World Tea Conference & Expo 2021 has ended

Create Your Own Event

World Tea Conference & Expo 2021

9:00am PDT

How to Hire and Maintain an Ace Team

Hire and onboard A-players for your tea company without wasting your time. Learn the key things to filter through the B and C level employees and create a hiring system that brings on the top talent without wasting time, money, and energy.

How to find good employees, how to create hiring assets that save you time, how to onboard A players so they are invested in your company.

Speakers

Jenny Tse

Founder, Sipping Streams Tea Company

Sipping Streams Tea Company founder, Jenny Tse, was born in Hong Kong, but raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. She spent her summers selling her mother's vegetables at the local farmer's market and was very active in the local community. Her vision for Sipping Streams began the summer of... Read More →

Monday June 28, 2021 9:00am - 9:40am PDT
Recording in Room S233 Recording in Room S233

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Operations/Personnel

10:30am PDT

Cutting Through the Noise to Implement a Forward-Thinking Digital Marketing Strategy

The digital marketing landscape rapidly changes where a strategy works great today but becomes obsolete tomorrow. To develop a successful strategy, businesses must understand both the fundamentals that are slow to change and the rapid changes coming across social media and e-commerce. The course will start with a discussion of how e-commerce and social media are evolving to get a sense of the big picture. Then the course will illustrate fundamentals in digital marketing, by covering common mistakes made in paid, earned, and owned media. Lastly, the course will then seek to provide participants with the tools to develop their own digital marketing strategies overviewing important considerations in social media, influencer marketing, SEO, paid advertising, etc.

. Understand the trends of how social media and e-commerce platforms are evolving and what they will look like in the long term.
• Learn how to prior which digital marketing tools are right for your business.
• Develop an action plan for businesses to create their own strategies to maximize time and dollars invested in digital marketing.

Speakers

Patrick Kern

Technology Mgr., Churchill's Fine Teas

As a founding partner in Churchill's Fine Teas, Patrick has over 15 years of experience in the tea industry. Over those years, Patrick has served in many roles within the company developing expertise in all facets of business operations. In his current roles as Chief Technology Officer... Read More →

Monday June 28, 2021 10:30am - 11:10am PDT
Recording in Room S233 Recording in Room S233

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Innovation & Technology

10:30am PDT

5 Critical Secrets to Cultivating a Successful Teahouse

In this session, Kristy will share with you the very practical and valuable lessons that have come from over eleven years of experience running a teahouse. She will talk about the three most important marketing tools you need for a successful teahouse. Kristy will give you tips for day-to-day operations that will help you be driven by your core values and how to implement them into your everyday decision-making to stay efficient and productive, no matter the season. Kristy will cover how important relationships are in this business and how to build dynamic relationships with your team, your suppliers and within your local small business community. How to incorporate your tea and product knowledge that you learn at the world tea conference into your everyday interactions with customers and training with your team will be discussed as well.

Objectives:
1. Solid marketing ideas to grow your teahouse.
2. Operations concepts to help you run your teahouse.
3. Effective ways to invest in relationships to help you thrive in your teahouse.

Speakers

Kristy Jennings

Proprietor, Urban Teahouse

Kristy is the sole proprietor and 11-year purveyor of Urban Teahouse, which has the most ready-to-brew loose leaf tea in the state of Oklahoma. Urban Teahouse operates in Oklahoma City. This small tea business opened in 2009 during the recession and has not just survived but thrived... Read More →

Monday June 28, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room S230 Room S230

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Operations/Personnel

10:30am PDT

Importing Tea: Navigating Customs

Importing from source is an appealing concept. Yet, in reality, navigating the world of customs regulations can be daunting and overwhelming. As an attorney and tea importer, Jeni Dodd will unravel the mysteries of clearing customs and offer tips for a successful customs experience.

1. Analyze whether you really want to import directly from source
2. Determine if you should hire an import agent or be your own agent
3. How to make your customs experience as easy as possible.

Speakers

Jeni Dodd

Owner, Jeni Dodd Tea

Jeni Dodd, a native of America's heartland, has traveled to tea-growing regions across the globe in search of the perfect cup of tea. She has visited all of the original tea-producing countries, as well as up-and-coming regions like Nepal, witnessing the hard work and dedication of... Read More →

Monday June 28, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room S232

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Issues & Trends

1:00pm PDT

Finding Your Sweet Spot in Retail Sales

Join Brandi Shelton, just add honey tea company, to discuss how to:
-how to find and sell items based on current trends
-merchandise your tea room or retail cafe to encourage sales
-how to collaborate with local/neighboring businesses to share customer base and exposure
-how to maximize profits in your tea room or retail café

Speakers

Brandi Shelton

Owner, Just Add Honey Tea Company

Born in New Orleans, LA, Brandi Shelton {AKA 'the tea lady'}, grew up with a grandmother that had a concoction for every aliment. While traveling abroad, Brandi found visiting tea rooms as a way to learn the lay of the land and meet a new friend over a cup.Back in the States, blending... Read More →

Monday June 28, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room S230 Room S230

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Operations/Personnel

1:00pm PDT

Regeneratively Grown Teas: Healthier for People and the Planet.

