SB meets… Petra Lassahn, Bar Convent Berlin
As Bar Convent Berlin (BCB) gears up for its 2025 show, director Petra Lassahn told us what to expect from this year’s event.
How many people and exhibitors are you expecting this year?
Of course, it’s important that visitor numbers reflect the strong presence of exhibitors. But the days of measuring a trade fair purely by figures are behind us. What really matters today – for us and for the exhibitors – is attracting the right visitors, enabling valuable conversations, and ensuring that genuine business opportunities can emerge.
This year’s show has daily themes – are there any that particularly stand out for you?
In previous shows, we had a dedicated Spirit of Honour at each event. This year, we have a new concept through the BCB Embassy, with daily themes: Low & No on Monday, Classics on Tuesday, and the Next Generation on Wednesday. The aim is to diversify the experience and offer multiple thematic highlights each day.
Low & No will set the tone with contemporary and accessible trends. Classics, on Tuesday, is very close to my heart – the allure of traditional cocktails and time-honoured drinks is something I have always appreciated. Revisiting these classics, exploring their rich history, and seeing how modern interpretations are introduced is exciting.
Additionally, I am looking forward to Working Wednesday, when we will focus on the Next Generation concept – although this theme will resonate throughout the show. This theme will spotlight modern techniques and fresh perspectives – I’m eager to see what surprises and new trends this will bring to the bar scene. This new approach is designed to better capture the dynamism of today’s bar culture while remaining respectful to the history and diversity of mixology.
For us, for exhibitors as well as visitors, Working Wednesday is about two things: the next generation and business opportunities. The third slightly quieter day provides the perfect setting for both.
I’m thrilled that with Working Wednesday, we’re creating a space where the next generation of hospitality professionals can discover the full potential of this incredible industry. It’s about inspiration, opportunity, and meaningful connection – both for young talents and the businesses ready to shape the future with them.
What seminars are you looking forward to?
Rather than one specific seminar standing out, I am genuinely excited about the whole seminar programme for this year. There are exciting topics for the bar community, as well as our well-received workshop format. We have strong business input with Park Street University and, once again, the ever-trending theme of agave will be on stage.
With such a well-rounded programme, it is hard to choose one single seminar over the other, as each session promises to bring valuable insights and engaging content that collectively contribute to a captivating experience. I am sure there’s something for everyone.
Do you think the event has changed at all now that there is a London show?
The introduction of BCB London is a welcome development for our network, expanding our reach and presenting fresh opportunities, particularly for the British Isles market. However, it’s important to note that Bar Convent Berlin – known as bartenders’ Christmas – continues to hold its own unique position. Berlin remains the epicentre for both national and international contributions to the bar community.
While London provides an additional platform and fosters additional growth for BCB, it does not detract from the established importance and vibrancy of the Berlin show. In essence, both shows now complement each other, catering to wider audiences while ensuring that each retains its core identity and appeal.
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