Clementine Communications meets the brains behind premium international bar and beverage trade show, Bar Convent, Berlin (6-7 October), dubbed the ‘bartender’s Christmas’. They are Helmut Adams, (H.A.), co-founder and communications manager, and events director, Petra Lassahn (P.L.)
How will B.C.B. and Brew Berlin differ from previous years?
H.A. Running over 12,500 square metres, Bar Convent will feel a lot bigger this year, with four additional stages, a new coffee section, and an arena for products made exclusively in Germany and Switzerland. Meanwhile, Brew Berlin, of which we received such positive feedback last year, now features its own stage and dedicated area for exhibitors, of which 50 are new, from big players like Beck’s and Pilsner Urquell to renowned speciality brewers such as Schneider Weisse and BraufactuM. There is no other business platform in Germany with such a strong focus on beer. Compared to the U.K., craft beer is still in its infancy in Germany, so we hope Brew Berlin will be a great incubator to hatch new ideas for our future of fermentation!
There will also be a strong focus on start-ups. We have grown from 16 exhibitors when we started Bar Convent nine years ago to over 200 today, feauturing some 550 brands. Every year we analyse the market and, having kept in touch with Distill Ventures for the past three years, are delighted to be able to present ‘Brand Starter’ sessions this year, which include practical advice for prospective and existing small business owners. We are excited by our inspiring roster of speakers, including: Magnus Dandanell from Mackmyra Swedish Whisky, Maximilian Wagner (Belsazar Vermouth) and Stephan Berg (The Bitter Truth) who will come together to share their accrued wisdom when it comes to starting a business.
What are your additional recommendations to see at Bar Convent Berlin 2015?
H.A. The Main Stage for an array of interesting masterclasses and seminars, including one by U.S.A. bartender, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, who returns to Bar Convent to speak about ‘how to bring new spirits to life’ and ‘What I’ve learned about bartending, having last year seen his talk prove so popular we had people sitting on the floor.
P.L Our exhibitors, of which there are 30% more this year. The show is all about matching the right exhibitor and visitor – offering everything they need in one place. I was delighted to overhear someone describe Bar Convent as the ‘bartender’s Christmas’ – the ultimate playground to come together each year and network.
H.A. And, don’t forget the food court which is showcasing Berlin’s street food scene this year.
How is the show evolving?
H.A. As Berlin becomes a hotter tourist destination, the show becomes more international. Last year, over half our exhibitors came from abroad, which is great – Bar Convent should be a truly global trade show.
P.L. We also want to maintain Bar Convent’s position as a premium show for innovative brand partnerships.
H.A. This means we won’t accept energy drink brands – and there is no music – we want Bar Convent to remain a place to conduct business.
P.L. We also honour a different country each year. This year, Brazil is in under the spotlight. Felipe Januzzi from São Paulo will be exploring a ‘Mapa da Cachaça’ in ‘Artisanal Cachaça Explained’. Next year, we will look towards the UK.
What does the future hold for Bar Convent?
H.A. We will strive to continue to keeping growing sustainably and are actively looking at extending into other continents such as China…
BarConvent.com
