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Conversation Corner

Conversation Corner

Hear from Experts.
Gain New Perspectives.
Elevate Your Coffee Business.

The Conversation Corner is a panel discussion space at Coffee Fest, where coffee professionals and experts gather for FREE interactive talks on the most pressing topics in the industry.

From business growth and sustainability to emerging trends and real-world challenges, these sessions are designed to spark meaningful conversations and knowledge sharing.

 

What to Expect

Expert-Led Discussions – Industry leaders and seasoned professionals guide open-format conversations.

Real-World Insights – Gain perspectives from peers facing the same challenges as you.

Interactive Format – No slides or presentations - just real talk and shared experiences.

Networking & Community – Connect with like-minded professionals in a casual setting.

Plan Your Participation

New discussion topics every hour - no registration required.

Check the schedule to find the topics most relevant to you.

Arrive a few minutes early to grab a seat and settle in.

Come with questions - these are interactive, peer-driven discussions.

Find the Right Topics for You

Business & Operations – From scaling your café to hiring the right team.

Trends & Consumer Insights – Stay ahead of what’s next in specialty coffee.

Sustainability & Sourcing – Ethical buying, environmental impact, and transparency.

Skills & Career Growth – Industry insights for baristas, managers, and roasters.

The 2026 Conversation Corner is Presented by:

 

               roastar logo

CHICAGO 2026 CONVERSATION CORNER SCHEDULE

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June 12, 2026
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    Este panel, realizado en español, se adentra en el mundo del café de especialidad, explorando sus características únicas y lo que lo distingue de los cafés comunes. Debatiremos la pregunta: ¿Es el caf ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    Whether your shop is in a small town, suburb or major metropolitian area, come to Specialty Coffee Success No Matter the Size of Your City at the Conversation Corner to get some tips, expert advice, a ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    The coffee shop experience is constantly evolving, driven by changing customer expectations, advances in equipment, and emerging business models. For current and aspiring coffee professionals, staying ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    Know how to make a great espresso, but not sure what sort of food your cafe should serve? An expert in latte art, but confused what types of pastries are on trend this year? Join this panel discussion ...
    • Roasting & Green Coffee
    Conversation Corner
    Join Roast Magazine and a panel of local roasting leaders for an engaging exploration of the most pressing topics in the specialty coffee industry today. This session brings together influential roast ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    In a saturated market, one way coffeeshops can stand out is by creating unique and interesting rotating beverages for their seasonal menus. From coffee cocktails through to flavored cold brew, coffee ...
June 13, 2026
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    Coffee connects cultures worldwide, but systemic barriers continue to shape the experiences of many professionals across the industry today. This panel brings together owners, managers, and employees ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    True business sustainability requires moving beyond "taking less" and toward a model of active replenishment. This panel cuts through marketing buzzwords to explore how coffee businesses thrive by inv ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    As specialty coffee continues to grow it may seem that there's a shop on every corner, including across the street from yours. If that's got you stressed about how to distinguish your café from your c ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    Dive into an engaging panel discussion with seasoned entrepreneurs and discover the diverse arsenal of marketing techniques utilized by these industry leaders. From leveraging social media platforms l ...
    • Business Operations
    Conversation Corner
    Starting or growing any business comes with a steep learning curve. In this panel discussion, local café owners and brand founders share what they’ve learned from the ground up – from early missteps t ...

 

INTERESTED IN SERVING COFFEE IN THE CONVERSATION CORNER OR SPONSORING THIS VENUE?

LEARN MORE HERE