As many of you are aware, this month represents the culmination of the many coffee events that happen though out the year, with the one and only Coffee Fest Seattle. The annual libation and caffeine filled weekend where we all get together to celebrate the lovely beverage called specialty coffee.

Some of the highlights of Coffee Fest Seattle 2011

Latte Art Competition

The "Coffee Fest Latte Art Championships at Coffee Fest" sponsored by Nuova Simonelli, Dillanos, Ghirardelli, Barista Magazine and Barista Exchange.

The 64 Competitor format will feature head to head competition as "a match" between the competitors. The competitor receiving the highest score from the three judges will advance and the loser will be eliminated. Competitors will be given three minutes to produce one drink for the judges to be scored against the competitor at the facing machine on the tournament stage. Here is the tournament bracket: bracketseattle2011.pdf

Many of our Barista Exchange Partners will be in attendance, so be on the lookout for: 

American Barista & Coffee School - Booth 714

Barista Magazine - Booth 802

Coffee Shop Manager - Booth 704,706

Espresso Parts - Booth 622, 644

Fresh Cup - Booth 711, 713

Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. - Booth 501, 503

Nuova Simonelli - 1100, 1102, 1104

Roastar - Booth 1003

SelbySoft P.O.S. - Booth 804, 806

Sweetbird/Beyond the Bean - Booth 925, 927

Urnex/PuroCaff - Booth 604

In addition, be watching for representatives from Mocafe, Cafe DNA, WebBeams and Sprudge.com walking the floor.

There will also be a soon to be announced Saturday night party where bX is a sponsor ... more to come.

You can read more about Coffee Fest on their website www.coffeefest.com

-------------------------------------------- bX Discount ---------------------------------------------------------

Leading up to tradeshow there is a special 5 day business and barista training class being held at the American Barista & Coffee School in Portland, OR September 16th-20th. This show is scheduled for the true traveling coffee pioneer who wants to attend Coffee Fest after spending the week learning the ins and outs of how to run a coffee business, before heading to Coffee Fest to continue their education the following weekend.

As mentioned before, the American Barista & Coffee School is offering some bX specials on new registrations for 2011 classes. All bX members are eligible for a $250 discount on the following 5 Day Business and Barista Training Classes:

Sept 16th-20th

October 24th-28th

November 14th-18th

December 12th-16th

If interested you can call us in the office, 800-655-3955 and mention discount code bX250.