World of Spirits Expo set to break new (virtual) ground in the spirits industry

World of Spirits, the first virtual global spirits expo, is set to break new ground next May with a pioneering digital format designed for consumers and drinks industry professionals alike.

The event (scheduled to take place on 17-23 May 2021) will bring together ten exciting spirits categories, including no- and low-alcohol and RTDs, under one ‘roof’, in a virtual expo hall designed to not only replicate but even enhance the experience of a real-life exhibition.

Across the show, trade and consumer visitors will be able to interact with stands, watch cocktail demonstrations, discover new products and participate in a world-class schedule of live seminars, masterclasses, Q&As, panel discussions and tutorials.

Conceived by the Moodie Davitt Virtual Expo Company, the World of Spirits exhibition is being directed by award-winning drinks expert Becky Paskin, co-founder of OurWhisky, and former editor of Scotchwhisky.com and The Spirits Business.

Paskin, Expo Director for World of Spirits, who was recently named 2020 IWSC Communicator of the Year, says: “The World of Spirits Virtual Expo is an incredibly exciting event that enables spirits and cocktail producers, distributors and retailers to connect at a time when real-life exhibitions are difficult to manage.

“Driven by a sense of adventure, consumers are seeking new flavours and drinking experiences by experimenting with new spirit categories. With at-home consumption increasing, especially amid the escalating popularity of home mixology, there has never been a better time for spirits producers to embrace digital advancements to capture consumer imagination.”

Some of the industry’s leading spirits experts and influencers have also joined the World of Spirits team as ambassadors to shape their specialist category’s presence at the show.

Among them are Jesse Estes, global brand ambassador for Tequila Ocho; Camille Vidal, no- and low-drinks specialist and founder of La Maison Wellness; Emma Stokes (aka Gin Monkey), author and chief of World Gin Day; Matt Pietrek, rum and cocktail writer; and Richard Woodard, wine, Cognac and spirits writer. Further names are set to be announced soon.

Paskin adds: “We’re thrilled to be joined by our esteemed category ambassadors, each of whom is well-recognised and respected in their fields. Their involvement will help shape World of Spirits’ content, making it the world’s most relevant and engaging virtual drinks show.”

The show comprises three main areas:

Exhibition Hub

The Exhibition Hub will feature a variety of stands where exhibitors can showcase products, prototypes and services to both a consumer and trade audience. Visitors will be able to engage with each stand’s digital experience, view and download content, and interact with exhibiting brands and services. The trade audience will also be able to network with other trade delegates and schedule meetings.

Each exhibition hall will be themed to reflect ten core categories:

• Cocktails & Mixers • Cognac & Brandy • Gin • No- & Low-alcohol • Barware • Rum • Speciality Spirits (from Baijiu to Bitters and numerous others) & Liqueurs • Tequila & Mezcal • Vodka • Whisky

A range of exhibitor options is available; further details can be found at Worldofspiritsxpo.com.

Knowledge and Experience Hubs

In the Knowledge Hub, some of the industry’s leading names will feature in a curated series of presentations, discussions and debates covering the most important topics in spirits.

The Experience Hub will include pop-up bars and lounges designed to engage visitors through activities such as masterclasses, demonstrations, Q&As with leading drinks experts and authors, as well as takeovers from the world’s best bars.

World of Spirits builds on the extraordinary success of the recent Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo (12-16 October 2020), lauded as one of the most ambitious virtual events ever held.

The Expo attracted 124 exhibitors, including many of the world’s leading drinks companies, among them Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Bacardi, Beam Suntory, Campari, Camus, Choya, Distell, Jägermeister, Kweichow Moutai, Russian Standard, Stoli Group, The SEVA Group, Whyte & Mackay, William Grant & Sons and many others.

World of Spirits will build on that heritage by deploying cutting-edge technology to introduce buyers, retailers, distributors, bartenders and consumers to the most relevant spirits companies, products, brands and services on the planet.

The Moodie Davitt Virtual Expo Company has once again partnered with Singapore- and London-based FILTR as the event’s Virtual Stand and Experience Partner. FILTR will provide an account manager to support each exhibitor in creating their virtual stands, as well as crafting the User Experience (UX) and digital architecture of the Expo.

The Moodie Davitt Virtual Expo Company Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie said: “We know from the success of our Virtual Travel Retail Expo that the combination of cost-efficiency for exhibitors, superb visitor analytics, and sheer reach of the virtual formula makes it a winner from a return on investment perspective. Marry that with the quality of experience that our partners at FILTR will create and we are convinced World of Spirits will prove to be a landmark event.”

For full information, please visit worldofspiritsxpo.com or contact info@worldofspiritsxpo.com.