Coffee, Coffee, Coffee-- The Specialty Coffee Association of America's Atlanta Exposition Begins.

The Coffee World's Preeminent Event Gathers Thousands from Around the Globe, for All Things Coffee-- Seed to Cup

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), host of the world's largest gathering of coffee professionals, kicks off its Annual Exposition today in Atlanta, Georgia World Congress Center.

Thousands of international coffee professionals gather for this multi-day event, which features all trade aspects of the coffee industry--coffee farming, latest coffee products and trends, coffee cupping, espresso machines, coffee retail, syrups and flavorings, and more.

The event also features the 2009 Roasters Guild Coffee of the Year Competition and the World Barista Championship. The Expo ends on Sunday afternoon, only after SCAA crowns the 2009 coffee champions.

Who: The Specialty Coffee Association of America and the biggest names in the coffee industry, including thousands of international coffee professionals and hundreds of coffee exhibitors.

What: The Specialty Coffee Association of America's 21st Annual Exposition, featuring the 2009 Roasters Guild Coffee of the Year Competition and the 2009 World Barista Championship.

When: Exposition Hours - Friday, 12 - 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 12 - 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 - 4 p.m. World Barista Championship - Friday and Saturday, 12 - 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 12 - 2 p.m. with the Awards Ceremony at 3 p.m. Coffee of the Year Competition - Friday and Saturday, 9 - 5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Press Room located in Room A409.

Visuals: Coffee, coffee, coffee. Professional baristas in action, pulling shots and creating innovative signature drinks. The future of specialty coffee beverages and products--all on display during the Expo.

About the SCAA

The SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association dedicated to creating a vibrant specialty coffee community. We recognize, develop and promote specialty coffee by setting and maintaining quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and business services for members. Celebrating 26 years of success, the strength of our organization is reflective of our members who represent more than forty countries and every segment of the Specialty Coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. Together, we ensure our industry continues to thrive. Visit www.scaa.org.

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