Live from New York: This session in the Conversation Corner at Coffee Fest New York marked a significant industry milestone: the first time the 2026 Roasters of the Year winners shared a stage since t …

We spoke to Sylwia Padiasek, Coffee Fest speaker and Co-Founder/CEO of Ocafi US, to pull back the curtain on the financial "hidden" costs that are often baked into a landed coffee price. By pulling fr …

What happens when the industry gets hit from all sides? Sylwia Padiasek of OCAFI & Coffee Fest speaker, unpacks key lessons from 2025’s market chaos & what coffee businesses can learn from it.

New Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are popping up in states across the country, and the coffee industry will undoubtedly be affected by these emerging regulatory schemes. EPR programs, in …

Coffee Fest New York is packed with incredible learning opportunities, but we know it can feel overwhelming scrolling through 120+ hours of education content. That's why we created mini-agendas of fun …

TLDR: Coffee Fest is brewing up so many fresh things for 2025 that even if you attended in 2024 (or before), there’s so much more to do and see in 2025. 

In a world where we are constantly being advertised to, it can be difficult to stand out amongst the noise as a business owner. Studies show that the average American is exposed to up to 10,000 ads da …

The holiday season is one of my most favorite, magical times for coffee shops and regulars and new customers alike are excited for releases of beverages bringing seasonal comfort. Whether they're in s …

Is it your first-time gearing up for a Coffee Fest show? Excitement and maybe a hint of nervousness might be brewing as you get closer to show time. Attending Coffee Fest can be a huge experience in y …

Today, sustainability isn’t just a formality. It’s also not just a buzzword to incorporate into our business and marketing plans. Sustainability has become a crucial practice that we must prioritize t …

In 2023, Mill City Roasters joined Coffee Fest as the Roasting Education Sponsor. Coffee Fest shows allow us to connect with business owners who are just starting their businesses, people who are eage …

As an experienced coffee professional, you're well aware of the intricacies of coffee sourcing, roasting, and flavor profiles. Now, it's time to take your expertise to the next level by conquering the …

The coffee industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, and those who thrive within it must be committed to continuing their learning journey throughout their careers. Lani Kingston, Coffee Fest’s C …

Running a coffee shop is no easy feat, and the last thing you need is a revolving door of employees. While finding dedicated and passionate baristas is a challenge in itself, keeping them on board is …

Where Do I Start?  Clear Brand Identity and Vision  What is your goal/mission? What experience and items do you want to provide to your customers?  Combo concepts are thriving!  Keep things simple to …

Cafes and coffee shops are the seductive low-risk version of what restaurants were in the '90s. They also share many of the same downfalls and are easily prone to failure without the proper care and e …

Define Your Brand Before you consider opening a drive-thru it is important to define your brand and understand your target market. A great question to ask yourself first is, why are you in coffee? Is …

For most coffee shops espresso-based drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos, make up about 70-80% of total sales, so your choice of espresso machines is critical to your business success. But don't worry …

Hospitality is a value we want to infuse in everything we do. It's the way we smile or don't smile, the way we place a drink on the counter, the way we greet a customer or resolve a customer complaint …

  Know Your Brand and Audience  If you are a coffee shop, you probably do not need to distract your audience’s attention with starting a burger product line for take-out. You also wouldn’t need to inv …

What’s the Purpose of Social Media? The purpose of social media is to tell your story, engage your audience and connect with new customers. Here are a few tips to follow for best social media practice …

Executing your dream of opening a coffee shop requires a balance of mental stamina, entrepreneurial spirit and the right resources and characteristics to be transformed from just a vision into a succe …

2024 brings a fresh aroma of opportunities and innovations at Coffee Fest. Join us as we unveil the exciting developments we've been brewing up. From interactive special features to cutting-edge educa …