Visitor numbers were up from 852 to 1,300 this year and the number of international speakers and seminars increased to meet demand.
Paula Garcia, Barra México commercial director, told DI: “We want to give our attendees a big perspective on what's happening around the globe and how far they can go learning from the best, but it is also important to have local speakers to show people outside México our proposal and unique way of doing things.”
The event moved to Quarry Studios - the largest filming studios in Latin America - in Mexico City this year. Garcia said the motivation to move from its former venue, a train station called Indianilla, was mainly due to the size. “Quarry studios is a 10,000 metre space but it also had a great vibe as is was supposed to be a mall but it was never finished. Also, the different forums were perfect to host the seminars.”
Barra México 2016 featured more than 90 booths, a master bar and 18 seminars. Four types of seminars ran throughout the day: Indie Spirits for small and indie brands, Tasting stands and medium and brand experience booths for bigger companies. “The idea was that each brand could present their own experience,” Garcia added.
Plans for next year are already in place, the commercial director said. “We are focusing on a two-day event with more seminars and content for bartenders and industry in general to grow as professionals. We believe that Mexico and Latin America have a long way to go but we are sure we are getting there with strong steps. Our aim is to attract bartenders from all over Latin America and the US, to make the show a truly Pan-American platform.”
