The transformative noncompetitive barista education and mentorship event, Level Up, orchestrated by the nonprofit Raise the Bar Coffee, is set to make its highly anticipated return to Minneapolis this fall. Building on the momentum and success of its inaugural year, the 2026 iteration promises an expanded program and increased capacity, solidifying its role as a pivotal professional development opportunity for early-career coffee professionals. Scheduled to run from September 18-20, the event will once again anchor its primary programming at the state-of-the-art headquarters of Mill City Roasters, a venue that has proven conducive to focused learning and industry engagement.
Raise the Bar Coffee, a dedicated nonprofit organization, was founded by industry stalwarts Rachel Apple, Ivana Chan, and Sandra Loofbourow. Their collective vision stemmed from a shared experience of navigating the specialty coffee landscape without adequate, accessible, or inclusive professional development pathways. The organization’s core mission is to democratize access to high-quality education and mentorship within the specialty coffee sector, with a particular emphasis on supporting individuals who have historically been marginalized or excluded from traditional industry education networks. This commitment is deeply embedded in the philosophy behind Level Up, which is intentionally designed as a counterpoint to the often high-stakes and performance-driven environment of coffee competitions and the sometimes overwhelming scope of traditional trade show education. By fostering a lower-pressure atmosphere, Level Up empowers baristas to hone their technical proficiencies, cultivate invaluable peer networks, and thoughtfully explore diverse career trajectories within the dynamic coffee industry.
Founding Vision and the Need for Accessible Education
The genesis of Level Up is rooted in a profound recognition of systemic gaps in professional development within the coffee industry. Rachel Apple, a co-founder of Raise the Bar Coffee, articulated this sentiment, stating, "My first decade of working in Coffee was in KC and OKC. There simply weren’t people like me anywhere I could see in the industry, and there were certainly no easily findable or affordable places to go to get education. So we wanted to make it easier for the generation coming up behind us." This personal narrative underscores the urgent need for events like Level Up, which prioritize affordability, inclusivity, and a supportive learning environment. The founders recognized that traditional avenues for professional growth often presented financial barriers and lacked representation, particularly for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Level Up aims to bridge this divide by offering a more equitable and nurturing space for learning and connection.
Expansion and Enhanced Programming for 2026
The 2026 edition of Level Up signifies a substantial growth in scale and scope. The event has expanded its capacity to accommodate 100 attendees, a notable increase from its previous iteration, and will feature an impressive roster of over 20 dedicated educators and mentors. This expansion reflects the growing demand for this type of specialized training and the success of Raise the Bar Coffee’s outreach efforts. A significant aspect of Raise the Bar’s commitment to accessibility is its robust scholarship program. The organization is aiming for 20-25% of attendees to receive financial assistance through scholarships, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede participation. Scholarship applications are open and available until Sunday, August 9th, providing a critical window for interested individuals to secure their place.
A key innovation for the 2026 event is the introduction of optional half-day "Deep Dive Workshops" scheduled for Friday, September 18th. These specialized sessions are meticulously crafted to offer in-depth learning in three critical areas: sensory skills, coffee technician skills, and cafe business management. The sensory workshop will be expertly led by Dylan Siemens of Cafe Imports, a recognized authority in coffee evaluation. The technician track is a collaborative effort, co-hosted by Espresso Services Inc. and Slayer Espresso, two leading entities in coffee equipment and service. This partnership ensures participants receive hands-on training from industry leaders in equipment maintenance and calibration. The business management workshop will be hosted at Wildflyer Coffee and will be guided by Erica Escalante, a seasoned coffee retail consultant with extensive experience in cafe operations and strategy. These Deep Dive Workshops represent a strategic enhancement, allowing attendees to tailor their educational experience to their specific professional interests and development needs.
The main program, spanning Saturday and Sunday, September 19th and 20th, will offer a comprehensive curriculum encompassing a wide array of subjects. Participants can expect engaging classes, hands-on workshops, insightful lectures, and dynamic panel discussions. Topics will cover the fundamental pillars of barista craft, including advanced espresso extraction techniques, intricate latte art development, and the art of exceptional hospitality. Beyond the technical aspects, the program will delve into crucial business acumen, such as understanding coffee costs, crafting compelling brand stories, implementing sustainable practices, optimizing cafe operations, and navigating diverse career paths that extend beyond the traditional barista role.
