Not-to-be-missed spirits events in 2019
This year will be full of exciting events for members of the spirits industry. The Spirits Business offers a glance at the unmissable shows and festivals taking place in 2019.
Throughout the year, there are plenty of events on offer in the spirits world – providing a key opportunity for bartenders, ambassadors, buyers, brand owners, distributors and stakeholders to meet, mingle and make lasting professional relationships.
From cocktail shake-ups to networking meet-ups, here are the essential dates for the spirits professional’s diary in the year ahead.
Click through the following pages for the world’s most important and unmissable spirits industry events in 2019.
Vinexpo New York
4-5 March
Vinexpo will return to New York for its second trade fair in the city. The event will offer a series of tastings, exhibitions and talks from new and established brands. There will also be a new area showcasing organic spirits from around the world. www.vinexponewyork.com
TFWA China’s Century Conference, Hainan
5-7 March
The Tax Free World Association (TFWA) will host its fourth China’s Century Conference, at the Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay Hotel, Hainan. The previous event in 2017 saw visitor numbers rise by 6%, and this year’s show promises to be even bigger.
www.tfwa.com
Prowein, Düsseldorf
17-19 March
Renowned German drinks fair ProWein will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2019. More than 6,800 exhibitors and 60,000 trade visitors attended the show last year, which was its biggest to date. This year, the organisers say they plan to expand the concept even further.
www.prowein.com
IAADFS Summit of the Americas, Orlando
24-27 March
The International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores will return to Orlando for its annual Summit of the Americas. The show offers attendees the opportunity to network and take part in talks, activities and fundraising opportunities over four days.
www.iaadfs.org
The Wine & Spirits Show, London
12-13 April
Following its inaugural event in 2018, The Spirits Business will once again partner with sister title the drinks business to host The Wine & Spirits Show at the Royal Horseguards Hotel, London. The first outing was hailed as an “unmissable new event for both trade members and drinks enthusiasts”.
www.wineandspiritsshow.com
TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition, Singapore
12-16 May
The TFWA returns to Singapore for its Asia Pacific show, which promises to be an essential visit for professionals in the region. The travel retail fair will take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, with a chance to meet hundreds of exhibitors.
www.tfwa.com
Vinexpo Bordeaux
13-16 May
Industry trade show Vinexpo Bordeaux will take over Parc Des Expositions in the French city this year. The event will feature a symposium on the industry’s impact on the environment, as well as a new tasting area that offers visitors the chance to sample a selection of the wines and spirits on display.
www.vinexpobordeaux.com
Bar Convent Brooklyn
11-12 June
Following its successful first American event last year, Bar Convent will be back at the Brooklyn Expo Centre offering another chance for brands and influencers to network, share knowledge and explore the newest trends shaping the on-trade.
www.barconventbrooklyn.com
Bar Convent São Paulo
17-18 June
The Berlin bartending institution launches its second international outpost this year, which will take place in Brazil. Bar Convent São Paulo will see local bar owners and bartenders given the opportunity to mingle with international spirits brands and industry professionals over the course of two days.
www.bcbsaopaulo.com
Tales of the Cocktail, New Orleans
16-21 July
The 17th annual Tales of the Cocktail festival will see the global cocktail community descend on New Orleans for a week of seminars, tastings and competitions. The event, which is home to the annual Spirited Awards, promises to be equal parts cocktail conference and family reunion.
www.talesofthecocktail.com
TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, Cannes
29 September – 4 October
The TFWA’s flagship travel retail event will return to Cannes in September for a week of industry workshops, brand showcases and networking opportunities. Last year, visitor numbers surpassed 7,000 for the first time, which made the show the biggest yet.
www.tfwa.com
London Cocktail Week, London
4-13 October
To mark its 10th anniversary year, London Cocktail Week is coming back bigger than ever. For the first time, the event will take place over 10 days, rather than the usual seven, when it will occupy bars and event spaces throughout the capital.
drinkup.london/cocktailweek
Boutique Bar Show, London
Dates TBC
London’s drinks fair dedicated to new and high-quality spirits will showcase more than 100 brands when it returns in the autumn. The event promises a packed schedule of product showcases and engaging speakers from the bar community. www.boutiquebarshow.com
Tequila & Mezcal Fest, London
Dates TBC
After celebrating it fifth anniversary in 2018, the two-day celebration of Tequila and mezcal returns to educate consumers on ways to enjoy agave-based spirits through seminars and cocktail masterclasses.
www.tequilafest.co.uk
Bar Convent Berlin
7-9 October
The industry’s biggest bar show is gearing up for another year after celebrating record visitor numbers in 2018. Set in one of the world’s coolest cities, guests from around the globe are sure to be spoilt for choice.
www.barconvent.com
Vinexpo Shanghai
23-25 October
Vinexpo will host its first exhibition in Shanghai this year. The new biennial event will be dedicated to enabling local Chinese buyers to expand their portfolios through extensive networking opportunities.
www.vinexposhanghai.com
The Spirits Masters Awards Lunch, London
Dates TBC
Join us at the end of 2019 to celebrate the most impressive entries from our annual series of blind tastings, The Global Spirits Masters. The 2019 competition will see panels of experts taste spirits from around the world, awarding Silver, Gold and Master medals to the best in each category.
www.thespiritsbusiness.com/theglobalspiritsmasters
The Spirit Show, London
Dates TBC
Now in its fourth year, The Spirit Show will descend on London for its annual showcase of the best whisky, gin, vodka and rum brands on the market.
www.thespiritshow.co.uk
