CoffeeCON 2013 Celebrates All Things Coffee May 4

By Mary Ann Lopez

Whether the goal is to learn how to brew the best pot of coffee or enjoy some of the rarest, most expensive coffees from around the globe, on May 4 DuPage County will be the place to be for coffee lovers of all kinds as CoffeeCON 2013 celebrates all things coffee.

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CoffeeCON 2013 is an opportunity for consumers to meet roasters, learn about coffee-related products and, of course, sample coffee and related food items.

The event was held for the first time last year and was the brainchild of Kevin Sinnott, a Warrenville resident and coffee authority, who has written extensively on the beverage.

Held in Warrenville at the IBEW building, the conference is geared to the consumer and last year drew about 1,200 people, including large number of residents from the surrounding area, including Naperville, Wheaton, Geneva, St. Charles and Lisle.

Attendance this year is expected to be higher and is capped at 2,000, said Patricia Sinnott, the event manager.

“It is a very fun local event,” she said. “If you are going to go out on that Saturday and spend some money on coffee at Starbucks, you may as well come out and enjoy some of the best coffees in the world.”

In fact, the Indonesian government is sending its minister of trade to the event, along with some of its finest coffee, which will be roasting and available to sample.

Those who attend the event will have the opportunity to take seminars on a variety of topics, including how to brew a great cup of coffee at home, how to host a cupping party and coffee and food pairing.

The classes will be geared toward the home brewer and how to maximize the in-home coffee experience.

Coffee roasters will have beans roasting on the veranda during the event and Sinnott said attendees will be able to ask for a free bag of beans.

Cost to attend the event is $15 in advance, $20 at the door, but the swag bag will make up for the cost, Sinnott said. The bag will include beans, Walkers shortbreads and other items.

“We are really unique, and this is not really happening anywhere else in the country. There is a coffee fest in Chicago, but that is really an industry show for people who want to get into the business. This is really the only show about consumers and the businesses and coffee companies wanting to talk with their consumers,” Sinnott said.

The most unique thing about it, national and worldwide – is it is here right in DuPage County and is available for people to come and enjoy. I guarantee when they leave they will be a coffeeologist and will know how to brew to an excellent standard and brew coffee in their home.”

Local roasters including Wheaton’s I Have a Bean and Yorkville’s River City Roasters will be among the local contingent represented at the event, she said. In addition, West Chicago’s Coffee Cake Connection Co. will be on hand sharing its mini-coffee cakes.

“This promises to be the ultimate coffee brewing event. I’ve learned so much, and I’ve had a great desire to share this knowledge with others. The web has brought a coffee information boom. Yet, we need to taste, see and touch all the available beans and gear – and we need to meet each other. What better way than to bring

industry leaders, expert amateur icons, the top ten coffee bloggers and manufacturers all together to mingle and share with passionate coffee drinkers,” Kevin Sinnott said in a news release. “I know everyone who comes will learn so much and be absolutely awed by the experience.”

CoffeeCON 2013 will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 4 at the IBEW building, 28600 Bella Vista Parkway in Warrenville. Tickets are $15 if purchased in advance online or $20 at the door. Patch readers who use the discount code Patch will receive a $5 discount when purchasing tickets online. Swag bags are limited and will be available to the first 1,000 attendees. Learn more and register online.