The W Hotel, Barcelona | Photo credit: Benjamín Gremler

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In 2008, The European Coffee Symposium (ECS) was born out of a dream to bring together the most influential minds from across Europe’s coffee and hospitality sectors. Created by Jeffrey Young, the man behind Allegra Group, and event entrepreneur Ludovic Rossignol, The European Coffee Symposium rapidly became the go-to event to explore high-level business opportunities, gain access to the latest market insights and celebrate the industry’s best in the most exclusive 5* hotels across Europe. ‘Business, Insights, Growth’ swiftly became the event’s mantra.

For over 15 years, The ECS has brought together over 7,000 of the most hard-to-reach, senior decision-makers from across Europe to establish new business partnerships and lasting relationships. The ECS has delivered over 35,000 1-to-1 meetings, 140+ keynote sessions and 350+ European Coffee Awards have been received by some of the most progressive brands in the sector.

Hosting 500+ key industry players and taking place in a different city each year, the multi-day event features a 1-to-1 Meetings Programme, cutting edge Talks Programme, Expo, Study Tour and Awards Dinner and the prestigious European Coffee Awards.

See the full ECS speaker programme

1-to-1 meetings

The 1-to-1 Meetings Programme offers a highly curated, time and cost-effective tool for buyers and suppliers to establish new business relationships. The programme enables attendees to engage directly with leading retailers, multi-site coffee shop and foodservice operators, as well as the industry’s most trusted suppliers through a series of pre-approved 1-to-1 meetings. ECS’ precise match-making process guarantees that each buyer-supplier interaction is tailored to maximise new business development opportunities within your specific product category.

Conference

Gain access to the latest actionable market insights and industry trends delivered by industry leaders, entrepreneurs and business experts. The thought-provoking programme will equip your business with the essential knowledge required to break into a competitive marketplace and stay ahead of the curve. ECS will also be broadcasting live afternoon podcast sessions in partnership with 5THWAVE – so stay tuned!



Expo

Step into a world of disruptive innovations and cutting-edge product developments at the Expo — an electrifying showcase that sets the stage for demonstrations, samplings, and tastings from a curated selection of Signature Sponsors.

The Expo serves as a dedicated arena for engaging with sought after decision-makers, offering an exclusive space to create impactful brand connections with those who are otherwise challenging to reach. This is your opportunity to deliver an immersive brand encounter, forge meaningful connections, and unveil your unique cutting-edge USPs.

Awards dinner

The European Coffee Awards are the most prestigious awards in the European coffee and hospitality sectors, recognising and promoting company and individual excellence. As an industry peer you are invited to nominate the best pan-European operators and suppliers, with winners uniquely identified by the World Coffee Portal expert judging panel.

Winners are celebrated during the black-tie gala dinner. This is your moment to unwind, relish an evening of sophisticated corporate hospitality, and delight in the company of your VIP clients.

Study Tour

Immerse yourself in the local coffee scene. Discover Barcelona’s up and coming and established coffee and hospitality concepts, curated under the visionary guidance of Allegra Group CEO, Jeffrey Young. The Study Tour offers an exclusive gateway to draw inspiration and glean insights from the finest local operators, setting the benchmark for excellence.
 

The European Coffee Symposium takes place at the W Hotel, Barcelona, from 27-29 November 2023.