BROOKLYN, NY — Brooklyn’s Bar Convent reported its highest attendance yet in 2024.
More than 5,300 bar and beverage industry professionals, an 18% increase from 2023, visited Industry City for beverage product presentations, networking opportunities and more this year.
Additionally, 65% of Bar Convent Brooklyn’s visitors were newcomers in 2024. Its year-over-year individual retention also increased by 4%.
“While we focused on improving the overall visitor and exhibitor experience during planning, the increase in attendance is a testament to the strong reputation Bar Convent Brooklyn has built as a premier event in the industry,” said Jackie Williams, vice president of events for Bar Convent Brooklyn at RX. “The global reach and excitement it generates in Brooklyn and beyond make it a must-attend event for anyone working in the bar and beverage industry.”
Williams said the diversity of seminars and roundtables hosted by industry leaders, the show’s dynamic nature and new programming and networking features also helped boost attendance. The show also saw growth in exhibitor numbers and net square footage this year.
“In addition to highlighting the unique opportunities offered by Bar Convent Brooklyn, such as direct access to industry professionals, influencers, media and other key stakeholders, we also coordinated several targeted strategies and enhancements that contributed to exhibitor growth this year,” Williams explained.
“We expanded our Emerging Brands Pavilion, providing a dedicated space for new and emerging brands to showcase their products and encouraging more established brands to launch their latest products. In our international pavilions, our showroom welcomed favorites like Italy, Japan and Peru, as well as newcomer Canada. This focus on emerging brands, international brands and new product launches attracted a wide range of exhibitors eager to be recognized and connect with industry professionals.”
Additionally, the increase in exhibition space dedicated to alcohol-free and low-alcohol products helped encourage exhibitor participation.
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This growth prompted the management team at Bar Convent Brooklyn to adjust the layout of the show.
To facilitate the influx of visitors, the check-in area has been expanded and equipped with additional self-check-in kiosks to reduce waiting times. In addition, the show has expanded into an additional room.
A street party and writer’s block
According to Williams, the new Bar Convent Brooklyn Street Party, held on June 11, was “inspired by the desire to create a new, dynamic and engaging social experience for attendees, providing a fun and informal setting to unwind after a day of industry activities.”
Guests enjoyed pizza, cotton candy and drinks, along with lawn games, music and entertainment including tarot card readings.
Additionally, as part of Bar Convent Brooklyn’s new Writer’s Block program, more than 15 industry writers showcased their work and connected with attendees through book signings and discussions.
Bar Convent Brooklyn will return to Industry City from June 10-11, 2025.
“Our goals for Bar Convent Brooklyn in 2025 and beyond are to expand the show with more exhibitors and experiences, fostering greater learning and networking opportunities,” Williams added.
“We are committed to sustainability, leveraging initiatives such as composting cocktail waste and using sustainably produced uniforms, with the goal of setting new standards for industry events in general. We will continue to enhance training programs and networking opportunities to help industry professionals grow their businesses. Additionally, we aspire to expand our international reach, welcoming more exhibitors and visitors from diverse backgrounds and maintaining Bar Convent Brooklyn as the premier platform for engagement, learning and innovation in the spirits and beverage industry.”
Learn more about Bar Convent Brooklyn here.
