Las Vegas, NV—World Tea Expo, the premier tea marketplace, is pleased to announce that its 2006 show will return to Las Vegas, March 27–29, at the Las Vegas Hilton. Building on three years of tremendous growth and success, the 2006 World Tea Expo will once again attract tea professionals from around the globe to view and learn about the latest products, trends and topics in the tea industry. “The 2005 expo was the tipping point for the tea trade,” says George Jage, World Tea Expo president. “The expo had its largest participation internationally from exhibitors and attendees. Tea is a global industry, and it needs a global event—the World Tea Expo provides this medium.”

With the 2006 dates and location now finalized, World Tea Expo will be undertaking a number of major initiatives to increase the scope and level of buyers and exhibitors. To begin, expo organizers have launched the “World Tea News,” an all-new customized information source for members of the tea community. “This exciting resource will allow us to communicate with buyers on a frequent basis throughout the course of the year to expand awareness of the World Tea Expo, and the industry in general,” says Jage.

In addition, World Tea Expo will be working closely with tea origins around the world to create educational pavilions on the exhibit floor for major producing countries. The expo will also continue to work closely with the Tea Association of the USA to identify and attract major tea buyers from the U.S., and organizers will continue to engage other industries—such as the spa to foodservice sectors—to participate in custom educational programs for tea at the expo. “These efforts, combined with our existing marketing campaigns, will make for the most successful World Tea Expo to date,” says Jage. “We expect the 2006 expo to attract more than 3,000 qualified buyers.”

In keeping with years past, the 2006 expo will feature a wide array of cutting-edge exhibits and innovative seminars led by world-renowned tea experts. The festive Iced Tea Shake-Off will return to showcase the best cool concoctions around the world, and attendees can look forward to numerous other educational opportunities, including focused tea tastings and a motivational keynote address.

World Tea Expo is the largest tea gathering in North America and a must-attend event for anyone in the business of selling or serving tea. For more information on exhibiting or attending, visit www.worldteaexpo.com or call 702-253-1893.