NEW YORK (August 25, 2021) - Bar Convent Brooklyn returned to New York City on August 17-18 to reunite the beverage industry together following last year's virtual Global Bar Week. This year's bar trade conference marked the return of in-person events and the first industry bar and beverage conference as a physical show since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with attendees coming in from over 36 states across the US.
With 134 exhibitors, over 50 new products debuted, 3,000+ attendees, 65,000 ounces of mixers used, and 250,000 drinks and spirits samples poured over two days, Bar Convent Brooklyn 2021 hit the ground running. "It was invigorating to see the industry come together at BCB Brooklyn and see connections and ideas grow from the show," says Bar Convent Brooklyn Event Director Jackie Williams. "It's evident from the show that the industry is coming back stronger and more inspired, connected, and united."
Education expanded this year with 30% more programming added, resulting in 87 panels and tasting demonstrations across five stages. There were some prevalent industry trends and insights that emerged during the two-day program. In a discussion on "Creating a Future-Proof Market for Craft Spirits," Maggie Quinn (Director of Public Relations, DISCUS) shared 2020 data that showed the decline in on-premise spirits expenditures gave consumers $20 billion to spend off-premise, including at-home mixology and RTDs. This correlation and change in legislation allowed craft brands to reach their consumers directly and replace the loss of tasting room sales with direct product purchases via the brand's website. Speakers Brian Facquet (Do Good Spirits) and Danny Polise (Penelope Bourbon) added that the agility of a craft brand allows them to shift quickly, and this direct-to-consumer shipping grant brands the opportunity to expand their offerings vs. a traditional retail space.
