On Saturday I travelled to Milan for Host, the largest hospitality trade show in the world. Every couple of years it brings together roasters, machine manufacturers, café owners, and design professionals. Alongside it, La Marzocco hosted Out of the Box a fast-paced, creative, community-focused event at Superstudio Più on Via Tortona.
The moment I walked in, it felt different. The space was full of energy. Machines were being tested, coffee was being poured, and people were talking about the craft and the culture that shape our industry. The event’s theme, Roots and Wings, captured it perfectly a celebration of where coffee comes from and where it’s going next.
Experience and atmosphere
Out of the Box isn’t a sales floor. It’s a playground for anyone who loves coffee and design. Guests were encouraged to pull their own shots on La Marzocco’s lineup of machines. The True Artisan Café featured a rotation of roasters from around the world, each presenting coffees that told a story through flavour and process.
Panel discussions ran throughout the day, covering everything from sustainability and innovation to hospitality and collaboration. The format encouraged conversation rather than presentation. It was about people sharing what drives them, not just what they make.
Every detail of the space reflected La Marzocco’s commitment to design. Branding, installations, and sound all worked together to create an atmosphere that felt alive and modern while still rooted in craft. Walking through the event, you could sense how carefully every part of it had been considered.
Meeting Anthea Turner and Mark
One of the highlights of the day was meeting Anthea Turner and her partner Mark. Anthea, well known for her television career in the 80s and 90s, spoke about the power of storytelling, presence, and connection ideas that translate beautifully into the world of coffee.
We spoke about machines, design, and the evolving culture around café spaces. Their genuine curiosity and warmth stood out. We took a few photos together, and later that weekend Anthea shared a post about the event. She’s since followed Silverskin on Instagram, which made the whole experience even more special.
What stood out most
Events like Out of the Box remind you that coffee is more than a product. It’s a network of ideas, traditions, and shared effort. Seeing the latest La Marzocco machines up close, talking to designers, and watching people engage directly with the craft was inspiring.
There’s a clear shift happening — a move toward openness, experimentation, and collaboration. It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about building relationships and keeping coffee culture vibrant.
What comes next
For Silverskin, the day reinforced how important design and storytelling are to what we do. From the way we roast to how we present our coffees, it’s all part of a bigger conversation. We’re continuing to grow our partnerships, including the work we’re doing in Rwanda, and exploring new ways to connect people through coffee.
Out of the Box was more than an event. It was a reminder of why this industry matters and why being part of it still feels exciting after all these years.
Credits
Out of the Box by La Marzocco, Superstudio Più, Milan
Event details: lamarzocco.com
