Bar Convent Berlin optimistic as visitor numbers fall
The dates for Bar Convent Berlin 2026 have been set, as the trade show confirmed it welcomed more than 12,100 visitors this year – 3,000 fewer than 2024.
Bar Convent Berlin (BCB) took place from 6 to 8 October this year at the Berlin Expo Center in the German capital.
Approximately 566 exhibitors from around 50 countries were also in attendance.
In 2026, the show will return to the Berlin Expo Center from 12 to 14 October when it will celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Petra Lassahn, director of BCB, said: “Bar Convent Berlin is a remarkable example of how vibrant and creative this industry is.
“This year once again demonstrated that the bar and beverage community thrives on genuine passion, continuous exchange and a strong sense of togetherness.
“What makes this event truly special are the people – an international community of members that inspire, support and drive one another to create new impulses for the future.”
This year, the show introduced a trio of daily themes: ‘low/no’ on the Monday, ‘classic cocktails’ on the Tuesday, and ‘next generation’ on the Wednesday.
Long-time participants from Japan, the US, Italy and Mexico, among others, were once again in attendance – alongside an inaugural exhibition from Armenia, which had its own country pavilion.
BCB highlighted how the introduction of ‘Working Wednesday’ put the industry’s future in the spotlight. Planned in partnership with the Deutsche Barkeeper-Union (DBU), the initiative allowed young professionals and students discounted access, career-focused sessions, and networking opportunities.
The scheme also addressed the subject of talent development.
“Bar Convent Berlin is a place of ongoing change – just like the industry itself. We should reflect that by playing an active role in providing access to trends and innovation,” added Lassahn.
Seminars included a talk titled ‘Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Turning Global Disruption into Opportunity’. The speakers were Nick Gillett, managing director of distributor Mangrove Global, Christine LoCascio, chief of policy, strategy and membership at the Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus), and Mehul Brahmbhatt, founder of Tharra Company. They explored how brands can seize opportunities in a tricky global economic environment.
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