Session 2: Competition. Judging. Volunteering. Why should you get involved?
Description
Coffee competitions can seem intimidating.
You might think they're only for elite baristas, experienced judges, or people who've "been around forever."
The reality couldn't be further from the truth.
Whether you're thinking about competing for the first time, becoming a judge, volunteering behind the scenes, or simply wondering what all the fuss is about, this session is for you.
Join Emma, Dave and a few special guests, including champions, international judges, and educators, for an open and honest conversation about why coffee competitions matter, and why getting involved could be one of the best decisions you make for your coffee career.
We'll cover:
What competitions are really like behind the scenes
Why people compete (and why many never expected to)
What judges actually do, and how to become one
The important role volunteers play in making championships happen
The skills, friendships, confidence and opportunities competitions create
The myths that stop people from getting involved
How to get started, even if you've never considered it before
Plenty of time for questions and discussion
This isn't a rules workshop.
It isn't a lecture.
It's a conversation.
A chance to hear real experiences, ask the questions you've always wanted to ask, and decide whether competitions might have a place in your own coffee journey.
Who should attend? Curious baristas, Coffee professionals, Future competitors, Potential judges, Volunteers, Roasters, Café owners & anyone wanting to better understand coffee competitions.
Includes a 2-hour workshop + 30-minute live Q&A link to online workshop will come after registration
Secure your spot now, this is where competition insight meets real world application
Ticket price converted to NZ Dollars = $15 USD
7:00–9:30pm NZST
This translates roughly to:
Singapore / Malaysia / Perth: 3:00–5:00pm
Japan / Korea: 4:00–6:00pm
India: 12:30–2:30pm
UK: 8:00–10:00am
Central Europe: 9:00–11:00am
Eastern Europe: 10:00am–12:00pm
Lineup
David Huang
David has built a career in coffee since 2006, working across independent cafés, chains, and coffee companies, and leading the development of cafés, espresso bars, and roasteries. He has trained hundreds of baristas and coffee professionals, including national finalists and champions. He is the founder and owner of Society Coffee Roasters, a boutique coffee company based in Auckland, New Zealand. David is an active World Coffee Championships Representative and Judge skills program instructor, contributing to global judge development and standards. He remains deeply involved in the industry through competing, judging, training, coaching, and volunteering at both national and international levels, supporting the ongoing growth and professionalism of coffee championships and education worldwide. Competition Highlights NZ Barista Championship Finalist 2008–10, Auckland Regional Winner 2009/10, NZ Latte Art Championship Finalist 2007, NZ Trans-Tasman Barista Team 2008–10 Judging & Certification NZ National Barista Judge since 2011, NZ National Latte Art Judge since 2010, WBC Certified Sensory Judge since 2017, World Latte Art Championship Visual Judge 2023, WCC Rep and Head Judge since 2023 Training & Industry Roles SCA Certified IDP Instructor 2011, NZ HSI Workplace Assessor since 2010, NZ Barista Guild Committee Member 2016–19, NZSCA Board Member 2020–23 Recognition NZSCA Ongoing Contribution Award 2023
Emma Markland Webster
British-born, Emma moved to New Zealand in the late 1990s, where her passion for coffee began. In 2001, she became New Zealand’s first official Barista Champion and has since been a leading figure in the country’s coffee and competition scene. She is the owner of the New Zealand School of Coffee and Monster Trucks Coffee, and works as an AST trainer, Q Grader instructor, and equipment sales representative for AMC Roastery Supply. Emma is a founding member of the NZ Specialty Coffee Association, serving as Events and Education Director and Board Member (2005–2025). A Certified Judge and WCC Representative, she is dedicated to coffee education, mentoring and training new judges and future champions. With experience at 21 World Barista Championships across 21 cities, her greatest highlight remains the global coffee community and the connections built through it. Competition Highlights NZ Barista Champion 2001, WBC Oslo ranked 5th 2002, World Cup Tasters Bern 2006 ranked 8th, NZ Trans-Tasman Barista Team 2006–10, World Coffee Throwing Champion 2016 welterweight devision. Judging & Certification NZ Barista Judge since 2002, WCC Certified Judge since 2003, Representitive since judge training and inception of Rep roles worldwide. Training & Industry Roles SCA Certified Instructor 2011, AST Trainer, Q Grader instructor. Content creator and contributor for WCC championship events. Recognition NZSCA Ongoing Contribution Award 2017
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