This session will touch on how regenerative agriculture builds soil health, yields nutrient-dense teas, protects tea farmers and draws down and sequesters more carbon lowering greenhouse gas levels.

Objectives:
How regenerative agriculture builds soil health, yields more nutrient-dense teas and is healthier for people.

How regenerative agriculture brings more profit to tea farmers.

How regenerative agriculture draws down and sequesters more carbon helping reverse climate change.

Speakers

Michael Ham

Co-Founder/President, Wild Orchard Tea Company

Michael D. Ham, Co-Founder and President of Wild Orchard, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the world of wellness, regenerative organic agriculture, and sustainable living. Michael is at the forefront of building awareness for regenerative organic agriculture and the benefits... Read More →

Monday June 28, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room S229 Room S229

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Innovation & Technology

1:00pm PDT

The Kombucha Tea Revolution and Its Future

Kombucha went from an ancient secret to a household name almost overnight. In today's markets there term "Kombucha" can mean anything from a non-tea-based soda alternative to a high-alcohol beer or wine. This ambiguous title makes it complicated for buyers and sellers, as well as, manufacturers and those bringing their new trendy beverage to market.

1) Encouraging small & large businesses to be creative and take risks.
2) Educating producers & consumers on what Kombucha truly is and the critical role tea has in its success.
3) Expanding horizons for tea lovers & crafters into the infinity possibilities of preservation!

Speakers

Joshua James Weigel

Co-Founder & CEO, Living Tea

Also known as “The Kombucha Doctor” Josh has been at the forefront of the kombucha industry for nearly a decade. Manufacturing & selling over a million gallons of kombucha in the Southern California region, Josh continues to nurture this emerging “symbiotic culture” in both... Read More →

Monday June 28, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room S232

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Issues & Trends

2:30pm PDT

Developing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) To Meet FDA Regulations

Tea products often straddle the regulatory line between foods and dietary supplements making the decision of which FDA compliance scheme must be adhered to a challenge.

1. What are the basic tenants of a GMP system
2. What are the primary differences between a food and a dietary supplement GMP system
3. What is a finished product specification

Speakers

Tara Couch

Senior Director of Dietary Supplement and Tobacco Services, EAS Consulting Group

Tara Lin Couch, Senior Director of Dietary Supplement and Tobacco Services at EAS Consulting Group, is a Ph.D. Analytical/Organic Chemist who also possesses a B.S. in Mathematics. Dr. Couch has exceptional analytical abilities and more than 30 years of diverse laboratory and regulatory... Read More →

Monday June 28, 2021 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room S230 Room S230

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Operations/Personnel

2:30pm PDT

Tea Trends of the Future

Tea Trends will speak to the trends and innovations within the tea space and how they relate to a more cultural wellness trend explaining how lifestyle shifts impact what moods, flavors, packaging, benefits consumers are looking for in tea.

- Lifestyle shifts and big picture wellness trends
- Tea trends in ingredients, flavors, packaging
-Consumers Wants in the Tea world

Speakers

Melissa Hago

Creative Director, Fashion Snoops

Fashion Snoops is an innovative trend forecasting platform and consultancy that inspires clients to create with confidence. For over 15 years Fashion Snoops has been guiding Fortune 500 and world-class companies in fashion, home decor, beauty/personal care, accessories, automotive... Read More →

Monday June 28, 2021 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room S232

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Issues & Trends

2:30pm PDT

The Power of Social Media Influencers

The Missing Ingredient in Tea Sales Fully Integrated e-Commerce Solution with Web & App ordering Platform along with Built-in Social Media & Rewards Program. Real-Time Marketing and Analytics Tools.

1) Fully Integrated Sales, Social Media, Marketing, & Analytics solution;
2) Importance of Protecting and Promoting own Brand
3) Most Comprehensive and Direct Engagement with Your customers.

Speakers

Chris Liang

Co-Founder, AlaEat

Chris Liang is the Co-founder at AlaEat - a technology company based in Washington, DC, focusing on AI, Machine Learning (ML), and social media e-commerce. After spending nearly a decade working on various e-commerce technologies, Chris now works closely with the F&B operators to... Read More →

Monday June 28, 2021 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room S229 Room S229

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Innovation & Technology

4:00pm PDT

SOP for the Small Business Owner

Standard Operating Procedures are vital for any thriving and growing business no matter what stage of business you are in. An SOP is a step-by-step guide for handling routine tasks and recurring events in business. Along with the sequence of performing an activity, SOPs also usually include a timeline for completing each step.
-10 Reasons Every Business Should Be Using Standard Operating Procedures
-How To Start Creating Your Own SOPs
-What To Do After You've Created SOPs

