Questex’s World Tea Conference + Expo named its new Advisory Board & Education Committee, featuring nine influential leaders from the tea industry. Board members include:
- Jeni Dodd, Owner, Jeni Dodd Tea
- Tim Smith, Chief Leaf, The Tea Smith
- Rona Tison, Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations & PR, ITO EN North America, Inc.
- Chris Chantler, Co-Founder, Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea Co.
- Kevin Christiansen, Owner, Café Barnabas
- Maria Uspenski, Founder and CEO, The Tea Spot
- Shabnam Weber, President, Tea and Herbal Association of Canada
- Shalini Agarwal, President, Glenburn Tea Direct
- Lisa Richardson, Director, World Tea Academy
Advisory Board Offers Insights
“As the founder of The Tea Spot, I relish my responsibility as a part of the advisory board for our industry conference in the U.S.” said Maria Uspenski of The Tea Spot. “I see the World Tea community as my extended colleagues. In specialty tea, we have chosen to be in an industry, which is endowed with a strong collaborative spirit. Our competitors are our partners in making better tea more accessible to the broader customer community.”
For Shalini Agarwal of Glenburn Tea Direct, the advisory board and conference and expo are an important stage within the global tea community, especially in North America. “I’m looking forward to working with the Advisory Board as it's an important platform in bringing quality education to the U.S. tea community, especially for new retailers and business. Excited to assist in furthering World Tea's aims of creating a globally connected tea industry.”
Advisory Board Member Chris Chantler of Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea Co., said, “Everyone who has entered the tea business will tell you they spend more time educating their customer about the basics of tea than anything else. Thus, the World Tea Conference + Expo is a tremendous resource for the tea industry to build on its tea knowledge. The expo will take participants on a journey from the garden to the cup. In fact, I was an exhibitor at the very first World Tea Conference + Expo, which was originally called ‘Take Me To Tea’ in 2003. I remember how excited we were to finally have an event in the United States that was solely dedicated to tea. I can only imagine how many tea entrepreneurs got their inspiration from attending the expo over the years. I’m excited to be a part of the expo team and want to help to ensure the event’s continued success, as we rise out of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
World Tea Academy Director Lisa Richardson, who’s also a member of the World Tea Conference + Expo Advisory Board, noted that the event is a great way to connect with like-minded people who share a passion for tea. “Some of my greatest friends I have met through tea. The tea industry and the people that make it up are some of the most generous, giving people. I have been in tea education for over 20 years. There is always something new to learn, so being a student of tea is a lifelong journey. I am honored to be a part of the advisory board to support and help choose what conference sessions are offered... The World Tea Conference + Expo and the World Tea Academy are leaders in tea education and committed to helping tea professionals grow their businesses.”
Rona Tison with ITO EN shared, “Being a part of the World Tea community is even more relevant given these times. With a renewed interest in health and wellness, global sustainability and plant-based lifestyles, tea is taking center stage. The educational programs and networking opportunities at the World Tea Conference & Expo is like no other. It’s one event not to be missed."
Bringing the World of Tea to One Spot
Tim Smith of The Tea Smith said he’s pleased to be a part of the committee that’s planning this year's World Tea Conference + Expo. “I look forward to seeing everyone and exchanging ideas over a great cup of tea.” When asked by budding entrepreneurs for advice on success, he said of the key actions he tells them to take is to get involved in the industry associations and shows. “World Tea is that source for the tea industry in North America," he explained. "Experts active in the industry share their experience and knowledge on just about every aspect of the business. Educational offerings are tailored for all levels of business, and focused on current topics. The show brings the world of tea to one spot where we can talk and taste tea. Attending the live conference brings a key opportunity that is not readily available day-to-day or on any other format: networking. I have found that talking to one's peers about common challenges and questions is of irreplaceable value.”
Jeni Dodd of Jeni Dodd Tea said she's truly excited to be part of the World Tea Expo Advisory Board and Education Committee. "The tea sector, in particular specialty tea, has experienced incredible growth in the past few years," she shared. "With growth comes great opportunities. Equally, and perhaps more significantly, with growth also comes obligations. Our industry has an obligation to ensure that we continue to respect transparency, sustainability and the ethical treatment of each person and entity in the supply chain from grower to consumer. We must empower everyone in the chain – growers, workers, producers, manufacturers, importers and consumers – to achieve these goals. I am proud and honored to serve on the World Tea Expo Advisory Board and Education Committee, thereby lending my voice and hopefully offering a hand to others to take advantage of opportunities in accordance with these obligations and goals.”
Shabnam Weber of the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada said World Tea Conference + Expo has for years provided a great hub for tea people to gather, network, learn and generally surround themselves with all things tea. "I’ve watched how the expo has evolved as this industry has evolved, and I’m very happy to be a small part of its shaping. The opportunities the tea industry has before it are exciting, and I look forward every day for us to meet our potential.”
Kevin Christiansen of Café Barnabas concluded that people are built for community. "We intrinsically love sharing knowledge, experiences and resources that enhance life. This sums up World Tea. And the World Tea Expo + Conference is by far North America's premiere event, allowing attendees access to some of the finest tea masters, producers and distributors from around the world. Educational opportunities are taught by the top professionals in a hands on, sensory environment which greatly accelerates industry entry or tea knowledge learning curves. Basically, any time a bunch of tea geeks get together to talk and taste shop, it a great time! Also, World Tea News is the e-mail newsletter that never gets deleted! It's up to date insights provide tea professionals a competitive advantage, period. World Tea is that ‘person’ everyone should want to be friends with. See you in Denver!”
To learn more about the World Tea Conference + Expo Advisory Board & Education Committee members, visit WorldTeaExpo.com/World-Tea-Community. To learn more about the upcoming World Tea Conference + Expo, July 14-16, 2021, visit WorldTeaExpo.com.