Following record attendance in 2025, the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) will come back in March 2026 with new and returning events.
The Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) 2025 brought together a record number of coffee professionals, enthusiasts and innovators at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. More than 31,000 visitors attended over the three days, with 134 exhibitors from across the sector showcasing their products, expertise and innovations.
The show floor was filled with the aromas of freshly brewed coffee as roasters, equipment suppliers and industry service providers engaged directly with café owners, distributors, food and beverage experts, and coffee lovers. The event blended business opportunities, sensory experiences and industry discussion, creating an atmosphere that was both energetic and collaborative.
Following this success, organisers are already expanding the program to include both new and returning activations designed to enhance the visitor experience for MICE 2026.
Drawing the crowd with Roasters Playground
One of the features of MICE2025 was the Roasters Playground. The Roasters Playground was developed by an advisory committee with representatives from La Marzocco, San Remo, Service Sphere, Single O, Bombora, ST. ALi, Riverina Fresh and Veneziano Coffee Roasters. The committee reviewed past events and made recommendations to boost value for exhibitors and attendees.
This area featured a rotating line-up of Australia’s top roasters, offering tastings, competitions and coffee conversations throughout the event. Its success confirmed its place as a central attraction for both trade and public visitors.
Across the three days, crowds gathered to sample coffee from different roasters, participated in interactive sessions and enjoyed the lively atmosphere. The Roasters Playground not only allowed roasters to showcase their craft but also encouraged meaningful connections between industry professionals and consumers.
Following its strong debut, organisers have confirmed that the Roasters Playground will return in 2026, with plans to make it bigger and better through the support of La Marzocco and Riverina Fresh.
MICE after dark
A new initiative, MICE after dark, will see the expo remain open late into the evening, giving Melbourne’s café owners and hospitality professionals the chance to explore the event outside standard business hours. This extended schedule aims to accommodate café and hospitality venue owners.
According to Siobhan Rocks, general manager events at Prime Creative Media, some café owners and operators struggled to engage with the event due to time constraints caused by peak hours in the business. The extended hours will allow key members of the coffee industry greater access to the show.
In doing so, MICE aims to bring together all parts of the international coffee value chain in the next iteration of the trade show.
It also creates a unique experience after dark.
Trip to Origin
Another addition to MICE 2026 is Trip to Origin, which will welcome coffee farmers, green bean traders, coffee boards and embassies from key coffee-producing regions.
This feature will give visitors insight into the origins of coffee, highlighting the agricultural and trade connections that underpin the industry.
An education stage built for panel discussions and presentations, interactive tasting areas and opportunities for direct engagement will help close the knowledge gap between consumers and origin communities.
By recreating the sights, stories and flavours of origin on the MICE show floor, the new addition will give visitors a taste of what it is like to travel to the source, with a chance to ask questions, hear first-hand experiences and explore the journey of coffee from crop to cup.
Giving credit where its due
While MICE offers networking and innovation opportunities, the event also recognises individuals who have laid the foundations for the growth of the greater coffee sector.
Held in conjunction with the MICE After Party, the Coffee Industry Heroes awards acknowledge the contributions of people growing the coffee industry, particularly those who have displayed commitment and made positive impacts on their craft and community.
The awards include Community Champion, Next-Gen Talent and Lifetime Achievement. The Community Champion award recognises volunteers in charity, community organisations or social service outside of their business.
The Next-Gen Talent award is for anyone under 30 years of age who has contributed to the business they are part of through achievements such as financial growth, successful social media campaigns, positive client feedback, product innovation or the implementation of new technology.
The Lifetime Achievement award is for an individual who has been part of the industry for more than 20 years and has made significant contributions to the Australian and global coffee market.
Sponsors bring creativity to the show floor
Sponsors played an important role in shaping the experience at MICE 2025. MILKLAB, an Australian-owned barista milk company, created one of the busiest stands with a chequered dance floor, DJ booth and immersive drink experiences. Their popular strawberry matcha drink had queues stretching up to 45 minutes.
As a MICE supporter of eight years, the brand also hosted the Royale Tasting Experience, pairing premium coffee roasts with MILKLAB products, as well as daily latte art competitions that drew large audiences.
These high-energy activities contributed to the vibrant atmosphere, reinforcing MICE’s position as a hub for creativity and connection within the coffee sector.
What are you waiting for?
MICE 2026 will return from 26 to 28 March and exhibitor spots are already filling.
The 2025 event demonstrated how industry collaboration can deliver both commercial outcomes and cultural impact. By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, MICE creates an environment where ideas are exchanged, trends are set and the future of the coffee industry is shaped.
MICE has built its reputation as the meeting place for everyone from small specialty coffee businesses to large-scale equipment suppliers. Its combination of product displays, hands-on experiences, educational content and networking opportunities makes it a valuable event for the entire supply chain.
With demand already high for exhibitor spots in 2026, organisers expect another year of growth. For businesses in the coffee sector, MICE represents not only an opportunity to showcase their products but also to engage in the conversations and partnerships that drive the industry forward.
From its vibrant show floor to its late-night sessions and industry connections, MICE2026 aims to build on the success of 2025 while introducing fresh experiences for attendees. Whether it is tasting a new blend, discovering innovative technology or forging a new business relationship, visitors can expect an event that celebrates coffee in all its forms.