Specialty Coffee Association of America's Seattle Conf. & Exhibition Sets Record for Largest Worldwide Coffee Gathering in History; SCAA to Bring This Major Coffee Industry Event to Charlotte, N.C., April 7 - 10, 2006.

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- The Specialty Coffee Association of America's (SCAA) 17th Annual Conference & Exhibition, held April 15 - 18 at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle, Wash., assembled more than 10,000 participants from more than 40 countries. For SCAA and the industry, the conference marks the largest worldwide gathering of coffee professionals in history. The SCAA will bring this major industry event to Charlotte, N.C., April 7 - 10, 2006. More than 8,000 attendees are expected next year.

At the recent Seattle conference, many of the attendees represented coffee producers, exporters & importers, roasters, retailers and manufacturers. Baristas and specialty coffee connoisseurs were also in attendance. Delegates explored more than 850 exhibit booths featuring everything relating to coffee. The exhibition featured over 500 specialty coffee companies showcasing their products and services. Starbucks was the official host sponsor.

SCAA Recognition Awards

During the event, the SCAA recognized leading experts and professionals who made outstanding contributions to the specialty coffee industry.

--Lifetime Achievement Award: The Diedrich Family, including: Carl Diedrich, Sr., Martin Diedrich and Stephan Diedrich. Carl Diedrich was a strong influence in the coffee industry as a coffee grower, importer, retailer, builder of roasters and father of two influential specialty coffee people: Stephan Diedrich, founder of Diedrich Manufacturing, and Martin Diedrich, founder of Diedrich Coffee.

--Outstanding Contributions to the Association Award: Paul Songer, a private consultant who serves on the SCAA's Technical Standards Committee and is technical director for the Cup of Excellence.

--Distinguished Publisher Award: Ward Barbee, founder of Fresh Cup Magazine. His magazine has won more national awards than any other beverage trade publication. This year, Fresh Cup debuts insidecoffee, a consumer book explaining the mystique of specialty coffee. It will be sold through coffee retailers around the country.

--Special Recognition Award: John Sanders, a member of the Roasters Guild and the SCAA who currently sits on sub-committees for the United States Barista Championship Committee, Technical Standards Committee and Seattle Conference Planning Committee. Sanders is also co-owner of Hines Public Market Coffee in Seattle.