BCB Brooklyn 2025: An Inside Look with Jackie Williams on What’s Ahead
As the cocktail and spirits industry continues to evolve, so does BCB Brooklyn, the event that has become a central hub for beverage professionals worldwide.
With its debut in 2018, BCB Brooklyn quickly established itself as a must-attend event, growing year after year in size, influence, and impact. Ahead of BCB Brooklyn 2025, we had the opportunity to sit down with Jackie Williams, the Event Vice President, to hear her thoughts on the upcoming show and what attendees can expect. From new experiential activities to the integration of emerging trends, Jackie shares insights into the exciting future of BCB Brooklyn and the ways it continues to shape the beverage community.
Can you share a bit about where you feel BCB Brooklyn is today from where it’s come over the years?
Since its launch in 2018, BCB Brooklyn has grown into a must-attend event for the global beverage industry. Over the years, we’ve expanded our footprint, diversified our programming, and created a space where meaningful connections and collaborations flourish. We’ve carefully curated our programming–which ranges from expert-led seminars and panels to tasting rooms featuring a wide array of spirits–to educate and inspire industry professionals year after year. The vibrant show floor, with hundreds of exhibitors, serves as a hub for networking, discovering new brands, and exploring the latest trends. Throughout the show, brands and individuals are able to connect, which helps their businesses grow. Today, BCB Brooklyn is a dynamic platform that reflects the innovation, creativity, and community at the core of the beverage industry.
How has your role evolved, and what excites you most about what you’re doing this year?
Just like BCB Brooklyn itself, my role has evolved alongside the show’s growth. While I initially started in marketing for tradeshows, I’ve since stepped into shaping BCB Brooklyn’s strategic direction, and now oversee the entire strategy, planning, and completion of the show. What excites me most this year is the opportunity to introduce new initiatives that reflect current industry trends–whether it’s sustainability-focused programming or fostering deeper global hospitality connections. Seeing the impact on the community is incredibly rewarding, and I can’t wait to watch this year’s show bring people together in new and meaningful ways.
What makes BCB Brooklyn 2025 stand out from previous years, and what are you looking forward to this year?
With expanded indoor courtyard space, we’re introducing new onsite experiential activities, including more hands-on workshops and enhanced outdoor activations. I’m especially excited to welcome new exhibitors—there are some first-time brands joining us at BCB Brooklyn this year. Beyond that, I’m looking forward to the heightened focus on global hospitality practices, continued sustainability-driven innovations, and the integration of emerging trends like mindful drinking, which has led to the addition of the No/Low-Alcohol Pavilion at the show.
Are there any trends or innovations showcased that you can share?
Definitely. The non-alcoholic beverage scene is booming as more people lean into health, wellness, and sophisticated booze-free options. It’s a big opportunity for alcohol brands to diversify and meet new demands. Sustainability is also huge—eco-friendly packaging and waste reduction are front and center, so many brands are cutting down on waste and emissions. Asian-inspired spirits and ingredients (like yuzu, matcha, and shiso) are popping up everywhere, with a 20% jump in consumer demand from last year. Premiumization is still going strong, highlighted in the rise of high-end bottle sales and brands focusing on luxe offerings. Expect to see these hot topics featured in both the exhibitor offerings and our educational programming.
What role does BCB Brooklyn play in shaping and supporting the cocktail and spirits world?
BCB Brooklyn acts as a catalyst for growth and innovation within the cocktail and spirits community. We love to provide a platform for brands to showcase their products, help foster connections among industry leaders and offer education that drives the industry forward. By highlighting diverse voices, global perspectives and cutting-edge trends, BCB Brooklyn helps shape the future of the beverage community.
What should bartenders know about attending BCB Brooklyn?
Bartenders should know that BCB Brooklyn is designed with them in mind. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to discover new products, learn from industry leaders and connect with peers from around the world. The educational sessions are tailored to provide practical knowledge, while the tasting and networking opportunities can inspire creativity and professional growth.
Talk to us about the educational component this year.
Education is at the heart of BCB Brooklyn. This year, we’re offering over 50 sessions across the Main Stage, Liquid Lounges, and Park Street University, and for the first time, we’re introducing two pre-show, exhibitor-focused educational sessions on Monday, June 9th – more information to come soon. Curated by our education committee—led by Lynnette Marrero, our Head of Education—the Main Stage programming covers a dynamic range of topics, from technical skills and business strategies to cultural deep dives. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, our educational offerings are designed to inspire and provide actionable insights that attendees can take back to their bars and businesses.
How does BCB Brooklyn address key topics like sustainability, diversity, inclusion, etc., in the spirits industry?
At BCB Brooklyn, we’re committed to making a meaningful impact. Sustainability, along with diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging, are core to our values and we actively integrate them into every aspect of the event. For every one of our shows, we follow the guide to inclusive events laid out by our parent company, RX Global, to ensure BCB Brooklyn is designed with an inclusive mindset. Examples of this commitment include the option to add preferred pronouns to event badges, offering on-site reset rooms, gender-neutral bathrooms, and more. Our goal is to create a space where all attendees and exhibitors feel welcome, valued, and safe throughout the event.
Through our educational programs, we explore these critical topics in depth, collaborating with organizations like Another Round, Another Rally, and Diverse Powered Brands, to support and uplift underrepresented communities. Beyond education, we put our sustainability values into action by implementing initiatives throughout the event—from reducing waste and minimizing signage to composting cocktail waste and enhancing recycling efforts. We also utilize recycled materials for booth structures and ensure all staff uniforms are sustainability-made. Our ultimate goal is to reduce our carbon footprint and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
What advice would you give brands looking to align themselves with bartender values in meaningful ways?
Authenticity is key. Brands should engage with the bartender community through genuine partnerships, not just transactional relationships. Understand what matters to bartenders—whether it’s new products, sustainability, creativity, or community—and align your brand’s values accordingly. Support educational initiatives, offer meaningful resources and create products that truly meet the needs of the trade.
If you could give some advice to someone attending BCB Brooklyn for the first time, what would it be?
The key to a great BCB Brooklyn experience is to come prepared but stay flexible! Check out the schedule beforehand to find the sessions, events and exhibitors you don’t want to miss, but leave some time to explore and discover new things. Don’t be shy! Ask questions, try the tastings and meet new people. The best part of BCB Brooklyn is the unexpected conversations and connections you make, so be open to whatever comes your way.
What is your most memorable moment or achievement of your role with BCB Brooklyn so far, and how has it shaped your vision for the future of BCB Brooklyn?
One of the most memorable moments was the first event post-pandemic. Seeing the community come together again with such energy and resilience was incredibly powerful. It reinforced the importance of human connection in our industry. That experience has shaped my vision for BCB Brooklyn’s future—to create spaces that are not just events, but vibrant, inclusive communities that foster growth and inspiration.
What should those attending BCB Brooklyn this year be sure to check out?
Don’t miss the expanded outdoor courtyard space with even more excited exhibitors and be sure to check out the new No/Low-Alcohol Pavilion. Our education sessions are packed with thought-provoking content and the Emerging Brands Pavilion is always a highlight for discovering fresh talent. Most importantly, take time to explore, connect and immerse yourself fully in the BCB Brooklyn experience.
Interested in attending Bar Convent Brooklyn 2025? Click HERE!
The post BCB Brooklyn 2025: An Inside Look with Jackie Williams on What’s Ahead appeared first on Chilled Magazine.