Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Coffee Fest - Steaming Up The Windy City,
February 23-25, 2007

Coffee Fest is thrilled to once again present the latest innovations in the specialty coffee industry as it returns to Chicago's Navy Pier, February 23-25, 2007.

More than 250 exhibitors are scheduled to unite in introducing the industry's newest products and services, making Coffee Fest Chicago the source for specialty coffee and tea retailers aiming to stay on top. Coffee Fest is also delighted to present, in conjunction with the International Academy of Specialty Coffee (I.A.S.C.), an unparalleled educational component that consists of nearly 100 classes, workshops, and seminars scheduled to be held during the 3 days of Coffee Fest.

What exactly is specialty coffee? Specialty coffee is categorized as the premium 5 percent of coffee grown, which possesses distinctive flavors in the cup and is free of defects. This specific segment of the international coffee market reached $8.47 billion in 2003, and continues to grow. The total value of the global coffee industry reaches $60 billion annually, making it the second-most heavily traded commodity in the world, surpassed only by oil. Next to tap water, coffee is the most popular drink worldwide with an estimated 1.4 billion cups consumed each day. With such a strong global impact, it is no wonder the specialty coffee industry is so popular.

With more than 250 exhibiting booths, Coffee Fest strives to showcase everything the specialty coffee and tea industry needs; from allied products such as biscotti, flavoring syrups, and smoothie mixes to coffee, tea, and brewing and serving equipment. Coffee Fest will feature a strong emphasis on attendee education with more than 50 different free seminars available in the signature Red Cup Series, ranging in topics that aim to address all aspects of the specialty coffee retail industry from starting a business to keeping it growing.

The International Academy of Specialty Coffee (I.A.S.C.) is the leading industry source for training and education, and is exclusively found at Coffee Fest trade shows. The I.A.S.C. roster of classes features the Specialty Coffee Business Seminar, specifically designed to help entrepreneurs enter and succeed in the business. The three-day course has taught over 2,000 students how to successfully open, compete and profit from a specialty coffee cart, kiosk, drive-thru, or cafe. The I.A.S.C. also offers programs such as the popular 4-hour Hands-On Barista Training Workshop, Barista Certification Testing, Hands-On Latte Art Training, and Specialty Coffee Cupping.

The trade show floor is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Children under 13, including infants, are not admitted entrance to Coffee Fest. Admission to the trade show is $20.00 per person with Early Bird Registration (Before February 2nd), or $30.00 per person at the door, which is good for all three days and includes admission into all free Red Cup Series classes.

Online registration for Coffee Fest Chicago is now open.
To register please visit www.coffeefest.com.


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