The 2017 edition of the USA Trade Tasting will take place May 16/17 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NY and will capitalize on the success of the 2016 inaugural event which brought together 180 exhibitors from 23 countries and 2300 registered attendees.
This year the USATT boasts a few new initiatives. I will be moderating the “Office Hours” panels and presentations which will take place in four separate sessions, two each day structured so that exhibitors as well as attendees can efficiently schedule their time to attend. We’ve already confirmed a great line-up of speakers who will focus on providing practical information attendees can put into use immediately. Updated details of speakers and sessions can be found at http://usatradetasting.com/en/conference-speakers/2017/
As with last year’s event, the goal of the conference is to fill a need in the U.S. spirits/wine/beer industry where suppliers from around the world can connect directly with the leading American retailers, distributors and importers. The exhibition floor will be open both days and there will also be a series of masterclasses.
FYI, I did one-on-one follow up research with exhibitors and attendees and was really excited about some of the connections that were made including two deals that I watched being done live on the show floor. And while we all know the rules of the three-tier system, there’s still room for creativity. Example: One major retailer discovered several brands and helped them to get them imported, distributed and on display.
Media sponsors include publishers from U.S. and around the world including Beverage Media Group, Meininger’s, Wines and Vines, Modern Distillery Age, iSanté, Wine & Spirits, Wine Industry News, Wine & Craft Beverage News, Drinks.ua and Microshiner.
Industry and trade sponsors include the National Association of Beverage Importers (NABI), Tastings.com, MHW Ltd., IWSR, Bev Force Park Street Imports, Beaujolais region, P & M Beverage Imports, and Bevology.
So mark your calendars and I look forward to seeing you in NY next May.
