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1700
Diagonal Road, Suite 650
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-683-5213
Fax: 703-683-4074
Web: www.bottledwater.org
For
Immediate Release
October
25, 2007
Contact:
V. Tom Gardner, communications manager
International Bottled Water Association
703.683.5213 ext. 107
2007 IBWA Convention and
Trade Show Draws Strong Attendance of
Bottled Water Industry Professionals to Las Vegas
IBWA Convention and Tabletop Trade Show
October 15 - 19, 2007; Las Vegas Hilton; Las Vegas, Nevada
Alexandria,
VA - The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has
just concluded its 2007 convention and trade show, where a
host of exhibitors, speakers and qualified buyers came together
to participate in seminars, education sessions, networking
events, and the "tabletop" trade show. The 2007
IBWA Convention and Tabletop Trade Show, operating under the
theme "The Bottled Water Event: A Place to Learn,"
was held in Las Vegas, NV, October 15-19, 2007. 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.
In
addition, the IBWA convention was co-located with PACK EXPO
2007, which was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. PACK
EXPO 2007 focused on the latest developments in packaging
machinery, materials, and containers. All IBWA Convention
and Trade Show attendees received a complimentary registration
to PACK EXPO 2007.
The
2007 IBWA Convention and Tabletop Trade Show far exceeded
initial expectations. IBWA originally estimated that the new
tabletop trade show format (to be held in odd-numbered years)
would attract approximately 40 exhibitors. However, demand
was so great that IBWA filled every available space on the
trade show floor, with 70 supplier companies participating
in this event. In addition, IBWA originally estimated that
300 people would come to the convention and trade show, but
the final total was nearly 800 attendees.
The
IBWA General Session contained an informative panel presentation
on bottled water environmental issues, as well as the IBWA
annual business meeting, where newly-elected IBWA Chairman
Chris Saxman, (Shenandoah Valley Water Co.), officers and
board members were installed for the 2007-2008 period. IBWA
President Joe 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, container, recycling, and environmental issues.
Convention attendees had the opportunity to earn up to 20.5
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) required of all Certified
Plant Operators.
The
2007 IBWA Convention and Trade Show was punctuated by exciting
social events throughout the week, including an evening of
fine dining and outstanding entertainment by impersonators
masterfully representing the look and vocal stylings of Cher,
Bette Midler, and Tina Turner.
To learn more about the 2007 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
Michele Campbell, IBWA Director of Trade Shows, Conventions,
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, that in some
cases, are more stringent than federal and state regulations.
A key feature of the IBWA Model Code is an annual unannounced
plant inspection by an independent, third party organization.
For more information about IBWA, bottled water and a list
of member's brands, please contact IBWA Manager of Communications
Tom Gardner at 703-647-4607 or tgardner@bottledwater.org.
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