From 25 to 27 March, Zagreb will once again become the hub of the regional bar and coffee scene at the tenth Raise the Bar Conference. Hosted at Lauba, the event will welcome international and local experts, once again revealing the rising stars of the regional hospitality scene through barista and bartender competitions.
The first two days of the conference are dedicated to the Raise the Bar Competition for bartenders and baristas, while the final day will offer insights into the key changes that have marked the past decade, as well as clear guidelines for the future of hospitality – a sector of strategic importance for the development of Croatia’s tourism and economy.
On Friday, 27 March, international guests and local experts will participate in two thematic panels dedicated to the transformation of the bar and culinary scene over the last ten years and the trends that will shape the industry.
The panel on the development of the bar industry will feature some of the most influential names in world mixology: Rémy Savage, Danil Nevsky, Nikos Bakoulis and Ago Perrone. Their experiences and perspectives will provide a unique insight into global standards and innovations that are redefining the contemporary bar industry.
In the panel dedicated to gastronomy, prominent Croatian experts and chefs Igor Gudac, Marko Gajski, Bruno Vokal, and Jela Šaban will reflect on the development of the local culinary scene and its potential for further positioning Croatia as a top-quality gastronomic destination.
Participants of the conference will have a unique opportunity to experience the atmosphere of some of the world’s best bars – without leaving Zagreb. Specially designed pop-ups will faithfully recreate the ambiance of iconic locations, with their founders and head bartenders personally preparing cocktails. Rémy Savage (AA Bar with Shapes for a Name, London, Bar Nouveau, Paris, Abstract Bistrot, Paris), Ago Perrone (Connaught Bar, London), and Nikos Bakoulis (The Clumsies and Line bar, Athens) will bring a piece of the atmosphere of their award-winning bars to Lauba, allowing visitors a rare experience of tasting premium cocktails interpreted by the authors themselves.
Alongside the announcement of the Raise the Bar Competition winners for baristas and the Raise the Bar Competition superfinal for bartenders, Coca-Cola HBC Adria will give recognition to the young professionals who successfully completed the Raise the Bar Academy – a free educational program designed for bartenders, baristas, and waiters.
