidence, and turn …
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This class will cover the basics of how you change these items and perform daily cleaning and maintenance on your group head serviceable parts. This is a free session included in your general admissio …
02:15 PM
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Know how to make a great espresso, but not sure what sort of food your cafe should serve? An expert in latte art, but confused what types of pastries are on trend this year? Join this panel discussion …Panel Moderator
02:30 PM
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Advanced Techniques for Consistency and Quality in Production Roasting Understand the tools and approaches professional roasters use to increase productivity and eliminate waste while producing consis …
03:00 PM
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What is your average transaction price? How many customers do you have a day? What is the traffic count on the road your business is on? We will discuss how to maximize every customer sale with engag …
03:15 PM
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Join Roast Magazine and a panel of local roasting leaders for an engaging exploration of the most pressing topics in the specialty coffee industry today. This session brings together influential roast …Panel Moderator
03:30 PM
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Forget follower counts and viral videos... what if your social media strategy actually brought people through the door? In this refreshingly honest workshop, Jeremy Lyman of Birch Coffee and @coffeedo …
04:00 PM
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Your team is the heartbeat of your business - and managing labor effectively is key to both your bottom line and your store culture. In this session led by PerfectCube, you'll discover actionable stra …
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Discover the key elements that drive a profitable and well-run coffee shop. Learn how to balance operations, staffing, and customer experience while maintaining consistency and efficiency. We’ll cover …
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Africa is widely regarded as the cradle of coffee, offering some of the most dynamic and sought-after flavors in the world. From Ethiopia’s bright, floral profiles to the fruity, wine-like notes of Bu …
04:15 PM
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In a saturated market, one way coffeeshops can stand out is by creating unique and interesting rotating beverages for their seasonal menus. From coffee cocktails through to flavored cold brew, coffee …Panel Moderator
08:00 AM
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Evaluating coffee’s sensorial qualities is a skill that one develops over time, but just how does one begin to develop these skills? In this workshop, you will learn the basic theory behind taste and …
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Taught by our LAWCO (Latte Art World Championship) judges, this 2.5-hour small-group workshop offers intensive instruction on the core techniques of crafting espresso-based beverages. You'll receive p …
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Opening a cafe often begins with a deep passion for coffee and community, but long-term success requires a firm grasp of business operations. In this session, Sunergos' Andy Pesek shares practical too …
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Behind every great roast is a world of chemical engineering - energy transfer, heat flow, entropy, molecular shifts, and the controlled chaos that transforms a coffee seed into a sensory experience. I …
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Join us in the Tech Lab for a hands-on introduction to grinder fundamentals. This workshop covers how grind size impacts flavor, how to dial in for different brew methods, and how to troubleshoot inco …
08:30 AM
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Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on tasting experience and interactive discussion designed to help specialty coffee businesses capitalize on the massive functional beverage movement. Powered by Oatly’ …
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Growing Your Roasting Business is a focused workshop for roasters ready to move from survival mode to sustainable growth. This session breaks down the core revenue streams available to roasting busine …
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Dive into the essentials of crafting trending tea beverages with a strong focus on matcha. This interactive workshop starts with tea basics, and from there we explores what makes quality matcha, prepa …
09:00 AM
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Customer service is what can either set your business apart or do your business. It's also not simply about that charming smile or sharp wit, it's about so many underlying concepts. While most people …
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New to cold brew or looking to build a stronger foundation? This session covers the essentials: a brief history of cold brew, common brewing methods, and the basic science behind great results. We’ll …
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Discover the latest insights driving menu innovation and profitability in the specialty beverage market. This seminar will provide: A high-level overview of consumption and purchase trends influencing …
10:00 AM
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The difference between an excellent cafe that stands out in the pack and one that is just average comes down to how you care for the small but significant details that make up the whole experience. An …
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Do you feel like you and your team are frantically filling orders at the last minute? Do you wonder whether or not you are making a profit? Do you feel like your coffee releases are rushed and your bu …
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What does the future look like in the business of coffee? What established trends will continue (hint: digital ordering), what new trends are emerging and what will have less of an impact on your busi …
10:15 AM
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Advanced Techniques for Consistency and Quality in Production Roasting Understand the tools and approaches professional roasters use to increase productivity and eliminate waste while producing consis …
10:30 AM
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Coffee connects cultures worldwide, but systemic barriers continue to shape the experiences of many professionals across the industry today. This panel brings together owners, managers, and employees …Panel Moderator
