Pouring Perfection: Your Ultimate Guide to Coffee Fest, Portland!

The Pacific Northwest – a region globally recognized for its vibrant coffee culture, a hotbed of innovation, sustainable practices, and the birthplace of countless specialty coffee trends. At the very heart of this aromatic universe lies an event that is an absolute pilgrimage for anyone passionate about coffee, tea, and related beverages: Coffee Fest, Portland. This isn’t just a trade show; it’s an immersive experience, a dynamic hub where the art and science of coffee converge, and where the future of the beverage industry is brewed. Imagine stepping into an enormous convention hall, enveloped in the rich aroma of freshly roasted beans, the comforting hiss of espresso machines, and the energetic chatter of thousands of industry professionals – from seasoned roasters to aspiring cafe owners – exchanging ideas and forging invaluable connections. This is your unparalleled opportunity to discover the next award-winning bean, explore revolutionary brewing equipment, engage in hands-on workshops, and build relationships that will elevate your coffee business to new heights. For cafe owners, roasters, baristas, distributors, and anyone even dreaming of entering the thriving coffee industry, Coffee Fest is not merely an option—it’s an essential annual event for staying ahead of the curve, finding profound inspiration, and cultivating unparalleled growth in today’s fiercely competitive market.

The coffee and tea industry in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Portland, is characterized by a relentless pursuit of quality, ethical sourcing, unique flavor profiles, and a strong sense of community. This constant evolution demands that professionals stay at the forefront of innovation, from new brewing techniques and sustainable packaging to advanced point-of-sale systems and creative marketing strategies for an increasingly discerning clientele. Coffee Fest serves as the ultimate compass for these shifts, unveiling new products, showcasing revolutionary solutions, and providing a platform for critical knowledge exchange. It’s where emerging brands find their foothold, and established businesses redefine their strategies for success in a region known for its sophisticated coffee palate. If you’re looking to optimize your cafe’s operations, refresh your beverage menu with exciting new offerings, tackle staffing challenges, understand evolving consumer preferences for specialty drinks, or simply immerse yourself in the passionate community of coffee professionals, attending Coffee Fest Portland offers an unmatched opportunity to learn, discover, and propel your business to new heights.

The Aromatic Heart of the Northwest: Venue and Time

Coffee Fest strategically selects world-class convention facilities in cities that are hubs of coffee culture, ensuring an authentic and enriching experience for all attendees.

Portland’s Premier Venue: The Oregon Convention Center For 2025, Coffee Fest Portland will be held at the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) in Portland, Oregon, USA. The address is 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232. The Oregon Convention Center is a modern, spacious, and easily accessible facility located just across the Willamette River from downtown Portland. Its iconic twin glass spires make it a landmark, and its connection to the city’s efficient MAX light rail system ensures convenient access from various parts of Portland, including the airport and hotel districts. The OCC’s infrastructure provides ample space for the bustling exhibit hall, numerous educational seminar rooms, and dedicated areas for competitions and hands-on training, all under one roof. Portland’s reputation as a mecca for specialty coffee, its vibrant independent cafe scene, and its commitment to quality make it the ideal backdrop for Coffee Fest.

The Summer Brew: The Schedule Coffee Fest is a multi-city annual event, and its Portland edition consistently takes place in mid-June. This strategic timing allows industry professionals to gather as they head into the busy summer season, making it ideal for sourcing new products, refining seasonal menus, and engaging in professional development.

For 2025, Coffee Fest Portland is scheduled to run from June 13-14, 2025.

