Little details can make a big difference. In this hands-on workshop, attendees will learn more about tools and techniques that can elevate the quality of their repairs. We’ll practice different ways to repair tubing and electrical connections, explore different elastomers, gaskets, and lubricants, check out cleaning and descaling approaches, and dial in fitting and fastener installation torque.

Good organization is one key to smooth service calls. In this panel discussion, technicians will share their favorite ways to organize and carry tools and parts. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own bags to show their favorite approach and share organizing tips.

Can innovation in coffee equipment result in better tasting coffee? In this tasting session, attendees will taste the impact of several recent espresso machine, grinder, and water treatment innovations on brewed coffee and espresso.

In the dynamic world of specialty coffee, cafes, restaurants, and anywhere coffee is served, we have customers. The customer service experience is crucial to retaining business and gaining new customers through word of mouth referrals. In this tailored class we will go beyond technical skills, focusing on the art of customer service, how to train your customer base to be good customers, and elevate your current program to new heights. 

Fixing equipment is only one part of running a successful service business. In this moderated panel discussion, service company owner-operators and other coffee professionals will share their experiences. They’ll discuss solutions and best practices around common service operational challenges including inventory management, dispatching, training and apprenticeship, and preventive maintenance programs. This session also includes time for attendee Q&A.

Innovation is at the heart of coffee equipment. But innovation in equipment means new challenges for coffee equipment technicians. This space in the central hub of the Coffee Technicians Guild Summit will showcase examples of recent innovations in traditional and superautomatic espresso machines, brewers, grinders, and roasters. Over the course of the Summit, attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to use, install, adjust, and repair equipment using these innovations.

How does the taste of water impact water quality? In this hands-on workshop, we’ll evaluate water using our senses and various measurement devices and learn different ways to treat it. Taste and describe different water compositions using the water wheel. Learn more about common water treatment methods, including multiple stage cartridge, reverse osmosis, and multiple cartridge systems. Learn how to test and evaluate water using test kits and devices.

Espresso machines, coffee roasters, and batch brewers share many common electrical and electronic components. This workshop discussed how SSRs, solenoids, low voltage systems, and control boards function and malfunction. Look inside different types of coffee equipment to see how these components are used, and practice using a multimeter to apply different troubleshooting approaches for each type of component.