How is the SCA monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak?

The SCA has put together a taskforce, made up of leadership across the organization, that meets daily to review updates from local and global health organizations, updates from our event partners, and questions from our communities.

As each event approaches, the task force meets daily to discuss the latest developments and the inquiries coming in from the community to help us to determine the safest course of action. Our decisions and actions continue to be informed by local and global health authorities. We will continue to update this page and the FAQ below as the situation evolves and we receive new questions.

Below are some relevant links to websites we are monitoring and updating that may be useful to you:

General relevant links:

Resources for those attending the Specialty Coffee Expo:

Resources for those attending the Melbourne World Coffee Championships:

Resources for those attending World of Coffee Warsaw:

The taskforce is also meeting with focus groups as needed to ensure we’re including community input as we move forward. We are working to provide relevant updates in as close to real time as possible on this page, but the best resources are to utilize the real-time updates from local and global health authorities.

How are the SCA's Expo, World of Coffee, and World Coffee Championships impacted by COVID-19?

For the latest updates on our events, please see the "Updates on the Impacts of COVID-19 and SCA Events" section above or visit our event websites.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially named the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Over the past few months, we have been monitoring the outbreak and its impact on our upcoming events and seeking solutions with the health and safety of our community in mind. We have been exploring alternative options to support the best outcomes for all stakeholders who have invested in preparing for these shows.

We are advising our staff, volunteers, exhibitors, and attendees everywhere to please follow your country's health advisories regarding travel and gatherings. The SCA will continue to closely monitor updates from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For a complete and up to date list of confirmed locations, please visit [cdc.gov/coronavirus][16]. [16]: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/

What advice do you have for staying safe during coffee cupping activities at SCA events?

Tasting batch-brewed coffee is, in many cases, a better alternative to cupping when you want to avoid cross-contamination. In cases where the coffee grading function of the SCA cupping protocol is important, we encourage the use of the modified protocol, listed above under "Modified SCA Cupping Protocol."

If you are an exhibitor or attendee registered to attend Expo, World of Coffee, or the World Coffee Championships, and you would like to get in touch with a member of our team, please find the relevant contact information following one of the links below.

Information for SCA Chapters or WCE-sanctioned Competition Bodies

The COVID-19 outbreak has made global travel more complicated. Travelers may have restrictions imposed on them by various government entities or may be hesitant to travel due to the evolving situation. We know that this may make it difficult for Competition Bodies (CBs) to find WCE Representatives for their national championships. SCA/WCE wants to recognize that this situation may create unprecedented challenges for Competition Bodies. Therefore, if a CB is unable to find a WCE Rep for their championships, please let your Regional Community Director (RCD) know as soon as possible (find their contact information below). If no suitable Rep is available, WCE may allow the CB to run their championships without a WCE Rep present, and still be able to send their champions to compete at the World Coffee Championships. If your CB is having trouble confirming a WCE Rep, please inform WCE (info@worldcoffeeevents.org) and your RCD as soon as possible, so that we can help determine the best solution available and ensure that your national champions are sanctioned.

Mansi Chokshi, Regional Community Director for the Americas - Email: mansic@sca.coffee

Kyonghee Shin, Regional Community Director for Asia-Pacific - Email: kyonghees@sca.coffee

Jackie Malone, Regional Community Director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa - Email: jackiem@sca.coffee

We are also developing some modified evaluation protocols for the coffee competitions, to minimize cross-contamination. We will be sharing those shortly, and you should make use of them to ensure the highest degree of safety at your event.

Information for WCE Reps

WCE does not require any WCE Representative to travel anywhere that they do not feel comfortable. We advise all WCE Representatives to err on the side of caution and to follow your country's health advisories regarding travel and gatherings. We will be equally supportive of Competition Body events. Therefore, if a CB is unable to source a WCE Rep, we will not prohibit that CB from participating in the World Coffee Championships. We feel this is the safest and most respectful way to support our coffee communities around the world and move forward, due to the current challenges and unknowns. We are also developing some modified evaluation protocols for some of the competitions to minimize cross-contamination. We will be sharing those shortly, and you should make use of them if you do travel to an event, or take part in one in your own country. If you are a WCE Rep, please check your inbox for emails from WCE staff for more information.