Barista Connect Comes to Australia

Barista Connect, a series of lectures and presentations dedicated to improving equality in the coffee industry, travels to Melbourne, Australia, in March!

BY ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE

Photos courtesy of Barista Connect

Barista Connect brings women from across the coffee industry together in a small, intimate setting of lectures and discussions about inclusivity and empowerment. The event, which is the brainchild of 2017 Danish Barista Champion Sonja Zweidick, has traveled all around Europe; this March, it will land in Melbourne for the first time. “From our very first event, we have had participants from many different countries, and I see this as one of Barista Connect’s best qualities,” said Sonja, who has talked with us on this website about her motivation to start the event. “To keep the diversity, I had the idea to bring the events to the women in our industry in different parts of Europe, to make it more accessible and affordable. When Barista Connect London was happening, I received many encouraging messages of interest from all over the world, especially from Australia.”

Barista Connect brings together professionals from across the coffee supply chain. The aim is to build networks and improve opportunities for those affected by their gender identity in the coffee industry.

Barista Connect is not just a list of lectures and discussions—although the roster of folks speaking is incredible—but it’s also a chance for female-identifying people to come together and share insights, build networks, and create a space that welcomes them. A goal of Barista Connect’s initiative of inclusivity is to travel with the event, and we hope to see more Barista Connects all across the globe. “We are truly excited to bring Barista Connect outside Europe for the first time, and the local Melbourne coffee network has already proven its strength. As always we are extremely grateful to our strong sponsors, who make it possible for us to continue striving to achieve our mission nonprofit,” Sonja said. Topics to be discussed include green coffee sourcing, social media influence, and a natural wine tasting.

Experts in areas such as wine, social media, and green coffee will be on hand to give lectures and talks about their areas of expertise and to inspire growth and learning.

Here’s a list of some of the folks you can expect to see at Barista Connect:

Michelle Johnson, communications lead at Barista Hustle and blogger at The Chocolate Barista

Elika Rowell, head roaster and co-owner at Square One Coffee Roasters

Charlotte Malaval, green buyer at Toby’s Estate and two-time World Barista Champion finalist

Lucy Ward, green buyer & quality assurance at ST. ALi

Meira Harel, head sommelier and wine director at King and Godfree

Jenni Bryant (GM) and Milla Vainikainen (HR) at Market Lane

Jets Anita Langlands, marketing manager at La Marzocco Australia

Celina Lazarus, owner and director of Maillard Atelier

Event co-host: Mikaela Gervard, World Brewers Cup finalist, HR coordinator at The Coffee Collective

Just some of the generous sponsors for Barista Connect. The event is capped at 40 people to keep lectures intimate and foster communication amongst attendees.

This event is small (capped at 40 attendees), so buy your tickets ASAP. You don’t have to be in any particular role or spot in your coffee career to attend Barista Connect—you just need a desire to listen to others and collaborate with women across the coffee supply chain. Barista Connect Melbourne will take place March 19-20 at the La Marzocco Melbourne Showroom and Maillard Atelier. Registration is now open; find out more about the event at baristaconnect.com.