Overview of the Coffee & Tea Festival

The Coffee & Tea Festival is one of the most anticipated beverage industry events in the United States, held at various venues across the country, including popular locations such as Brooklyn, New York, and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The festival is a premier consumer and trade show dedicated to showcasing the latest trends, flavors, and innovations in the coffee and tea industry. It serves as a dynamic platform for enthusiasts, business owners, and industry professionals to connect, taste, shop, and learn more about these globally loved beverages.

Whether you are a coffee aficionado, tea lover, barista, café owner, or supplier, the Coffee & Tea Festival offers a unique opportunity to engage with brands, explore new products, and gain insights into the culture and craft of brewing excellence.

Venue and timing details

Each year, the Coffee & Tea Festival rotates between several U.S. cities, providing accessibility to different regions. Two of the most prominent locations include:

• Brooklyn Expo Center, New York: This modern event venue is situated in the heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, offering a spacious layout for exhibitors and attendees alike.
• Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania: A large and accessible venue known for hosting consumer-centric expos, located just outside of Philadelphia.

Dates and times for each edition vary, typically occurring in spring or fall. For example:

• Brooklyn edition: Usually held in March or April, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM over the weekend.
• Valley Forge edition: Commonly scheduled in October or November, also running Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Admission and ticket information

The festival offers various ticketing options to cater to different visitor interests:

• General Admission: Typically ranges between $25 to $40 per person, granting access to vendor booths, free tastings, and general programming.
• VIP Admission: Prices vary between $45 to $65, offering early entry, a souvenir tote bag, exclusive samples, and reserved seating at select seminars.
• Group Discounts: Available for parties of 10 or more, ideal for clubs, companies, or friends.

Tickets are limited and often sell out in advance, particularly the VIP packages, due to their added benefits.

What to expect at the festival

The Coffee & Tea Festival hosts a diverse lineup of exhibitors, educational seminars, and live demonstrations, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Here’s what attendees can explore:

• Product categories include artisanal coffee roasters, gourmet teas, teaware, brewing equipment, organic blends, cold brew innovations, herbal infusions, plant-based creamers, and more.
• Live demos and seminars cover topics like brewing techniques, latte art, coffee roasting, health benefits of tea, sustainability in sourcing, and how to start a coffee business.
• Meet the makers: Engage with small-batch producers, international tea brands, and third-wave coffee pioneers.
• Sampling stations: Taste unlimited coffee and tea samples throughout the venue.
• Marketplace: Shop for exclusive and hard-to-find products directly from vendors.

Visitor profile and footfall

The event draws a wide range of attendees:

• Beverage enthusiasts and hobbyists
• Professional baristas and café owners
• Retail buyers and wholesalers
• Nutritionists and wellness professionals
• Lifestyle bloggers and influencers

Each edition of the Coffee & Tea Festival records an estimated 5,000–8,000 visitors over the course of the weekend, depending on the location and timing. The audience is engaged, diverse, and passionate about the industry.

Nearby hotels and accommodation

Convenient lodging options are available near both major venues:

For Brooklyn Expo Center:

• Henry Norman Hotel – Stylish boutique stay just 0.3 miles from the venue.
• The William Vale – Modern luxury in Williamsburg, around 1.2 miles away.
• Box House Hotel – Highly rated for its location and comfort.

For Greater Philadelphia Expo Center:

• Hampton Inn Philadelphia/Valley Forge – Less than 1 mile from the venue.
• Hyatt House Philadelphia/King of Prussia – Ideal for longer stays and group travelers.
• Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Valley Forge – Located in a quiet neighborhood, minutes away from the center.

Early bookings are advised as hotels tend to fill up during the festival weekend.

Benefits of attending the Coffee & Tea Festival

Attending the Coffee & Tea Festival provides a wide range of benefits, including:

• Networking opportunities with leading industry players, entrepreneurs, and influencers.
• Hands-on learning through seminars and workshops, led by experts in their field.
• Access to new products and innovations, often before they hit the general market.
• Health and wellness exposure, with growing trends in herbal and functional teas.
• Exclusive tasting experiences: Discover rare coffee beans, single-origin teas, and sustainable brews.
• Small business support: Meet local and global sellers directly and learn about their craft.
• Educational enrichment: Suitable for professionals aiming to enhance their skill set or pivot into the beverage business.

Perks for VIP attendees

• Early access to the show floor
• Limited-edition festival merchandise
• Premium samples not available to general attendees
• Priority seating at popular workshops

These benefits make the VIP experience especially worthwhile for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Accessibility and travel information

Both venues are ADA compliant, with designated access for wheelchairs and mobility aids. Public transportation is readily available for the Brooklyn edition, while Valley Forge offers ample free parking and shuttle access from nearby train stations.

Food options are available on-site or nearby, with several participating vendors offering gourmet snacks, pastries, and light meals.

Sustainability and community focus

The festival is committed to eco-friendly practices, promoting the use of reusable drinkware, composting stations, and encouraging low-waste sampling. Many vendors highlight their ethical sourcing models and community-driven partnerships in coffee and tea farming regions.