One barista from the GCC and the Levant will win a fully funded trip to HostMilano 2027, one of the world’s most influential coffee and hospitality exhibitions.
The selected winner will receive return flights to Milan, hotel accommodation and exhibition access, giving them the opportunity to spend five days alongside thousands of coffee professionals, manufacturers, roasters and café owners from around the world.
Applications are now open and close on 30 October 2026.
What is HostMilano?
HostMilano is an international trade exhibition for hospitality, foodservice, coffee and tea. Held every two years at Fiera Milano in Italy, it attracts exhibitors and visitors from across the global coffee industry.
For anyone working in coffee, HostMilano offers something few other events can. It brings together the companies developing the next generation of espresso machines, grinders, brewing equipment and café technology, alongside green coffee traders, specialty roasters, distributors and café operators.
Many of the products launched at HostMilano find their way into cafés around the world over the following months and years. It is also where businesses meet new suppliers, discover emerging trends and build international partnerships.
For one barista from the GCC and the Levant, it will also be an opportunity to experience the exhibition first-hand.
What is the HostMilano Barista Experience?
The HostMilano Barista Experience gives one outstanding barista from the GCC and the Levant the opportunity to attend HostMilano 2027.
Rather than rewarding a competition routine or a single coffee, the programme is looking for a professional who represents the passion, professionalism and potential of the region’s coffee community.
The successful applicant will travel to Milan to attend HostMilano 2027, taking place from 22 to 26 October 2027.
Who can apply?
Baristas currently working in the following countries are eligible to enter:
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Oman
- Lebanon
- Jordan
How the programme works
The HostMilano Barista Experience follows six stages.
Stage 1
Nominations open
Applications are now open.
If you work as a barista in an eligible country, submit:
- A professional profile
- A recent photograph
- A short personal statement explaining why they should represent their country at HostMilano 2027
Stage 2
Nominations close
30 October 2026
Submit all application material by 30 October 2026.
Stage 3
Professional voting
Once nominations close, the coffee community across the Middle East will vote for their favourite barista.
Stage 4
Winner announced
June 2027
The judging panel will select one barista to represent the GCC and the Levant at HostMilano 2027.
Stage 5
Preparing for Milan
July to October 2027
HostMilano will coordinate the winner’s flights, accommodation, exhibition access and programme ahead of departure.
Stage 6
The HostMilano Experience
22 to 26 October 2027
The winner will attend five days of exhibitions, product launches, demonstrations and networking opportunities in Milan.
How to nominate yourself
Submit your application through the official HostMilano Barista Experience page.
You’ll need:
- Your professional profile
- A recent photograph
- A short personal message explaining why you should be selected
Applications close on 30 October 2026.
Submit your nomination here:
Frequently asked questions
Who can enter the HostMilano Barista Experience?
Baristas currently working in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon or Jordan are eligible to apply. Applicants should be working professionally as baristas within one of these countries.
What does the winner receive?
The selected winner will receive return flights to Milan, hotel accommodation and entry to HostMilano 2027, taking place from 22 to 26 October 2027.
When do applications close?
Applications close on 30 October 2026. Submit all required application materials before 30 October 2026.
How do we choose the winner?
After nominations close, hospitality professionals across the Middle East will vote for their favourite barista. HostMilano will announce the winner in June 2027.
What is HostMilano?
HostMilano brings together the global hospitality, foodservice, coffee and tea industries every two years in Milan. Held every two years in Milan, it is one of the industry’s largest events for coffee professionals and equipment manufacturers.
What do I need to submit?
Applicants must submit a professional profile, a recent photograph and a short personal statement explaining why they should represent their country at HostMilano 2027.
When will the winner travel to Milan?
The winner will travel to Italy for HostMilano 2027, which takes place from 22 to 26 October 2027. HostMilano will arrange the winner’s flights, accommodation and exhibition access between July and October 2027.
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