BCB London, the UK trade fair for the international bar and beverage industry, will return to Tobacco Dock on 11–12 May 2026.

The show will welcome bartender and hospitality consultant Elliot Ball as its new Director of Education, where he will shape a future-focused seminar programme for the hospitality industry.

In this role, Ball will oversee the strategy, structure, curation and delivery of the entire education programme, ensuring it reflects the realities, challenges and ambitions of today’s bar industry. As co-founder of The Cocktail Trading Co, HM’s, Filthy XIII, Murder Inc and Royal Cocktail Exchange, Ball brings extensive experience across bartending, systems design and training, with a distinctive focus on the psychology of enjoyment, satisfaction and growth within hospitality.

Following its launch in 2025, the Local Heroes platform will once again spotlight the people, products and stories shaping Britain and Ireland’s drinks scene. The initiative gives home-grown brands and makers a dedicated platform at BCB London, connecting them directly with bartenders, buyers and decision-makers who value regional craft and local impact.

“Bringing BCB London back for a second year feels like a real statement,” comments Jack Sotti, BCB London’s brand ambassador. “The response from the trade in year one demonstrated there is a genuine appetite for a show that speaks directly to the international bar and beverage community – and 2026 gives us the chance to build on that energy and do even more.”

“Launching BCB London taught us a great deal, from timing and logistics to what the UK and wider international market really wants from a trade show,” explains Petra Lassahn, BCB Director. “What became very clear is that BCB London is not another version of Berlin. Each show serves a different market and purpose, and both have a valuable role to play. We are convinced there is a real need for both shows, each with its own identity, and London has firmly earned its place in the BCB calendar.”

Further details on exhibitors, education programming and feature areas will be announced in due course. Find out more at www.barconventlondon.com