BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Bar Convent Brooklyn reported its largest attendance to date in 2024.
More than 5,300 professionals in the bar and beverage industry, an 18% increase from 2023, visited the show at Industry City for beverage product showcases, networking opportunities and more this year.
Also, 65% of Bar Convent Brooklyn’s visitors were first-time attendees in 2024. Its individual year-over-year retention increased by 4% as well.
“While we focused on enhancing the overall visitor and exhibitor experience when planning, the increase in attendance is a testament to the strong reputation Bar Convent Brooklyn has built as a premier industry event,” Jackie Williams, Event Vice President of Bar Convent Brooklyn at RX, said. “The global reach and the excitement it generates within Brooklyn and beyond make it a must-attend event for anyone in the bar and beverage industry.”
Williams explained that the show’s diverse lineup of seminars and panel discussions, curated by industry leaders, vibrant show floor, and new programming and networking features drove attendance as well. The show also grew in exhibitors and net square footage this year.
“In addition to highlighting the unique opportunities Bar Convent Brooklyn offers — such as direct access to industry professionals, influencers, media and other key stakeholders — we also coordinated several targeted strategies and enhancements that aided in the growth of exhibitors this year,” Williams explained.
“We expanded our Emerging Brands Pavilion, providing a dedicated space for new and upcoming brands to showcase their products and encouraged more established brands to launch their latest products. As far as our international pavilions, our show floor saw returning favorites, like Italy, Japan and Peru, alongside newcomer Canada. This focus on emerging brands, international brands and new product launches attracted a diverse range of exhibitors eager to gain recognition and connect with industry professionals.”
Additionally, increased show floor space devoted to no/low alcohol products helped encourage exhibitor participation.
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This growth prompted Bar Convent Brooklyn’s leadership team to adjust the show’s layout.
To better-facilitate the influx in foot traffic, its registration area was expanded, and given more self-check-in kiosks to combat wait times. Additionally, the show expanded into an additional hall.
A Street Party and Writer’s Block
According to Williams, a new Bar Convent Brooklyn Street Party, held on June 11, was “inspired by a desire to create a new, vibrant and engaging social experience for attendees, providing a fun and informal setting to unwind after a day of industry activities.”
Guests networked with pizza, cotton candy and drinks, with lawn games, music and entertainment, which included tarot card readings.
Additionally, in Bar Convent Brooklyn’s new Writer’s Block program, more than 15 industry authors showcased their work and connected to attendees through book signings and discussions.
Bar Convent Brooklyn will return to Industry City June 10-11, 2025.
“Our goals for Bar Convent Brooklyn in 2025 and beyond are to expand the show with more exhibitors and experiences, fostering greater learning and networking opportunities,” Williams added.
“We are committed to sustainability, building on initiatives like composting cocktail waste and using sustainably-made uniforms, aiming to set new standards for industry events at large. We will continue to enhance education programming and networking opportunities to support industry professionals in growing their businesses. Additionally, we aspire to expand our international reach, welcoming more exhibitors and visitors from diverse backgrounds and maintaining Bar Convent Brooklyn as the premier platform for industry engagement, learning and innovation in the spirits and beverages sector.”
Learn more about Bar Convent Brooklyn here.
