What makes World Tea Expo different from other trade shows?
We asked Kevin Gascoyne of Camellia Sinensis, veteran speaker and advisor for the business course program, what sets the tea community apart from other industries and what he thought they were looking for at World Tea Expo. Here's what he had to say.
The tea community is a strange one. Our connection to tea happens on many levels.
Deep down, the chemistry soothes our nervous system while stimulating our minds. An unspoken feeling of well-being makes us feel that everything is OK. It's a feeling that naturally brings us together with people: calming loved ones in a crisis or the relaxing hospitality of a first meeting.
There is also the general acceptance that tea is a powerful tonic for general human health, which outweighs the need for a 'snake-oil’ dialogue on the myriad of benefits that this plant brings to the human organism.
On top of this solid foundation of connection to the camellia sinensis plant, our senses are stimulated by the vast diversity of flavor possibilities that this simple, standalone leaf has to offer. From the comfort of a simple cuppa to the expansive and complex flavor profiles of a gong fu sit-down session to a spectrum of possibilities in between, drinking this dried plant infused with water can completely seduce our senses.
Add to this the exotic backstories that take our minds to distant lands and cultures and add the heritage of masterful techniques used to skillfully convert the green leaf to the finished product. There are few, if any, other industries that can boast of a product with such a complete array of assets that are felt and understood by all that are drawn to it, from the growers to the merchants and the consumers.
So yes, we are a weird bunch connected on all these levels. For many years, World Tea Expo, in its many incarnations, has provided a precious venue to celebrate this. We see our tea friends and make new ones, share stories and tasting experiences, and develop and solidify the expanding business community with all its diverse facets, which plays a symbiotic role in this unique industry.
After over 30 years in the business, there are still few things that give me more pleasure than to sit down with other tea folk to talk and taste tea. As a general rule, many tea company owners were enthusiasts that made their way into the business (there are certainly more profitable paths to tread!). Our enthusiasm joins us and the feeling of market competition fades to friendly banter. There is still so much room for expansion in the North American continent that we retain the precious feeling of varied players on the same team.
The industry is made up of a large and varied community, which includes writers, entrepreneurs, tea buyers, tea shops, tea makers and growers, tea suppliers, tea shops, etc.—all at various levels of experience from amateurs to experts.
These attendees are ready to learn more about tea by taking classes, tasting more, and meeting the players of the tea world. World Tea Expo’s exceptional educational program provides such valuable learning for all these varied tea folk with a thirst for more knowledge. It also provides a place for this kooky community to drink their favorite drink together.
Make plans to learn, taste, and join the tea community in March by joining our Early Bird list and be the first to know when registration opens!
Have some key knowledge to share with high-quality takeaways and action-oriented strategies? Submit your speaker proposal now through August 30, 2024!
Plan to Attend or Participate in World Tea Expo, March 24-26, 2025
To learn about other key developments, trends, issues, hot topics and products within the global tea community, plan to attend World Tea Expo, March 24-26, 2025 in Las Vegas, co-located with Bar & Restaurant Expo. Visit WorldTeaExpo.com.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at World Tea Expo, or to inquire about advertising and sponsorship opportunities at World Tea News, contact:
Ellainy Karaboitis-Christopoulos, Business Development Manager, Questex
Phone: +1-212-895-8493; Email: [email protected]
Looking for professional tea education, certifications, and more? Visit World Tea Academy and register for courses today!
Also, be sure to stay connected with World Tea Expo on social media for details and insights about the event. Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.