The event typically spans two full days, with a meticulously designed schedule to maximize discovery, education, and networking opportunities:

• Show Floor Hours: Generally from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on the first day and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the second day. These hours provide ample time to explore the diverse exhibits and engage with suppliers.
• Education Program: A robust, multi-track conference program runs throughout both days. Education sessions often begin earlier than the show floor, allowing for dedicated learning time. These sessions cover a wide array of critical topics relevant to owning and operating a coffee business, from startup essentials and operational efficiency to advanced brewing techniques, marketing, and staff training. Over 80+ hours of coffee business-focused education are often available.
• Live Competitions: Coffee Fest is famous for its exhilarating competitions, most notably the Latte Art World Championship Open and often other challenges like The Roasters Choice. These events showcase incredible skill and creativity, providing both entertainment and inspiration.
• Hands-On Workshops & Labs: Many sessions are designed to be interactive, offering attendees the chance to get hands-on with new equipment, practice latte art, or participate in cupping sessions. Dedicated areas like the “Coffee Skills Lab” and “Cupping Corner” provide immersive learning experiences.
• Featured Areas & Pavilions: The show floor often features specialized zones, such as the “Tech Lab” (showcasing cutting-edge equipment and offering technical training), “The Market” (for branded merchandise and retail items), and various “Meet Ups” and networking events like the “Roaster Happy Hour.”
• Networking Opportunities: Beyond the formal sessions, the entire show environment is designed for connection. Attendees can network with peers, industry veterans, and potential suppliers directly on the show floor and at various informal gatherings.

This extensive and dynamic schedule ensures that every attendee, whether a seasoned professional or a budding entrepreneur, finds valuable content and connections to propel their coffee business forward in the unique Pacific Northwest market.

A Connoisseur’s Collection: Key Product and Service Categories

Coffee Fest offers an incredibly comprehensive range of products, services, and solutions that cater to every facet of operating a successful coffee shop, roastery, or beverage establishment. With hundreds of exhibitors, it serves as a one-stop shop for industry professionals. Key categories typically featured include:

• Coffee Beans & Roasting:
  • Green coffee beans from various origins, showcasing different varietals and processing methods.
  • Roasted coffee (wholesale and retail), including single-origin, blends, organic, and ethically sourced options.
  • Coffee roasting equipment (commercial roasters of various sizes, sample roasters, related accessories).
• Brewing & Espresso Equipment:
  • Commercial espresso machines (traditional and super-automatic).
  • Coffee brewers (drip, batch, pour-over stations, cold brew systems).
  • Grinders (espresso grinders, bulk grinders).
  • Water filtration and treatment systems.
  • Brewing accessories (scales, kettles, filters, tampers).
• Beverage Ingredients & Additives:
  • Syrups, sauces, flavorings, and sweeteners (including natural, organic, and sugar-free options).
  • Milk alternatives (oat, almond, soy, coconut, etc.).
  • Chai concentrates, smoothie mixes, frappe bases.
  • Teas (loose leaf, tea bags, matcha, specialty teas).
  • Cocoa, hot chocolate mixes.
  • Functional beverage ingredients (boosts, supplements).
• Food Products (Ancillary Offerings):
  • Baked goods, pastries, cookies, and dessert items (often pre-packaged or wholesale).
  • Grab-and-go food items, snacks, light lunch options for cafes.
  • Chocolate and confections.
• Cafe Supplies & Operations:
  • Paper goods (cups, lids, sleeves), disposable packaging, sustainable alternatives.
  • Cleaning supplies, sanitation equipment.
  • Barista tools (pitchers, tampers, thermometers).
  • Branded merchandise (mugs, apparel for resale).
  • Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, order management software, loyalty programs.
  • Inventory management solutions.
  • Security systems for cafes.
• Business Services & Consulting:
  • Financial services, loans specific to small businesses.
  • Insurance and legal advice.
  • Staffing and training solutions.
  • Marketing, branding, and design services for coffee shops.
  • Franchising opportunities.
  • Packaging solutions and materials (bags, labels, custom printing).
  • Consulting for cafe startups and expansion.

This incredibly diverse range ensures that any professional in the coffee, tea, and beverage business, from a new startup to a large established roastery or cafe chain, can find solutions to improve every aspect of their establishment, tailored to the unique and discerning demands of the Northwest market.

The Heartbeat of Coffee Culture: Visitor and Exhibitor Count

Coffee Fest consistently attracts a substantial and highly qualified audience, reflecting its position as a leading event for the specialty coffee and related beverage industries.

