Posted Tue Jan 11, 2011, 11:03am Subject: Chicago coffee fest...
Hello all,
Has anybody attended the Chicago Coffee Fest in years past?
As I understand it, the Regional Barista square off will take place in conjunction with Coffee Fest, yet all I can ascertain about Coffee Fest is that it's an industry based event, not necessarily for the home enthusiast who might like to take in the Barista competition.
Do folks who don't work in the industry attend? Is it worth the drive to Chicago for a home enthusiast?
rbh1515 Senior Member Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 1,273 Location: Milwaukee Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: LM GS3 Grinder: Mahlkonig/VersalabM3 Vac Pot: have one Drip: no Roaster: got that too/never use it
Posted Wed Jan 12, 2011, 8:54pm Subject: Re: Chicago coffee fest...
Mark, I went a few years ago, and am probably going to go again. It is definately a trade show, but very worthwhile to go to. You can try out some machines, try some different espressos and see some cool products. I bought a Scace device there, and tried out a GS3 for the first time. I'll probably be driving down Saturday morning, and the traffic is usually not bad at all. I presume its at the Navy Pier again, and there is parking right there. To get in I had to provide the name of the coffee place that I represented--just used the name of a local shop. I'm also a home espresso enthusiast. Rob
Posted Thu Jan 13, 2011, 7:17am Subject: Re: Chicago coffee fest...
Good morning rbh,
Thanks for the input. I'm trying to convince wifey that a day on Navy Pier would be fun! She agreed, until I told her what I was really up to...:)
The drive to Navy Pier, like you said, is a breeze; however, I just didn't want to get down there and not be able to enjoy anything.
A couple more questions, if I might. 1. Did you need to purchase tickets? If so, do you know if you can do it at the door? 2. You say you stated that you represented a coffee house (i.e. Alterra, or...). Is that a mandatory thing to get in and, can one 'tell the best truth' in that situation?
rbh1515 Senior Member Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 1,273 Location: Milwaukee Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: LM GS3 Grinder: Mahlkonig/VersalabM3 Vac Pot: have one Drip: no Roaster: got that too/never use it
Posted Thu Jan 13, 2011, 9:07am Subject: Re: Chicago coffee fest...
I bought my ticket at the door, and had to fill out a form which included which business I worked at. At the time I had a friend that had bought a cafe, and he said to put down the name of his business. I seem to remember that it was not open to the general public, but there were other home enthusiasts there. I am sure they would be happy to take your money. This year I may be getting some free tickets. If I have extra I will let you know. My wife will probably be going with me. You can always drop your wife off at Michigan Ave. Rob
Joel, I should be there Saturday. Let's definately meet up. Rob
vrbsk1 Senior Member Joined: 25 Feb 2010 Posts: 19 Location: Milw. WI Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Mini Vivaldi, Gaggia Carezza Grinder: Baratza Vario Vac Pot: Bodum French Press,... Drip: Clever Roaster: Behmor
Posted Sun Jan 16, 2011, 5:05pm Subject: Re: Chicago coffee fest...
Does anyone know if the Barista Competition is apart of the Coffee Fest or is it separate? I have attended the Barista Competition the last 2 times it was in Milwaukee and it was open to the puplic.
Posted Sun Jan 16, 2011, 5:19pm Subject: Re: Chicago coffee fest...
vrbsk1 Said:
Does anyone know if the Barista Competition is apart of the Coffee Fest or is it separate? I have attended the Barista Competition the last 2 times it was in Milwaukee and it was open to the puplic.
Posted Sun Jan 16, 2011, 5:41pm Subject: Re: Chicago coffee fest...
Coffeefest is a trade show, to get into the exhibit hall you will need some credentials but I am sure there are creative ways of acquiring these.
I went the last time it was in Chicago and I had an exceptionally good time. Chicago is a great city and Navy Pier is a fantastic venue. Riding the Farris Wheel during winter is also a worthwhile treat.
As for the Barista competition, it takes place outside of the exhibit hall and I think that anyone can watch.
SJ
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