This time of year is one that we enjoy because there are a number of events in this month that are filled with meeting new brands, enjoying those that are already on our radar and being able to take in unique experiences!
BCB Brooklyn gives us all the Summer vibes with the ability to hit Industry City for an expansive trade show that also includes their courtyard as well as events that take place around this event. It's about celebrating the hospitality community, educating, and of course getting in great sips and bites!
The day before this 2-Day event, we headed to City Winery at Pier 57 for Wine Enthusiast’s Sip of South America which showcased wines from Chile, Brazil, and Argentina! We listened to an informative panel about wines in this region, the terroir, their pairings, and where the industry is going! We also sampled a number of wines while talking to the winemakers!
IG @wineenthusiast
Later that night, we made our way to Mister Paradise in NYC for a pre-event for BCB Brooklyn, Mixing with Mexico presented by William Grant & Sons showcasing Milagro Tequila. In a bit of a bar takeover, Bar Maruo (listed as a top 50 North American bar in Mexico City) created a series of Italian aperitifs with a tequila twist.
We also enjoyed an intimate tasting with Stilo Pimentel, who is an ambassador of the brand. He walked us through their portfolio as well as talking about what sets them apart from other Tequila brands.
IG @milagrotequila
We were definitely ready to hit the tradeshow of BCB Brooklyn on Jun 10th. As we have navigated this for the past few years, visiting the booths are a mix of 1:1 Tastings and simply visiting what speaks to you. We always like mixing it up and taking breaks in between. Last year, we sat down to talk with Jackie Williams who is the Event Vice President of BCB Brooklyn. Since we caught up with her after the tradeshow, she can provide great insights on a number of things that we saw this year as well as looking ahead to what we can expect next year!
ATHLEISURE MAG: We enjoyed this year's BCB Brooklyn from the tradeshow to the external events! We've had the pleasure of interviewing you last year as well as attending the show which was amazing. What can you tell us about new additions to this year's show that you were excited to execute?
JACKIE WILLIAMS: So glad to hear you and your team enjoyed this year’s event, and thank you for joining us! There were quite a few new elements this year, but one of the biggest was the spotlight on growing the “No and Low-Alcohol” category. From low-ABV spirits to non-alcoholic cocktails, it was amazing to see so many brands in this space have a strong presence at this year’s show. This growing movement was also on display in our education programming, which really speaks to how BCB Brooklyn serves as a hub for industry trendspotting and forward-thinking conversations.
Two other standout additions this year were our first-ever Brand Accelerator Pitch Competition and the Cirque de BCB Brooklyn event. Both reflected some of our core values at BCB Brooklyn: championing emerging brands and creating fun, meaningful ways for the community to gather.
AM: What are 3 brands that were new to the show we should have our eye on?
JW: There were so many incredible brands that activated this year, including Volans Tequila, Parch Non-Alcoholic Agave Cocktails and BŌKEN, to name a few. These newcomers made a strong impression, alongside many others who came from all over to showcase their gins, tequilas, liqueurs, aperitifs, no and low products, and more. While we’re seeing new names entering the space and participating in BCB Brooklyn, it’s also inspiring to see how returning brands continue to evolve and raise the bar each year.
AM: From an educational standpoint, what kinds of trends and hot topics were shared/discussed at this show?
JW: We had a phenomenal education line-up this year, thanks to our Head of Education Lynnette Marrero and our 2025 Education Committee. Some of the topics that resonated most included the continued rise of low-ABV and non-alcoholic offerings, entrepreneurial growth, and deeper conversations around cultural identity and representation in the hospitality space. Every year, we aim to provide programming that’s both practical and inspiring, where industry professionals walk away with more knowledge than they came with.
AM: The Courtyard Bar Takeovers are always a great highlight! What can you tell us about this?
JW: The Courtyard Bar Takeovers were such a fun part of BCB Brooklyn this year! We had a great lineup of people serving up drinks behind the bar, including rapper Ja Rule, who co-founded Amber & Opal, as well as The Original Pickle Shot and Jack Sotti from Renais Spirits. Beyond the cocktails, the courtyard became a space for connection and gatherings. One of my favorite moments there was the “Sip with PRIDE Meet-Up” with drinks provided by ALB Vodka in front of the BCB letters in Courtyard 7/8. It was a vibrant space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to network, exchange stories and build new relationships.
AM: We also enjoyed going to Ja Rule's lounge booth where we literally bumped into him which was a fun moment for us - what is your favorite moment of this show?
JW: It was great to have Ja Rule and his Amber & Opal Co-Founders join us at BCB Brooklyn this year. On top of having his amazing team onsite, one of my favorite moments from this year’s show was the first-ever BCB Brooklyn Brand Accelerator Pitch Competition, Presented by Women of the Vine & Spirits® & Diverse Powered Brands™. The finalists brought a ton of passion and innovation to the stage, and the winner received a prize package worth over $50,000 in services to help grow their brand. It was incredible to witness how impactful our show can be for businesses looking to grow in the industry.
AM: What were you most excited about at this year's BCB Brooklyn?
JW: There was so much to be excited about at this year’s show. From the high-energy Courtyard Bar takeovers to the depth of conversations in our VIP+ sessions, it’s hard to pinpoint only one thing I was most looking forward to. I will say, I always love seeing how each brand activates at their exhibitor booth and this year, brands like Barr Hill (showcased live bees), Ritual Zero Proof (had an ice cream machine) and Ketel One (had a pre-batched espresso martini machine) set the bar high for next year’s booth activations.
AM: Is there anything you can tell us about next year’s BCB Brooklyn as we’re already pumped for it!
JW: Believe it or not, we have already hit the ground running with planning for next year’s BCB Brooklyn, which will take place on June 9th and 10th at Industry City. While I can’t reveal too much yet, I can say we’re building on the momentum from this year and pushing to make 2026 even more impactful, inclusive and unforgettable.
IG @barconventbrooklyn
