Bar Convent Berlin reports visitor and exhibitor growth

Almost 15,000 visitors headed to the German capital for Bar Convent Berlin (BCB) last week, solidifying its position as the largest show for the bar and spirits industry.

This year’s BCB was bigger than ever

On 8-10 October, a total of 14,416 visitors from 79 countries attended the show, an increase of more than 2,000 people compared to 2017.

The latest event, which took place at Station Berlin and the adjacent Kühlhaus, featured 433 exhibitors – a 17% increase on last year – and showcased 1,200 premium brands.

The main spirits groups exhibited at the show were gin, liqueurs, vodka, Tequila, and mezcal, with more than 30 vermouth brands also on display.

This year, BCB took place over three days for the first time and also had an enhanced focus on learning, with a programme of seminars and masterclasses curated by new director of education Angus Winchester.

“The three-day format provided us with an opportunity to put together an education programme featuring a diverse range of topics and the stars of the international bar scene,” said BCB director Petra Lassahn.

On the first day of the show, the education programme was geared towards bar operators, while on the second and third, bartenders and distributors were the focus. Speakers included Sean Finter, Bobby Heugel, Joe Schofield, Frankie Solarik and Micah Melton, among others.

Winchester said: “We’re creating a lot of awareness about the fact that this is not just a lifestyle but a serious profession that should get the same respect as cooks or sommeliers can get – we’re a part of the restaurant industry.”

The next Bar Convent Berlin is scheduled to take place on 7-9 October 2019 once again at Station Berlin and the Kühlhaus.

The event’s two international iterations will take place on 11-12 June 2019 and 17-18 June 2019 in Brooklyn and São Paulo respectively.