Speakers

Jenny Tse

Founder, Sipping Streams Tea Company

Sipping Streams Tea Company founder, Jenny Tse, was born in Hong Kong, but raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. She spent her summers selling her mother's vegetables at the local farmer's market and was very active in the local community. Her vision for Sipping Streams began the summer of... Read More →

Monday June 28, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room S230 Room S230

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Operations/Personnel

4:00pm PDT

Sustainable vs. Certified: Understanding Sustainable Tea Sourcing & Trends

In a fast-moving world, brands only have a few short seconds or paid minutes to educate their consumers. Tea has fallen behind other product categories by relying on flavor, price, & labels to drive consumer habits. Herein lies a unique opportunity for the tea industry to educate consumers on why they should care about the wonderful world of tea and what lies beyond labels and certifications.

The difference between true sustainability/traceability and certifications in the tea market

Speakers

Art Lopez

Marketing Director, Tea, Finlays

Art Lopez has been a budding tea expert since his first days at Finlays, a leading independent B2B supplier of tea, coffee, and botanical solutions to beverage brand owners worldwide. Art’s passion and enthusiasm for tea began nearly 10 years ago when he started his career at Finlays... Read More →

Monday June 28, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room S232

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Issues & Trends

4:00pm PDT

Tea and Tech: Is Technology the Answer for Transparency?

Tea and technology could not be farther apart! But when you see technology disrupting almost every single industry, every facet of our life in a way, it is no surprise that it has answers for the age-old problem of transparency for the tea industry as well. From QR codes to possible blockchain technology, learn how Nepal Tea is incorporating tech to bridge the gap between the producers and the consumers together.
Learning Objectives:
Learn what transparency in tea means and why is it so important
Understand how technology is being used in the tea industry in general
See practical applications of blockchain technology in the tea supply chain

Speakers

Nishchal (Nish) Banskota

Owner, Nepal Tea

Nishchal Banskota is a 2nd generation tea producer and the founder of Nepal Tea which directly brings certified organic teas from Nepal to the American market. His vision is to create a tech-enabled transparent tea trade that bridges the gap between the primary producers and consumers... Read More →

Monday June 28, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room S229 Room S229

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Innovation & Technology

9:00am PDT

Introduction to Tea

Want to learn a little more about the second most popular beverage in the world? This class is designed to give you a good overview of the world of tea. Learn about the different types of tea-black, oolong, green, white, yellow, and puerh. Discover where it is grown and the process it takes from the field to your cup. Learn about proper brewing techniques for each type of tea and how tea can be more than just a beverage but can become a profitable business too.
By the end of this session, you will be able to:

Identify a tea plant and discover where tea grows
Identify the different types of tea
Learn how tea is processed and proper steeping practices

Speakers

Lisa Richardson

Online Education Manager, Questex

Lisa Richardson is the Online Education Manager for World Tea Academy. She has studied and traveled the globe researching and learning from masters about tea. Since forming Lisa Knows Tea in 2000, she has consulted with companies in product line development, worked with several Fortune... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 9:00am - 9:40am PDT
Recording in Room S233 Recording in Room S233

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Product Knowledge

9:00am PDT

From Tea Gardens to Grocery stores – bringing specialty teas to retail row

From Tea Gardens to Grocery stores – bringing specialty teas to retail row.
Interest in specialty teas has continued to grow from independent tea shops to mainstream grocery retailers. With so many choices online and in-store, how do we become the first tea our customers look to purchase. The opportunity for the owner of a store to spend time talking with a customer needs to be augmented by focusing on how to communicate in the fast-paced retail environment of a larger group of stores. Learn how to prepare your product for new sales in an expanded channel of distribution. Our goal is to create that same experience for the new customer who has multiple options for product information and choices for purchase.

Understanding channels of distribution – how to find your best route to reach your customers
Retail pricing models – if you are not making a profit you are not staying in business
Key decision points in selling to the major retailer – how to make sure your story reaches the right buyer

Speakers

Janis Grover

President, Grover Global Food

Janis H. Grover is a marketing, new product development, and sales professional recognized for successfully transitioning international ethnic products into the US specialty food market. She has special expertise in delivering manageable business plans for retail and foodservice with... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Room S230 Room S230

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Marketing

10:30am PDT

Baby Steps of Tea Blending

Learn the basics to create your own blends. This is for beginners and the first steps in making your own blends. What works and what doesn't work in tea blending.

