At Strawbox Coffee, we specialise in coffee catering for exhibitions and conferences across Belfast and beyond. This year, we reached a major milestone at BOPA 2025, held at the ICC Belfast, where we delivered our largest event to date — six fully equipped coffee stations operated by a team of nine professional baristas throughout the week.

Weeks of Planning Behind the Scenes

Delivering a service on this scale required weeks of preparation and coordination behind the scenes. From logistics planning to staffing, equipment setup, and supply management, every detail was carefully mapped out to ensure the event ran smoothly.

Our operations team worked closely with event organisers and exhibitors to design a layout that supported efficient service while maintaining an inviting, open atmosphere around each station. That preparation allowed our baristas to focus on what they do best — delivering great coffee and exceptional service.

Professional Coffee Services at Scale

Providing coffee for large events demands consistency, speed, and quality. Across six stations, our baristas served a wide selection of espresso-based coffees, teas and hot chocolates. Every cup was crafted to the same high standard, ensuring attendees, exhibitors, and delegates all received a reliable, premium experience.

Our attention to detail extended beyond the coffee itself — we prioritised sustainability, workflow efficiency, and minimal downtime, keeping service smooth even during peak times.

How On-Stand Coffee Drives Engagement

Offering on-stand barista coffee has become one of the most effective ways to attract visitors and build engagement at exhibitions. A professional coffee setup creates a natural meeting point — drawing people in, encouraging conversation, and giving exhibitors valuable time to connect with potential clients.

At BOPA 2025, exhibitors who partnered with Strawbox Coffee commented on increases in footfall and dwell time on their stands. The presence of fresh, barista-made coffee didn’t just refresh delegates — it helped turn casual interactions into meaningful discussions and connections.

Barista Hire in Belfast and Beyond

Our barista hire service provides everything needed to bring professional coffee to your exhibition or corporate event. From trained baristas and high-performance equipment to mobile setups tailored for your space, we handle every detail so you can focus on hosting and engagement.

Whether it’s a single stand or a full-scale conference setup, our team delivers the same attention to quality, efficiency, and guest experience every time.

Bringing the Strawbox Experience to Your Event

BOPA 2025 at ICC Belfast was a milestone moment for Strawbox Coffee — proof of what detailed planning, teamwork, and passion for great coffee can achieve. We’re proud to have delivered an exceptional service that supported both organisers and exhibitors, helping make the event a success for everyone involved.

As we continue to grow, we’re expanding our capacity to provide coffee catering for exhibitions, barista hire, and event coffee services in Belfast, Northern Ireland and across the UK.

If you’re planning an event and want to create a professional, engaging experience for your guests, contact Strawbox Coffee to discuss how we can help.