Overview of the Sensory Summit (with expo)
The Sensory Summit (with expo), Varies, USA (e.g., Davis, CA) is a highly specialized and professionally curated event that gathers experts, enthusiasts, and professionals from the world of coffee, sensory science, and flavor research. Hosted by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the summit focuses on advanced sensory analysis and its applications within the coffee industry. Attendees include coffee professionals, Q Graders, roasters, baristas, flavor scientists, product developers, academic researchers, and quality control specialists.

This summit is not a traditional consumer expo but a scientific, professional gathering designed for individuals seeking deeper knowledge of sensory evaluation techniques, neurogastronomy, sensory lexicons, and olfactory perception, all within the context of coffee and beverage industries.

Venue and Event Location
As a traveling summit, this event is held in different cities each year. One of the most notable venues is the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science at the University of California, Davis. The Davis location is renowned for its academic prestige and advanced facilities in food and beverage sciences. Past editions have also taken place in cities like Boston, MA and Atlanta, GA, depending on logistical planning and strategic partnerships with universities or research centers.

Typical Date and Timing
While dates may vary annually, the Sensory Summit is generally scheduled in Q1 or Q4 of the calendar year—typically between January and March or October and December. This timing allows participation without overlapping with other major industry events. The summit typically runs for 2 to 3 days, offering a full-day schedule from around 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, followed by networking opportunities and tasting sessions in the evening.

Who Should Attend
This summit is geared towards:

• Coffee roasters and green buyers
• Baristas and sensory trainers
• Researchers and scientists in food and beverage
• Q Graders and CQI-certified professionals
• Food product developers and flavorists
• Educators in gastronomy and food tech

The curated environment makes it suitable for professionals looking to sharpen their sensory acumen and connect with peers from top-tier academic, scientific, and specialty coffee backgrounds.

Product and Knowledge Categories Covered
The Sensory Summit covers a range of topics through hands-on labs, lectures, and tastings, including:

• Sensory evaluation methodologies
• Olfactory and gustatory neuroscience
• Coffee flavor wheel and lexicon updates
• Green and roasted coffee analysis
• Consumer perception trends
• Cross-modal sensory integration
• Flavor compounds and volatile profiling
• Influence of water chemistry on extraction
• Tasting panels with calibrated scoring

Interactive sessions with coffee samples, wine analogs, and aroma kits are commonly integrated to enhance understanding.

Visitor Count and Industry Impact
Each summit attracts an exclusive group of 150 to 300 attendees, depending on the venue’s capacity and regional interest. The limited size ensures a high level of interaction, access to instructors, and personalization of sessions. Despite its modest attendance figures, the event commands a high impact in professional circles, often influencing product development, quality control protocols, and even training curriculum in the specialty coffee sector.

Benefits of Attending the Sensory Summit

• Access to world-class experts in sensory science, chemistry, and food analysis.
• Hands-on workshops using cutting-edge tools and techniques.
• Networking opportunities with professionals and innovators.
• Exposure to new research and scientific frameworks that elevate coffee sensory understanding.
• Participation in peer-reviewed tasting sessions and calibrated sensory exercises.
• Certification and CPD credits from the Specialty Coffee Association (where applicable).
• Exclusive previews of new SCA research, sensory tools, and lexicons.

Event Cost and Registration Fees
The cost of attending the Sensory Summit typically ranges from $700 to $1,200, depending on the package and early registration discounts. The fee usually includes:

• Full access to all sessions and workshops
• Educational materials and kits
• Professional cupping sets
• On-site meals and refreshments
• Certificate of participation

It is recommended to register early as the summit sells out quickly due to its high value and limited seats.

Nearby Accommodations – Davis, CA Edition
For events held in Davis, California, attendees can explore these nearby hotels for a comfortable stay:

• Hyatt Place UC Davis – Located on campus, walkable distance to the event venue.
• Best Western Plus Palm Court Hotel – Downtown location with access to local restaurants.
• Hilton Garden Inn Davis – Business-class amenities and shuttle services.
• University Park Inn & Suites – Affordable, clean, and located near downtown Davis.
• Residence Inn by Marriott Sacramento Davis – Ideal for longer stays with spacious suites.

All accommodations are typically within 10–15 minutes’ drive or walking distance from the Robert Mondavi Institute and have proven popular among past attendees.

Dining and Transport in Davis
Davis is known for its local food scene and environmentally conscious transport options. The Unitrans bus system, biking lanes, and car-sharing services make local transit accessible. Cafés like Temple Coffee Roasters, Pachamama Coffee, and Philz Coffee also cater to the sensory-inclined crowd attending the event.

Expo and Partner Booths
In addition to lectures and labs, the event hosts a compact expo area with booths from industry leaders in:

• Sensory analysis tools and software
• Coffee lab instruments and aroma kits
• Roasting and brewing equipment manufacturers
• Green coffee exporters
• Academic institutions and certification providers
  Exhibitors often include companies like Aromaroma, Coffee Enterprises, and academic institutions showcasing sensory technologies and innovations.

Additional Perks and Community Engagement

• Special cupping tables curated by top green coffee suppliers
• Scientific poster sessions from university and industry researchers
• Private evening tastings featuring cross-beverage sensory comparisons (coffee vs. wine or chocolate)
• Networking dinners and community forums
• Discounted SCA merchandise and educational toolkits