We’re still reeling from a wonderful show in Seattle this past weekend, in the form of the always busy and fun Coffee Fest Seattle. This year’s installment was even busier than ever ”seriously, when I talked to fellow exhibitors, everyone agreed that the traffic was much better than in years past ”and we had thought it was good in years past! But on Friday and Saturday of Coffee Fest, the throngs of people in the aisles were so thick that it took a good 10 minutes to make it from one end to the other. This is a great sign that the independent specialty coffee sector is clearing the economic hump of the past few years!
Gorgeous Seattle... we had rain on Saturday, but Friday (when this photo was taken) and Sunday were simply amazing.
We at Barista Magazine sold lots of subscriptions, had a blast hanging out with old friends, as well as getting to know new friends throughout the weekend. And given that the show took place over Halloween weekend, there was an added element of zaniness, which was entertaining all weekend long.
Barista Magazine’s Art Director, Jessica Bernert ”who runs a fantastic design studio here in Portland that specializes in beverage industry work ”was with us in Seattle for the whole weekend, and she captured in photos some of the scenes and people that made this weekend great. So here are some images from last weekend in lovely Seattle…
Alex of Aeropress was on hand to do demos for the weekend...The boyz at the Hario booth were busy all weekend (yep, that's Keith, creator of the K-Cone, on the right).Barista Mag's booth was right next door to La Marzocco's ”and you do know that La Marzocco just started repping Marco's Uber Boiler, right? Made for some great coffee for those of us working Barista Mag's booth all weekend!Ken from Barista Magazine being interviewed by Seattle media...Awesome Barista Magazine booth worker, Jolene, helping customers.Adam McGovern of Sterling Coffee in Portland just moments after being crowned the champion of the New World Latte Art Competition. Adam beat 63 baristas for the title!Jessica took a little time to peruse the goods at Pike Place Market one morning ”fall colors on display!
Sarah Allen (she/her) is co-founder and editor of Barista Magazine, the international trade magazine for coffee professionals. A passionate advocate for baristas, quality, and the coffee community, Sarah has traveled widely to research stories, interact with readers, and present on a variety of topics affecting specialty coffee. She also loves animals, swimming, ice cream, and living in Portland, Oregon.
