Focus on Petra Lassahn, Director of BCB Berlin 2021
She is the organizer of the biggest bar show in Europe. Of course it takes a huge team, and we will get some insights on the evolution of the bar show that has grown exponentially since its start in 2007 with just 8 stands.
My interview with Petra
Hi Petra, what are the numbers of the first fair and the 2019 fair?
The BCB actually started in 2007 with eight exhibitors in Berlin's Glashaus and quickly developed into the most important international event for the bar and spirits industry. In 2019, 15.162 visitors from a total of 86 countries attended the fair.
How do you estimate the numbers for the 2021 fair?
This year, the focus is certainly not on growth, but on the industry's first reunion after the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry has suffered a lot and it is important and valuable to engage in conversations, exchange concepts and ideas. It is certainly not possible for everyone to come to Berlin, which is why we are also planning a supplementary online offer in the programme. And – of course – safety first: We are expecting around 200 exhibitors, whom we have positioned in such a way that our safety and hygiene concept works.
Credit: Bar Convent Berlin
Apart from the COVID restrictions, how will this edition be different from the past? Of course, we know one is the new venue.
Yes, we are moving to the Berlin ExpoCenter City. We had already planned this for 2020. And we can now implement our new “City Life Spirits“ concept. The trade show is brought to life by hotspots and special productions and reflects trends in big city life. The hot spot in Hall 18 is all about the “Urban Gardening” theme and the use of herbs and fresh produce at bars. Under the heading “Senses” there will be spirit tastings and samplings as well as lectures that inspire sensorics at the Palais. At the Coffee Experience Bar coffee lovers will get to know this popular hot beverage in a completely new way. And in Hall 19 the colourful and creative side to the German capital will be made visible by street artists. Furthermore, there will also be an Urban Market with a number of industry newcomers, the “Young Guns”.
What are the advantages of the new venue at Berlin Messe?
We made the decision to move due to some structural changes around the Station Berlin, our previous location, and the uncertainty it caused for our planning. At the Berlin ExpoCenter City we will be occupying the “old” exhibition halls near the Palais and the Funkturm, an old radio tower erected in 1926. These venues have a charm all their own, and our new location gives us a tremendous opportunity to redesign the BCB. Now, in Corona times, we of course have the great advantage that we simply have a lot of space here to maintain the distances for safety reasons.
Pictured above: the new venue at Berlin Messe.
What can the visitors expect from their experience?
We can join together in person again here at the Bar Convent Berlin. This is what makes the BCB 2021 such a special occasion. Certainly, the experiences of the past one and a half years will also be given the appropriate space. It's about how the pandemic has changed our business and what we can learn from it in the long term.
How many brands are represented in this year’s edition?
We look forward to welcoming our exhibitors from around the globe, including our ‘Young Guns’ newcomers to the market with exciting products. In addition, countless brands from Japan, Italy and the USA will be presenting their products and services in their national pavilions. In total, there are around 200 exhibitors.
Credit: Bar Convent Berlin
Are there just as many after fair events in the evening?
BCB does not end when the show closes. Everyone is called upon to discover the city's bars. This year the trade show will be complemented by side events. In cooperation with various spirits brands and hip Berlin bars we will transport the shows atmosphere to the Berlin city centre. Joining the fray will be: Green Door, Provocateur, Velvet, Wax On, House of Gin and Black Rabbit. At every location renowned bartenders and teams of famous international top bars will be working guest shifts.
What have been the biggest challenges and joys of organizing this edition?
The greatest joy was the moment when we realised: it really works! We have permission from the authorities, we are allowed to do the show. Because planning a fair under Corona conditions was also the biggest challenge I've ever had in my career. Now I am simply happy.
What are you most excited about at BCB this year?
There are always many highlights that I look forward to. But a really great thing will certainly be the collaboration with Rémy Savage and his team. We are realising a BCB Bauhaus Pop Up Bar together with Russian Standard Vodka. But not only Rémy and his team will provide insights into what makes their concept so special at the Palais on the fairgrounds. Thanks to the cooperation with our furniture partner Zeitlos Berlin, a leading online design gallery from the metropolis, this bar will also be staged in Bauhaus style at the Palais.
Credit: Bar Convent Berlin
Can you tell me about your educational workshops?
Education about key trends and vital topics is one of the three ‘reasons to visit’ for many bar professionals along with exposure to new products and networking with the community – and this year will be no exception. Despite the travel regulations and uncertainty, we have assembled an international group of speakers and experts to present material to help navigate the ‘new normal’ of our industry. From practical sustainability to proven alternative revenue streams to exploring new must visit cities (Singapore, Miami and Copenhagen) in the future as well as understanding the crucial roles played by the POC and LGBTQ communities the education program this year may be small but it’s perfectly formed. It’s also a mix of real world and streaming and digital only sessions for those who cannot travel.
Can you drop a few star bartender names that will be in attendance?
On the Main Stage we have rising stars such as Hannah Lanfear, Julian Bella Robins, Louisa Dodd and Stu Bale as well as seasoned experts like Sean Finter, Vivian Pei Naren Young, Tiffanie Barriere and Hardeep Rahal Singh. In the digital sphere we have key players from India (Minakshi Singh), Africa (Eugene Nyaundi), Middle East (Oron Lerner) and USA (Lauren Paylor). Plus, this year again we have asked three new cutting-edge bars to showcase themselves in the so called “Triple Bar Series”. So expect to peek behind the scenes of Argo in HK, Schofield’s in London and Happy Accidents in Albuquerque…
Four questions for Petra
Elegant hotel cocktail bar or old timey dive bar?
I travel a lot in hotels due to my job, so my heart beats a little for the many really top hotel bars.
Gin and Tonic or a nice cold beer?
Actually both, first a cold beer, then a nice gin and tonic.
What’s your superpower?
My friends and colleagues are my true superpower. A strong network that always has my back.
What is your nerdiest hobby?
When it comes to flowers, it becomes a top priority for me. Little things like that, which bring a location to life are extremely important to me. Ask my colleagues. 😉
Where you can find Bar Convent Berlin
Website: barconvent.com
Instagram: @barconventber