Speakers

Chris MacNitt

Tea Development Lead, Starbucks

Chris Johnston/MacnittChris Johnston started his tea journey at eight years old and grew up in his family’s tea business. Steeped in passion, he joined Teas Etc. at nineteen to develop their tea blends and manage their raw material quality. While working for Teas Etc. In 2016, he... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room S232

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Product Knowledge

10:30am PDT

Delivering Wellness Through Tea

From Japan to Korea, China to Taiwan, people have benefited from drinking tea for thousands of years. But making tea can also improve our concentration, mindfulness, and health. In this class, an easy-to-follow ceremony will fascinate your customers looking for the spiritual benefit of tea.

knowledge of proper meditation
knowledge of Still Thoughts Tea Ceremony
Hands-on practice of the Tea Ceremony

Speakers

Sally Wei

Founder, Sally's Parlor

Sally Wei is an accomplished classical pianist and holds a Doctorate in Musical Arts. As musicians strive for perfection, Sally found equal passions in her enjoyment of tea and is a Certified Tea Sommelier.Trained in Taiwan and England, Sally embraces these two tea cultures through... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room S230 Room S230

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Marketing

10:30am PDT

Starting a RTD Tea: From Crop to Can

Inspiration to start something new, to have more insight, and feel prepared to grow an existing or new venture. A better understanding of the market/industry and especially doing business in the grocery channel for RTD tea. Access to new resources for participants.

Speakers

Sara Delaney

Founder & CEO, 3 Mountains/Sarilla Sparkling & Tima Tea

Sara Delaney is an award-winning beverage creator, TedX Speaker, and is the Founding CEO of 3 Mountains, a social enterprise that owns two CPG brands, Sarilla Sparkling and Tîma Tea. She has been partnering with the people of Rwanda since 2007, sourcing premium-grade camellia sinensis... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room S229 Room S229

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Issues & Trends

12:00pm PDT

Expo Hall Hours

Meet the exhibitors! Consider World Tea Conference & Expo your one-stop shop to test, taste and get educated on new ideas for your business:

Teas
Teaware/Giftware
Equipment and Supplies
Flavors & Ingredients
Tea Support & Education
Herbals/Botanicals
CBD Products
Foods - packaged
Packaging/Labels, Display Cases
Apparel
Technology/POS, Payment Processing
Sanitation and Hygiene Solutions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
& more

Tuesday June 29, 2021 12:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center

Expo Highlights

Registration Pass Expo Pass, Tea Guru Pass, Conference Pass

1:00pm PDT

Google Search is Changing: What Can You do About It

These days nearly half of the searches on Google do not result in a click because Google is answering basic questions themselves – eliminating the need for you to click a page. Great for you as a user, but what does that mean for your brand?
In this session, you’ll learn how to leverage tools like Google Snippets, Google Stories and Google My Business to help format your information into elements Google can use, and build traffic to your website.

1. Understand how Google is delivering search results.
2. Leverage Google My Business for local search.
3. Understand how to take advantage of Google’s search features to gain exposure and drive traffic to your website.

Speakers

Nicole Krug

founder, Social Light

Nicole Krug founded Social Light in 2009 to help make the Internet a friendlier place by providing the tools and training small business owners need for success online. Through Social Light Nicole helps clients hone their digital marketing strategies to bring more exposure to their... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room S229 Room S229

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Innovation & Technology

1:00pm PDT

Product Label Planning in the New Era

It's time to take your product label to the next level. Learn how to create your next new product label with more efficiency; and help avoid Supply Chain delays during these crazy times. This presentation is for brand owners, in-house production facilities, and co-manufacturers (Private Label / White Label). Join Rob as he talks about some of the most common food & beverage product label issues the industry is experiencing today, and what you can do to prepare for Supply Chain disruption, plan for better label production efficiency, and improving your inventory cycles. Look for his bonus "new trends" marketing segment too.

Objectives:
Taking your Product Label to the next level
Creating your new product label more efficiently
Help to avoid Supply Chain delays

Speakers

Rob Freeman

Vice President of Revenue Operations, Label Solutions

Rob Freeman is the Vice President of Revenue Operations at Label Solutions Inc. located thirty minutes from Springfield, Missouri. Label Solutions is one of the nation’s leading label converters that specializes in printing pressure-sensitive product labels for the Food & Beverage... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room S230 Room S230

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Marketing

1:00pm PDT

The Wild Expanse of Indian Tea: Hang onto your tastebuds!

This session features highlights of terroir and flavor design for pan-Indian teas, applicable to the consumer, tearoom owner and hotelier alike.

1. A greater understanding of terroir and reasons to buy teas from areas beyond Darjeeling and Assam (while also exploring the variation of new specialty teas from these areas).
2. How to navigate the complex world of procuring Indian tea for beginners and tearoom owners.
3. Three tips on ordering the RIGHT kind of tea for you, your business or project.

Speakers

Amy Dubin

Owner, Janam Tea

Amy established Janam Tea in 2004 to showcase the rich array of teas produced in India, which she experienced firsthand during her self-guided travels. She began developing her palate as a teenager and came to tea appreciation by way of wine and whiskey. In 1994, she graduated in... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room S232

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Product Knowledge

2:00pm PDT

Keynote: Recovery & New Growth Opportunities

Colleen McClellan of Datassential maps out consumer expectations in a quickly evolving bar & restaurant industry. Take full advantage of the rebound by knowing the latest trends and risks coming in 2021's Q3 & Q4.

