About World Tea Media

George Jage – Director

After 10 years in the trade show industry, George was presented with the idea of a trade show for the tea industry and after some extensive research saw that an emerging community of specialty tea wholesalers lacked a sense of community and identity, and had no true marketplace for their industry.

In 2003, George founded and launched the first North American tea trade show. Since then, World Tea Expo® has been thrice recognized as one of the Fastest 50™ growing events in North America, launched the leading industry news source, the World Tea News®, and created the North American Tea Championship™. World Tea Expo has also in the past held the first ever tea auction on U.S. soil, created and hosted the Top Tea Cocktail Competition™, developed the World Tea Ratings™, publishes the World Tea Buyers’ Guide™, and most recently launched the Tea Infusionist Challenge™.

In 2004, George was named as one of Tradeshow Executive’s “Next Generation of Leaders”. In 2006, George was named by Gourmet News as one of the “Top 20 Under 40” in the specialty food business. In 2008 was given the Nevada Entrepreneur Award by In Business Magazine. And most recently in 2010, George was honored by the University of Nevada Las Vegas with the Jerry Valen Award of Distinction for “Hospitality and Convention Executive of the Year”.

George has served on the Specialty Tea Institute Advisory Board and was chair for the 2005 STI Symposium. He was a member of Young Entrepreneurs’ Organization from 2003 to 2006. Since 2004, George has been a member of SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers), currently serves as a Board Member, and chaired the 2010 SISO Executive Conference.

Kim Jage – Sales & Marketing Director

Kim is responsible for sales & marketing strategies, objectives and initiatives for all brands and oversees the production of innovative events and content-driven education for tea that fuel the company's Expo.

Jage joined World Tea in 2005 bringing with her over ten years of sales experience. In 2007 her responsibilities grew to incorporate marketing. Under her tenure, World Tea Expo was named as one of TSW Fastest 50™ in 2008 & 2009.

Jage also launched 3 products within the World Tea portfolio: North American Tea Championship, World Tea Buyer's Guide and World Tea East.

Edie Gillette –Customer Service Representative/ Registrar 

As Customer Service Representative/Registrar, Edie is responsible for the attendee management and registration process for World Tea Media events.  Her responsibilities include customer service and support in communicating all necessary requirements to potential and registered attendees, and facilitation of the VISA application process for international delegates.  She also is responsible for on-site registration management. 

Prior to joining the World Tea TEAm in 2009, Edie held management positions in various business industries. Originally from northern California, she received her B.A. in Human Services from Holy Names University.  For Edie, tea is a necessi-tea… she begins each day with a cup!

Kaye Polivka – Conference Manager

As conference director Kaye is responsible for managing the logistics and arrangements needed for each conference. This includes the facility, food, speakers and coordinating the education offerings at the direction of the Education Committee.

No personal information available, as Kaye is in the witness protection program. j/k

Hailing from the South, Kaye has been a lifelong tea drinker and has enjoyed local tea ceremonies in many of the countries she has visited. Kaye has been on faculty at University of Nevada, Las Vegas teaching Meetings and Events, Trade Show Operations and other classes related to the industry. The weather in Las Vegas allows Kaye to play golf year round. 

Jie Chen - Marketing Coordinator

As Marketing Coordinator, Jie is responsible for assisting the executive vice president with sales and marketing projects. Jie is also instrumental in the operations of the North American Tea Championship^TM and the Tea Infusion Challenge^TM. Prior to officially joining the World Tea Team, Jie worked here as an intern. She graduated from at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, majored in the hotel administration, with a focus in convention and event management.

Jie is originally from Fujian, China and is a total tea lover; she can't have a day without tea.