ASCA celebrates not only the champions but those who make the competitions possible each and every year.
Our 2020 Regional Championship season is now well underway, and while I know everyone is focused on the stars of the show – our baristas, one of whom will represent Australia on the world stage in each discipline – I’d like to draw attention to some of our hard-working volunteers.
Numerous events and world-class competitions held around the country don’t happen without a lot of effort and support. The Australian Specialty Coffee Association is lucky enough to have a dedicated Competitions Committee ensuring that everything goes off without a hitch.
These passionate individuals give up weekends, travel extensively, and constantly review processes to bring the Australian coffee community the highest standard of competition possible.
The introduction of Judges Workshops this year has meant that our judges receive additional training and support before calibration – encouraging new faces to take part, and allowing our more experienced judges to share some of their expertise. I’m proud to say that we have some of the best-trained judges in the world – reflected by the invitations our judges receive to take part in the World Coffee Championships.
Speaking of world championships, ASCA is gearing up for a massive 2020, with the World Barista Championship (WBC) and World Brewers Cup (WBrC) to take place in Melbourne next May.
We’re excited to announce that we’ll be activating a brand new lounge at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) to take full advantage of the opportunity that comes with having the international community in our backyard.
There’ll be a range of ways ASCA members can get involved and grow their networks during the event, whether it be through assisting international competitors and judges with where to find the best coffee in the city, sharing tricks and tips at the ASCA Lounge, or volunteering to help with running the WBC and WBrC as a stage manager, runner, or calibration barista.
There’s really no better time to become an ASCA member. As a fully volunteer-run industry body, we need your help to continue to grow and enhance Australia’s coffee industry.
So, how do you get involved? Easy. Sign up on the ASCA website, or email us to find out what roles we have available. There’s truly something for everyone, so even if your skill is editing videos, coding HTML, or whipping up amazing meals, I’m sure we’ll have a way for you to join our tribe.
I am. We are. Coffee.
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