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1st Pu'er International Specialty Coffee Expo 2018
Date and time
Location
Refund Policy
Description
EXPLORE China’s largest coffee-growing region
EXPERIENCE The coffees of Yunnan Province
ENGAGE With industry leaders, producers,
roasters, and baristas
Coffee Forum: January 29–31, 2018
Farm Tour: February 1–2, 2018
This landmark event will introduce participants to the emerging Chinese coffee sector and provide an immersive opportunity to understand the history, culture, and flavor of Chinese coffees.
More than 300 international and Chinese coffee industry professionals will attend the three-day forum to share knowledge on coffee production, quality, sustainability, pricing, marketing, roasting, and retail operations.
An expo showcasing elements of the Chinese coffee sector—including coffee equipment and accessories—will be held concurrently at a location adjacent to the forum.
Venue: Pu'er Grand Theatre, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province
Agenda:
January 28, 6:00 p.m. — Opening dinner
January 29 — General session on the global outlook of the coffee industry. Ten international speakers will discuss China’s role in the international industry and the country’s internal market and consumption.
January 30 and 31 — Participants have their choice of two tracks. Track 1 focuses on topics relevant to producers, while Track 2 features topics targeted to roasters and retailers.
Late afternoon is reserved for cuppings and opportunities for producers and buyers to meet.
All presentations will be translated simultaneously in both Chinese and English.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a two-day farm tour immediately following the forum. Limited to 60 people, the farm tour offers the opportunity for two smaller groups to visit farms, processing mills, cafés, and a coffee museum in the surrounding coffee-growing region.
Registration for either event includes daily meals and ground transportation.
Confirmed Speakers:
Aki Chen, Seasaw Coffee
Blanca Maria Castro Gutierrez, International Women’s Coffee Alliance
Carlos Brando, P&A Marketing
Craig Holt, Atlas Coffee Imports
David Parnham, Café Culture Magazine International
David Roche, Coffee Quality Institute
Dong Zhihua, YCE Coffee Consultant
Graham Mitchell, Sustainable Innovations
Hou Jiazhi, Guo Dian Company
Jeffrey Duggan – Portola Coffee Roasters
Jose Sette, International Coffee Organization
Joshua Jaqelman, Yunnan Coffee Traders
Judy Ganes, J Ganes Consulting
Junichi Kuranaga, Hario Japan
Karen Cebreros, Global Coffee Trading
Laila Ghambari, Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Liam Brody, Sustainable Harvest
Li Jinhong – Dehong Tropical Agriculture Research
Lindsey Bolger, formerly Keurig Green Mountain
Luis F. Samper, 4.0 Brands SAS
Luz Stella Artajo Medina, Artajo Coffee Center
Michael Boyd, Boyd’s Coffee
Nui Chaofeng, Y Business Department of Jindong
Peter Baker, Climate Edge Ltd.
Ric Rhinehart, Specialty Coffee Association
Richard Chien, China Barista & Coffee School
Robert Osgood, Horticulturist
Rocky Rhodes, International Coffee Consulting
Ryan Willbur, La Marzocco USA
Sherri Johns, Whole Cup Coffee Consulting
Shu Yang – Yunnan International Coffee Exchange
Ted Lingle, Yunnan International Coffee Exchange
Timothy Heinze, Hani Coffee Company & Yunnan Coffee Traders
Wu Lingbo, Few Coffee
Yang Jing – Hua Xia Bank
Forum Registration Fee: USD $400 (includes meals and ground transportation)
Farm Tour Cost: USD $100 (includes meals and ground transportation)
The Dream House Hotel: USD $75 per night
See FAQ below for additional details.
Who should attend?
Coffee farmers, roasters, café owners, baristas, importers, exporters, industry associations, and government.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get to Pu’er City?
A: Pu’er City is located in Yunnan Province in southwestern China, bordering Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. All flights to Pu’er originate in Kunming, Yunnan Province.
We suggest the following routes:
Beijing (PEK) to Kunming (KMG) to Pu’er (SYM)
Shanghai (PVG or SHA) to Kunming (KMG) to Pu’er (SYM)
Hong Kong (HKG) to Kunming (KMG) to Pu’er (SYM)
Arrival on Saturday, January 27, or Sunday, January 28, by 6:00 p.m.
We recommend staying overnight in Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong, and then proceeding to Kunming and Pu’er the following day. We are happy to provide hotel suggestions for airport stays.
