Volunteer with the SCA
We run on coffee and volunteers.
The SCA was built by dedicated volunteers with a vision of an organization that promoted the values of specialty coffee and community. The contributions of SCA volunteers can be seen in the various leadership groups that support the mission of the association and in the thousands who give their time at SCA trade shows and community events every year.
Why volunteer?
Coffee professionals choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons, but one common thread runs throughout: their love of specialty coffee. When you volunteer with the SCA, you’re among friends. Many volunteers reference life-long friendships founded on shared volunteer experiences— others note how it launched their career in coffee.
Ways to Volunteer
Every year, the SCA hosts dozens of events around the world at which more than 2000 volunteers contribute thousands of hours in various capacities. Additionally, we have more than 50 leadership volunteers who fill positions on the Board of Directors, Advisory Councils, and Working Groups.
Your time, knowledge, and skills are valuable to the specialty coffee community. By volunteering your time with the SCA, you contribute your talents to the coffee community while earning valuable professional experience. There are many ways to volunteer your time and skills supporting the core values, mission and purpose of the SCA.
Registration Information
There are many upcoming opportunities to volunteer at SCA events. Craft memorable experiences, hone your skills and grow your world wide specialty coffee community by volunteering. Registrations open on a rolling basis for global events.
World of Coffee Geneva 2025: Volunteer registration open now!
World Barista Championship 2025 Milan: Lead volunteer registration open now! General volunteer registration open now!
What Our Volunteers Say
SCA volunteers tell us they donate their time for many reasons, among them:
Supporting and giving back to the specialty coffee community
Broadening knowledge and learning new skills
Connecting with other voluteers
Promoting and effecting change in the industry
Networking and exploring career opportunities
Most volunteers report learning something new during their shifts that will help them in their coffee career and that they’d be keen to return to volunteer again. Here’s what some of the Specialty Coffee Expo volunteers had to say after their experience:
“It was an awesome experience volunteering with such a great group of people and pouring out of our love for coffee.”
“It was my first time volunteering and I felt a little nervous of the first day of Expo. I should not have worried and learned a lot in the roles I chose to do as a volunteer. I love that you can create your own schedule and I poured my first latte art at the bar! I will be back!”
General Volunteer Interest
Not sure where to start? That's ok! There are so many ways to get involved as a volunteer with the SCA and we're here to help you find the right opportunity for you. Get in touch with our team by submitting your details below.
Trade Shows and Other Events
Thousands of volunteers support the SCA's two annual trade shows, the Specialty Coffee Expo and World of Coffee, as well as the dozens of competitions and community events held around the world. Click below to find an upcoming event.
Sign up for 2025 World of Coffee Geneva
We’re accepting registration for shifts at World of Coffee Geneva. There are volunteer opportunities from the World Coffee Championships taking place during the event to roles for those who'd like to explore the World of Coffee for the first time.
Get in Touch
Want to get involved with the SCA but not sure where to start? Send us a message below and we’ll be happy to help you find the right volunteer opportunity for you.