SCAA partners with Boyds Coffee for Portland event

The Specialty Coffee Association of America’s (SCAA) 24th Annual Exposition & Symposium will be held in Portland, Oregon this 19-22 April 2012. Thousands of coffee professionals from more than 40 countries will converge at the Oregon Convention Center to focus on specialty coffee, learn about the latest innovational trends and products in the coffee marketplace, and engage with fellow industry professionals for the ultimate purpose of delivering a better experience for coffee drinkers. At the SCAA’s 24th annual Symposium, held immediately prior to the Exposition 18-19 April 2012, executives and coffee professionals from around the world will convene to discuss and collectively address major issues around quality and sustainability.  Last year’s Event welcomed more than 8,000 coffee professionals and a show floor featuring more than 700 exhibitor booths representing all things specialty coffee and tea, including: green and roasted specialty coffee, espresso machines and grinders, roasting equipment, brewing machines, coffee drinks and mixes, flavorings and syrups, chocolate and cocoa products, baked goods, and much more. SCAA is partnering with Boyds Coffee, the Official Host Sponsor for the 2012 Event. Boyds has been headquartered in Portland for over 110 years, and is a founding member of the SCAA. “We’re thrilled that the SCAA has chosen Portland as the host city and Boyds Coffee as the host sponsor,” said Katy Boyd Dutt, Director of Marketing, in a press release. “Portland is well known as one of the best coffee cities – not just in America, but in the world. We're looking forward to SCAA members getting to see what's behind all the hype.” Attendees wishing to expand their skill set and learn from credentialed SCAA Lead Instructors can register for Skill Building Workshops (SBW) which are integral to the SCAA Professional Development Program. These hands on courses focus on coffee preparation, taught according to SCAA standards and protocols grading and evaluation, coffee business, roasting, coffee science and technology.
Other activities at The Event include several annual competitions: the United States Barista Championship (USBC), US Brewers Cup, US Cup Tasters Championship, the Roasters Guild Coffees of the Year Competition (COTY) and Roasters Choice Competition. Top-tier baristas, roasters, coffee cuppers, and producers from around the world will compete for the coveted titles. Additional events include the Rainforest Alliance and International Women in Coffee breakfasts as well as award receptions recognizing industry excellence such as the Best New Product & Sustainability Awards, among others.
Host cities for future SCAA Event venues include Boston, Massachusetts in 2013 and Seattle, Washington in 2014-15. Complete Exposition details are available at www.scaaevent.org.