World’s Largest Gathering of Java Pros Heads for Atlanta

Long Beach, Calif., April 4, 2009 -- The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), host of the world’s largest gathering of coffee professionals, announces a new name, new schedule, new format, and new pricing for its 21st annual event. The SCAA Annual Symposium and Exposition will begin on Wednesday, April 15 and conclude on Sunday, April 19, 2009.

This new schedule adds a full day to the event and features a The Symposium, to be held at the Omni Hotel CNN Center, on Wednesday and Thursday, April 15 and 16. This executive-level series targets leaders and experts in the coffee sector and is designed to encourage dialogue about the future of the industry. The in-depth symposium will address topics such as climate change and the global outlook for supply, immigration and its impact on the labor force, and the implications of recent scientific advancements on coffee production.

In addition to changes in schedule and format, SCAA is announcing greatly reduced fees, just $95 for the exposition and lectures from Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19 if you are a member of the association. SCAA’s popular hands-on training workshops will continue to be offered for additional fees.

This year, the World Barista Championships (WBC) returns to the United States and SCAA’s annual event. Baristas from all over the world will compete for the title of world’s best barista from Thursday, April 16 through Sunday, April 19.

Visit http://www.scaaexposition.org/default.aspx for complete information.