Speakers

Colleen McClellan

Datassential

Colleen has over 20-years' experience in marketing, insights, and innovation for both retail and foodservice markets. Throughout her career, she has worked to translate trends and insights into profitable actions across all food and beverage categories. Currently, Colleen is a Director... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 2:00pm - 2:40pm PDT
NxT Stage, Expo Hal Floor

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Expo Pass, Tea Guru Pass

2:30pm PDT

Better Iced Tea: A Deep Dive

Why is Iced Tea Important? We will Go over what impacts Iced Tea Quality.
What impacts Iced Tea Quality
Tea Selection
Equipment, Brewing Methods, Storing, Serving, Solutions for elevation quality between the cubes and the Future of Iced Tea.

Speakers

Chris MacNitt

Tea Development Lead, Starbucks

Chris Johnston/MacnittChris Johnston started his tea journey at eight years old and grew up in his family’s tea business. Steeped in passion, he joined Teas Etc. at nineteen to develop their tea blends and manage their raw material quality. While working for Teas Etc. In 2016, he... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 2:30pm - 3:10pm PDT
Recording in Room S233 Recording in Room S233

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Product Knowledge

2:30pm PDT

The Alchemy of Tea Marketing

Alchemy examines the psychological, emotional, and social factors that impact purchase decisions. Behavioral economics uncovers the seemingly insignificant levers in perception and behavior that yield remarkable results. Real, tea-world applications of how nuance, messaging and creating the right perception can make real differences. It isn't about the amount of money you throw at the problem, it's about finding the simplest, most effective lever for altering perception and behavior.

Speakers

Jason Walker

Marketing Director, Firsd Tea

Jason Walker is Marketing Director for Firsd Tea North America. Prior to his work with Firsd Tea, Jason served in a variety of roles in marketing and operations. His 15 years of tea and beverage experience includes marketing consulting services for tea brands... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room S230 Room S230

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Marketing

2:30pm PDT

Using Science to Get the Most Out of Your Tea

Delve into the science of botanical extractions, including various teas. Learn details about the methods of bringing out the exact flavor profiles you want, by utilizing alcohol extractions, maceration temperature, and brew times. Takeaways: Demystify the science behind flavor extraction/ Learn creative ways to expand and enhance your menu offerings/ Gain applicable product knowledge and how to convey it to customers.

Takeaways: Demystify the science behind flavor extraction/ Learn creative ways to expand and enhance your menu offerings/ Gain applicable product knowledge and how to convey it to customers.

Speakers

Phil Attee

Sales Manager and Distilling Consultant, Mammoth Distilling

"With a professional background working in biology and chemistry labs, Phil decided to pursue a career with a little more spirit... literally. For several years, he trained in the art and science of distillation and cocktail making. He is currently the Sales Manager and Distilling... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room S229 Room S229

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Innovation & Technology

4:00pm PDT

The Secret Every Tea Seller Needs to Know to Sell to Millennials

Staci Brinkman, Founder and CEO of Sips by and a self-professed grandma Millennial, will share what she has learned about how to sell tea to Millennials, a notoriously discerning market.

How to personalize online experiences to meet customer expectations
Where Millennials congregate online and how to market to them authentically
Easy tips and tricks to create a Millennial-friendly brand presence

Speakers

Staci Brinkman

Founder, Sips by

Staci Brinkman founded Sips by to make tea fun, personalized, and affordable. With hundreds of thousands of tea-drinking Members and millions of personalized tea matches made, she has done just that! In 2020, Forbes covered Staci’s founder story in an article entitled “How 1 Woman... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 4:00pm - 4:40pm PDT
Recording in Room S233 Recording in Room S233

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Marketing

4:00pm PDT

Popular Herbs and Their Uses

A 5000-year Secret Chinese people believed that Emperor Shennong discovered tea and other herbs 5000 years ago. Herbs have played a very important role in Eastern medicine. In recent years, more and more people adopt this ancient holistic lifestyle using gentle herbs to maintain their health. In this class, proper usage of herbs will be explored and discussed. 5 unique recipes of herbal teas created by a Chinese doctor will also be presented and tasted.

Knowledge of some popular herbs
Knowledge of proper use of herbs
Recipes of herbal teas that help with anxiety, sleeplessness, hair loss, lack of energy and etc

Speakers

Sally Wei

Founder, Sally's Parlor

Sally Wei is an accomplished classical pianist and holds a Doctorate in Musical Arts. As musicians strive for perfection, Sally found equal passions in her enjoyment of tea and is a Certified Tea Sommelier.Trained in Taiwan and England, Sally embraces these two tea cultures through... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room S232

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Product Knowledge

4:00pm PDT

Wellness Food Trends

The pandemic accelerated the continued merging of the wellness and food markets, as consumers gravitated towards more functional, nutrient-dense, and holistic product options to support their total body health. Join Fashion Snoops' VP of Beauty & Wellness, Melissa Hago, as she addresses key industry objectives, by presenting lifestyle shifts that merge the food and wellness worlds with innovative brand examples and consumer priorities.

