Re:venue

We’re excited to announce that Re:co New Zealand 2015 will be held at the MOTAT Aviation Hall, Pt Chevalier, Auckland. A truly epic venue (click on the image to watch a video.), it’s a space that pays tribute to innovation, excellence, and high octane adventure. Feels like a fitting stage for the pioneering speakers who’ll engage us over two days.
 

Re:format

Across two days, Re:co New Zealand attendees will be guided along a narrative arc, addressing the following subjects.
Growing the industry – conversations about recent developments in the specialty coffee industry, both here and overseas. Where are the opportunities for growth? What are some of the challenges of exploring new markets?
Growing your business – challenging attendees to take their businesses to the next level and discussing what tools will get them there. We ask, how are you controlling the evolution of your brand?
Leadership and influence – we will look at the role of each of us has in promoting specialty coffee. Do we have a role in influencing the drinking and purchasing habits of coffee consumers, and if so, how?

The Debate

Are we leaders or fast followers? As specialists in our field, are we dictating the evolution of specialty coffee, or are we being dictated to? Day 1 of Re:co will see the heavyweights of speciality coffee duke it out. James Hoffmann’s team will argue the proposition: We should give our customers what they want, not tell them what they want. Nick Cho’s team will argue in opposition. The debate will be arbitrated by a doyen of New Zealand specialty coffee, Chris Dillon. This promises to be a highlight at Re:co. We can’t wait to see Hoffmann and Cho lock horns!
 

Re:presenting

Master of Ceremonies:
Al Keating

Al’s career in coffee began during the premature death throes of his schooling, when, at the gentle suggestion of his teachers, he left high school early and started work as a barista. After perfecting 90’s espresso cuisine, soaring cinnamon-peaked cappuccinos and vast latte bowls, Al took up his studies again, this time in Industrial Design. He is now in his 17th year of coffee. A recent speaker at the SCAA Symposium, Al is well placed to sit in the pilot’s seat at Re:co New Zealand. Buckle up!

Speaker: James Hoffmann

James Hoffmann is the 2007 World Barista Champion, having won the UK Barista competition in both 2006 & 2007. He is currently focused on Square Mile Coffee Roasters, working with their wholesale clients on training, education and business development. James continues to be involved in various aspects the industry. You can read James Hoffmann’s writing on coffee at jimseven.com. James is well known as an industry pioneer and an accomplished public speaker.

Speaker: Trish Rothgeb

Trish is the director of Q and educational programmes at the Coffee Quality Institute. Trish has worked for Kaffa (Norway), Taylor Maid Farms, and Zoka – she’s a certified SCAA instructor, served on the Roasters Guild Executive Council, serves on the World Barista Championship Board of Directors, and was a founding member of the Barista Guild of America. Trish is perhaps best known for coining the phrase “Third Wave of Coffee” – but her body of work within the specialty coffee industry is expansive.

Speaker: Ric Rhinehart

Ric Rhinehart has been the executive director of the Specialty Coffee Association of America since 2008.  Prior to joining the SCAA, he was the chief operating officer of Groundwork Coffee Co., a specialty coffee roaster and tea purveyor based in Los Angeles, and before that was president of R2 Consultants, a management consulting firm specializing in the coffee and tea industries. Ric will bring a wealth of experience and insight with him to Re:co.

Speaker: Nick Cho

Nick founded Murky coffee in 2002, which developed to be Washington DC’s premier coffee bar, winning barista competitions and recognition around the specialty coffee industry.
Nic is the Co-founder, head barista, and marketing director of Wrecking Ball Rosters, a coffee roasting company in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over the past few years Nic served as a director on the Barista Guild of America’s Executive Council, on the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s Board of Directors, on the World Barista Championship Board of Directors, and as the chairman of the United States Barista Championship. Nic is a well known specialty coffee proponent, who speaks his mind, and is always challenging the status quo.
 

Speaker: Simon Coley

The creative brain behind New Zealand’s fastest growing company; Powershop and the All Good brand of ethical and organic products including Karma Cola, Simon Coley has worked as a designer, creative director and marketing specialist around the globe. Before founding Powershop and All Good, Simon was the Marketing Director for 42 Below Vodka. He was responsible for marketing efforts, in New Zealand and internationally, and a range of new products under the 42 Below brand. Prior to that he worked with New Zealand Trade & Enterprise to create the Better by Design programme to help Kiwi companies gain a competitive design edge for marketing off shore.