The upcoming annual SCAA Symposium & Exhibition is approaching, and this year will have an increased focus on hands-on education, coffee competitions, and more opportunities than ever for professional networking. It will truly live up to its theme “The Specialty Coffee Event: SCAA 2009.”
With this enhanced workshop schedule, there is an increased need for volunteers as the Cupping Workshops alone have doubled in size. On behalf of the SCAA Training Committee, we would like to invite any Baristas planning to attend the annual Exhibition in Atlanta to consider volunteering for these Cupping Workshops. As the front-line contact with our customers, Baristas represent the face of the specialty coffee industry to the public; thousands of Baristas everywhere greet customers, take orders and make coffee drinks, everyday. The entire coffee industry depends on you to help educate our consumers. Because of this, volunteering for the cupping workshops are an excellent way to gain the knowledge and information needed to assist in the education of your customers. You will have the opportunity to learn the processes and procedures from those who cup and select the coffees that you prepare and serve. You will learn the SCAA standards and how they are implemented and most importantly, you will be given the opportunity to taste to coffees right along with the students who are attending. It is our hope that in working together, these classes can help Baristas gain as much knowledge as possible.
Volunteers are responsible for ensuring the class runs smoothly, starting with grinding and dosing the coffees for each flight; pouring water; and quickly clearing and resetting each flight of coffees during the lab. Most labs require about a 4 hour commitment, including setup, lab time, and cleanup. Volunteers are not required or expected to do any public speaking or presentation and are welcome to taste the coffees from each flight during the class.
If you’re interested in volunteering for the SCAA Cupping Workshops in Atlanta, please send an email to Renee Espinoza at respinoza@coffeemasters.com and include any known conflicts (such as attending another lab or judging in the WBC) and whether you would be interested in volunteering for multiple labs throughout the weekend. The dates of the Exposition are Friday, April 17, 2009 through Sunday, April 19, 2009.
In addition to volunteering at the annual Exposition, there are several SCAA Regional Skill-Building Workshops happening throughout the year all over the country. These are smaller events but follow the exact same curriculum as the Cupping Workshops taking place in Atlanta. The first Regional Skill Building Workshop is in Charlotte, NC on November 7th through the 9th, hosted by Dilworth Coffee. This event includes five Workshops, including two Cupping Workshops, two Espresso Workshops, and one Latte Art class sponsored by the BGA. If you are interested in volunteering for this event or future SCAA Regional Skill-Building Workshops, please contact Melissa Bula at SCAA at mbula@scaa.org.
Thank you for your interest in SCAA education and hope to see you at the Exposition or the Regional Skill-Building Workshops. If you have any further questions about volunteering for SCAA Cupping Workshops, please contact Renee Espinoza at respinoza@coffeemasters.com. If you’re interested in If you’re interested in getting involved with the SCAA Training Committee, please contact Ellie Matuszak, SCAA Training Committee Chair, at ellie@coffeesolutions.net.

Sincerely,
The SCAA Training Committee, Cupping Subcommittee
Andi Trindle, Cupping Subcommittee Co-Leader, Atlantic Specialty
Chad Trewick, Cupping Subcommittee Co-Leader, Caribou Coffee
Renee Espinoza, Cupping Subcommittee Volunteer Coordinator, Coffee Masters
Andrew Miller, Café Imports
John Gozbekian, LAMILL Coffee
Dorothea Hescock, Starbucks Coffee Company
Amanda Eastwood, Café Imports
Alex Russan
Jim Cleaves, Dunkin Brands
Ellie Matuszak, SCAA Training Committee Chair and SCAA Board Liaison, Coffee Solutions
Melissa Bula, SCAA Staff