SCA Workshop Series
About SCA Workshops
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. Workshops focus on various subject areas across the coffee value chain, complementing SCA’s certificate-based education programs by providing a “deep dive” into a single topic or skill.
Workshops are available to all World of Coffee attendees for an additional fee. Add a workshop to your badge at registration.
SUBMIT A WORKSHOP PROPOSAL
Industry experts and coffee professionals are encouraged to submit workshop proposals for presentation at the World of Coffee show, which offers excellent visibility and networking opportunities.
Successful workshops typically target specific groups, such as baristas, retail business owners, roasters, and coffee buyers and sellers. The final program will include content for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners in various fields.
Please complete your submission before the dates specified under “Timeline.” You can submit your proposal for multiple World of Coffee 2026 events by selecting the specific shows in the proposal submission form.
Accepted proposals require supporting documents to be submitted before the event. Refer to the “Accepted Workshop Proposals” section for more information.
Read on to find out what we’re looking for in a proposal, recommendations to increase the likelihood of proposal acceptance, what we provide, and what is expected from you as an instructor if accepted.
Please note that the SCA Workshop Program differs from the SCA Lecture Program. Lectures are brief presentations or panel discussions, often with a Q&A session, completed in under an hour. In contrast, workshops offer longer, hands-on, and interactive learning experiences that prioritize participation and skill development through collaborative activities. While workshops require advance registration and an additional fee, attending lectures does not require registration and is included with a show badge. Learn more on usa.worldofcoffee.org/lectures
If you have any questions regarding the proposal process or other workshop-related inquiries, please reach out here.
What is provided?
There are four types of workshop rooms available. Please review each type carefully to determine which room best suits your workshop's needs. You will be required to select a room when completing the proposal form.
Adjustments to the room capacity, equipment, or electrical requirements cannot be accommodated. Any additional supplies needed for your workshop must be submitted along with your lesson plan. While we will consider all items on your supply list, we cannot guarantee that all requests will be fulfilled. We will inform you if we cannot meet any of your requests.
Barista/Espresso Room (36-person capacity)
6 Single-Group Espresso Machines
6 Espresso Grinders
Scales
Espresso, cappuccino cups, and shot glasses
Smallwares and accessories:
Tamp, steam pitchers, bar towels, knockboxes, etc.
Alternative Milk
Whiteboard and markers or something similar
Cupping/Sensory Room (36-person capacity)
(2) Hot Water Towers
(2) Filter Grinders
Cupping Bowls and Spoons
Carafes
Trays
Scales
Manual brew devices
Kettles
4-6 Cupping Tables (6’ L x 24” W x 42” H)
Whiteboard and markers or something similar
Timeline
November 21, 2025 – World of Coffee San Diego proposal submissions close
December, 2025 – World of Coffee San Diego decision notifications sent early December
April 10 - 12, 2025 - World of Coffee San Diego
Email notifications will come from Workshops@sca.coffee and Airtable Automations at <noreply+automations@airtableemail.com>. Please ensure these addresses are not blocked and check your spam or junk folders.
Brewing/Sensory Room (36-person capacity)
(2) Hot Water Towers
(2) Filter Grinders
(2) Batch Brewers or (1) Double Brewer
Cupping Bowls and Spoons
Carafes
Trays
Scales
Manual brew devices
Kettles
4-6 Cupping Tables (6’ L x 24” W x 42” H)
Whiteboard and markers or something similar
Tabletop (48-person capacity)
No equipment or electrical provided
Classroom-style seating
Audio and visual presentation support only
Ideal for workshops with written activities or tastings that do not require brewing, a water supply, or any electrical component
Whiteboard and markers or something similar
ACCEPTED WORKSHOP PROPOSALS
If your workshop proposal is accepted, we will require the following information. By submitting your proposal, you agree to provide the necessary resources by the specified deadlines. Instructors of accepted workshops will receive a complimentary 3-day badge to the event. Please note that instructors are responsible for their travel, lodging, and expenses related to the event.
Due immediately upon workshop acceptance:
A headshot and a brief bio for marketing and promotional purposes.
A signed Speaker Agreement that outlines the terms and conditions.
Any requested edits to the workshop title, description, or learning objectives.
Due 3 months before the event:
Lesson Plan - This outlines how the lesson will be taught, the primary learning activities involved, and the time allocated for each activity.
Materials and Supply List - This includes items necessary to successfully conduct your workshop that are not covered in the “What is Provided” section. It may consist of coffee supplies, specific types of cups, printed materials, handouts, etc. Please note that while we will do our best to accommodate requests made before the deadline, not all requests can be fulfilled.
Station Instructor Requirements - To support workshops with hands-on activities, we enlist volunteers vetted for experience in coffee knowledge and skills, as well as general teaching/training, called station instructors. Generally, we recruit anywhere from 1 to 6 station instructors per workshop, depending on attendance and activities. Keep this in mind while developing your proposal, and inform us if you have any special requests or specific skills needed to ensure the successful execution of your workshop. Station instructors are assigned a few weeks before the event. Once introductions are made, we encourage you to schedule an online meeting or engage in detailed communication with your station instructors to prepare them for what to expect and what will be required.
Due 8 weeks before the event
Digital Copy of Presentation: No workshop is complete without a presentation to support your teaching. We will provide an event-branded PowerPoint template and a Sponsorship slide that must be included. However, you'll be responsible for creating the remainder of the presentation. A copy of your presentation must be submitted before the event.
Printed Materials / Handouts: Most attendees appreciate having a worksheet or supporting document. These materials can include a summary of your workshop, worksheets, or resources that participants can refer to for key learning points, tools, or links to additional resources they can access later.
The SCA staff is here to help you deliver the best workshop experience possible. If you have questions regarding the proposal process or other workshop-related inquiries, please contact us at Workshops@sca.coffee.