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Conversation Corner

Conversation Corner

Hear from Experts.
Gain New Perspectives.
Elevate Your Coffee Business.

The Conversation Corner is a panel discussion space at Coffee Fest, where coffee professionals and experts gather for FREE interactive talks on the most pressing topics in the industry.

From business growth and sustainability to emerging trends and real-world challenges, these sessions are designed to spark meaningful conversations and knowledge sharing.

 

What to Expect

Expert-Led Discussions – Industry leaders and seasoned professionals guide open-format conversations.

Real-World Insights – Gain perspectives from peers facing the same challenges as you.

Interactive Format – No slides or presentations - just real talk and shared experiences.

Networking & Community – Connect with like-minded professionals in a casual setting.

Plan Your Participation

New discussion topics every hour - no registration required.

Check the schedule to find the topics most relevant to you.

Arrive a few minutes early to grab a seat and settle in.

Come with questions - these are interactive, peer-driven discussions.

Find the Right Topics for You

Business & Operations – From scaling your café to hiring the right team.

Trends & Consumer Insights – Stay ahead of what’s next in specialty coffee.

Sustainability & Sourcing – Ethical buying, environmental impact, and transparency.

Skills & Career Growth – Industry insights for baristas, managers, and roasters.

The New York 2026 Conversation Corner is Presented by:

 

               roastar logo

NEW YORK 2026 CONVERSATION CORNER SCHEDULE

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March 08, 2026
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    Most coffee shops want to be “third places” where community thrives, but few understand how to intentionally design spaces and experiences that foster genuine human connection. This talk draws from Fr ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    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 ...
    • Skills Training
    Conversation Corner
    Serving great coffee once is easy — keeping it that way every day takes structure, training, and a little obsession. This panel brings together café leaders who’ve built systems to maintain exceptiona ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    Coffee connects cultures worldwide, but inequities continue to shape the experiences of BIPOC professionals in the industry today.  This panel brings together owners, managers, and employees to share ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    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 ...
    • Roasting & Green Coffee
    Conversation Corner
    One year after their original panel at Coffee Fest New York 2025, Howard Chang (Shared Roasting), Tom Bomford (Black Fox), and Chi Sum (Coffee Project) return for a follow-up conversation with Sylwia ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    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 ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    "We've made these mistakes so you don't have to!" Join a panel of seasoned industry experts who’ve seen it all - from the chaos of delayed build-outs to the perils of hiring family. Through hard-won l ...
March 09, 2026
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    Keeping espresso equipment running smoothly isn’t just good practice - it protects your profits. In this session hosted by Barista Magazine, seasoned technician Double J from Black Rabbit Service Co. ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    Your brand is more than just a logo - it’s the personality, story, and experience that keep customers coming back. In this panel, industry experts will dive into what makes a coffee brand truly memora ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    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 ...
    • Roasting & Green Coffee
    Conversation Corner
    Join Roast Magazine and a panel of local leaders in the roasting world for a panel discussion on the hot topics surrounding the industry today. Hear from local roasters and business owners and get the ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    Starting any coffee 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 to tu ...
March 10, 2026
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    The future of coffee depends not only on the market and business but also on great, passionate people to lead it. In this session, Amy Counce, founder of Nexus Coffee Roasters, shares how building a p ...
    • Roasting & Green Coffee
    Conversation Corner
    Kenneth Davids, Editor of Coffee Review, talks about the profound changes happening in the world of high end coffee production, and how these changes push the leading edge of coffee far beyond the lan ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    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 ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    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 ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    Sustainability is a complex and ever-evolving topic in the coffee industry, touching every stage of the supply chain - from farming and sourcing to roasting, packaging, and café operations. This panel ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    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 ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    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 ...

 

INTERESTED IN SERVING COFFEE IN THE CONVERSATION CORNER OR SPONSORING THIS VENUE?

LEARN MORE HERE