This month, on September 19 & 20, more than 100 baristas and coffee workers from around the country will join us again in Minneapolis for an immersive weekend of coffee education. Level Up is more than just in-person training for folks in the coffee industry. It's a weekend retreat for anyone ready to take the next step in their coffee career, meet industry peers and mentors, and expand their knowledge beyond their current skillset.
Here at Mill City Roasters, creating opportunities for accessible education and community-building is at the core of everything we do. That's why we're thrilled to be hosting Level Up for the second year in a row.
What is Level Up?
Hosted by the nonprofit event group Raise the Bar, Level Up is a two-day educational retreat that includes speakers, skills workshops, service practice, and community-building space. In their own words, it's "a space for coffee people to connect, learn, and stay".
After the COVID pandemic, our industry transitioned many training experiences to online platforms. That loss of in-person connections has been a challenge for baristas who need hands-on experience with equipment and the chance to taste coffee, calibrate, and connect with others in person.
Over the weekend, attendees will hear from keynote speakers and listen to panels on coffee pricing and hospitality. They'll also choose from several breakout sessions to participate in workshops on everything from extraction to roasting to machine maintenance.
The community-building happens simultaneously, with shared meals, evening parties, and a sponsored hotel where most attendees will stay together. Of course, there's also a lot of coffee.
Who should attend?
While the event was created for baristas, brewers, roasters, and those who work in cafe spaces, it's open to anyone looking to further their understanding of coffee and cafes. Thanks to generous support from sponsors, tickets for the event, which include meals, are affordable, starting at just $375 for Twin Cities locals (or anyone who doesn't need lodging).
This is the kind of event that can help you figure out what's next for you in the world of coffee. It's built to help introduce coffee workers to new career paths and give them the chance to connect with people in those exact roles. Feedback from last year's Level Up was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees sharing that they made real friendships over the weekend and brought new skills and knowledge back to their cafes.
Still not convinced?
If you're still on the fence about registering for Level Up, allow me a moment of candid honesty. In my 20+ years of working in coffee, I've been to a lot of events. Trade shows, retreats, competitions, and countless community throwdowns have brought me into rooms both big and small and allowed me to make many coffee friends. After two decades of these types of events, I've never seen one like Level Up.
The instructor list is unmatched. Truly, some of our industry's brightest and most engaging experts share their knowledge in these classes. The support from equipment and product manufacturers means you're surrounded by the latest brewing tech and cafe ingredients. Most importantly (for me), it's a space that feels friendly, welcoming, and purpose-built for learning. Last year, there was a palpable joy in the air. A result of so many people doing and sharing something they are so passionate about. It's a coffee industry gathering with no competition and no ego. I hope you'll join us!
Level Up Part II: The Sequel Tickets & Information
