BCB Brooklyn Keeps Getting Better, Here’s Why

What started as a trade-focused event for working bartenders has evolved into one of the most influential gatherings in global hospitality. Since its launch in 2018, BCB Brooklyn has become a hub for education, innovation, and industry-defining conversations.

As the event continues to expand in both size and scope, its mission remains rooted in supporting the people behind the bar. We spoke with Jackie Williams Event Vice President of BCB Brooklyn, about how BCB Brooklyn has grown, what’s new for 2026, and why the event continues to resonate across the industry.

What was the original vision when you first launched BCB Brooklyn, and how has that vision evolved?

When we launched BCB Brooklyn in 2018, the goal was to create a gathering place for the bar industry that was built for working hospitality professionals. We wanted bartenders, brand founders, distributors and hospitality professionals to have a place to exchange ideas, discover new products and learn from one another. As the event has grown, that vision has expanded alongside the industry itself. Today BCB Brooklyn reflects the global nature of modern bar culture while staying rooted in that original goal: supporting the people who drive hospitality forward.

What has surprised you the most about how the event has developed?

What has been most exciting is how the industry embraced BCB Brooklyn as more than just a trade show. It has become a place where meaningful conversations about the future of hospitality happen, and where bartenders come not only to discover new products, but also to learn from one another and gain new skills. Bartenders, hospitality professionals, brand founders and distributors all use the event differently, some come to explore what’s new, others to share ideas, build partnerships, or deepen their knowledge through the many education opportunities. Seeing those interactions grow year after year has been incredibly rewarding.

What can attendees expect that will be new or different this year?

In 2026 we are continuing to expand both the education and experiential sides of the event. One of the biggest additions is the new Workshop Stage, which focuses on hands-on learning and practical skills that bartenders can immediately apply in their businesses. We are also expanding representation on the show floor to include more new product launches, ready-to-drink brands, barware companies and hospitality technology platforms, reflecting how the beverage landscape continues to evolve.

Alongside that, we are introducing Premium VIP badge options that offer deeper access to education and networking opportunities throughout the event, including more intimate programming on Monday. On the experiential side, the courtyard will play a larger role this year, anchored by a dedicated bar featuring some of New York’s top bartenders, alongside activations like the Garnish Garden and additional moments designed to encourage connection and discovery outside of the traditional show floor.

Are there any new experiences or initiatives you’re particularly excited about?

We’re especially excited about experiences that bring both creativity and community to the forefront this year. Pride on the Pour celebrates LGBTQIA+ ownership, advocacy, and leadership within New York’s hospitality community. The Garnish Garden will activate the courtyard as an immersive, hands-on gathering space where attendees can explore and personalize their drinks.

Education has always been a cornerstone of BCB Brooklyn. Why is continuing education so important today?

The hospitality industry evolves quickly, and continuing education allows professionals to keep learning and developing their craft. At BCB Brooklyn, education is about more than trends. It is about giving people tools, perspective and ideas they can bring back to their bars, brands and businesses.

How do you curate speakers and sessions to stay relevant for working bartenders?

The Main Stage education is led by Head of Education Lynnette Marrero alongside a committee of respected industry leaders. Because they are actively working across bars, brands and hospitality groups, they bring firsthand insight into what the industry is facing today and shape content that balances practical business takeaways with creative inspiration.

Beyond the Main Stage, BCB Brooklyn curates programming across several dedicated stages, each designed to serve a distinct purpose. Park Street University is geared toward the business side, with sessions focused on distribution, brand building, and the operational realities behind running and scaling a spirits brand. Liquid Lounges offer a more casual, interactive setting for tastings and live demonstrations, where attendees can engage directly with products and the people behind them. New for 2026, the Workshop Stage will focus on hands-on learning and technical skill-building, giving bartenders practical tools they can immediately apply in their day-to-day work. 

What role do events like BCB Brooklyn play in shaping the future of hospitality culture?

Events like BCB Brooklyn create a rare moment where the entire industry gathers in one place. When bartenders, operators, brand founders and educators come together, new ideas take shape and collaborations begin.

After all these years, what still excites you the most?

The energy on the show floor is still the most exciting part. Watching bartenders reconnect with peers, discover a new product or walk into an education session that sparks a fresh idea never gets old. The level of passion people bring to this industry is remarkable, and BCB Brooklyn gives them a place to share it.

What do you hope attendees take with them?

I hope they leave feeling inspired and energized about what they do. Whether it is discovering a new brand, learning a technique they can bring back to their bar or meeting someone who sparks a future collaboration, those moments are what make the experience meaningful.

Bar Convent Brooklyn (BCB Brooklyn) returns in 2026 as one of the premier gatherings for the global bar and spirits community, bringing together bartenders, brand leaders, distributors, and hospitality professionals for three days of innovation, education, and connection. This year’s event expands its hands-on programming with the debut of a Workshop Stage, alongside immersive experiences like the Garnish Garden and a dynamic courtyard bar featuring top New York talent. With a growing focus on emerging categories, technology, and real-world business insights, BCB Brooklyn continues to reflect the evolving landscape of the industry while staying rooted in its mission to support those behind the bar.

Register now and secure your badge to experience BCB Brooklyn 2026 firsthand.