Lecture Description
The specialty coffee movement has pushed producers, roasters, and baristas to achieve remarkable complexity in the cup—yet the beverages we build around those coffees often fall short of expressing that same level of creativity and intention. This lecture explores how to craft drinks whose visual presentation, texture, and structure are as thoughtfully composed and sensorially rich as the coffees they feature.
Participants will learn how to apply culinary principles, multi-layered textures, ingredient preparation techniques, and strategic visual design to create beverages that amplify—not overshadow—the coffee at their core. We’ll examine the role of emulsions, foams, gels, syrups, dustings, layering, ice shape, milk aeration, glassware, and color perception in shaping the drinker’s full experience.
Through kitchen-inspired methods and specialty-coffee sensibility, this session will empower baristas to move beyond “pretty lattes” into genuinely crafted, multi-sensory beverages that tell a story from the first glance to the last sip.
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 11:45 am
Location: Room 25AB
Category: Business
Access: This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee here.
Please note that lecture sessions are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is highly recommended to secure your seat.
Speakers
Heather Perry
CEO, Klatch Coffee
Heather Perry is the CEO of Klatch Coffee and a lifelong figure in specialty coffee. Growing up in the business founded by her parents, Mike and Cindy Perry, she began working in Klatch cafés at a young age, building her expertise through competition, education, and industry involvement. Heather became the first woman to win the U.S. Barista Championship, and the first person to earn the title twice. Since then, she's placed second in the World Barista Championship, trained coffee professionals worldwide, and served as SCA President. Heather holds a BBA from Cal Poly Pomona and leads Klatch Coffee?s continued growth.