World Tea Expo has new special events as well as traditional favorites that will enrich attendees’ conference experience. Here are five special events attendees will love.
Tea Master’s Cup
Tuesday June 11 & Wednesday June 12, Exhibit Hall floor, end ofAisle 200
The Tea Master’s Cup is the largest system of tea competitions in theworld covering tea preparation, pairing, mixology and tasting. It all began inRussia in 2013 among a small community of tea masters and now qualifying andnational rounds take place in several countries in Asia, Europe, the MiddleEast and North America. This year, the national round for the United Stateswill take place at the World Tea Expo before winners move on to theinternational round. Tony Gebely, Executive Director of the American SpecialtyTea Alliance, said, "We're thrilled to bring this event to World Tea Expo andto the USA. “If you are attending the World Tea Expo this year, stop by the TeaMaster’s Cup stage on June 11 and 12th, where you will be able to witness apure expression of American tea culture as the contestants compete with thegoal of representing the United States at the international finals later thisyear!”
World Tea Awards & OpeningNight Reception
Tuesday June 11, 6:00 – 8:00pm, North Hall - Room N109
Every year, the World Tea Expo honors excellence in tea industry withthe World Tea Awards. The awards recognize people and companies that stand outin terms of innovation, quality, and philanthropy. Winners are chosen by WorldTea Expo registrants, all of whom are welcome to attend the awards ceremony andreception. The awards can inspire new trends in the tea industry.
Japanese Tea Ceremony, Sponsored by ITO EN
Wednesday June 12, 2:00 - 3:30pm, Special Events Stage
Witness an aspect of traditional Japanese culture during this Japanese tea ceremony, a ritual a Buddhist monk originated during the 9th century. The ceremony, which is sponsored by ITO EN, will utilize customary tools used for preparing matcha, including a cha sen (tea whisk), cha wan (tea bowl), and cha shaku (ladle). "The Japanese Tea Ceremony truly embodies the grace and spirit of Japan,” said Rona Tison, Vice President of Corporate Relations and PR at ITO EN. “Its artfulness and aesthetic impact has had such a strong influence on the culture of Japan today—especially, its four principles of Harmony, Respect, Purity & Tranquility. We are excited to have Rebecca Corbett, the author of Cultivating Femininity-Women & Tea Culture in Edo & Meiji Japan and a Urasenke tea practitioner join us in whisking a delicious and beautiful bowl of our matcha LOVE."
The World’s Rarest Teas: AnExclusive Tasting Event
Wednesday June 12, 8:00 - 9:30pm
This new event will offer a unique immersive and intimate tastingexperience with rare premium teas sourced from around the world that willimpress the most discerning palates. Hosted by Kevin Gascoyne, co-owner of theCamellia Sinensis tea houses in Quebec, Canada, and author of the book Tea: History,Terroirs, Varieties, attendees will have the advantage of being guided by aknowledgeable and worldly teacher.
*Tickets for this event have sold out.
World Tea Music Festival – WorldTea Expo Afterparty
Thursday June 13, 7:00pm – 12:00am. Tealet Warehouse: 3230 Polaris Ave. unit 7 Las Vegas, Nevada 89102
The first ever World Tea Music Festival and World Tea Expo Afterparty will provide a fun way for expo attendees to decompress and network. The musical guests will be King Ibu (World Music), Indigo Kidd (American Modern Rock), Terbo Ted (Live Electronic), and Sojourner (Electro-World). Tasting menus created by prominent Las Vegas-based chefs
Sheridan Su, Jainine Jaffer, Ricardo Guerrero and Gerardo Avalos, and unlimited tea service will be available.
*Tickets are available for WTE attendees at registration for $30 and for non-WTE attendees at worldteaandmusic.com for $50 plus tax and fees.