Speakers

Melissa Hago

Creative Director, Fashion Snoops

Fashion Snoops is an innovative trend forecasting platform and consultancy that inspires clients to create with confidence. For over 15 years Fashion Snoops has been guiding Fortune 500 and world-class companies in fashion, home decor, beauty/personal care, accessories, automotive... Read More →

Tuesday June 29, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room S229 Room S229

Conference Session

Registration Pass Add-on Ticket, Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Culinary & Hospitality

5:30pm PDT

Food Festival Welcome Party

Tuesday June 29, 2021 5:30pm - 7:00pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Expo Pass, Tea Guru Pass

9:00am PDT

Specialty Tea's Growing Popularity

The specialty tea sets are growing in popularity in grocery stores across the country (or around the world if we are presenting to a global audience). This past year has shown us that people are looking for one-stop shops for all of their items and (insert stat # ppl getting grocery delivery...growth in grocery in 2020). One of the best opportunities to reach the most people is by partnering with select grocery store chains as you expand your tea brand. Learn what it takes to connect with buyers and what they are looking for in the dry tea and RTD beverage sets.
1. What is Specialty Tea and why is it growing in demand?
2. How to lean into loose leaf and go plastic-free
3. Which channels are growing the fastest: Grocery, Foodservice, Online

Speakers

Sara Delaney

Founder & CEO, 3 Mountains/Sarilla Sparkling & Tima Tea

Sara Delaney is an award-winning beverage creator, TedX Speaker, and is the Founding CEO of 3 Mountains, a social enterprise that owns two CPG brands, Sarilla Sparkling and Tîma Tea. She has been partnering with the people of Rwanda since 2007, sourcing premium-grade camellia sinensis... Read More →

Wednesday June 30, 2021 9:00am - 9:40am PDT
Recording in Room S233 Recording in Room S233

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Marketing

9:00am PDT

The Bubble Tea, Milk Tea, & Latte Revolution

Looking for a high-profit tea item? Boba, Bubble, and Milk tea shops have ceased the attention and disposable incomes of a younger tea drinker. The goal isn’t a narrow study of a few beverages crafted in a specific way. Rather, participates will be immersed in a broader dialogue tasting and understanding flavor creation and COGS behind these sensational drinks. This multifaceted session will:
Ø Explore current fads in the fast-moving “ Trendy Teas” category
Ø Compare several identical flavored beverages made with completely different ingredients
Ø Walk through creating these cool beverages
Ø Taste the trend with samples of each beverage discussed
Ø Look at supply chain options and challenges

Speakers

Debbie Christiansen

Co-Owner, Cafe Barnabus

What’s required to succeed in the fast-paced beverage industry? MOM SKILLS!!!! A few examples include flexibility, fast-thinking, and determination to never give up. With four kids under Nine and a café staffed by over four hundred 7-12th grade students since 2012, Café Barnabas... Read More →

Wednesday June 30, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Room S229 Room S229

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Culinary & Hospitality

10:30am PDT

E-Commerce for Tea Brands: How to Drive Online Tea Sales

Staci Brinkman, Founder and CEO of Sips by, will discuss how COVID has changed customer behavior when it comes to purchasing tea and how tea brands big and small can reimagine their marketing strategies and e-commerce platforms to capture online sales. From social media to awareness marketing to personalized e-commerce and the importance of UI/UX design, Staci will walk brands through Sips by’s online e-commerce strategies and share the secrets to success in online tea sales. Learn how to build your Instagram audience, when to embrace digital advertising, where and how you can build an online presence, and how to create a meaningful connection with customers in an online environment.
Objective:
Where and how to build an online sales presence for tea brands; shifts in customer behavior during and post-COVID and how to reimagine marketing strategies based on those shifts; how to build an Instagram audience

Speakers

Staci Brinkman

Founder, Sips by

Staci Brinkman founded Sips by to make tea fun, personalized, and affordable. With hundreds of thousands of tea-drinking Members and millions of personalized tea matches made, she has done just that! In 2020, Forbes covered Staci’s founder story in an article entitled “How 1 Woman... Read More →

Wednesday June 30, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room S232

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Marketing

10:30am PDT

Hemp Trends in the Tea Industry

Tamera will cover things like using raw hemp flower and leaves, water-soluble additives for Tea and Coffee Houses to increase profits and compliance challenges to watch out for.

