Extend Conference 2026: Catalyzing a Movement

Extend Conference is back — and 2026 brought it to a whole new level. Last year's gathering planted a seed. This year, it took off. Attendance more than doubled, and with it came an entirely new experience: a pop-up café, hands-on breakout sessions, and a bustling vendor floor bringing together niche resources and local businesses. More than 300 café owners, managers, baristas, and kitchen workers left feeling empowered and inspired — equipped with fresh vision, practical tools, and a renewed sense of community.

A Vision Worth Rallying Around

The plenary sessions cast vision for ordinary, everyday spaces — especially around food and drink — being intentional, powerful tools for gospel witness and community transformation, rather than just commercial ventures. Clyde Zimmerman opened the morning with "Cafés as Catalysts for Kingdom Change," painting a compelling picture of café spaces as kingdom embassies — places where Jesus is demonstrated through physical nourishment and genuine care. David Dale brought a deeply personal and mission-driven message, "Brewing Hope: My Journey of Reaching the Unreached Through Coffee," sharing the story of how God has used coffee as a bridge to unreached and marginalized people groups. Bryant Martin closed the day with "A Creative Resistance — Beyond the Status Quo," framing cafés as countercultural, creative spaces where spiritual presence can take root in unexpected or even hostile environments i.e. "sunflowers in Babylon".

Getting Down to Business

With the main sessions inspiring the why, the breakout sessions explored the how. Workshops spanned a wide range of topics — mobile coffee trailers, barista basics, knife sharpening, coffee cupping, and church planting — alongside a lively panel discussion on the traits of a flourishing café. Whether attendees were just starting out or looking to develop existing skills, there was something for everyone.

The Best Conversations Happen Across the Table

Perhaps the most powerful element of the day was simply being in the room together. Attendees walked through the front doors to find a charming pop-up café filled with the smell of fresh espresso and pastries and the sound of warm conversation — an immediate invitation to sit down and connect. The espresso machine ran all day by our skilled baristas, creating premium drinks using organic syrups sponsored by Arystah, a local small-batch syrup business. The vendor floor buzzed with energy as businesses showcased their products and services. Extend’s member cafés from across the country were represented with thoughtfully curated booths, engaging curious attendees. Lunch — a spread of Greek bowls and pita shared under the tent — gave everyone space to breathe, share stories, and find their people. Again and again throughout the day, the greatest moments happened not behind a podium, but across a table. Connecting with others who share the same vision for excellence, hospitality, and ministry was, for many, the highlight of the entire event.

Recordings of the sessions are available on our Youtube channel.

Thank you to every speaker, vendor, volunteer, and attendee who made it what it was. We look forward to seeing you next year.

Mark it on your calendars! Extend Conference 2027 will be held in State College, PA on Wednesday, March 10.