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Feature
Unmissable spirits events in 2023
There are a whole host of major spirits events, fairs and conferences taking place around the world this year, so make a note of these dates.
After several years of pandemic-enforced cancellations of major trade events, the drinks industry has been quick to bounce back with in-person fairs, tastings and networking events.
From major bar shows in Athens, Berlin and New York to events dedicated to rum and whisky, the spirits sector’s events calendar can get full pretty quickly.
We’ve rounded up a selection of some of the top drinks events to add to your diaries in the year ahead.
Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris
Paris, France
13‐15 February
Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris will take place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, France, in February. The trade show will be 25% bigger than the 2022 event, and will welcome more than double the number of international exhibitors. There will also be a greater focus on spirits, with a dedicated hall in which 40% will be new exhibitors, according to Rodolphe Lameyse, the CEO of parent company Vinexposium.
Vinexpo America/Drinks America
New York City, NY, US
8‐9 March
After a successful debut in 2022, organiser Vinexposium will host its American‐focused shows at the Jacob K Javits Convention Center. Vinexpo America will focus exclusively on wine, while Drinks America will feature a wide array of spirits, beer and sake from producers across the globe.
Prowein
Düsseldorf, Germany
19‐21 March
One of the world’s biggest wine and spirits trade fairs will return to Düsseldorf, featuring 13 halls, including one dedicated to spirits. Trend show Same but Different will also be a highlight for the world of craft spirits, craft beer and cider, while the World of Zero will hone in on the non‐alcoholic theme.
IAADFS Summit of the Americas
Florida, US
16‐19 April 2023
The International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS)’s Summit of the
Americas will be back to its traditional pattern of being held from Sunday to Wednesday. As has happened in previous years, the Opening Reception will take place on Sunday (16 April), while exhibitor booths and private rooms will be open to attendees from Monday to Wednesday.
Vinexpo Asia
Singapore
23‐25 May
The 2023 Vinexpo Asia show will mark the first time the event has been held in Singapore, after previously being held in Hong Kong for 20 years. There will be 1,000 to 1,200 wine and spirits producers in attendance. Vinexpo Asia will focus entirely on wines and spirits, and will now become an annual event in the group’s portfolio.
vinexpoasia.vinexposium‐connect.com
BCB São Paulo
São Paulo, Brazil
5‐6 June
To explore everything Brazil’s cocktail scene has to offer, don’t miss BCB São Paulo. The event brings together the biggest premium beverage brands, bartenders and professionals in the bar, restaurant, retail and distribution industries in South America.
Bar Convent Brooklyn
New York, US
13‐14 June
Thefifth iteration of the US‐based event will head back to Industry City in Brooklyn, New York, with a larger showfloor. Fourteen extra seminars are being added to the roster, plus additional tastings and a demonstration stage. BCB also announced the return of American bartender Lynnette Marrero as head of education for the 2023 show.
Imbibe Live
London, UK
3‐4 July
Olympia London will be packed with the UK’s drinks sector this summer, as Imbibe Live plays hosts to spirits exhibitors and a top educational programme, featuring talks from leading bartenders and industry experts.
Tales of the Cocktail
New Orleans, US
23‐28 July
The world’s largest cocktail conference will return for its 21st year, bringing together a global cocktail and hospitality community in New Orleans. The six‐day event isfilled with seminars, workshops, tastings, competitions, networking opportunities, and special events. talesofthecocktail.org
Whisky Show
London, UK
29 September‐1 October
The Whisky Exchange’s annual Whisky Show is a must‐visit for whisky enthusiasts, featuring talks and tastings from leading distillers in the industry. Expect food pairings, cocktails, free seminars and masterclasses, as well as an extensive range of whisky from around the world.
The Spirits Business Awards Ceremony 2023
London, UK
October 2023 (TBC)
The awards span retail and marketing, sustainability and innovation, tourism, products and the people behind the brands consumers know and love. Thefifth edition of the event will gather the trade’s great and good to celebrate the spirits industry’s biggest achievers.
London Cocktail Week
London, UK
October 2023 (TBC)
The format of London Cocktail Week has changed in recent years to encompass a seven‐day‐plus event. The 2022 event saw the creation of four mini‐hubs to celebrate bars across London, complete with unique cocktail creations, special pop‐up events, dinners and bar takeovers.
TFWA World Exhibition & Conference
Cannes, France
2‐6 October
The idyllic beachfront town of Cannes will once again play host to the Tax Free World Association’s annual travel retail conference. The event was back in full swing in 2022 with spirits producers and retailers optimistic about the channel’s future, showcasing their latest partnerships and travel retail‐exclusive products.
Bar Convent Berlin
Berlin, Germany
9‐11 October
One of the leading trade fairs of the bar and hospitality industry, Bar Convent Berlin is an unmissable event for the spirits sector.
Packed with seminars, tastings, bar takeovers and after‐parties, the next show is expected to be even bigger and better.
Rumfest
London, UK
14‐15 October
Rum lovers will descend on the UK capital for an annual celebration of all things rum. Returning for its 17th year, the event will feature hundreds of rums, intimate seminars and food tastings, alongside events from the city’s top rum bars.
The Wine & Spirits Show
London, UK
27‐29 October
The Wine & Spirits Show, run by The Spirits Business and the drinks business, will again be taking over Chelsea Town Hall for three days of tastings and seminars. With halls dedicated to wine and spirits, the show will also provide consumers with the chance to taste the outstanding tipples that won top medals in The Global Spirits Masters Competitions.
Athens Bar Show
Athens, Greece
8‐9 November
The Athens Bar Show returned for its 12th iteration in 2022, welcoming 12,000 guests. For that event, an exhibition space for premium and ultra‐premium brands was established for thefirst time, plus the show combined its closing party with a pop‐up bar.
The Global Spirits Masters Awards Lunch
London, UK
December 2023 (TBC)
The Spirits Business and The Global Spirits Masters Competitions teams will join forces to host the annual awards lunch this December, where the personalities behind the medal‐winning brands from the blind-tasting series will be invited to collect their awards and enjoy an afternoon of celebrations with lunch, wine, and spirits in a central London venue.