Frequently Asked Questions

+ I am interested in attending World of Coffee San Diego in April 2026. How do I register?

Attendee registration for the 2026 event will open in January 2026 and will remain open until the event is over. Keep an eye on the website for updates and information on how to register to attend.

+ What is World of Coffee?

The annual World of Coffee trade show in the USA is considered the world's-fair of coffee – everything under one roof – North America’s largest B2B Specialty Coffee Event. World of Coffee is your one stop shop for everything you need to succeed in the specialty coffee industry and is the ultimate event for the global tea and coffee community, offering unparalleled opportunities for connection, growth, and inspiration.

Access to over 60 lectures by industry experts, the trade show floor with products and services from over 650 exhibitors defining the future of specialty coffee, the World Coffee Championships, and the Opening Morning Kickoff. Workshops for all levels focusing on various subjects across the coffee value chain, are available for an additional fee.

+ What does it cost to attend World of Coffee?

The cost depends on the badge selected, whether you are a paid member, and when you register.

Attendees can choose from a 1-day or 3-day World of Coffee badge.

+ What comes with each badge?

3-Day World of Coffee badge

  • Expo – Friday, April 10 – Sunday April 12
    • Exhibit Hall
    • World Coffee Roasting Championship
    • All Show Features
    • SCA Lecture Series
    • Public cuppings

1-Day World of Coffee badge

  • On ONE pre-selected day Friday, April 10– Sunday April 12
    • Exhibit Hall
    • World Latte Art Championship
    • All Show Features
    • SCA Lecture Series
    • Public cuppings

+ Are there any lectures or activities that are included with the World of Coffee badge?

Yes, there are many activities that are included with your paid badge. 3-Day World of Coffee badges allow you to attend events offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. With a 1-day World of Coffee badge, you may attend the activities on the day of the badge purchased.

LECTURES

  • Lectures by respected industry experts who inspire, educate and motivate, are offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

EXHIBIT HALL

  • Hundreds of companies representing all segments of the market, from consumer goods to roasters, this marketplace is not to be missed and is your gateway to a more connected specialty coffee industry.

SHOW FEATURES

  • Attendees are also invited to visit the Best New Product Competition Display, Coffee Design Awards Display, and the Scientific Poster Session.
  • Option to participate in the Green Coffee Connect – an area within the Exhibit Hall fostering an inclusive environment for shared knowledge and networking for the green coffee community.

+ What badge gives me access to the competitions?

The World Coffee Championships in San Diego brings you World Latte Art Championships taking place in the Exhibit Hall.

+ Are children allowed?

We love kids, but unfortunately a coffee event isn’t the best place for them, given all the hot water, heavy machinery and moving parts.

Children under the age of 12 are not allowed on the exhibit hall floor, Lecture Rooms, Cupping Rooms, or in Workshops. Babies in carriers are the only exception (no strollers are allowed on show floor).

Children 12 years and older are allowed on the exhibit hall floor and lectures during attendee hours with a paid registration. They will be allowed to attend Workshops only if registered for the course/workshop.

You can access the show policies here for more information.

+ We are interested in having a booth at the show. Is there still space available?

Yes, please get in touch with us here.

+ How can I obtain a visa letter of invitation prior to registering?

Please complete the Letter of Invitation Form. Link HERE

+ What workshops are being taught at World of Coffee? Where can I find the workshop listings with dates and times?

There will be a variety of workshops offered at the show. SCA Workshops allow participants to spend 2.5 - 3.5 hours learning about a topic and applying those learnings to hands-on, problem-solving scenarios.

Attendees that purchase 3-Day World of Coffee badge can select workshops offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Attendees that purchase 1-Day World of Coffee badge can select courses and workshops on the day of the badge.

All courses and workshops have an additional fee and you can add a workshop to your badge at registration.

+ How do I participate in the Coffee Design Awards?

Submissions will open in December. Entry must be new to the company and introduced into the marketplace no more than one year prior to the first day of the show, April 10, 2026. Full details for competition submission Terms & Conditions can be found HERE

+ How do I participate in the Best New Product Competition?

Open to exhibiting companies with a minimum 10’ x 10’ booth in the Exhibit Hall. Roaster Village exhibitors are not eligible to participate. Submissions open in November.

Check out the rules, submission criteria, and judging process HERE.

+ How do I participate in the Scientific Poster Session?

The Coffee Science Foundation is proud to engage the latest in coffee research and education and to bring those to World of Coffee San Diego 2026.

Presenting scientists are responsible for arranging their own travel and logistical support and must attend the poster session in person. More information can be found HERE.

Applications will open later in 2025.

+ Who will be exhibiting at World of Coffee San Diego?

You can find a complete list and map of all Exhibitors who will be participating in World of Coffee San Diego on our show floor map.

+ If I live outside of the U.S., can I still attend World of Coffee?

If you reside outside of the United States and hope to attend World of Coffee, please familiarize yourself with any requirements for international travelers from The U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs, as well as travel restrictions, as detailed on the Center for Disease Control website, which are subject to change.

+ What is the World of Coffee cancellation policy?

All ticket sales are final, non-refundable, and non-transferable.