Back with a bang: Bar Convent Berlin 2023

The roar of the shaker will be heard throughout the German capital this October, as the world’s best bartenders and brands convene for the annual Bar Convent Berlin (BCB).

“This is the bartenders’ Christmas,” says Petra Lassahn with enthusiasm. The director of BCB is excited to welcome familiar faces and newcomers to this year’s event, which she is confident will be the best BCB yet.

“This is a place for bartenders to network with an entire community of likeminded people, who are all passionate about spirits, their customers, and learning,” Lassahn adds.

“We have a huge education programme, and we try to have topics for all groups at the show; the last few years we’ve tried to make sure it’s as relevant as possible, and that we have more top speakers presenting at BCB.”

The bar community will meet at BCB from 9-11 October at Exhibition Centre Berlin for three days of networking opportunities, educational seminars, and guest shifts throughout the German capital. Two special Bar Hotspots can be discovered at the exhibition centre, one dedicated to agave spirits and the second to low-and-no serves.

Bar Hotspots

Barro Negro Athens will situate itself at one of the Bar Hotspots and showcase the best of agave spirits to attendees. BCB has partnered with the acclaimed bar to create the ‘BCB Agave Embassy’, which will also include an education area where experts will share their knowledge about this fascinating category.

Meanwhile, The Cambridge Public House will venture from Paris to demonstrate what can be done with low-and-no products. Expect to enjoy unique cocktail creations with little to no alcohol, but with all the flavour and craftsmanship as their full-strength counterparts.

“Last year we had two Bar Hotspots for the first time, and as this concept was so successful, we developed two new ideas,” Lassahn adds. “And again, through our education programme, we will have a variety of important topics for the whole industry, for example, panel discussions about female empowerment as well as intersectionality and sustainability.”

The BCB Stage Programme promises to be as versatile as ever, with five stages offering a range of educational opportunities. The Main Stage will welcome international bar personalities, including Alex Francis, of Little Red Door in Paris, and bar expert Chockie Tom, who will focus on important social issues in a panel discussion.

Guest shifts

As day turns to night, the previously popular guest shifts will return to some of the hottest joints in Berlin. Venues throughout the city will be showcasing the best of Berlin’s hospitality, delivering world-class cocktail experiences well into the night. Bars to take note of include Velvet, Kink, and Wax On. There will also be a ‘BCB closing event’ for the first time, which will be held in partnership with ‘the grand Campari hotel’. On the last day of BCB, guests can look forward to an exclusive evening at a very special venue.

“Berlin is really the only cocktail bar hotspot in Germany; it’s a real trend setter,” Lassahn adds. “The city has a lot to offer, and that’s why this experience makes Berlin so unique.”

With a myriad of trade shows for exhibitors and visitors to choose from, Lassahn looks closely at what makes BCB unique. “There’s always a little competition between different shows, but we really are different from others,” Lassahn assures. “BCB is specifically designed for bartenders – it really is Christmas for them. It’s an event; it’s more creative, and that’s why people love to come back every year. I am really looking forward to welcoming familiar faces back to BCB, and to meet new people. It really will be very special.”

Tickets for BCB 2023 are still available, and there is a 10% discount until 27 August.