Bar Convent Berlin 2026: New concepts, new spaces and 20 years of BCB

At the heart of the 2026 edition is a new approach to education. The former Main Stage will evolve into the Embassy Stage – a redesigned hub combining educational content with the atmosphere of the BCB Embassy Bar. The concept aims to create more interaction between speakers and audiences while moving away from the traditional keynote format.

With circular seating arrangements, lounge furniture and a more open layout, the Embassy Stage is designed to create greater proximity between speakers and audiences while encouraging discussion, exchange and participation.

Sessions will range from panel discussions and fireside conversations to selected keynote formats, all with a stronger focus on dialogue, audience engagement and meaningful interaction.

The BCB Education Board will once again return to curate the programme, bringing together international expertise and diverse industry perspectives. The board consists of Priyanka Blah (Director of Education), Eleni Nikoloulia, Maria Gorbatschova and Damien Guichard.

A special focus in 2026 will once again be placed on the continued growth of the Low & No movement. Camille Vidal joins BCB as Low & No Ambassador, contributing her expertise on mindful drinking, hospitality experiences and the evolving role of non-alcoholic concepts within bar culture.

Alongside the updated stage concept, BCB 2026 will introduce several new show areas designed to create clearer thematic experiences throughout the venue.

• Outdoor Area
  A weather-independent urban garden concept will combine bar culture, lighting design and atmospheric elements to create an immersive social space. Exhibitors from the beer, craft beer and snack sectors will be brought together in an environment designed for relaxed discovery and interaction.
• Low & No Area
  Reflecting the sustained importance of mindful drinking trends, BCB 2026 will feature a dedicated Low & No Area, offering a focused platform for exhibitors specialising in non-alcoholic and low-ABV products. The area is also designed to provide start-ups and emerging brands with an accessible opportunity to gain visibility and connect with industry professionals through a “small effort, big visibility” approach.
• BCB Concept Store
  A completely new retail-inspired format will debut in Hall 11.1 with the BCB Concept Store. Unlike a traditional trade fair setting, this area will allow direct sales of products commonly used in bars, hotels and hospitality businesses, like bar tools or equipment – creating a hands-on shopping and discovery experience for visitors.
• Tasting Room: Clearer Brand Experiences
  The former Brand Stage will become the Tasting Room, a dedicated area for exhibitor- and brand-led experiences. The concept creates a clear distinction between the official BCB Education Programme and branded content while offering visitors immersive tastings and portfolio presentations in a discovery-focused environment.
• Investing in the Next Generation
  Following its successful introduction in 2025, the Next Generation initiative will become a strategic focus integrated across all three show days. BCB aims to further strengthen the connection between young hospitality professionals and the wider industry through targeted networking opportunities, educational formats and talks on career paths, training and the future of bar work.

The initiative reflects one of the industry’s most pressing priorities: attracting and supporting new talent while positioning hospitality as a sustainable and inspiring career path.

With new educational formats, immersive show concepts and a continued commitment to innovation, BCB 2026 aims to celebrate its anniversary by looking firmly towards the future of the industry.

Tickets for Bar Convent Berlin 2026 are now available via the official ticket shop: