CoffeeCon to celebrate morning favorite
Nationally recognized coffee expert Kevin Sinnott has visited enough homes to know there's a need to educate consumers about how to make the perfect cup of joe.
“When I go to people's houses and they're courageous enough to actually brew coffee for me, generally speaking, it isn't very good,” said Sinnott, who has written two books and has a coffee blog.
So for the second straight year, Sinnott has organized a convention in Warrenville devoted to coffee connoisseurs' favorite morning pick-me-up.
CoffeeCon 2013 is planned for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the IBEW training center, 28600 Bella Vista Parkway, Warrenville. The event will include coffee tastings, demonstrations and expert speakers.
About 1,200 people are expected to attend. Sinnott said he anticipates the event will appeal to everyone from devoted drinkers to those who have a casual interest in coffee.
He wants everyone to leave with enough knowledge to improve their coffee-brewing skills.
“I'm hoping that consumers will have better coffee the morning after,” Sinnott said. “That's when I'll know if it (CoffeeCon) was a success.”
While coffee-related trade shows are nothing new, CoffeeCon is unique because it's aimed at consumers.
The event will give attendees the chance compare different coffee beans and coffee-making equipment. The list of exhibitors includes coffee-roasting companies and coffee shops that will let the public sample various types of coffee and brewing methods.
And the quality of the coffees that will be available are top-notch, Sinnott said, adding that there even will be a small amount of kopi luwak, which is a very expensive coffee from Indonesia.
“It's pretty exciting” Sinnott said. “I have only had that coffee twice in my life. One time it was not very good, and the other time it was spectacular. I'm hoping we get the spectacular version.”
New to the event this year are the home roasting demonstrations that will happen outside on the patio. Free bags of a freshly roasted coffee will be given away while supplies last.
“If you've never had fresh roasted beans before, it's a real treat,” Sinnott said.
For anyone looking to get an education about coffee, there will be lectures and hands-on coffee brewing classes throughout the day.
National coffee experts scheduled to participate include George Howell, who will host a coffee tasting lab; and Oren Bloostein, who will discuss how to make a nice coffee brewing setup at home.
CoffeeCon also will have live entertainment, contest prizes and other giveaways.
Admission is $15 at the door. Still, Sinnott said he considers Saturday's convention to be a bargain for coffee lovers.
“It will be the best cafe you can go to in town that day,” Sinnott said. “If you get nothing but a good Viennese pastry and a couple cups of coffee, you've made your money back.”
If you go
What: CoffeeCon 2013
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: IBEW Local Union 701, 28600 Bella Vista Parkway, Warrenville
Cost: $15 at the door
Info: coffee-con.com