Tea festivals are pretty much my favorite thing. I was super excited (and nervous!) when I was invited to submit a presentation for the first ever Chicago International Tea Festival. This event is unique in that there will be an “industry day”, making it a mini World Tea Expo.
The event will be held on November 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza – River North in Chicago. Your ticket gets you admission to the event, a swag bag, tasting cup, free sample tastings, the opportunity to be a judge for the Taster’s Cup Tea Competition and access to all free lectures and demonstration
I knew that I wanted to lead a workshop but it took me a while to settle on a topic. There are so many possibilities! My husband suggested focusing on a type of tea that I am passionate about. Dancong oolong was just the ticket!
Dancong Oolongs – The Doppelgangers of the Tea World
Phoenix oolongs are famous for their exotic fragrances that mimic everything from flowers and fruit to nuts. In this seminar, there will be a brief introduction to this type of tea followed by a focused tasting of five different types of dancong oolong. We’ll cover everything from the ever-popular Mi Lan Xiang to rare varieties like Fan Shu Xiang (sweet potato fragrance). Students will also learn best practices for brewing this sometimes finicky tea.
Time: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10:00am-11:30am
Cost: $15
Tea Bloggers Roundtable
In addition to teaching a workshop, I will be on two different discussion panels. I couldn’t take part in the Tea Bloggers Roundtable at World Tea Expo this year so I am really glad that we are able to hold another one in Chicago. If you are a blogger who would like to participate, shoot me an email!
Time: Saturday, Nov. 2, 3:00pm-4:00pm
Panelists: Nicole Wilson (Tea For Me Please), Rachel Carter (iHeartTeas)
What do millennials and the next generation want as a tea experience?
The latest generations have enhanced expectations of just about everything but especially with respect to their food and health and they aren’t the only ones. There is a new growing consciousness about a whole raft of healthy and ethical choices that we can make in our daily lives. Consumers want to be educated and know a lot these days before they ever come to your store. What does that look like when applied to tea? This panel discussion will feature speakers from different generations and their different approaches to tea. They will discuss what is driving consumers right now and what you should be taking into account when strategizing your marketing plans!
Time: Saturday, Nov. 2, 11:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $10
Panelists: Bianca Shah (ITI), Nicole Wilson (Tea for Me Please), Rachel Carter (iHeartTeas)
Will I see you at the Chicago International Tea Festival? Let me know in the comments below!