Event Announcement: IWCA Chapter Encounter in Florence, Italy - January 28 & 29, 2025
SAVE THE DATE!
We’re excited to announce the upcoming IWCA Chapter Encounter in Florence, Italy, hosted by La Accademia Marzocco (De’Longhi Group) and IWCA Italy. This unique gathering brings together leaders, members, and partners from IWCA Chapters in coffee-consuming countries to connect, collaborate, and support the advancement of women throughout the global coffee value chain.
About IWCA and the Encounter The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) unites a worldwide network of 35 chapters, empowering women in the coffee industry through education, advocacy, and community. With growing IWCA Chapters in coffee-consuming countries, the need for deeper collaboration in non-growing sectors, including processing, trading, marketing, and more, has never been clearer. In partnership with La Marzocco Accademia, IWCA is thrilled to create a space for leaders and members to share, strategize, and inspire new opportunities for women across the industry.
Event Objectives The IWCA Chapter Encounter will focus on:
Knowledge Sharing: Chapters will exchange experiences, challenges, and goals, creating a global tapestry of insights.
Strategic Planning: Attendees will identify areas for future workshops, webinars, and initiatives to support women’s businesses and careers in coffee.
Connection and Collaboration: Strengthening connections across the coffee value chain by building a robust network of buyers, sellers, and partners.
Formation of the IWCA Experts Network: Developing steps to launch this network to support women across the coffee industry.
Event Location and Program Overview Location: Accademia del Caffè Espresso, Via Bolognese 68, Pian di San Bartolo, 50014 Fiesole, Italy
Dates: January 28 & 29, 2025
Program Highlights:
January 27: Arrival in Florence; suggested hotels nearby
January 28:
Opening remarks by IWCA Global and La Marzocco leaders
Chapter introductions and shared goals for 2025
Caffè Vergnano experience with IWCA chapters from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Guatemala
Working groups to address key challenges in the coffee industry
Evening dinner and networking
January 29:
Guided coffee tour through Florence, organized by IWCA Italy and partners
Who Should Attend? This event is open to IWCA Chapter founders, board members, local partners, past board members, ambassadors, and special invitees from organizations tied to the coffee industry, including ITC, FAO, SCA, Oxfam, and others.
Logistics and Accommodations La Marzocco will host the event venue and provide A/V and streaming services for attendees. Suggested nearby accommodations include:
Hotel Villa Bonelli (10 minutes by car)
Hotel La Residenza (15-minute walk)
Hotel Villa Medici (12 minutes by car)
The event will provide coffee breaks and lunch. Attendees are responsible for other meals, with potential sponsorship for the welcome or closing dinner.
After the Event To maintain momentum, IWCA will share a post-event summary with action items and a collaborative impact report for sponsors. Stay tuned for updates on our social media channels to follow this inspiring gathering and join the journey toward greater empowerment and connection in coffee.