Earlier this year, we announced that Producer & Roaster Forum (PRF) will return to El Salvador in 2023. PRF was previously held in El Salvador in 2016 as the first event of its kind.

PRF El Salvador will be held at the Salamanca Exhibition Centre in San Salvador on 16 and 17 March 2023. The event will bring together a range of industry experts – including local producers, as well as international roasters, traders, baristas, and more.

Taking place in coffee-producing countries in Central and South America, PRF will champion Latin America as a leading coffee knowledge centre, which will ensure producers have a leading role in important industry-wide conversations.

There are several ways to participate in PRF El Salvador, which include taking part as a volunteer. Thousands of international visitors are expected to attend this year’s forum, and as with past events, support from volunteers in El Salvador will be essential.

For those looking to take part in a world-leading coffee industry event held at origin, volunteer applications are now open.

Read on to learn more about PRF, what volunteering entails at the event, and how you can apply.

Learn more about PRF El Salvador here.

What is Producer & Roaster Forum?

Held each year in a coffee-producing country in Latin America, PRF is an industry-leading event that gathers coffee professionals from around the world. Its ultimate goal is to share knowledge, empower producers, and drive green coffee sales in the host country.

Previously, PRF has been held in Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, and Colombia. Each event has welcomed coffee professionals from all over the world.

Next year’s PRF will take place in El Salvador – a country renowned for its high-quality shade-grown coffee.

PRF also welcomes a range of keynote speakers and panellists each year to host discussions on a range of key industry topics. These range from sustainability and innovation in the coffee sector to gender equity, emerging market trends, and more.

As well as these talks, attendees will have the opportunity to experience workshops, panel discussions, cuppings, presentations, and more. There is also a dedicated Exhibition Arena for brands to host booths and stands, as well as for attendees to network.

Julio Guevara is the Director of PRF. 

“Now more than ever, there are a range of different activities which will take place across the two-day forum,” he says. “We will have more international brands present at the event to engage with new markets and understand how they can help drive the growth of the Latin American coffee sector.

“This will bring an even bigger number of industry experts and leaders to Central America,” he adds. “This event will be the biggest of its kind in El Salvador, as well as throughout Latin America.”

Why volunteer?

For volunteers, PRF offers the opportunity to network, meet industry experts and leaders, and enjoy all the benefits of attendance through a full ticket – which volunteers receive in exchange for their shifts.

As part of this, volunteers can also learn new skills and gain unique insight into the global coffee sector.  

“Volunteering at PRF provides an opportunity for coffee professionals and enthusiasts to develop not only their practical skills, but also social skills, on an industry-wide level,” Julio says. 

In order to run a successful event, PRF requires the assistance of volunteers who are passionate about coffee, as well as people who are willing to actively engage with others in the industry.

“Being a volunteer at PRF brings long-term recognition, as well as access to our unique training programme and an opportunity to network with other baristas, roasters, and coffee shop managers,” Julio says.

“Furthermore, volunteering at PRF also allows you to connect with industry professionals from all over the world,” he adds.

Volunteer profile

If you are a coffee professional or enthusiast who is at least 18 years of age, you can apply to volunteer at PRF. The event is looking for people who are proactive, committed, and attentive, as well as being passionate about coffee.

“We’re looking for coffee professionals and enthusiasts who are looking for an opportunity to hone their skills and network with a broad range of people,” Julio says. “We need people who can assist in making PRF an industry-leading event.”

Successful volunteer applicants will work across various areas of the two-day forum, which includes:

• Exhibition area
• Cupping rooms
• Workshop rooms
• VIP Lounge
• Espresso bar
• Brew bar
• Registration stations

As such, PRF is seeking volunteers who are comfortable working with a range of coffee equipment (including espresso machines, grinders, and pour over brewers), as well as having some experience in customer service.

PRF requires volunteers to commit to two four-hour shifts (one each day) and applicants should arrive at least 30 minutes before their shift is due to start.

In exchange for their time and hard work, each volunteer will receive a free ticket to the two-day forum, which includes full access to all events across both days. Volunteers will also receive:

• An official PRF Volunteer Participation Certificate
• An official PRF El Salvador t-shirt
• Free snacks and water

It’s also important that prospective volunteers keep a few things in mind before applying:

• International volunteers are responsible for all of their own flight and accommodation arrangements at all times.
• Volunteers are not able to participate in any competitions or activities that could clash with their shifts.

How can I apply?

If you’re interested in being a volunteer at PRF El Salvador, please apply by 20 January 2023. The event will take place on 16 and 17 March 2023, and volunteers will be selected long before that.

To apply, please fill out the speaker application form in English here and in Spanish here.

If your application is successful, you’ll hear from PRF within a week of receiving your submission.

PRF El Salvador will take place on 16 and 17 March 2023 at the Salamanca Exhibition Centre in San Salvador.

Interested in learning more about PRF? Visit the website here, take a look at some of the lectures and panel discussions from PRF Colombia here, and sign up for the newsletter here.

Apply to be a PRF El Salvador volunteer by filling out this form in English or this form in Spanish.

Photo credits: Jesús David, Sergio González, Camilo Díaz

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