The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has concluded its 2006 convention and trade show, where a host of exhibitors, speakers and well-qualified buyers came together to participate in seminars, education sessions, networking events and the trade show.  The 2006 IBWA Convention and Trade Show, operating under the theme “Everyone’s A Winner,” was held in Las Vegas, NV from October 3-6, 2006.  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.

In all categories, the 2006 IBWA convention and trade show demonstrated growth over the 2005 IBWA annual event, with a 15 percent increase in attendees, a 12 percent increase in square footage on the trade show floor, and almost double the number of new exhibitors on the trade show floor.

The IBWA 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 keynote speaker, Jason Jennings, is a best selling author and a consultant helping companies achieve their full economic potential.  Featured speaker Bob Janet presented an interactive session covering content-loaded selling and marketing skills and techniques.

The IBWA General Session contained a full agenda of award presentations as well as the IBWA annual business meeting, where newly-elected IBWA Chairman Charlie McCoy, (CCDA Waters, LLC), officers and board members were installed for the 2006-2007 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.

IBWA presented 22 educational sessions, which covered topics ranging from bottled water safety, quality and regulations, plant and production processes, marketing, advertising and public relations, politics and government relations, lab and analytical sciences, and container and recycling issues.  Convention attendees had the opportunity to earn up to 23 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) required of all Certified Plant Operators.

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.  And the Opening Reception, sponsored by the trade show’s exhibiting suppliers, was held on the exhibit hall floor providing an opportunity for even more interaction with buyers and other prospective customers. 

The 2006 IBWA Convention and Trade Show was punctuated by exciting social events throughout the week, including an evening of fine dining and outstanding entertainment by the a cappella vocal group “TOXICAudio.”

To learn more about the 2006 IBWA Convention and Trade Show visit the IBWA web site at www.bottledwater.org.

Looking ahead, exhibitors interested in participating in the IBWA convention and trade show in 2007 and/or 2008 should contact Susan Frate, IBWA Director Conventions, Trade Shows and Meetings at (703) 647-4606.

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters.  Founded in 1958, IBWA's membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors and suppliers.  IBWA is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, and state governments to set stringent standards for safe, high quality bottled water products.  Additionally, IBWA requires member bottlers to adhere to the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, which mandates additional standards and practices, which in some cases, are more stringent than federal and state regulations.  A key feature of the IBWA Bottled Water Model Code of Practice is an annual unannounced plant inspection by an independent, third party organization. For more information about IBWA, bottled water and a list of members’ brands, please contact IBWA Manager of Communications Tom Gardner at 703-647-4607 or tgardner@bottledwater.org