• Visitor Count: The Show typically draws thousands of qualified attendees, comprising key decision-makers, current business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs actively seeking products, solutions, and knowledge. While exact numbers can fluctuate annually, Coffee Fest events typically see visitor numbers in the range of 4,000 to 6,000+ attendees. This diverse and engaged audience ensures valuable interactions for both exhibitors and attendees. The show is known for attracting a high percentage of buyers and decision-makers.
• Exhibitor Count: Coffee Fest features hundreds of exhibiting companies, showcasing their latest products, equipment, ingredients, and services. The show floor is packed with a mix of established industry giants, innovative emerging brands, and regional suppliers, all presenting the latest advancements and trends in the coffee and tea world.
• Attendee Demographics: The audience at Coffee Fest Portland is precisely targeted and impactful, covering a wide spectrum of the beverage industry:
  • Coffee Shop Owners & Operators: From independent cafes to multi-unit chains.
  • Roasters: Large-scale commercial roasters to small-batch craft roasters.
  • Baristas: Seeking to enhance their skills, learn new techniques, and connect with the community.
  • Distributors & Brokers: Looking for new products to add to their portfolios.
  • Tea Shop Owners & Operators: Exploring new tea products and related equipment.
  • Bakery & Pastry Shop Owners: Seeking to enhance their beverage offerings.
  • Restaurant & Hotel F&B Managers: Looking to elevate their coffee and tea programs.
  • Caterers: Seeking new beverage solutions for events.
  • Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Individuals planning to open new coffee shops, roasteries, or beverage concepts.
  • Foodservice Professionals: From various institutional settings.
  • Media & Influencers: Covering trends and innovations in the coffee world.

The high concentration of passionate professionals and the targeted nature of the audience make this event incredibly efficient and productive for business development and market insights.

Brewing Success: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending Coffee Fest Portland is an immersive and strategic investment, offering a wealth of advantages for any professional operating in the dynamic coffee, tea, and beverage sector.

• Unrivaled Product Discovery: Explore hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the absolute latest in coffee beans, brewing equipment, espresso machines, syrups, teas, milk alternatives, and cafe supplies. This is your chance to discover unique offerings and solutions that will make your business stand out in a competitive market.
• Direct Supplier Connections: Engage face-to-face with manufacturers, distributors, and service providers. This direct interaction facilitates quality assessment, allows for negotiation, and helps in building invaluable long-term business relationships. You can literally taste the difference and see the equipment in action.
• Premier Trend Spotting: Gain immediate insights into current and emerging trends across the specialty coffee and beverage industry. This includes new brewing methods, ethical sourcing practices, sustainable packaging solutions, plant-based innovations, and evolving consumer preferences. Stay ahead of the curve and adapt your business accordingly.
• World-Class Education Program: Benefit from a robust schedule of expert-led seminars, workshops, and hands-on labs. Learn about critical topics such as cafe startup essentials, operational efficiency, advanced barista techniques, marketing strategies, menu development, financial management, and much more. With over 80 hours of education, there’s always something new to learn.
• Exciting Competitions & Demonstrations: Witness incredible skill at the Latte Art World Championship Open and other live demonstrations. These events are not only entertaining but also inspiring, offering new ideas for your own craft and business.
• Dedicated Learning Areas: Benefit from specialized zones like the “Tech Lab” for equipment insights, the “Cupping Corner” for sensory evaluation, and the “Coffee Skills Lab” for hands-on training, providing immersive and practical learning experiences.
• Targeted Networking Opportunities: Connect with thousands of passionate industry peers, leaders, and potential partners. Share challenges, exchange best practices, and build a powerful professional network within the coffee community, fostering collaborations and growth.
• Solutions for Business Challenges: The show is designed to address common industry pain points, offering solutions for labor management, cost control, supply chain issues, and adapting to evolving consumer demands.
• Exclusive Show-Only Deals: Many exhibitors offer special pricing, discounts, or promotions exclusively for show attendees, providing an opportunity for significant cost savings on purchases for your business.
• Unleash Inspiration & Innovation: Immerse yourself in an environment buzzing with creativity and passion. Coffee Fest is a place where new ideas are sparked, leading to fresh menu items, improved operations, and an enhanced overall experience for your customers.

