I’m super excited to be making my third trip to +World Tea Expo this year. 2016 will different for a few different reasons. The show has been held in Long Beach, California for the last two years. Although I enjoyed getting a few days in California, it’s excited to travel to somewhere new. Las Vegas should make for a very interesting time. As always, I’ll be sure to report everything back here once I return home.
My non-tea drinking boyfriend is joining me this year. I’m excited to introduce him to my tea friends from around the country (and world). I don’t think Jason quite knows what he’s in for though. Maybe this is just one step in my secret plot to convert him…for the record, he volunteered!
I’m going to be speaking solo for the first time ever! As nerve-wracking as it is, I can’t wait to share what I have to say with everyone. My seminar is called Utilizing Social Media to Connect with Customers Authentically and Grow Your Tea Business and will take place on June 16th at 11:00pm. My goal will be to cover the basics of social media for tea companies so that can better connect with tea lovers.
The educational conference is probably my favorite part of the expo. Where else can you nerd out with so many industry experts? I’ve already filled in my Google Calendar with all of the seminars that I am planning to attend. +Jo J‘s panel Re-Evaluating Tea Education and +Darlene Meyers-Perry‘s seminar Tea Vessels = A Way to Steep Up Sales are two definitely must sees. I’m also really looking forward to attending Dr. Selena Ahmed’s talk on Climate-Smart Tea Systems.
The Tea Blogger’s Roundtable will be a returning fixture this year. I’m be sitting on the panel with more than a few of my favorite bloggers.
+Jo J of Scandalous Tea
+Geoffrey Norman of Steep Stories
+Naomi Rosen of Joy’s Jabberings
+Gary Robson of Tea with Gary
+Chris Giddings of Tea Guy
+Nicole Schwartz of AmazonV tea taste tracking
+Darlene Meyers-Perry of The Tea Enthusiast’s Scrapbook
+Rachana Rachel Carter of iHeartTeas The Blog
+Ricardo Caicedo of My Japanese Green Tea
+sara shacket of Tea Happiness
+Linda Gaylard of The Tea Stylist
Will you be going to World Tea Expo? Let me know! I’d love to meet up with as many tea folks as I can during my time there.
**Please note that World Tea Expo is an industry only trade show and is NOT open to the general public**
Since it will soon be time for World Tea Expo, it’s also time for the World Tea Awards. Winning the award for Best Social Media Reach while surrounded by some of my favorite tea friends was definitely the highlight of last year’s trip. I can’t thank those who nominated me enough!
Nominations for this year’s awards are now open. This is great chance to recognize your favorite tea companies, publications and more. I’d be truly honored if you would consider voting for +Tea for Me Please for Best Tea Blog. Nominations will close May 1st and final voting will take place shortly after.