Unmissable spirits industry events in 2016
From cocktail shake-ups to networking meet-ups, here are the essential dates for the spirits professional’s diary in the year ahead.
SB recommends essential spirits industry dates for the diaryAcross the world, events organisers are already busy planning this year’s line-up of key events for brands, distributors, marketers and bartenders.
With such a plethora of intriguing trade shows, cocktail festivals and mixology competitions to consider, it can be easy to get lost in a flood of invitations, and even miss critical entry deadlines.
But don’t fear, help is at hand! We’ve complied a list of the world’s most important and unmissable events that you’ll want to get to this year. Pick up your pen and write these dates down – you’re going to need them!
Prowein, Düsseldorf: 13-15 March
Attracting more than 52,000 visitors and almost 6,000 exhibitors in 2015, ProWein is a must-attend event for spirits professionals. The event programme spans tastings, forums, lounges and, of course, the show floor, while the dedicated ‘Fizzz’ area will showcase the latest cocktail trends.
IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas, Orlando: 3-6 April
Combining a dedicated trade show for travel retail across the Americas, sparkling networking events (Club Americas, anyone?) and an array of fundraising sports activities, the IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas is an essential for anyone targeting travellers in the region. In 2015, nearly 200 exhibitors and 2,740 visitors touched down in sunny Orlando; expect more in 2016 as the region’s economic climate improves.
TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, Singapore: 8-12 May
The Asia edition of the Tax Free World Association’s event marked its 20th anniversary in 2015, with 2,655 visitors and 285 exhibitors showing up to celebrate. As the TR market in the region matures, this is an unmissable event packed with consumer insight and networking opportunities galore.
Vinexpo, Hong Kong: 24-26 May
Three days of learning, experiencing and sharing ideas with industry associates from all over the world under ‘The Event Uncorked!’ umbrella, Vinexpo is an essential date in the diary with 1,300 exhibitors and more than 16,500 buyers expected to attend. The organisers promise “the most comprehensive wine and spirits offer ever presented in Asia”, and with more than 54 talks and tastings in the schedule, we’re inclined to agree.
Tales of the Cocktail, New Orleans: July 20-24, 2016
From a small gathering of cocktail lovers to the world’s largest cocktail festival, Tales of the Cocktail has come a long way since its inception in 2002. The event spans seminars, networking opportunities, sampling sessions and parties – every on-trade and spirits professional on the planet needs to hotfoot it down to New Orleans each July.
Top Shelf, Melbourne: 16-17 July 2016
Billed as Australia’s ‘Boutique Drinks Festival’, Top Shelf combines education, sampling, and good, old-fashioned fun. Last year the event saw more than 40 demonstrations and seminars take place, covering subjects as diverse as ice carving, brandy and chocolate pairing, coopering displays, and business advice. Essential if you bartend down under.
Tequila & Mezcal Fest, London: 17-18 September
A unique celebration of Mexico’s agave spirits, the Tequila & Mezcal Fest was founded in 2014 with the objective of educating people on how to consume these two spirits. Featuring cocktail masterclasses, food pairings, live entertainment, Mexican art and more, the two-day agave extravaganza is a must-attend for fans of the spirits.
Bar Convent Berlin: 11-12 October
One of Europe’s leading trade events for the bar sector, BCB features a packed trade show floor bustling with brands large and small, and a series of seminars covering spirits and cocktail trends to inform and entertain. Don’t miss the opening night’s Mixology Market featuring cocktail creations from top bartenders.
IBA World Cocktail Championships, Japan: dates TBC
More than 500 bartenders gathered together for the cocktail world’s equivalent of the World Cup: it can only be the International Bartenders Association’s annual mix-off. This year the party heads to Japan for a must-follow event for bartenders and brands alike.
TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, Cannes: 2-7 October
Note the slightly earlier date this year. The biggest travel retail event on the planet is a vibrant meeting place for all operating in the channel, and those considering entering it. Don’t miss The Spirits Business’s very own beach party on the Monday evening.
London Cocktail Week, London: 3-9 October
A riot of cocktail newness for consumers and trade alike, London Cocktail Week’s ‘home’ is Spitalfields Market, but events take place across the capital. Check out the trade programme closer to the event for an array of seminars spanning the latest trends, how-tos, and business advice.
www.drinkup.london/cocktailweek
The Spirits Masters Lunch, London: 1 December
Join us as we round off another year of the Global Spirits Masters in style, the only competition where products are assessed blind by a panel of leading experts. Get involved and you could be taking home one of our Grand Masters trophies in December.