Q: How do I get to my hotel when I arrive in Pu’er?
A: An English-speaking member of the event team will greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel.
Q: What is the currency in China, and where should I exchange it?
A: The currency is the yuan. The yuan’s international symbol is CNY, but is abbreviated as RMB. The yuan is currently trading at approximately ¥6.6 to USD $1.00. Pu’er does not have ATM machines, nor do the hotels exchange money. Banks are accessed by appointment only. We recommend attendees exchange money before arriving or at the Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong airports.
Q: Is a Visa required?
A: Yes, for U.S. citizens. Please check your specific requirements at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/hrsq/.
You will file using category “M,” for foreigners who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
U.S. citizens with more than 12 months remaining on their passport may be eligible for a 10-year Visa at no additional charge.
Once you have completed the forum registration form, we will send a letter of invitation from the event host, Yunnan International Coffee Exchange (YCE). The invitation will be attached to your Visa application. The in-person cost is $140. People who are not located near a Visa office can facilitate a Visa through a third-party service. Allow a minimum of three to four weeks. Expedited service is available at an additional charge.
Q: What’s the food like?
A: Yunnan Province is known for its delicious, spicy food using local ingredients. Meals are served family style or buffet, and consist of multiple dishes of meats, vegetables, eggs, soup, and rice. Locals typically use chopsticks and large spoons for soups and noodles. Western utensils will be available.
Q: Will there be vegetarian options?
A: All meals will have meatless options, and vegetarians will have their choice of several delicious dishes. Pu’er’s beautiful farms produce a wide variety of flavorful fruits and vegetables.
Q: What’s the hotel like?
A: Opened in November 2016, the Dream House Hotel is located in the heart of Pu’er City, about 10 minutes from the Pu’er Grand Theatre. The Western-style rooms are beautifully appointed with either one king bed or two double beds. The hotel also includes WiFi, a gym, and a rooftop bar with a view of the city. Transportation between the hotel and the forum will be provided. The rate is $75 per night.
Q: I don’t speak Mandarin. How will I understand the language?
A: We will have interpreters available to support you throughout the event, from your arrival at the airport in Pu’er City to your departure. The forum will feature simultaneous translation so you won’t miss a thing. Translation apps may also be useful. We recommend Microsoft Translate, which works even without an Internet connection (Google Translate will not work in China).
Q: Is China safe?
A: Yes! China is a very safe country, and you will be welcomed by this warm and generous culture.
Q: What’s the weather like?
A: When you arrive in Pu’er City, you can expect daytime high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures in the mid 40s. People often eat meals outdoors in covered areas, so be sure to bring a jacket. If you join us for the farm tour, you can expect slightly warmer daytime temperatures in the mid 70s.
Q: I am a roaster and would like to meet producers. Will this be possible?
A: Yes, in addition to interactions throughout the forum, we have set aside two hours each afternoon for one-on-one sessions with producers.
Q: Will there be an opportunity to cup the coffees of Yunnan?
A: Yes, cupping sessions will take place in YCE’s state-of-the-art, SCA-certified lab on the afternoons of January 30 and 31. Yunnan coffees will also be served throughout the event.
Q: Will WiFi be available?
A: Yes, both the Dream House Hotel and the Pu’er Grand Theatre offer WiFi. Some U.S. websites (Google, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter) are not accessible within China.
Q: What else can I do while visiting Pu’er City?
A: An expo open to the public will be held in conjunction with the forum. The expo will feature exhibits, tastings, and information on coffee production, and will include the Chinese National Siphonist Championship with more than 30 competitors.
We will keep you very busy during the conference! If you stay for the farm tour, you will visit farms, wet and dry mills, a roastery, and a local café. We will leave early in the day and return to the Dream House Hotel following the tour. We can connect you with a tour agency if you want to explore further.
Q: How many attendees are you expecting?
A: More than 400 coffee professionals from China and around the world are expected to attend.
Q: What is the suggested dress?
A: Business casual for the forum. We suggest wearing casual dress with comfortable walking shoes for the farm tour.
Q: What are my options if I have a medical emergency?
A: The medical facilities in Pu’er City are well regarded should you need assistance. International travelers may want to explore travel or evacuation insurance.
Q: Who can I contact for additional information?
A: Tom and Patty Mitchell of Strategic Coffee Concepts in Seattle, Washington, are organizing the event and will be happy to assist you. Email tmitchellscc@att.net or call 206.510.2077.