What to Expect At Bar Convent Brooklyn 2025

New York, NY (May 21,  2025) – Bar Convent Brooklyn (BCB Brooklyn), the ultimate gathering for professionals in the bar and beverage industry, returns to Industry City on June 10-11, 2025 with an exciting mix of innovative exhibitors, dynamic education sessions, new competitions and unforgettable onsite activations. Now in its seventh year, BCB Brooklyn 2025 is set to deliver its most comprehensive and inclusive program yet.

Dynamic Exhibitors and a Growing Focus on No and Low-Alcohol Innovation

This year’s BCB Brooklyn show floor will spotlight a dynamic mix of brands, with a rise in no- and low-alcohol exhibitors, reflecting one of the industry’s fastest-growing categories. From zero-proof spirits to mindful mixers, attendees can explore how the world is rethinking what—and how—it drinks. International pavilions from Italy, Japan, Austria and beyond will return to showcase global craftsmanship, while both new and established exhibitors will unveil exciting product launches. 

To further support exhibiting brands, BCB Brooklyn will host two exclusive education sessions on Monday, June 9, focused on the no- and low-alcohol space. Open only to exhibitors, these sessions offer practical insights on building a successful non-alcoholic brand and navigating TTB and FDA regulations, equipping participants to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.

Education Programming and Industry Storytelling

Curated by BCB Brooklyn’s Head of Education Lynnette Marrero alongside a world-class Education Committee, the 2025 Main Stage will feature 14 thought-provoking sessions designed to address both the current challenges and future direction of the bar, spirits and beverage world. Topics range from cocktail costing, creative fermentation and capturing cocktail content to bartender mental health, neurodiversity in hospitality, the rise of non-alcoholic offerings, launching a brand without funding and exploring cultural identity through cocktails. Additional content will unfold across Park Street University and Liquid Lounge stages, with sessions tailored to brand builders, entrepreneurs and storytellers navigating today’s evolving beverage landscape. 

Running both days at Booth 7A-118, Authors Alley—presented by Lofty Pigeon Books—offers a space for reflection and conversation with leading voices in the industry. Attendees can meet authors, join signings and explore new releases on cocktail culture, hospitality leadership and personal narratives from across the beverage world.

Brand Accelerator Pitch Competition

For the first time ever, BCB Brooklyn will host a Brand Accelerator Pitch Competition spotlighting the next generation of spirits innovators. Presented by Women of the Vine & Spirits and Diverse Powered Brands, the competition will culminate in a live pitch session on June 11 in Liquid Lounge A. Finalists will present to a powerhouse panel of judges and the winner will receive a prize package that includes services from Double Forte, Greenspoon Marder, MHW and more.

Ja Rule’s Courtyard Bar Takeovers & More Brand Spotlights

Industry City’s outdoor courtyards will transform into high-energy activation zones, where top brands and talent deliver unforgettable experiences. Adding to the courtyard excitement, Ja Rule—rapper, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Whiskey—will host live pours and tastings at the Courtyard Bar in Courtyard 7/8 both days at 1:00 PM, followed by an exclusive VIP Lounge appearance on Tuesday afternoon for select badge holders. Also taking place at the Courtyard Bar in Courtyard 7/8, The Original Pickle Shot takes center stage both days from 2:30–4:00 PM, serving bold flavor and playful vibes with a cheeky tasting experience and plenty of photo ops. Across both days, the Courtyard Bar will host a rotating schedule of brand takeovers, including one on Wednesday with Renais Spirits’ Brand Advocacy Director Jack Sotti, and community gatherings like the “Sip With PRIDE Meet-Up” on Tuesday, encouraging those who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, work at a queer bar, or are a friendly ally, to network, exchange stories and make new friends.

Celebrations, Connections & After-Hours Energy

Creating intentional opportunities for connection remains a core part of the BCB Brooklyn experience. First-time attendees are invited to kick things off at the New Attendee Meet-Up on Tuesday at 4:00 PM in Courtyard 5/6—a casual gathering designed to make introductions easy and help first-time guests navigate the show. Immediately following, Cirque de BCB Brooklyn brings the energy from 5:00–7:00 PM, transforming the courtyard into a carnival-style celebration open to all badge holders, with balloon artists, tarot readers, face painting, a magician and more.

As the sun sets, BCB Brooklyn comes alive with after-hours energy. On Tuesday, June 10, the show’s official Opening Night Party—presented by William Grant & Sons—takes place at Brooklyn Bowl, featuring a lineup of guest bartenders from standout bars including Highball Phoenix, Jolene Sound Room Miami, Apotheke NoMad NYC, The Corner Store NYC, Madame George NYC, Dear Strangers NYC, El Camino NYC and Too Soon Portland.

Lounges, VIP+ Perks and Places to Recharge

For those looking to make the most of their time at BCB Brooklyn, the VIP+ badge—available in limited quantities—offers an upgraded experience with premium perks, exclusive programming and personalized access. Benefits include priority Main Stage seating, a dedicated registration line, curated exhibitor tours with chances to win great prizes, an exclusive networking lounge, personal concierge support and a welcome gift bag complete with a limited-edition VIP+ pin. Badge holders will also unlock entry to the Crafted Conversations series—intimate fireside-style discussions on mental health, inclusive leadership and sober-conscious creativity. 

For all attendees, the USBG Hospitality Lounge, hosted with Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur and located near Courtyard 5/6, offers a place to recharge with amenities like baggage check, charging stations, refreshments and casual networking. Programming highlights include a daily “Ask Me Anything” with USBG Executive Director Bo Shuff, Tuesday’s Speed Rack Open Training and free professional headshots provided by the Sit With Me app.

Don’t Forget to Register

Tickets for BCB Brooklyn 2025 are available now at barconventbrooklyn.com. General admission is priced at $95 for one day or $145 for two days through June 3. Starting June 4, tickets will be $125 for one day and $185 for two days, subject to availability. VIP+ tickets are available for $300. To register and stay up to date, visit the official website and follow along on Instagram at @barconventbrooklyn.

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