Places I’ve Bean: Atlanta WFX

I know what you’re all thinking, “How does Michael pull off looking so suave in an apron?” I don’t know people, I just don’t know. As Tobey Keith recently proclaimed in his latest hit, “Hate me if you want to, Love me if you can”.

This is a shout out to all my Booth Bruthas and Sistas who represented Booth 816 in the ATL this past week at WFX: Aspen Group, Cogun, and the Cornerstone Knowledge Network.

You guys are my heroes! Really – I could not have made over 1000 drinks for the masses that approached needing creative pharmaceutical help with their CDD (coffee deficit disorder). But because of the amazing teamwork that each of you displayed, we were able to caffeinate brains and likely saved a lot of lives – you should be proud.

How did we take Booth 816 from a ‘space’ to a ‘Third Place’? I’m glad you asked…

SMELL: from what nearly every guest shared with me, the Aroma of well roasted, perfectly blended, and superbly served coffee filled the air for hundreds of feet surrounding our booth. Resulting in a neurological, subconscious response to follow the smell as noses demanded a resolution.

SIGHT: drawn in by the smell, as guests approached they could see the excitement and anticipation of those waiting to get their drinks, the bartender passionately caring for each pour, and the conversations taking place so naturally as we took Booth 816 from ‘spatially’ to ‘relationally’.

SOUND: smelling a small piece of heaven, seeing the crowd gather, guests were now close enough to hear the buzz of voices as people shared life with one another, the grinding of their beans as they sacrificed themselves for the greater good of one’s palette, listening to the pleasing sound of smoothly steamed milk that would soon become art as the bartender introduced it to its’ crema canvas .

TOUCH: feeling the undeniable vibe of this environment that was quickly becoming an experience that would not only send a ripple effect into the expo, but beyond the bean and into the lives of those who found new friends while connecting over coffee and conversation.

TASTE: literally and figuratively, from the high quality and passionate preparation of each cup to the care and attention paid to each person, a great taste was left in the mouth and the mind of each of our guests.

What makes a space become a place are the stories that are written by the lives of those who experience the intentionally created environment – here are two of my favorite from Booth 816:

Meet Me There: while mixing drinks, a sharply dressed man approached and complimented the vibe and smell that we had created. I asked if I could make him a drink and he said, “Yeah, in a moment, I’m supposed to meet a friend here.” I said, “Oh, here at the Expo?” The man replied, “No, he told me to meet him here, at ‘the good coffee place’. He said I couldn’t miss it and he was right.” Yep, we became a destination.

Church Bartending Saved My Life: after many trips to the booth for a fix, one lady said, “Thank you so much for being here, I couldn’t have made it without you, you’re a real life saver.” I then quoted the great modern-day philosopher, Ashton Kutcher, when he said, “I’ll be there for you, these five words I say to you.” Another drink down, another life saved.

Thanks so much to all who helped pull off an amazing experience for so many people this week. I’d love to hear your stories……….

Your Bartender,

Michael Trent