Industry leaders to convene at GCR Leaders Symposium this week – BeanScene

The 2026 Global Coffee Report Leaders Symposium, scheduled for the morning of Friday 27 March at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, will shine a spotlight on the high-stakes world of global coffee commerce at this week’s Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE).

“Attending the GCR Leaders Symposium is the perfect complement to attending MICE2026. We’ve got an incredible line-up of speakers and industry topics that speak to the current state of the Australian and global market. The morning will featured curated discussion from some of the industry’s best leaders and is the place to be for roasters and business leaders coming to MICE this year,” says Sarah Baker, GCR Leaders Symposium moderator.

Industry leaders Lachlan Ward of ST. ALi, Craig Dickson of Nomad Coffee Group, Mik Di Pacci of Di Pacci Coffee Company, and Andrew Low of Coffee Supreme Group, will dissect the delicate balance between volume and quality, offering a roadmap for transitioning from boutique success to national dominance.

The symposium further explores the integration of specialty coffee into the broader hospitality and retail sectors, featuring insights from The Big Group CEO Kate Langford, Freedom Fuels CEO Mark McKenzie, and SSP Australian & New Zealand’s Head of Coffee Operations Martin Nguyen on maintaining consistency in non-traditional environments.

A major highlight of the morning is the keynote address by Braeden Lord, CEO of Starbucks Australia, who will discuss the brand’s strategic resurgence and its evolving role within the unique Australian coffee landscape.

This session is complemented by a panel discussing ‘global influence in the Australian market’, focusing on the cultural and logistical hurdles of cross-border expansion. Speakers will include ONA Coffee Founder Sasa Sestic, DAK Coffee Roasters Co-Founder Louis-Philippe Boucher, and Kenangan Coffee Australian Managing Director Winnie Nawei.

The high-level symposium is designed specifically for CEOs, roasters, and business operators who require a deep understanding of market mechanics, beginning with a critical look at the challenges of scaling operations, while maintaining brand integrity.

Tickets to the GCR Leaders Symposium are still available. The ticket includes a two-course breakfast setting and networking opportunities.

Access to all three days of MICE is also included in the GCR Symposium ticket.

For more information, visit internationalcoffeeexpo.com/gcr-leaders-symposium-2026