IBWA Convention and Trade Show Draws Strong Attendance of Bottled Water Industry Professionals to Orlando
"Quality Through Innovation"
ALEXANDRIA, VA (September 30, 2005) - The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has concluded its 2005 annual convention and trade show, where a host of exhibitors, speakers and well-qualified buyers came together to participate in seminars, education sessions, hospitality events and the trade show. The IBWA 47th Annual Convention and Trade Show, operating under the theme "Quality Through Innovation," was held in Orlando, FL from September 27-30, 2005. Immediate feedback from attendees and exhibitors demonstrates that the IBWA convention presented innovative technologies, processes, and industry trends to help bottled water professionals meet the challenges of today and the future. The state-of-the-art, bottled water-focused exhibits showcased the premier processing, packaging, equipment, and services available to the global bottled water industry.
The IBWA annual convention and trade show provided bottled water professionals with training and insight, as well as a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, challenge practices, and network with their peers. This year`s featured speakers included Howard Putnam, former President and CEO of Southwest Airlines. Putnam who discussed the continued importance of leadership and innovation within a changing industry. Ross Colbert and Barclay Griffiths, both of Beverage Marketing Corporation/Haas Financial, LLC, explored the sales and financial challenges and opportunities facing bottled water businesses.
The IBWA General Session contained a full agenda of award presentations as well as the IBWA annual business meeting, where newly-elected IBWA Chairman Phil Susterick, (Culligan of Brooklyn Park in Brooklyn Park, MN), officers and board members were installed for 2005-2006 period. IBWA President Joseph Doss also reported to the membership on successful IBWA initiatives during the past year and praised IBWA members for their continued commitment to excellence.
The trade show portion of the IBWA annual event was also very successful; not only due to the number of qualified buyers, but also the numerous networking opportunities. The IBWA Bottled Water Bar was a fun and relaxing gathering spot for attendees, who sipped from a variety of bottled waters provided by IBWA bottler members.
The IBWA 47th Convention and Trade Show was punctuated by exciting social events throughout the week, including an evening of fine dining and outstanding entertainment at Cirque du Soleil-La Nouba.
Exhibitors also had a chance to make booth selections for the IBWA 48th Annual Convention and Trade Show October 3-6, 2006. Exhibitors who missed this opportunity should contact Susan Frate, IBWA Director of Meetings, at 703/683-5213.
To learn more about the IBWA 47th Convention and Trade Show and for information on next year`s IBWA 48th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, FL in 2005, visit the IBWA web site at www.bottledwater.org.
The best way to predict the future is to invent it. In a time when bottled water continues to set new records in the beverage market, the need for innovation is greater than ever. With bottled water consumption growing at nearly 10% each year, the industry is constantly seeking innovative ways to continually improve the quality of all aspects of bottled water-from spring water to sparkling water, from processing to packaging, from product safety to production efficiencies-this show is your one-stop shop for exchanging knowledge, networking with industry decision-makers, reinforcing your brand, and launching new products.
Innovation is not always about creating new technologies or reinventing processes. Innovation can be in the form of one good idea or a new relationship that can help improve the way your company does business.
The IBWA 47th Annual Convention and Trade Show delivers the key information and contacts necessary for the industry to continue to innovate and enhance bottled water safety and quality. It is simply the single-best event to find creative solutions and share tools, techniques, and bet practices, as well as the best opportunity to position your products and services and generate leads from our one-of-a-kind, qualified audience of national and international bottlers, distributors, and suppliers.
The IBWA Convention and Trade Show is your best opportunity in 2005 to:
- Meet customers, competitors, and suppliers in an environment dedicated to networking and idea exchange.
- Get first-hand information about bottled water technology and industry trends.
- Introduce new products and services-or reinforce existing ones-to a captive audience.
- Establish new-and catch up with old-relationships.
- Incorporate new technologies, explore new processes and products, and learn best practices.
