The World Tea Expo is just around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s a great time to meet with other friends in the industry, get inspired, share knowledge and enjoy some delicious tea. This year, we’ll be exhibiting with 200 other companies and businesses from around the world.
Did you know the conference is in it’s eleventh year and bigger than ever? Here are four more things about the World Tea Expo that might surprise you!
It’s a Bootcamp
There are plenty of seasoned veterans on the floor of the World Tea Expo, but doors are also wide open for neophytes looking to stake their own claim in the expanding tea market. The New Business Bootcamp helps budding entrepreneurs gain essential skills and knowledge about tea and business so that they can kick off their new ventures feeling capable and confident.
There are No Repeats
As a means to avoid stagnating and recycling old ideas, the World Tea Expo has developed one simple rule for it’s seminars. Topics are not allowed to repeated. It’s a testament to the incredible versatility of tea that year after year exhibitors and speakers are able to share new information about the trade. It also demonstrates a commitment to innovation that rekindles an already fervent passion for tea.
It’s a Competition
You didn’t think it was all fun and games, did you? In the spirit of sharing best practices, a little friendly competition amongst colleagues helps to promote excellence in the field. Tea tastings feature pre-selected winning teas from around the world. The expo also names a few different winning products to be exhibited. Additionally, there’s a Tea Infusion Challenge to find the Top Tea Infusionist, who, according to the organizers, is “a tea professional (non-manufacturer) that has comprehensive product knowledge, experienced brewing skills and innate talent to best express teas’ characteristics and intended cups.” Last year’s winner was our own Chief Leaf, Tim Smith, so you know it’s serious business!
Future Trends are in the Tea Leaves
There’s no better place to get a pulse for what’s next that at the World Tea Expo. With so many movers and shakers under one roof, attendees get to see what’s brewing several months before new products, ideas and approaches start shaping the industry. Last year’s trends included a growing interest in specialty teas, as well as a boost in tea retail overall. Expect to see both those trends continue This year. One more prediction: cooking and baking with tea will be a big trend to follow.
The conference will take place June 7-9 in Las Vegas. Looking to learn more? Visit the official website here.