Emma McDougall of the NZSCA prepares for a busy year of events on and off-line.
Inspired by the people in our community such as the women who roast, our educators, green bean buyers and technicians, we are aiming to keep the momentum going into 2021. We’re eager to learn more about the great visionaries, how our Kiwis overseas are flourishing, and who we would like to adopt, are the topics for our next set of interviews.
Our online Ultimate Fluffy Challenge, 3DFestive Chino, and colouring competitions add to the fun of connecting online and will be adapted further in 2021.
How wonderful was it to end 2020 with our Tasters Series and Sausage Fest events around New Zealand in person?
After successfully running eight safe, fun, tasty evenings with our community, we asked for eight hosts around the country for round two. Within 24 hours, we had all the hosts signed up and even had to turn some away in duplicate cities for our Tasters Series.
Thanks goes to the strength of our collaborative industry and the coffee loving attendees who showed they are excited about attending events again by snapping up tickets.
Tasters Series V2 is scheduled for Monday 15 February and Thursday 18 February in eight centres around New Zealand. Member company L’affare is sourcing tasty fruity green beans and we think a ticket would be a great gift for a coffee loving friend. Open to all, our hosts commented on the diverse, friendly nature of the last series.
Tickets are on sale for the Coffee in Good Spirits Throwdown in Wellington on Thursday 18 March before the 2021 Meadow Fresh NZ Barista Championship takes place over the weekend of 20 and 21 March. With competitors, and spectator tickets available now, the uptake thus far has been very positive. After the longest year, it feels like March will be here before we know it.
Creating time and space for a Train the Trainer specialised instructor course in mid-April continues the great work of our Education Portfolio, developed and run by Emma Markland Webster. Emma said the last course run in October featured “a cross section of our members”. From small to large, we encourage anyone looking to upskill, build their knowledge base, and teach effectively to attend.
The online Annual General Meeting was successful in 2020, but there’s nothing quite like meeting, networking, and sharing experiences over the breakfast table. Returning to our regular hosts, Sherwood in Queenstown will offer a chance to get away from business as usual but still talk coffee with contemporaries. Sherwood is creating delicious menus and we’ll be celebrating with our Recognition Awards, and an AGM designed to continue to build on our current projects.
With a slightly later date of Thursday 27 and Friday 28 May, all members are invited to attend. Gathering to support, celebrate, and plan safely is more imperative than ever. For those overseas, or unable to attend, we are looking to incorporate an online/live element.
With a close eye on World Coffee Championship events overseas, we have decided to set the date for our Latte Art and Cup Tasters Championships around September to November. Another exciting weekend to look forward too.
We are encouraged with news of plans in place in regard to borders opening up between New Zealand and Australia. MICE is on the calendar and we look forward to seeing our Trans-Tasman neighbours once again, it’s been a long time between drinks.
Stay safe, be kind, drink coffee.
For more information on the New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association, or to join, visit www.nzsca.org