Why Creatives Should Attend CoffeeFest

When you think of CoffeeFest, the first things that probably come to mind are espresso machines, latte art competitions, and maybe some trendy new cold brew ideas. And you’d be right! But here’s the thing: CoffeeFest is more than just a coffee industry event—it’s a surprisingly untapped opportunity for creatives, including stand-up comedians like me.

As someone who’s been performing stand-up comedy for 16 years, I’ve learned to think outside the box when it comes to growing my audience. When my TV show The Big Laugh came out on Amazon Prime, I attended CoffeeFest armed with stickers and cards featuring a QR code to watch the show for free. To my surprise, it was a big hit! People loved the cards, the novelty, and the personal connection.

What Is CoffeeFest?

For the uninitiated, CoffeeFest is part trade show, part industry meetup, and part coffee-lover paradise. It’s where baristas, café owners, roasters, and vendors gather to showcase products, share ideas, and—of course—drink a lot of coffee. It’s an energetic space where connections happen, and if you’re a creative looking to stand out, it’s the perfect setting.

Why Creatives Should Attend

Here’s the deal: CoffeeFest isn’t just for coffee professionals. It’s a space filled with entrepreneurs, small business owners, and people who appreciate creativity. As the only stand-up comedian there, I stand out—and that’s a great thing.

Handing out stickers with jokes, social media handles, or QR codes for The Big Laugh makes me memorable. Coffee shop owners and baristas love the creativity, and it opens doors for conversations about my work. Plus, it’s easy to build connections with people who genuinely enjoy something unique.

Beyond that, CoffeeFest is a chance to meet people who might play your work in their shop or help promote your brand. It’s about forming connections in a space that isn’t saturated with your competition.

My CoffeeFest Highlights

The People: Coffee people are some of the most welcoming and curious individuals I’ve met. Whether it’s a roaster from Seattle or a café owner from New York, these folks are passionate and love connecting.
The Opportunities: Handing out QR code cards to watch The Big Laugh for free wasn’t just marketing—it was a way to connect on a personal level. People loved the idea, and it made them more likely to check it out.
The Coffee: Let’s be real—the coffee alone is worth it. From sampling small-batch roasts to witnessing latte art battles, CoffeeFest is a dream for anyone who appreciates a good cup of coffee.

Why More Creatives Should Branch Out

As creatives, we sometimes get stuck in our bubbles—comedians stick to clubs, musicians hit the local venues, and filmmakers go to festivals. But stepping into a space like CoffeeFest opens doors to new audiences. You might gain fans, spark collaborations, or even come up with fresh ideas for your work.

For me, it’s also been a place to gather material (the drama behind the coffee counter is real, folks) and expand my reach in ways I never imagined.

Should You Go to CoffeeFest?

If you’re in the coffee industry, CoffeeFest is a no-brainer. But for creatives, it’s a hidden gem. Being the only comedian there has helped me grow my fanbase, meet amazing people, and think outside the comedy club. So if you’re a creative looking to connect and stand out, CoffeeFest might be your next big move.

Grab some stickers, prep your QR codes, and head to the next CoffeeFest. You never know who you’ll meet—or what opportunities will come brewing your way.