Wedensday, Day 3 WBC 2009

Action time is getting closer and closer. The centre is really abuzz with all the baristas and their support teams rolling in this year. Today we have not long finished the competitor briefing with the ever composed and organised Marcus Boni and his right hand Amber Sather. So many friendly names and faces, so its awesome to see everyone again and meet some new. I think its cool (and not just because I have) that so many people are repeat customers at the WBC. I can vouch for its infectiousness.

The WBC team have done a phenomenal job pulling the event together. Its looking awesome, and very organised. I think it really helps that there is so much room to pull everything together. Not only is there room onstage, but also out the back. The practice stations are almost full size, and every competitor has their own table for the duration of the WBC to store/ prep their equipment on. One day soon I will remember to take a photo of the area and post it.

Before and after the competitors briefing the judges were in calibration making sure that everyone is on the same page so every competitor is judged equal, and any national/ global interpretations are levelled.

Competitors briefing being taken by the immaculately attired Marcus. This is the first official event for the competing baristas.

Both pics above are David Huang, (3rd in NZBC this year) working hard making dozens of coffees for the judges to use for calibration. Its a unique opportunity to spend time in front of the judges, good for the nerves (eventually!)

Hide Kono, (2nd NZBC) also had the chance to work calibration with the judges. Both Hide and David are here as part of the New Zealand team after their positions in the finals of the National Champs gave them a wicked prize, a trip to WBC.

With the comp kicking off tomorrow late morning make sure you stay in touch with what is happening. This year there is an unprecedented level of coverage of the WBC with Twitter http://twitter.com/WBC2009 and official WBC blog up kept by Emily Oak http://worldbaristachampionship.org/2009/ and of course the Official WBC Live stream which has been tested today and is looking great! http://www.ustream.tv/channel/world-barista-championship-2009 . For those of you back in New Zealand keen to catch up with the action here, and too lazy to look at a world clock, you are (in its simplest to understand way) 8 hours behind, but one day ahead... speaking of that.... funny story....

Chris White checked into the hotel (always a sorry around that). Lady on the desk asks him where we are from. He explains, she asks what the time difference is. Chris explains as above, then follows with, "...so if you want to know any sports scores for games tomorrow, just ask and I can check back home!". The Ever-genuine lady behind the desk replies, "Are they really a day ahead? That's amazing, are you even allowed to place bets here then?!!" Yep... that's right!!!lol

As many of you know this is Nick Cho, a man who has mastered many things, including doing a good job of setting up all the streaming. As of this photo, it is fair to say he as not quite mastered the "Blue Steel"! For those of you using the stream make sure you send out a thanks to Nick.

Top pic is the WBC stage area. It has all come together really well, and is looking functional for both competitors and the audience. The machines all got a work out today from the judges calibration. The bottom pic is the WBC Bar set up with 3x3 group NS machines, and a new and exciting "Uberboiler" for Chemex brews. Drinks will be running free out of the bars over the whole 4 day event, and being made by famous WBC Champions like James Hoffman and Tim Wendlebow.

After the briefing was finished, the first competitors started their practice sessions. Later we had the Meet and Greet Party. Its an event which is held at every WBC, and is a chance to catch up with old friends, and meet all the new people. It was a cool event, but I am going to choose eating my dinner over posting pics of it at the moment (greedy me I know!!!).

So I wish all of you competing tomorrow the very best of luck. I will be there to cheer you on, and cant wait for the event to start.