BCB 2025: PRESS CONFERENCE AND PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Bar Convent Berlin 2025 will open its doors from 6 to 8 October at the Exhibition Centre Berlin. Ahead of the event, a press conference will be held on the opening day, offering exclusive insights from some of the industry’s most respected voices. In parallel, a curated selection of programme highlights provides a first glimpse into the breadth and energy of this year’s educational content.
MONDAY MORNING BRIEFING: THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT BCB 2025
The official press conference for BCB 2025 will take place on 6 October in the BCB Lounge, marking the start of the event with a focus on the ideas and individuals shaping the future of the global bar and beverage industry.
This year’s Morning Briefing brings together a select group of speakers who have been instrumental in guiding the programme and direction of BCB 2025:
- Petra Lassahn, Director of BCB
- Camille Vidal, a global mindful drinking advocate, founder of La Maison Wellness and creator of Mindful Cocktails™, and who will be hosting Low & No Monday at the all-new Education Area inside the BCB Embassy
- Gernot Allnoch, co-founder of Club Cantina and curator of the returning Agave Embassy, offering three days of deep dives into one of the industry’s most vibrant categories
- Maren Meyer, chairwoman of the Deutsche Barkeeper-Union e.V. (DBU), which presents the DBU Stage and serves as the operating partner for the new Working Wednesday concept.
Each speaker will offer unique insights into the evolving drinks culture – from mindful mixology and category exploration to the continued professionalisation of the global bar industry.
Attendance is reserved for accredited members of the media.
Accreditation is available via the BCB website.
For further enquiries, please contact the media contact.
EXPLORING WHAT MATTERS: PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS AT BCB 2025
The Education Programme at BCB 2025 brings together international voices and future-relevant topics. All sessions are curated by the multi-member BCB Education Board, under the direction of Priyanka Blah, BCB Director of Education – ensuring the programme reflects both global perspectives and the core challenges shaping today’s bar world.
To illustrate the thematic range and speaker diversity, here are selected highlights from the programme:
• STORYTELLING AND HOW IT MAXIMISES CREATIVITY AND HOSPITALITY
7 October, 6.00–7.00 p.m., Workshop Stage
Ryan Chetiyawardana, award-winning bartender and creative entrepreneur, explores how storytelling can unlock creativity, elevate hospitality skills and create lasting guest experiences.
• BUILDING A SEASONAL BAR IN A NON-TRADITIONAL MARKET – JORDAN
8 October, 12.00–1.00 p.m., Main Stage
Amman Alsaqqaf, bar founder and hospitality consultant, shares her experience developing seasonal concepts in markets where tradition and supply chains pose unique challenges.
• SHOWCASING THE CULTURAL AND POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SPIRITS GLOBALLY
6 October, 1.30–2.30 p.m., Main Stage
Jared Brown, drinks historian and author, examines how indigenous spirits are connected to cultural identity and global relevance, and why protecting their authenticity matters.
• REIMAGINING THE BAR: A NON-ALCOHOLIC FARM-TO-GLASS TRANSFORMATION
6 October, 2.00–3.00 p.m., Workshop Stage
Ezra Star, bar owner and consultant, highlights the creative and operational potential of non-alcoholic concepts – from sustainability to ingredient storytelling.
• AI AND THE FUTURE OF THE BAR INDUSTRY
8 October, 12.45–1.30 p.m., BCB Embassy
Danil Nevsky, thought leader and digital community builder, explores how AI is transforming bar operations, creativity and the customer experience.
The full Education Programme spans multiple curated stages, from strategic panels and interactive workshops to partner-led activations and brand-hosted tastings. Topics range from sustainable bar management and creative product development to workplace culture, leadership, business and innovation. At the heart of it all is the BCB Embassy – a dedicated area that explores a different trend each day. Whether it’s the rise of low and no, the revival of the classics, or the vision of the next generation, this space blends education, experience and guest interaction.
Carefully curated and internationally relevant, this year’s education offering creates space for meaningful dialogue, peer learning and inspiration on a level playing field. For the full programme and speaker line-up, please visit our online schedule.
