Introducing the Barista Guild of Europe and the European Barista Camp

The new Barista Guild of Europe logo.

One of the most exciting program announcements at World of Coffee in Rimini last week was that of the first European Barista Camp, being organized by a heavy-hitting group of coffee professionals working to develop the Barista Guild of Europe.

Conceptually, the Guild and the camp are similar to their American counterparts, and the BGE solicited quite a bit of input from the Barista Guild of America and the SCAA in development, says longtime barista and trainer Isa Verschraegen, who is producing the camp.

(related: How to Brew the World’s Best Aeoropress: The 2014 World Champion’s Recipe)

“The main idea of the camp is very similar to the BGA Camps: Provide an opportunity for baristas to learn together through a shared experience in a non-competitive and fun environment,” Verschraegen tells Daily Coffee News, adding that the camps will use the rebuilt SCAE Coffee Diploma System modules, which can apply to a wide range of experience levels.

The first European Barista Camp will take place from Oct. 5-8 near Athens, Greece, with early bird tickets starting as low as €350.

Of the pricing, Verschraegen says, “We wanted to make this almost a no brainer, so it would be very accessible for baristas all over Europe, some of em who work for a very low wage. We want to recognize them and help them be part of the community, too.”

(related: Hidenori Izaki of Japan Named 2014 World Barista Champion in Rimini)

The workgroup for the camp was chaired by Square Mile Coffee Roasters Cofounder James Hoffmann, with considerable participation from Dale Harris (Has Bean), Kalle Freese (Freese Coffee Co.), Andrew Tolley (Taylor St. and Harris and Hoole) and Verschraegen. There has also been support from Javier Garcia (Right Side Coffee), Chris Loukakis (TAF) and Eddy Righi (Pascucci), who have been ambassadors of the Guild and camp.

See more on the education program and buy tickets here.