Your Portland Perk: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Accommodation

Portland, known for its vibrant downtown and accessible public transport, offers a wide range of hotel options to suit every budget and preference, with excellent connectivity to the Oregon Convention Center.

• Connected & Walkable Options:
  • Hyatt Regency Portland at Oregon Convention Center: Directly connected to the OCC via a skybridge, offering unparalleled convenience.
  • Hotel Eastlund: A modern, stylish option very close to the OCC, often within walking distance.
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Portland: Another large hotel within walking distance or a very short MAX light rail ride.
• Downtown Portland: Just a short and easy ride on the MAX light rail (the Blue, Green, and Red lines all serve the OCC) from the convention center, downtown Portland offers numerous hotels ranging from luxury boutiques to well-known chains, along with endless dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
  • The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland
  • Hotel Monaco Portland, a Kimpton Hotel
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
  • Many other Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and boutique properties.
• Lloyd District: The immediate neighborhood around the OCC (the Lloyd District) also has several hotels, providing convenience without being directly in the bustling downtown core.
• Official Housing Partner: Coffee Fest often partners with an official housing bureau or offers recommended hotel blocks through its website. Booking through these channels is often advisable for potentially discounted rates and reliable service.

Given Portland’s popularity as a convention and tourist destination, and the significant attendance at Coffee Fest, it is highly advisable to book your accommodation as early as possible – ideally immediately after confirming your attendance – to secure your preferred location and rate.

The Investment in Your Brew: Understanding the Cost to Attend

Attending Coffee Fest Portland is a valuable investment for professionals in the coffee and beverage industries, providing access to essential resources for business growth and competitiveness. While specific pricing for 2025 is typically released closer to the event, based on previous years’ pricing and typical industry trade show costs, here’s what you can generally expect:

• General Admission Pass: This pass typically provides access to the exhibit hall for both days, including general live demonstrations and the competition viewing areas. Early bird rates for this pass usually range from $40 – $70 USD. Prices will increase for standard and on-site registration.
• Educational Session Access: Some educational seminars or workshops might be included with the general admission, while others, particularly hands-on or specialized training sessions, may require an additional fee or be part of a higher-tier “All-Access” or “Conference” pass. These might range from $70 – $150 USD for individual sessions or a package for multiple sessions.
• Competitor Fees: If you plan to participate in a competition like the Latte Art World Championship Open, there will be separate registration fees for competitors.
• Non-Exhibiting Manufacturer/Supplier (NONEX) Policy: For companies that are typically suppliers to the industry but choose not to exhibit, there is usually a significantly higher registration fee (often several hundreds of dollars) to access the show floor. This policy encourages companies to exhibit if they are primarily looking to sell products or services.

These fees generally cover access to the show itself. Attendees should also budget for personal travel (flights/trains), accommodation, and dining expenses in Portland. For the unparalleled opportunity to discover new products, connect with suppliers, gain vital education, and stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving specialty coffee market, the return on this investment is considered substantial and often critical for operational excellence and sustained profitability.

Elevate Your Coffee Craft: Your Journey to Beverage Excellence Begins Here!

Coffee Fest Portland is more than just an event; it’s the vibrant pulse of the specialty coffee community, a powerful and inspiring convergence of passion, innovation, and expertise that sets the tone for success. It’s where the latest brewing techniques are perfected, where groundbreaking equipment is unveiled, and where vital connections are forged that propel businesses forward. Whether you are a seasoned roaster seeking to refine your blend, an aspiring barista eager to master your latte art, a cafe owner looking to optimize your operations, or a supplier eager to connect with the best in the business, attending this Show is an essential experience that will ignite your passion, broaden your knowledge, and empower you to lead in the exciting, ever-evolving world of coffee and beverages. Don’t just serve coffee; craft an experience, innovate, connect, and thrive!

To learn more about Coffee Fest Portland and to plan your attendance, visit: coffeefest.com/portland