BCB marks 20 years with new concepts
As Bar Convent Berlin (BCB) prepares for its 20th anniversary this year, the trade fair has revealed several new concepts and areas for 2026.
One of the biggest bars shows for the trade returns to the Messe Berlin exhibition centre from 12-14 October for its 20th edition.
For 2026, BCB will introduce new concepts, redesigned show areas and an evolved education programme.
“BCB has always been driven by its community,” said BCB director Petra Lassahn. “As we celebrate 20 years of Bar Convent Berlin, we want to give something back while also listening closely to the people who continue to drive this industry forward.
“Our anniversary survey is an invitation to actively shape the future of BCB together with us – and as a thank you, participants will receive a complimentary ticket for BCB 2026.
“What makes BCB so special is its international spirit: people from all over the world come together in Berlin to exchange ideas, inspire one another and help shape the future of hospitality together.”
New show spaces for this year include an outdoor urban garden concept, which will showcase beer and snack exhibitors.
There will also be a dedicated area for low- and no-alcohol, showcasing producers from the category.
In addition, a new retail-inspired format, the BCB Concept Store, will be launched in Hall 11.1. This space will allow visitors to buy items that are commonly used in bars, hotels and other hospitality business.
Meanwhile, the former Brand Stage will be transformed into the Tasting Room, an area set aside for brand and exhibitor experiences.
Following its debut last year, BCB’s Next Generation initiative will become a key focus across all three days. Targeted at young hospitality workers, the scheme aims to provide networking opportunities, and educational talks on career paths, training and the future of bar work.
Furthermore, BCB is shaking up its education format, turning the Main Stage into the Embassy Stage. The concept seeks to create more interaction between speakers and audiences by moving away from the traditional keynote format.
The Embassy Stage will have circular seating, lounge furniture and a more open layout.
The BCB Education Board will once again return to curate the programme. The board consists of Priyanka Blah (director of education), Eleni Nikoloulia, Maria Gorbatschova and Damien Guichard.
The show will also focus on the growth of the low-and-no sector, spearheaded by Camille Vidal who joins BCB as ambassador for the category.
BCB’s sister show in the US, Bar Convent Brooklyn, will return to New York City next week with almost 200 exhibitors.
The UK version of the trade fair held its second edition in London last month.
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