New for 2024 - Retail Buyers Lounge
Welcome to our new show feature, specifically designed to engage coffee professionals with buying power in retail operations. Open to select attendees, the Retail Buyers Lounge will act as a designated space for skill-sharing, learning, and networking amongst global coffee retail industry professionals in attendance at World of Coffee. Participants will have access to a comfortable lounge space off the show floor where they can catch up on emails, connect over coffee and learn about the latest trends impacting the industry. Buyers will have access to industry experts through a series of short talks and panels taking place each day.
Entry to the Retail Buyers Lounge is by invitation only. Complete the form further down on this page to be considered for invitation.
Retail Buyers Lounge & Coffee Bar
Invited attendees will have access to a comfortable area for work and respite in the Retail Buyers Lounge. Complete with a coffee bar, attendees can use the area as a base of operations to network with fellow professionals, conduct one-to-one meetings with new and existing business contacts, or take advantage of a more restorative space during a busy show.
In-Person Talks & Learning Sessions
Learn about the latest trends impacting the industry from experienced professionals, academics, consultants, and experts. The Retail Buyers Lounge at World of Coffee 2024 will host a series of short talks, pitches, and discussion panels taking place each day during mealtimes.
Session Speakers
Hide Izaki
Barista, Cokuun
Hide Izaki joined his father's coffee venture, "Honey Coffee," honing his skills as a barista at the age of 16. In 2014, he clinched the prestigious title of the world's first Asian champion at the World Barista Championship. His expertise extends to consulting, specializing in product development and marketing tailored for prominent F&B brands and coffee chains across Asia. With a vast network and reputation, he facilitates the global expansion of brands into Asia, and he also offers technical due diligence services to investment funds. In April 2023, he unveiled "Cokuun," an exclusive Omakase coffee bar with only four seats, offering a one-of-a-kind coffee omakase full-course experience not found anywhere else in the world.
Marta Pogroszewska
Chief Operating Officer, GAIL’s
Marta Pogroszewska is the COO of Bread Holdings, Managing Director of GAIL’s and Executive Director at the Bread Holdings Ltd for the last seven years.
Marta has earned Master’s Degree in Economy and Strategy and gained twenty years of international experience in hospitality and leadership.
She currently mentors executive directors, works as NED on the Board of Pan-Pek Croatia, as Member of European Food Service Summit Advisory Board and works with Well Grounded as NED.
Marta specialises in building and leading empowered teams as well as setting and delivering effective transformation and evolution strategies. She is an optimist with everlasting people and business growth mindset, as well as eternal drive to lead change.
Brian Dessaix
Director of Global Operations, Le Pain Quotidien
Brian hails from Sydney, Australia and currently resides in the UK.
He has an extensive career in several international markets in coffee, fast-casual and the restaurant industry. He has held senior positions with various global brands including Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s, Campos Coffee and Bluestone Lane and owes much of his career and journey to the rise of out-of-home specialty coffee.
Brian is currently the Global Director of Operations for Le Pain Quotidien, a Belgian based All Day Bakery with 220+ locations in 20 countries.
Brian has also owned 2 of his own cafes at different times throughout his career. One very successful and one not so much. The mixed success offered him a unique and first-hand experience of what drives a successful hospitality business.
Jack Muirhead
Manager, MAD Academy
Jack Muirhead, Manager of MAD Academy, brings 15 years of diverse experience, including roles as a bartender, barista, and waiter in venues across the globe. In recent years, Jack transitioned into education and curation at MAD, a non-profit founded by chef René Redzepi of restaurant noma. Based in Copenhagen, MAD and it’s Academy empower individuals and businesses through leadership, business, and sustainability training, fostering positive change in the hospitality industry and food system.
Colin Harmon
Founder, 3FE Coffee
Colin Harmon is the founder of 3FE Coffee in Dublin, Ireland with extensive experience in coffee retail operations and competitions. Founded in 2009, the 3FE has gained notoriety for specialty coffee excellence with Colin overseeing an ambitious expansion across the city, strengthening Dublin's specialty coffee reputation and culture. A seasoned competitor, Colin represented Ireland and placed as a finalist in the World Barista Championship four times. He is the author of 'What I Know About Running Coffee Shops' and enjoys sharing his experience and knowledge with the wider specialty coffee retail community.
retail buyers lounge schedule
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2024
10:00 - 15:00
Lounge Space Open
15:00 - 16:30
Retail Focused Talks
Happy Hour w/ Canapes
15:00
Retail Buyers Lounge Welcome w/ Yannis Apostolopoulos (Chief Executive Officer, Specialty Coffee Association)
15:15 - 15:45
Shaping Company Culture Through Growth w/ Steph Gregg
15:45 - 16:15
The Power of Educating Your Team w/ Jack Muirhead (Manager, MAD Academy)
16:15 - 17:00
Lounge Space Open
Friday, JUNE 28, 2024
10:00 - 15:00
Lounge Space Open
15:00 - 16:30
Retail Focused Talks
Happy Hour w/ Canapes
15:30 - 16:00
Luxury and Omokase Coffee w/ Hidenori Izaki (Barista, Cokuun)
16:00 - 16:30
Colin Harmon (Founder, 3FE Coffee) in Conversation with Stephen Morrissey (Chief Commercial Officer, Specialty Coffee Association)
16:30 - 17:00
Lounge Space Open
saturday, JUNE 29, 2024
10:00 - 15:00
Lounge Space Open
11:00 - 12:30
Retail Focused Talks
Light Brunch w/ Mimosas & Danishes
11:15 - 11:45
Leadership’s Role in Scaling Quality w/ Marta Pogroszewska (Chief Operating Officer, GAIL’s)
11:45 - 12:15
The Business Impact of Elevating Coffee
w/ Brian Dessaix (Director of Global Operations, Le Pain Quotidien)
12:30 - 15:00
Lounge Space Open
