Reno Nevada [May 30, 2024] Tasting & Tap Room Expo and Craft Beverage Expo & Conference brought together turn-key solutions and education for tasting and tap room operators alongside unique and unforgettable experiences that intersected with independent producers of craft beverages on May 7-8 in Reno, Nevada.
Hundreds of tasting and tap room owners, operators, managers, and independent craft beverage producers explored the show floor to discover and source a range of specialized products and services. For tasting and tap room management, exhibitors showcased tools and services related to the development, expansion, and day-to-day operations, while independent producers discovered solutions in beverage distribution as well as innovations in bottling and brewing equipment, corks, and labels on the show floor.
Both events offered niche education and panels that showcased a diverse range of content featuring more than 30 industry experts in 20+ sessions, keynotes, case studies, panels, and trend reports, creating an immersive and inspiring environment for all participants in high-interest areas like how to accelerate DTC sales and discovering trade secrets on creating immersive customer environments. In addition, both the state of the tasting room report and the modern state of craft beverages were revealed during the events (insert details of the presenters). The success of the experience reinforced Tasting & Tap Room Expo and Craft Beverage Expo & Conference’s position as a vital must-attend destination for professionals to connect, learn, and grow.
“For the first year in this collaboration, Tasting & Tap Room Expo and Craft Beverage Expo & Conference surpassed attendees expectations, offering an unparalleled platform of learning, experience, and networking for the growing segment of independent craft beverage producers as well as the underserved niche segment of tasting and tap room operators,” commented Michelle Metter, partner at Fast Forward Events, which owns and produces both shows. “This unique colocation offered industry professionals the opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate with each other. We are thrilled to have witnessed the passion, talent, and innovation driving both of these audiences forward together.”
Key Highlights:
20+ Engaging Learning Opportunities: Attendees immersed themselves in a wealth of knowledge through over 20 sessions featuring renowned experts and thought leaders. From increasing retail shelf space to key segment marketing strategies, each session offered invaluable insights from experts such as Jennifer Warrington.
Live Podcast Studio on the Show Floor: BevFluence, an adult beverage focused podcast, occupied a booth on the show floor jam-packed with attendees ready to tell their brand or company story. Podcasts covered topics including trends in the beverage space in 2024 and beyond, AI and how it will affect the industry, navigating the post-covid landscape, and sustainability.
Pour for Your Peers Reception: At the close of day one, the highly-anticipated Pour for Your Peers reception was held on the show floor. Attendees savored an array of high-end beverage tastings from top wine, spirits, beer and booch producers while networking and forging meaningful connections. This exclusive gathering provided a unique opportunity for professionals to share experiences, insights, and inspiration in a relaxed connection-building atmosphere.
Collaboration with Kombucha Brewers International (KBI): The collaboration welcomed KBI and itsmembers to hold the judging and awards ceremony for their 2024 Kombucha Kup Awards. This created an unparalleled opportunity for networking, sharing insights, and enjoying a diverse range of kombucha while connecting with hundreds of producers in other beverage segments.
Awards of Excellence Winners’ Ceremony: Highlights of the Awards of Excellence program and the Brad Brunson Ambassador Award included ecognition of winners during a standing-room-only ceremony hosted byOJ Lima of Taste Select Repeat . These recipients exemplify excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication, setting new standards of quality and creativity within the industry.
“Being recognized as the Tasting Room Manager of the Year is truly an honor and a testament to the hard work of not only me but that of the entire team at M Cellars,” remarked Tara Meineke, co-founder of M Cellars, after being presented with the award. “I am grateful for the support of my peers who recognized my achievements and thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant and ever-changing landscape of tasting rooms.”
Dates and locations for Tasting & Tap Room Expo and Craft Beverage Expo & Conference for 2025 will be announced soon.
View event and conference photos.
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