Bar Convent Berlin unveils new Education Programme and announces first speakers

For 2026, BCB introduces a new educational framework designed to offer inspiration, context and practical knowledge in equal measure. Inspired by the process of distillation, the programme is structured around three complementary pillars:

Forward-looking ideas, industry trends and creative perspectives – Through keynotes, panel discussions and fireside conversations, the category Heads explores topics such as innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, brand building and the future of hospitality.

The human side of hospitality – Sessions focus on diversity, inclusion, workplace culture, leadership, mental wellbeing and the conversations shaping a more sustainable industry.

Practical knowledge for everyday hospitality – Hands-on workshops and interactive sessions provide techniques, operational knowledge and immediately applicable skills.

Together, the three pillars create a holistic Education Programme that balances inspiration, understanding and practical implementation.

BCB 2026 will once again welcome internationally recognised voices from across the hospitality and beverage industry. The first confirmed speakers, talks and sessions include:

Vijay Mudaliar (Native Bar, Singapore) and Giacomo Gianotti (Paradiso, Barcelona) will explore the topic of Drink Design in a conversation hosted by BCB Education Board member Maria Gorbatschova. Having studied design before becoming Bar Manager at Berlin's renowned Green Door Bar, Gorbatschova brings a unique perspective to the intersection of creativity, functionality and hospitality.

Alexis Goertz, founder of the Berlin-based fermentation education platform Edible Alchemy, will lead a hands-on workshop on Wild Fermented Soda Pop, where participants will create and take home their own naturally fermented soda while exploring the fundamentals of wild fermentation.

Kevin Kos will moderate a panel exploring how geographical remoteness can become a defining advantage for bars. Joining him are Jean Trinh (Alquímico, Cartagena), Don Ranasinghe (Smoke & Bitters, Hiriketiya) and Sofokli Cali (Nouvelle Vague, Tirana). Together, they will discuss how constraints fuel creativity and how bars outside the traditional cocktail capitals are reshaping the global conversation on their own terms.

BCB Education Director Priyanka Blah will host a panel discussion on working with media, bringing together leading voices from the international press and PR landscape to discuss how bars and brands can build authentic visibility, meaningful relationships and lasting relevance.

Rounding out the first programme highlights, Camille Vidal, founder of La Maison Wellness and BCB's Low & No Ambassador, will deliver a keynote exploring one of the industry's most influential movements. Drawing on her experience as a bartender, educator and advocate for mindful drinking, she will share her perspective on how Low & No continues to redefine flavour, creativity and guest experiences across modern hospitality.

At the heart of the Education Programme, the Embassy Stage creates a space where conversations, learning and hospitality naturally come together. Rather than separating speakers from audiences, the concept encourages dialogue, exchange and participation in a more intimate setting.

“The best education doesn't feel like a lecture, it feels like a great bar: open, engaging and built around conversation. This new programme is designed to spark ideas, connect people, share practical knowledge and inspire people to think differently. And I believe No & Low belongs at the centre of those conversations. It's no longer a niche, it concerns everyone because it's helping shape the future of hospitality.” – Camille Vidal, No & Low Expert.

The experience extends to the Embassy Bar, hosted by FOCO from Barcelona. Named after the term Foreign Correspondent, the award-winning neighborhood cocktail bar was inspired by the idea of creating a place where people from different backgrounds come together to exchange stories, ideas and experiences. Having become a hub for bartenders from around the world, FOCO is a natural fit for the Embassy concept, where education and hospitality meet.

Throughout BCB 2026, the FOCO team will present its own interpretations of No & Low cocktails, translating one of the industry's most dynamic trends into a hands-on tasting experience for visitors.

With its new Education Programme, internationally recognised speakers and an expanded Embassy concept, BCB 2026 continues to strengthen its position as one of the industry's leading platforms for knowledge exchange, inspiration and professional development.

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