Coffee Mentality is set to become a hub of support for Queensland’s trio of 2026 World Coffee Championships representatives by hosting a fundraising event to support their campaigns.
Australian Latte Art Champion Amy Zhang (The Maillard Project), Cup Tasters Champion Karl Lee (KL Specialty Coffee Lab) and Roasting Champion Danny Andrade (Blackboard Coffee Roasters are set to fly to San Diego, Bangkok, and Brussels respectively to take part in the World Championships.
The event aims to raise funds to support international travel, training time, coaching, and essential equipment.
Coffee Mentality Founder Ian Abadiano says it’s critical to support Queensland’s coffee competitors to help foster continuous improvement in the state’s competition scene.
“Unlike sporting athletes, these coffee champions have largely self-funded their international participation while promoting Brisbane and Australia as destinations for world-class coffee,” says Ian.
“It’s only fair the local community and industry get behind them – they’ve done the hard work heavily on their own.”
The fundraising event will feature live coffee showcases and a Q&A with Amy, Karl, and Danny.
Tickets are available here, with donation options for supporters who are unable to attend.
All proceeds raised will go directly to the three competitors in their bids to become Queensland’s first World Coffee Champions.
Event details:
Date: Saturday 14 March, 2026
Time: 4pm
Location: Coffee Mentality Roastery, 43 Balaclava Street, Woolloongabba
