Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) recently hosted its Annual Luncheon! Held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the McCormick Center in Chicago as part of the SCA Coffee Expo, the event brought together industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Q Certification Course.
One of the most memorable moments of the luncheon was the engaging conversation between Ted Lingle, CQI founding Executive Director and author of The Cuppers Handbook, and CQI CEO Michael Sheridan. Their dialogue provided valuable insights into the industry’s progress and future directions, inspiring attendees to continue their commitment to coffee excellence.
In a special aknowledgment, Ted Lingle received the Founder's Award, recognizing his significant contributions and legacy in coffee quality education. Additionally, Johan Kwe was honored as the CQI’s Educator of the Year 2024, while CQI’s Board Members received special recognition for their years of service.
The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: Nespresso Business to Business, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Eximware, Yara, Dormans Coffee, Dunkin’, Masteroast/Mastercol, Global Grounds, Nestlé Coffee Partners, The Coffee Source, Pinhalense, Atlantic Specialty, Coffee Resources, Gaviña Coffee, Starbucks, Taiwan Coffee Lab, ACDI/VOCA, StoneX, Korean Cuppers Guild, Michael J. Pomerleau, and Margaret Swallow.
CQI’s Annual Luncheon event is an opportunity to connect with our vibrant community and join us in our mission to improve coffee quality and the lives of those who produce it. Proceeds from Luncheon Sponsorships and ticket sales contribute to the CQI Global Fund, supporting our ongoing initiatives. Let’s continue working together towards coffee excellence and fostering a positive impact in the industry and beyond.
