The Specialty Coffee Expo 2025, set to take place in Houston, is calling on passionate coffee enthusiasts to become part of its vibrant volunteer team. Each year, this iconic event relies on over 500 volunteers and contractors contributing thousands of hours to bring the coffee industry’s premier showcase to life.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or simply eager to immerse yourself in the coffee community, there are multiple ways to get involved:
- Volunteer for 3-4 general shifts.
- Apply to be a station instructor.
- Explore contracted event worker roles.
- Judge the Best New Product Competition or the Coffee Design Awards.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering at the Specialty Coffee Expo is more than just supporting an event—it’s a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, deepen your knowledge, and give back to the industry you’re passionate about. Volunteers can enjoy unique networking opportunities, contribute to the growth of the global coffee community, and earn a complimentary 3-Day Expo Volunteer badge in exchange for their time.
How to Qualify for a Volunteer Badge
To earn a free badge, volunteers must commit to the following:
- SCA Members: A minimum of three shifts.
- Non-Members: A minimum of four shifts.
Each shift is approximately four hours long, making it an accessible way to contribute while enjoying the event. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.
Station Instructors: Sharing Expertise
Station instructors play a crucial role in delivering hands-on workshops. These sessions, lasting about three hours, provide an interactive deep dive into various coffee-related topics. Responsibilities include reviewing lesson plans, participating in pre-workshop calls, and assisting lead instructors with small group sessions.
Instructors earn:
- A 1-Day Expo badge for instructing one class.
- A 3-Day Expo badge for instructing two classes.
Applications for station instructors close on February 14, 2025.
Contracted Event Worker Roles
Coffee professionals aged 18 and older are invited to apply for contracted event worker positions. These roles offer a behind-the-scenes look at Expo operations and require a greater time commitment. Event workers assist with workshops, coffee service, lectures, and more from April 20–27, 2025.
Applications for event worker roles open in mid-January 2025.
Judging the Best New Product Competition
Experienced industry professionals can apply to judge the Best New Product Competition, which recognizes innovation across multiple categories. Judges must have at least 10 years of industry experience, no conflicts of interest with entrants, and availability for online and in-person evaluations.
Key judging dates:
- Friday, April 25, 2025: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Saturday, April 26, 2025: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Applications close on March 1, 2025.
Be Part of the Specialty Coffee Community
By volunteering, you’ll not only gain insight into the coffee industry but also play a vital role in the success of the world’s largest coffee event.
Interested in joining the team? Sign up now to volunteer, apply as a station instructor, or explore contracted roles and judging opportunities.
For more details and to register, visit the Specialty Coffee Expo website.