Every year, we hear from our attendees about the memories made and connections formed through our renowned networking opportunities and social events. The NCA Convention is your opportunity to connect face to face with coffee industry leaders.
Tabletop Exhibitors
Thursday, March 12 to Saturday, March 14
Tabletop exhibits provide a great opportunity to network with your fellow NCA Convention attendees and explore a wide range of products and services to support your business. Visit with 28 exhibiting companies that will be available during the Welcome Reception and throughout the Convention during breakfasts and networking coffee breaks.
Java Lounge & Event Hub
Thursday, March 12 to Saturday, March 14
The Java Lounge & Event Hub is THE place to connect with colleagues and friends. Centrally located to all Convention programs, you’ll pick up your badge and come back throughout your Convention stay to find lounge seating, all-day coffee service, refreshments, entertainment, and more. There's plenty of networking to be done here. Lounge sponsored by Neumann Gruppe USA.
Day of Service
Thursday, March 12 | 8:15 am - 1:00 pm
$35 - Advance registration required. Off property.
An excellent opportunity for casual networking while "giving back" to the Tampa community at an offsite project. Stay tuned for details on the 2026 Day of Service. Sponsored by Melitta, Nestle and Starbucks Coffee Company.
Leveraging Convention & NCA Membership Reception
Thursday, March 12 | 3:15 pm–4:00 pm
Open to all attendees; included in registration
This networking reception is open to all but especially beneficial to first-time attendees, new members, and prospective members.
Welcome Reception
Thursday, March 12 | 5:30 pm–7:30 pm
Open to all attendees; included in registration
The NCA’s traditional opening night reception is a “must attend”. Enjoy live entertainment, great food and beverages, and ample time to connect with old and new friends.
Young Professionals Networking Dinner Cruise
Thursday, March 12 | 6:30 pm–9:30 pm
Ticketed event - pre-registration required
Hosted by NCA Next Gen, this dinner cruise provides a forum for young professionals to build their coffee industry network while touring the Tampa area via yacht.
Breakfasts with Tabletop Exhibitors
Friday, March 13 | 8:00 am–9:00 am – sponsored by Cadeco
Saturday, March 14 | 8:15 am–9:15 am – sponsored by Fetco
Networking Coffee Breaks with Tabletop Exhibitors
Friday, March 13 | 10:45 am–11:30 am - Sponsored by Community Coffee Company
Friday, March 13 | 3:15 pm–4:00 pm - Sponsored by Westrock Coffee Company
Saturday, March 14 | 10:15 am–11:00 am - Enjoy one last opportunity to visit with exhibitors before your trip home.
Join our Tabletop Exhibitors and connect with fellow attendees over coffee between educational sessions.
NCA Awards Luncheon
Friday, March 13 | 12:45 pm–2:15 pm
Open to all attendees; included in registration
All Convention attendees are invited to the NCA Awards Luncheon, where we will recognize this year’s Origin Charity of the Year Award winner as well as NCA members who give back to the coffee community through dedicated service and volunteerism. Lunch sponsored by Louis Dreyfus Company. NCA Origin Charity of the Year Award sponsored by Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee. NCA Individual Recognition Awards sponsored by Eight O’Clock Coffee.
Evening Reception
Friday, March 13 | 6:00 pm–7:30 pm
Open to all attendees; included in registration
Plan your final evening in a gorgeous outdoor setting on the Garrison Channel that leads to the vast Tampa Bay. Enjoy live entertainment, local food and beverages, and connecting with old and new friends. Sponsored by Stone X
Open Evening to Explore Tampa – Complimentary Shuttle
Friday, March 13 | 7:30 pm–11:00 pm
Open to all attendees; included in registration
Make use of the complimentary shuttle service provided by NCA to/from historic Ybor City to experience renowned Seventh Avenue. The history of Ybor City and coffee are deeply entwined, with coffee playing a central role in the daily life and social fabric of the neighborhood, particularly among its immigrant cigar workers.
NCA 5k Walk/Run
Saturday, March 14 | 7:00 am–8:00 am
$25 - Advance registration required. Off property.
Start your day on Saturday with a 5K walk/run and support a good cause. A portion of the NCA Walk/Run fee will benefit the 2026 NCA Origin Charity of the Year winner. The starting line along the scenic Tampa Riverwalk is steps from the Marriott Water Street. Participants will go at their own pace as they enjoy networking at this first-time walk/run event at an NCA Convention.
Farewell Networking Lunch
Saturday, March 14 | 12:15 pm–1:15 pm
Open to all attendees; included in registration
Savor the last moments of the Convention with lunch and conversation with colleagues and friends.