The Roma Bar Show is back, baby!
Sharlafied interviewed Fabio Bacchi, one of the four partners who dreamed up the show and Leonardo Leuci gives us tips that only a true Roman can. Catch the Roma Bar Show on 30-31 May, 2022.
The venue, Palazzo dei Congressi.
My interview with Fabio Bacchi
Can you give us a little background on how the show was born and how the four partners—you Fabio Bacchi, Jerry Thomas Project, Giuseppe Gallo and Andrea Fofi—managed to put it together?
Roma Bar Show was created from the observation that Italy did not have an event with an international profile, specialized and with the Italian spirit industry at the center of attention. Until that moment, there were many, many events, interesting ones too, but none that aligned with the standards of the industry’s great world events. The birth of the Roma Bar Show was possible also thanks to the companies that had already achieved what I mentioned above and noticed this lack or necessity. This was the thought that united the four of us to bring together our experiences, knowledge and credibility accumulated over many years of bartending and working closely with companies at various levels. The four of us have the great advantage of having a personal relationship with Italian and international bartenders, brands, manufacturing, importing and distributing companies, as well as their managers and the specialized press, so our personal experiences also have a place in event planning. This kind of equation is hard to find in other organizations.
The Roma Bar Show 2019 was a great success and it was certainly very frustrating to have to cancel the show for two consecutive years due to Covid. Can you tell us how it will be different this year, as far as protocols are concerned?
Certainly 2020 and 2021 were years in which our thoughts were close to RBS, a fledgling brand that has been able to place itself on the global map. Over the past two years we have been thinking and imagining how and where to improve the show. The Rome Bar Show On Tour experience allowed us to keep the attention on the event, creating the necessary expectation and buzz. Half of us were in the field, the rest in the control room planning everything down to the smallest detail. Security was one of the most important aspects of this. When the end of the state of emergency came, we were ready with our consultants on the matter. We have followed all the rules and we are ready.
How will the show be organized? (by product, by area, etc.)
If you enjoyed the 2019 edition, you will be amazed by the 2022 one. Advancing or postponing the new edition to May, depending on you look at it, was a choice that has proved to be successful. All the companies liked it, to the point that by mid-March the spaces were already sold out and, albeit reluctantly, we were unable to satisfy all the requests we received. I cannot reveal the surprises but I can say that there will be several thematic areas including the Mexico Village which was so popular in 2019, the new Piazza Italia, an area dedicated to the best of Italian craft production which for the first time will be all together to create a system within a Bar Show—there will even be secret rooms but I can’t say more than this. There will be a host of fun, educational content and cocktail competitions. Trust me, it will be memorable.
Which speakers are planned for this edition?
Ho about Jeffy “Beachbum” Barry , Dave Broom and Ryan Chetiyawardana for starters? The list is very long., and the organization of this recruitment has been very demanding. But among the events on the main stage, in the Academy, in the tasting rooms, and in the myriad of satellite events on the side will take place in the capital, you will be spoiled for choice.
Some of this year’s speakers.
Can you give us some information on some guest shifts around Rome during the days of the event?
Ther ar too many to mention! Check out on our site! All I can tell you is that, in those two days, Rome will be the capital of world bartending.
What's new in the format compared to 2019?
Let's put it this way... everything you saw in 2019 has been implemented and more content has been added to the format. You will already see the surprises in Piazzale Kennedy, before entering Palazzo dei Congressi, and inside you will be stunned by the size of the exhibition spaces and their settings. When you arrive on the terrace, you will be captivated by the new and thematic areas that will debut this year.
How many brands will be represented this year?
There are more than 100 companies from three continents representing 625 brands.
Why should you come to the Roma Bar show?
I think that, at the moment, the Roma Bar Show is nothing less than other similar events in Europe. Even though it is only in its second edition, I personally think it is immediately behind BCB in terms of attractiveness and content, at least in Europe. It is not hard to predict that in just a few years the RBS will have a development that is difficult to imagine now, but certainly evolutionary. The debut has impacted us beyond all expectations, and we know that there is a lot of attention and expectations for this event. This consideration pushes us to do and offer the best possible. Roma Bar Show is the moment in which the whole bar industry gathers in Italy. Those who feel part of this world cannot miss it.
Is there anything else you would like to share about the show this year?
You will be able to see the finals of Diageo World Class for Italy and the world final for the Art of Italicus right here. We also have Fuori Salone, a series of off-site events all around the city. And Mexico Village is back with a vengeance. Come to Rome and you will see what we have in store for you!
5 tips for Rome by Leonardo Leuci
What is the best way to get around in Rome?
Rome is a complicated city in terms of mobility, and I certainly feel the need to discourage anyone who is not from Rome from driving—traveling around the capital by car can be hell for those who are not used to it.
The metro and buses are okay in the historic center, but if you’re feeling like a gladiator and want to enjoy the city in complete freedom, definitely rent a scooter.
Where can you go to eat at 2 am in Rome?
Rome is undoubtedly one of the world’s street food capitals. Compared to a few years ago, the nighttime offer has diminished considerably, but there are plenty of mobile sandwich shops that are open all night, jokingly called “lo zozzone” (the dirty one) as well as cornetto shops. The must-try that I recommend are il Maritozzaro, the Paninoteca Orfeo, il Cornettone, il Saloon del Panino and the iconic Ali Baba at Arco di Travertino for those who want to explore the world of Roman kebab shops.
Rome has the best……
…archeological park in the world. This is undoubtedly true: you could have lived in Rome for 50 years and still find new hidden marvels and not only those that represent the city’s history but also one the best street food landscapes, along with Naples and Palermo.
The street-style pizza, the bakery-style pizza, the Trapizzino, the supplì, porchetta sandwiches, the coppiette, fried zucchini blossoms, the famous Roman cod filets, and much more.
What does Rome have that Milan doesn’t?
Rome is a large city with the carefree spirit of a small town… Maybe a bit too much, but that’s the way it is.
A Roman saying you must know:
We have a saying, “sta ‘n campana”, which means “be careful and keep your eyes wide open”… That is fundamental advice for Rome.
Useful information and links
The Roma Bar Show is taking place on May 30-31, 2022 at Palazzo dei Congressi in Rome.
Check out the Roma Bar Show programme!
Follow Roma Bar Show on instagram