Speakers

Tamera Rice

President / CEO, Hemp Sail / SLV Hemp Distribution

Tamera Rice is CEO of Hemp Sail, an ingredient supply chain solutions company for the hemp industry. Tamera brings over 20 years of sales and distribution experience to help companies find reliable and compliant hemp-based ingredients. Her company was a first in USDA Certified Organic... Read More →

Wednesday June 30, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room S230 Room S230

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Issues & Trends

10:30am PDT

How to Get Coffee Lovers to Enjoy Tea

There isn’t a rule that says coffee drinkers can’t be tea drinkers too. Folks can enjoy both. Many ardent coffee drinkers are trying to become tea lovers for various reasons due to health, digestion, reducing caffeine intake, and overall interest. However, since coffee and tea are vastly diverse beverages, sometimes coffee drinkers struggle to find a tea that they can appreciate and take pleasure from drinking. There are ways to help a coffee lover enjoy tea, but you have to know where to start.

At the end of the session, you will be able to:

Know what questions to ask to discover a tea for coffee lovers
Understand the importance of the organoleptic experience is different for everyone
Taste the teas that coffee lovers will enjoy

Speakers

Lisa Richardson

Online Education Manager, Questex

Lisa Richardson is the Online Education Manager for World Tea Academy. She has studied and traveled the globe researching and learning from masters about tea. Since forming Lisa Knows Tea in 2000, she has consulted with companies in product line development, worked with several Fortune... Read More →

Wednesday June 30, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room S229 Room S229

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Culinary & Hospitality

12:00pm PDT

Cocktail Culture Evolved: Tea Behind The Bar

In describing “how to make punch of any sort in perfection,” the father of American Mixology, Jerry Thomas, in 1862, suggests in How to Mix Drinks, that “using tea instead of water is the grand secret”. When perfection is the goal, tea is the answer. However, to allow tea to shine when combined with other ingredients it is crucial to have an understanding of the unique personality of each tea.
Zero proof, low proof and wellness beverages represent an innovative opportunity for the tea industry. This opportunity lies in introducing tea-based drinks relevant to these growing consumer trends, but success is based on learning the correct tea preparation techniques for use in mixology. Join Adrienne Etkin in this exploration of the versatile nature of tea.

Attendees will:
-Discuss current beverage trends in the hospitality sector
-Identify preparation techniques for tea for use in mixology
-Learn to create new products for new markets

Speakers

Adrienne Etkin

Co-Founder, Admari

Adrienne Etkin is the co-founder of Admari, a tea, and botanicals company that began in 2007 with a brick-and-mortar location in New Jersey, USA. In 2010, Admari shifted operations to Miami, Florida where she also launched a division that curates tea experiences and tea educational... Read More →

CCE.TMX.WTE21 Speaker PPT key

Wednesday June 30, 2021 12:00pm - 12:40pm PDT
Recording in Room S233 Recording in Room S233

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Issues & Trends

12:00pm PDT

Do You Really Need Filtered Water?

It is probably one of the cheapest things that you can do to improve the quality of your tea & coffee. Learn why you must invest in the right water treatment for your business. David Beeman a structured water specialist will walk you through what you need to know and let you taste to prove it.

Come see and taste for yourself.

Speakers

David Beeman

Founder & President, Cirqua Customized Water

Mr. Beeman is a specialist in the field of water science for coffee. Developer of "Coffee Water" forStarbucks, Peet's, and most all other specialized coffee retailers. Developed the original filter used by Soma for their drinking water filter.Mr. Beeman's company, Cirqua, develops... Read More →

Wednesday June 30, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room S229 Room S229

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Culinary & Hospitality

12:00pm PDT

That Personal Touch: Hosting Guided Tea Tastings

Good tea tastes even better when it is shared amongst friends! Tap into that connection to enhance your guided tea tastings and to curate a personalized tea experience. Work towards increased customer loyalty through the thoughtful presentation of your company’s favorite teas. This session addresses the practical points of creating an experience for your customers both virtual and in-person while addressing avenues toward connecting with your customers on a human level.

Objectives:
1. Customer experience as a path to customer loyalty.
2. Practical ideas for structuring the in-person or online event.
3. Enhancing audience/customer interaction using performance principles.

Speakers

Rebecca Grzeskowiak

Wholesale Liaison, The Tea Smith

Rebecca has been with The Tea Smith for 8 years, sharing a passion for tea with our retail and wholesale customers alike. Not only is she passionate about tea education for all, but she has also worked to create many of our own newer blends. She also offers the unique opportunity... Read More →

Wednesday June 30, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room S232

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Marketing

12:00pm PDT

Expo Hall Hours

Meet the exhibitors! Consider World Tea Conference & Expo your one-stop shop to test, taste and get educated on new ideas for your business:

Teas
Teaware/Giftware
Equipment and Supplies
Flavors & Ingredients
Tea Support & Education
Herbals/Botanicals
CBD Products
Foods - packaged
Packaging/Labels, Display Cases
Apparel
Technology/POS, Payment Processing
Sanitation and Hygiene Solutions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
& more

Wednesday June 30, 2021 12:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Las Vegas Convention Center

Expo Highlights

Registration Pass Expo Pass, Tea Guru Pass, Conference Pass

1:00pm PDT

Call for Speakers - Pitch Session

World Tea is looking for new and upcoming tea educators with the necessary qualifications to speak at the next World Tea Expo on March 21 - 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, NV. This is the first year that we have offered potential speakers the opportunity to make a pitch in person. Everyone will be given 8 minutes to present their topic idea and why it is current and why you are qualified to speak on the topic, then you will receive feedback. Even if we like your topic you will still need to submit in the call for speakers and pass a review by the Education Committee but this will give us a chance to meet you in person which should be very helpful in the selection process.
Aaron Kiel, editor for World Tea News, with also be there from 1 to 2 pm and be available to hear story ideas and pitches for articles.

