What better way to celebrate the city’s vibrant coffee culture than with the largest dedicated coffee event in the Southern Hemisphere.
From March 30 to April 1, thousands of industry experts and coffeeholics will flock to the Melbourne Showgrounds for the sixth edition of the Melbourne International Coffee Expo.
Popularly referred to as MICE, the three-day event will host around 120 exhibitors, who will flaunt the latest gadgets and flavours on the coffee scene.
Around 10,000 industry members, from roasters to baristas, from over 35 countries will attend the exhibition to participate in what can only be described as a mammoth homage to the liquid gold we all adore so much.
Event organiser Simon Coburn explained that this year’s instalment of MICE is set to be one of the biggest and best yet.
“Heading towards its sixth year, we’re excited to announce a number of new features that will drive MICE into the next tier of world-class coffee trade shows, and one of Asia Pacific’s largest coffee events,” Mr Coburn said.
“One of the biggest changes is the date – a result of exhibitor feedback and not wanting the country’s top coffee event to clash with the Grand Prix, Arnold Classic, or any other event in Melbourne.
“We want Melbourne – in fact, the entire country – to be completely focused on coffee for an entire weekend, and moving the event later in March is the best way to satisfy our exhibitors’ needs, that of our customers, and avoid potential heat waves.”
During the event, the Australian Specialty Coffee Association (ASCA) will host the country’s most esteemed coffee competitions in the Grand Pavilion, including the Australian Barista Championship.
Regional barista champions armed with expertise will battle it out, preparing four espressos, four milk beverages and four signature drinks in just15 minutes, in the hope of claiming the championship and representing Australia on the international stage in Seoul later this year.
Having been crowned the 2016 Australian Barista Champion and ranking eighth at the World Barista Championships in Ireland last year, ONA Coffee head trainer, Hugh Kelly, will return to defend his title.
“MICE is the perfect platform for people to open their minds to coffee,” Mr Kelly said.
“The Australian competition is one of, if not the most, competitive national competitions in the world. There are some great ideas and approaches on display here.”
Four other championships will also take place over the three days, including Brewers Cup, Pura Latte Art, Cup Tasters, and the newly introduced Coffee Roasting Championship.
For those who manage to take their eyes off the stage for a moment, the opportunities are endless.
In a truly sensory experience, visitors will be able to soak up the aromas and flavours of our nation’s top coffee products, see professionals create caffeinated masterpieces, listen to the sounds of live local bands and DJs, and feel the magic that a cup of coffee can conjure.
