New Craft Beverage Expo Will Serve Growing Industry
April 1, 2013
Until now, there hasn’t been a trade show to serve the explosive growth of the multibillion dollar craft beverage industry.
Next year, though, a new event produced by VP International, the Craft Beverage Expo, will launch May 6-8 at the San Jose (Calif.) McEnery Convention Center for an industry that encompasses boutique wineries, craft breweries, craft distilleries and other producers of small batch hand-made alcoholic beverages.
“We want to give a voice to the craft beverage producers whose needs are very different from traditional large-scale producers,” said Kellie Shevlin, executive director of Craft Beverage Expo.
She added, “Our mission is to help producers in each market segment find solutions tailored to the size and scope of their operation. Craft Beverage Expo will provide the access they need to distributors and vendors that want to work with smaller beverage producers.”
Michael Kaiser, director of communications for WineAmerica, added, “Because craft producers cannot compete on price or scale, competition for distribution is a constant struggle.”
He said the show will help fill a void for smaller producers to be seen in the marketplace, as well as create a good marketing opportunity. Marketing Design Group has been brought on to market the show itself.
Organizers said they plan to bring together the entire craft beverage industry to look at best practices from all of the vertical beverage markets.
“Craft Beverage Expo is the only event that I’m aware of that unites all segments of our industry at one time in one place,” said Tom McCormick, executive director of the California Craft Brewers Association.
He added, “It’s a tremendous opportunity for craft beer, wine and spirits producers to get the tools and education they need, especially on the business, sales and marketing end, to compete effectively in the marketplace and be successful.”
CCBA and other associations representing the craft beverage industry are working in conjunction with the show, according to Vinnie Polito, who heads VP International.
And, with what organizers said are changes in government regulations that will allow even more craft beverage producers to enter the marketplace, the need for a show to serve that market is “even more important.”
This is the fourth, recent launch announced by VP International in which they will be managing the show.
The previous ones include a U.S. News & World Report event - the Hospital of Tomorrow conference, Nov. 4-6 in Washington, D.C.; Medical World Americas, a collaboration between the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau and Messe Duesseldorf North America, April 28-30, 2014, at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center; and Total Energy USA, which ran last October also in Houston and is on tap again this year.
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
Add new comment