Speakers

Aaron Kiel

Editor, World Tea News

Editor - World Tea News ---

Faith Bailes

Content & Conference Mgr., Questex/World Tea Expo

FaithAnn Bailes is the Co-Founder of Take Me 2 Tea in 2003 and later rebranded as World Tea Expo. Her current role is Content and Conference Mgr. for World Tea Expo & Questex.She has been involved in the tea industry for over 20 years.

Wednesday June 30, 2021 1:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room S226 Room S226

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass

1:30pm PDT

Creative Marketing Strategies on a Budget

In this interactive session, you'll learn how to use your business resources and partners instead of marketing dollars to grow your tea business. We will share real-world successes and failures from our own experience of over 15 years in the tea industry.
Objectives:
Learn where and how to reach new customers.

Hear ideas on how to re-engage previous customers.

Learn how to build loyalty with your current customers.

Speakers

Katherine Kern

Founding Partner, Churchill's Fine Teas

Katherine is a Certified Tea Professional and Sommelier (WTA) who has lived, worked, and traveled extensively across Europe and Asia, experiencing and learning about tea ceremonies, production methods, and culture first hand. She holds an MBA from Cass Business School in London and... Read More →

Wednesday June 30, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room S232

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Marketing

1:30pm PDT

Direct Trading: Past Present and the Future

We hear Direct Trade a lot in Tea. What does it actually mean? Is it a certification? Who is it regulated by? How did it start and where is it headed? Is it the same in the US and in Europe and other parts of the world? We will explore the inception of the term “direct trade” in the coffee industry and understand how it flourished quite differently in the US and in Europe all the while trying to find similar trends in the tea industry. Explore the lessons learned from the coffee industry and identify some practical measures to make it a success in the tea industry.
Learning Objectives:
Understand what “Direct Trading” really means, how it started and how it is going currently.
Analyze the case of “Direct Trade Coffee” and understand parallels to the tea industry
Learn about the advantages and challenges of direct trading and identify if it is right for you as a business

Speakers

Nishchal (Nish) Banskota

Owner, Nepal Tea

Nishchal Banskota is a 2nd generation tea producer and the founder of Nepal Tea which directly brings certified organic teas from Nepal to the American market. His vision is to create a tech-enabled transparent tea trade that bridges the gap between the primary producers and consumers... Read More →

Wednesday June 30, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room S230 Room S230

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Issues & Trends

1:30pm PDT

The Specialty Tea World in a Hospitality Universe

Introducing the world of specialty tea to nightclubs, bars and restaurants can be a daunting task; the key is the understanding and awareness of the concept’s unique requirements. This unlocks the door to clear and relevant communication with the venues, and the potential for a successful partnership.
When representing a product line, you are an ambassador of the leaf with responsibility for creating value in the partnership between your company and the client. Your extensive knowledge of tea will guide and assist the client in best practices in selection, preparation and service. Not merely a tea supplier, you are a tea consultant. Join Adrienne Etkin to unlock the potential of your tea sales.

Attendees will:
-Identify the needs, limitations and requirements of various hospitality concepts
-Examine routes to improve strategic partnerships
-Discuss matching the ideal tea products to venues

Speakers

Adrienne Etkin

Co-Founder, Admari

Adrienne Etkin is the co-founder of Admari, a tea, and botanicals company that began in 2007 with a brick-and-mortar location in New Jersey, USA. In 2010, Admari shifted operations to Miami, Florida where she also launched a division that curates tea experiences and tea educational... Read More →

STU.HW.WTE21 Speaker PPT key

Wednesday June 30, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room S229 Room S229

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Tea Guru Pass
Track Topic Culinary & Hospitality

2:00pm PDT

World Tea Academy Graduation Ceremony

Join the World Tea Academy Graduation Ceremony on the NxT stage, location on the Expo Hall Floor!

Speakers

Lisa Richardson

Online Education Manager, Questex

Lisa Richardson is the Online Education Manager for World Tea Academy. She has studied and traveled the globe researching and learning from masters about tea. Since forming Lisa Knows Tea in 2000, she has consulted with companies in product line development, worked with several Fortune... Read More →

Wednesday June 30, 2021 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
NxT Stage, Expo Hal Floor

Expo Highlights

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Expo Pass, Tea Guru Pass