A Stellar Lineup of Educators and Mentors
The caliber of educators and mentors participating in Level Up 2026 is a testament to the event’s growing reputation and the respect it commands within the specialty coffee community. The impressive roster includes Estelle Bright, Melissa Dixon, and Hana Kaneshige from La Marzocco, a globally recognized leader in espresso machine innovation. Attendees will also have the invaluable opportunity to learn from Marquis Monzon, the 2026 U.S. Latte Art Champion, and Seidy Selivanow, a finalist in the U.S. Barista Championship, bringing a wealth of competitive experience and refined technique to the event. Further enriching the educational experience are industry professionals such as Charli Maher, Emily Potter, Emily Losier, Flor Coghi, Kelly Roberts, Rachel Keen, and Sylwia Padiasek, with additional esteemed experts slated to be announced. This diverse group of educators brings a multifaceted understanding of the coffee industry, ensuring a rich and varied learning experience for all participants.
Rachel Apple reiterated the core philosophy driving the event’s design: "The event is designed to provide affordable, playful, high-quality, low-ego education." This statement encapsulates the spirit of Level Up, emphasizing a learning environment that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally supportive. The focus is on fostering growth and knowledge acquisition without the pressure of competition or the intimidation often associated with highly technical or academic settings.
"Fun is important to us, and inclusivity is non-negotiable," Apple added. "When people feel safe enough to exist, they can learn, and if they have a good time learning, it’s going to stick." This sentiment highlights the event’s commitment to creating a psychologically safe space where participants feel empowered to engage, experiment, and absorb new information. The emphasis on enjoyment and a sense of belonging is a deliberate strategy to enhance learning retention and foster lasting professional relationships.
Community Engagement and Networking Opportunities
Beyond the structured educational sessions, Level Up 2026 is designed to foster a strong sense of community and provide ample opportunities for networking. On Sunday, September 20th, the event will host a public pop-up cafe and makers market. This vibrant marketplace will feature donation-only drinks presented by La Marzocco, allowing attendees and the wider community to enjoy expertly crafted beverages while supporting the event. Additionally, over 20 local makers will showcase their artisanal products, creating a lively atmosphere that celebrates the broader creative landscape connected to the coffee industry.
To further facilitate connections and exploration, an optional local cafe crawl is scheduled for Monday, September 21st. This informal outing provides a relaxed setting for attendees to explore Minneapolis’s thriving coffee scene, engage with local cafe owners and baristas, and solidify the relationships forged during the main event. These community-focused elements are integral to Level Up’s mission of building a supportive and interconnected coffee ecosystem.
Sponsorship and Investment in Professional Development
The success and expanded capacity of Level Up 2026 are significantly bolstered by the generous support of its sponsors. Key partners for the 2026 event include Mill City Roasters, La Marzocco, Eversys, Espresso Services Inc., Slayer Espresso, Slow Pour Supply, Tenzo Tea, Idle Hands Roasting Company, Cafe Imports, Aviary Coffee, Fairwave Specialty Coffee Collective, and Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Co. These sponsors represent a diverse range of companies and organizations within the coffee industry, underscoring a shared commitment to investing in the professional development of baristas and coffee professionals. Their contributions are vital in making the event accessible and enabling Raise the Bar Coffee to deliver a high-quality educational experience.
Registration and Accessibility
Registration for Level Up 2026 is now open, with a tiered pricing structure designed to accommodate various needs and budgets. Published registration prices range from $375 for a local pass, which provides access to the main Saturday-Sunday programming and meals without lodging, to $875 for a Level Up pass that includes solo lodging. For those seeking more economical accommodation options, shared lodging is available at $600 for a sofa-bed or fold-out bed, and $675 for a queen-bed option. All registration tiers include access to the comprehensive Saturday-Sunday programming and all provided meals, ensuring that every attendee receives the core educational and networking benefits of the event. This inclusive pricing strategy reflects Raise the Bar Coffee’s dedication to making professional development attainable for a wide range of industry professionals.
Broader Implications for the Coffee Industry
The continued growth and evolution of Level Up highlight a significant trend within the specialty coffee industry: a growing demand for accessible, inclusive, and practical professional development opportunities. As the industry matures, there is an increasing recognition that fostering a skilled and engaged workforce is paramount to its sustained success and innovation. Events like Level Up not only equip individual baristas with enhanced technical skills and career knowledge but also contribute to a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable coffee community. By democratizing access to education and mentorship, Raise the Bar Coffee is actively shaping the future of the industry, empowering a new generation of coffee professionals to thrive and lead. The event’s focus on a low-ego, high-quality learning environment is crucial in cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and collaborative growth, moving beyond traditional metrics of success to embrace holistic professional development. The expansion of programming, particularly the introduction of specialized workshops, demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the diverse needs within the barista community, catering to both those looking to deepen their foundational skills and those seeking to advance into more specialized or managerial roles. The success of Level Up serves as a compelling case study for how non-profit organizations can effectively address industry-wide challenges and drive positive change.