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Explore the incredible diversity of coffees grown across the Americas, from the nutty and chocolatey flavors of Brazil to the vibrant, fruity profiles of Colombia and the complex nuances of Honduras a …
10:45 AM
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Join us as we catapult the NEW Business Building Essentials program! This intro will help set the stage for the educational content each of these ~20-30 minute sessions will cover over the course of …
11:00 AM
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Drive-thru coffee stands provide a quick and efficient way for consumers to grab a quality cup of coffee on the go. From heavily traveled roadways to busy shopping centers and business districts, you …
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The Synesso pressure profiling system gives you ultimate control in espresso extraction and shot manipulation. Come learn how to get the most out of your coffee and how to program the Synesso Hydra. T …
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We all know the recipe: 18 grams in, 36 grams out, 30 seconds. It works great... until it doesn't. When you put a bright and complex single origin coffee in the grinder, that tried-and-true formula ca …
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The most expensive mistake a coffee shop can make is hiring the wrong person: or losing the right one. With Chicago's wage floor at $16.60/hr and the "fully loaded" cost of a single barista turnover n …
11:15 AM
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Join Mill City Roasters for a guided coffee tasting to understand the elements of coffee extraction and how to maximize coffee quality through controlled brewing variables. This session is presented i …Speakers
11:30 AM
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Behind every great café experience is more than great coffee - it’s consistent training and clear systems. Whether you’re building from scratch or refining current processes, this session offers pract …
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Just opened a coffee shop, getting ready to open or thinking about opening a coffee shop? Mark Calhoun and Jim Starcev of PerfectCube will share their experience developed from running retail stores a …
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A Note on Sustainability: "For years, "sustainability" in coffee has focused on mitigation - how to keep taking from the earth and our people while doing slightly less damage. As author, scientist, an …Panel Moderator
11:45 AM
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Este taller de cata se realizará en español - una oportunidad para catar y compartir en nuestro idioma. Este curso introductorio te enseñará los fundamentos de la cata de café, el método estándar de l …
12:00 PM
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Your customers eat, drink, and buy with their eyes. In this session we will go over how you can set up your menu to be the perfect representation of your brand, help your customers decide what they wa …
12:30 PM
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Whether your shop is in a small town, suburb or major metropolitian area, come to Specialty Coffee Success No Matter the Size of Your City at the Conversation Corner to get some tips, expert advice, a …
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Cleaning grinders and changing burrs seems like a big task but has massive impact on your coffee quality. Come check out Mazzer grinders and how to perform basic maintenance and cleaning to keep your …
01:00 PM
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Having an All-Star staff of properly-trained baristas can make or break the success of your business. We’ll walk through how to put together a stellar training program, including the importance of tr …
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Connect. Reflect. Grow. Drop in, grab a seat, and connect with fellow coffee professionals in a space designed for real conversations, honest reflections, and meaningful support. Whether you're a bari …
-
Join the education and roasting team at Mill City Roasters to learn how commercial roasters take a green coffee from sample evaluation to production. Explore the process of developing the ideal profil …
01:30 PM
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Dive into an engaging panel discussion with seasoned entrepreneurs and discover the diverse arsenal of marketing techniques utilized by these industry leaders. From leveraging social media platforms l …Panel Moderator
02:00 PM
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Do you really know what “washed,” “natural,” and “honey” mean—and how they differ from newer terms like anaerobic, carbonic maceration, or double fermentation? In today’s rapidly evolving coffee lands …
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The road to latte art glory starts here! In this qualifier, baristas will battle in a sudden-death, 32-competitor bracket for a coveted spot in the next Official Competition in Los Angeles. Only the t …
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A thriving coffee bar runs on more than great coffee - it runs on great systems. Yet many cafes struggle with inconsistent or unclear standard operating procedures (SOPs), leading to operational hiccu …
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Every aspect of your business is branding. Taking the 5 senses (vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch,) we will discuss how to ensure every sense is being reflected in your incredible brand. This …
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This class will cover the basics of how you change these items and perform daily cleaning and maintenance on your group head serviceable parts. This is a free session included in your general admissio …
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Make more money from the sales you already have - This session is for owners who already understand cost of goods sold (COGS) and want to go beyond the basics. We’ll walk step-by-step through how to a …
02:30 PM
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Starting or growing any business comes with a steep learning curve. In this panel discussion, local café owners and brand founders share what they’ve learned from the ground up – from early missteps t …Panel Moderator
03:00 PM
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Whether you’re confused about cost-of-goods, perplexed by pars, inquiring about inventory, or mulling over menu offerings, this is the session for you. We will go over how to start looking at what you …
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