A first look at Starbucks Leadership Experience 2025
Starbucks is bringing 14,000 coffeehouse leaders to Las Vegas for a transformational event as the company accelerates its Back to Starbucks plan.
Over the coming days, more than 14,000 Starbucks coffeehouse leaders are gathering in Las Vegas for a transformational event designed to empower, equip, and ignite them to lead in new and bold ways as the company accelerates the success of its Back to Starbucks plan. More than just a conference, the Starbucks Leadership Experience, taking place June 10–11, is a powerful investment in Starbucks store managers and a defining step in the company’s turnaround.
The event brings together 12,000 store managers from company-operated and licensed stores across the U.S. and Canada, along with 2,000 regional retail operations leaders, senior leadership and support staff. It’s the company’s first large-scale leadership gathering since the 2019 Leadership Experience in Chicago—and the first under the leadership of Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer and Mike Grams, chief operating officer.
We’re getting back to Starbucks, reintroducing the brand to the world and reigniting our soul,” said Niccol. “Starbucks is more than a coffee company; it’s about serving people and creating meaningful connections. That’s why coming together in person for this event is so critical.”
Over two inspiring days, store managers will dive into their essential role in leading Back to Starbucks by focusing on what it means to create standout experiences for partners and customers alike in every coffeehouse across North America. They’ll hear directly from senior leaders about the vision for the future and take part in interactive leadership sessions designed to strengthen skills, foster collaboration and learn about the tools and support available for them and their green apron partners as they create the Starbucks Experience.
Store managers will immerse themselves in the Starbucks story at a Coffee Pavilion, experiencing the journey of coffee from bean to cup – and discover how they can bring that story to life every day in their stores. The event will also showcase the first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Championships, a competition amongst the world’s top Starbucks baristas celebrating the skill and artistry behind each coffee beverage.
“We’re going to celebrate craft, we’re going to celebrate joy, inspiration and pride for what it means to wear the green apron every day,” said Grams. “This is the team that’s going to lead the next chapter of Starbucks.”
By the numbers
Attendees include store managers from the United States, Canada and licensed stores plus field leaders, senior leaders and support partners.
A typical attendee walks more than 17,000 steps each day between courses and events.
On average, 60% of Starbucks store managers in the U.S. and Canada got their start as baristas.
Barista Champions from China, Japan, EMEA, Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the six Barista Champions from each of the Roasteries, will compete in the inaugural event at the General Session.
Number of Starbucks stores on the 4-mile stretch of the Las Vegas Strip – many open 24 hours.
A typical store manager leads a team of 18 partners.
