From 26 to 28 March 2026, Melbourne International Coffee Expo will bring exceptional brews and shape the future of the sector.
The Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) has become the definitive meeting place for the coffee supply chain, from small specialty businesses to large-scale equipment suppliers.
Its combination of product displays, interactive experiences, educational content and networking opportunities makes it valuable for everyone involved in the industry. Last year, the 2025 Expo attracted more than 31,000 visitors over three days, with 134 exhibitors showcasing products, expertise and innovations across the sector.
MICE is returning to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26 to 28 March 2026. With exhibitor spots filling fast, the event offers coffee lovers and industry professionals the chance to connect, explore innovations, and celebrate the culture of coffee.
What were the highlights of this year’s event? While there were too many to count, here is a summary of key moments that caught our eye.
Tech and education
MICE played a vital role in showcasing innovation and technological advancement. From the latest brewing equipment to cutting-edge coffee machinery, attendees had the chance to explore new tools and processes that improve efficiency and quality.
Exhibitors gained a platform to demonstrate their expertise, while visitors benefitted from hands-on experiences that deepened their understanding of industry developments.
However, witnessing new technology was not enough. Education remained at the forefront of MICE. The 2025 Expo featured panels covering menu trends, creative workflows, traceability, sustainability, cost management, and supply chain challenges. These sessions provided attendees with practical insights to tackle real-world problems while identifying growth opportunities across three days.
Day one focused on café menu trends, creativity in flavour, and integrating sustainability and traceability into workflows. Attendees participated in intimate sessions on educating the world about coffee’s social impact, while industry leaders shared experiences of international markets. Gerd Müller-Pfeiffer, CEO of International Coffee Consulting, discussed changing coffee culture and future growth opportunities.
Day two examined rising costs across the coffee supply chain and their effects on producers, traders, roasters, and café owners. Panels addressed logistics challenges and explored growth and commitment plans from brands including McCafé, 7-Eleven, and Soul Origin.
The final day focused on social responsibility and the future of coffee through technology, featuring panels highlighting farmers’ roles in production. Interactive experiences complemented educational sessions, helping the industry navigate challenges. Following the event’s success, organisers are expanding the program with new and returning activations for MICE 2026.
Roasters Playground
It is hard not to champion the Roasters Playground as the event’s highlight. Featuring a rotating line-up of Australia’s top roasters, visitors were invited to sample coffee, take part in competitions, and enjoy interactive sessions throughout the event.
“It was by far the busiest area of the show floor – the coffee was flowing, and the vibes were high,” said Siobhan Rocks, general manager Events at Prime Creative Media, who put on the show.
The Playground not only showcased the skill of Australian roasters but also fostered meaningful connections between industry professionals and consumers. Developed by an advisory committee including La Marzocco, San Remo, Service Sphere, Single O, Bombora, ST. ALi, Riverina Fresh and Veneziano Coffee Roasters, the Playground drew large crowds daily.
A total of 40 roasters from across Australia appeared for a half-day stint, reflecting the variety of coffee companies and their respective roasting styles.
Following its strong debut, organisers have confirmed the Roasters Playground will return in 2026, with plans to make it even bigger and more engaging with the support of La Marzocco and Riverina Fresh.
Bonding through sustainability
In MICE 2025, exhibitors and attendees discussed solutions to minimise environmental waste, including compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable cups and lids. These discussions went beyond short-term fixes, encouraging long-term thinking and providing the coffee sector with strategies to reduce waste and adopt more sustainable practices.
It was a moment to witness the coffee industry come together to solve an issue to preserve the sector they care for. Understanding the need for such developments, MICE supports the wider food and beverage industry in implementing responsible production methods.
Networking remains one of MICE’s strongest offerings. The event brings together diverse participants, including baristas, roasters, café owners, equipment suppliers and industry experts. From formal panels to casual conversations on the show floor, the Expo facilitates collaboration and connection.
Only months to go…
MICE has proven itself as an environment where ideas are exchanged, trends are set, and the future of the coffee industry is shaped. By fostering education, innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, the Expo provides a platform that benefits all stakeholders. The 2026 event promises to build on this success, offering new experiences and expanding opportunities for engagement across the sector.
From specialty coffee businesses to large-scale suppliers, MICE 2026 aims to deliver an environment where commercial and cultural outcomes align. Visitors can expect a dynamic show floor, late-night networking sessions, interactive tasting areas, and educational content designed to inspire, inform and empower.
With just months to go, organisers are preparing for another year of growth, ensuring that MICE remains a must-attend event for the Australian and international coffee community. By bringing together experts, enthusiasts and innovators, MICE 2026 promises to energise the coffee industry with a caffeine-packed experience.