The IWCA cancels 2026 Global Convention in Bali due to international travel disruptions
Image credit: IWCA
The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) has made the decision to cancel its 2026 Global Convention, originally scheduled for the 12th-14th May 2026 in Bali, Indonesia, due to significant disruptions in international air travel caused by ongoing geopolitical conflict.
Current conditions make safe, accessible travel to Indonesia impossible for the majority of IWCA’s international membership. With members unable to participate from across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, IWCA determined that proceeding would compromise its core mission of building bridges across the global coffee community.
“The IWCA exists to connect women across the entire coffee value chain, from every region,” said Blanca Castro, IWCA executive director. “We cannot hold a truly global gathering when geography and geopolitics prevent the majority of our network from participating. This decision prioritises the safety and accessibility of our members.”
The cancellation affects an event that would have brought together coffee professionals from the IWCA’s 37 chapters across six continents. The organisation remains committed to gathering its global community when international travel conditions stabilise.
The IWCA will continue its core work in 2026, including:
• The “Build Bridges, Open Doors” fundraising campaign supporting network infrastructure and leadership development;
• Women in Coffee Access & Training Grant Fund supporting chapter-led initiatives;
• Regional events including the IWCA Breakfast at World of Coffee San Diego (April 11) and IWCA Cocktail Reception at World of Coffee Brussels (June 2026).
“Our work doesn’t stop because we can’t gather in person,” added Castro. “Our chapters continue advancing women’s leadership and economic opportunity in coffee every day, in 37 countries. That work continues.”
The IWCA extends gratitude to the Indonesia Chapter, Bali Beach Hotel, convention sponsors, and all partners who contributed to planning the 2026 gathering.
The International Women’s Coffee Alliance connects and empowers women across the coffee value chain through 37 chapters spanning six continents. With over 25,000 active members and 55,000+ community participants, IWCA builds the infrastructure that allows women in coffee to lead, thrive, and shape the industry’s future.
