SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Fast Forward Events has solidified its position as the leading trade show and event provider for the adult beverage alcohol industry with the acquisition of the Craft Beverage Expo & Distribution Conference (CBE), the Craft Beverage Experience and the Women in Craft Forum.
The trio of events, founded by Kellie Shevlin and Vincent Polito, has a broad reach, targeting craft alcohol producers, influencers and consumers, and a decade-long history of connecting craft alcohol industry professionals and enthusiasts. Their trade shows join Fast Forward’s existing portfolio in this niche: the SommCon beverage conference and expo; the San Diego Bay Area Wine and Food Festival; the Tasting & Tap Room conference and expo; and the SommGo online learning platform, an on-demand streaming service for the alcohol industry.
Shevlin, who will continue to serve as vice president of sales and marketing at Fast Forward, is excited about the synergies with the company’s other brands. “Together, we will leverage our collective expertise to create unparalleled experiences, solve unique challenges and drive growth for our customers and partners,” Shevlin said.
Kelly Shevlin’s Business Luncheon at TSE (May 2019)
For example, the Craft Beverage Expo, held March 29-31 in Pittsburgh, featured a Women in Craft forum that explored the unique challenges facing women in the beverage alcohol industry. The event also featured tastings by craft beverage vendors from surrounding Allegheny County.
“Our vision for the CBE portfolio of shows is to help the core of our craft beverage community find their place in the growing beverage alcohol market,” Shevlin said. “Cross-pollinating our shows’ craft offerings with the sectors currently served by Fast Forward gives us more depth to do just that.”
This acquisition strengthens Fast Forward Events’ leadership position in the industry. The company is committed to delivering innovative, immersive events that drive business growth and inspire passion among attendees, and this transaction takes that mission to the next level, said Michelle Metter, co-owner with Ken Loyst.
“This strategic decision allows us to further consolidate our position as creators of benchmark trade shows and events in the adult alcoholic beverage markets,” said Metter.
Contact Kellie Shevlin at shevlin@fastforwardevents.com and Michelle Metter at metter@fastforwardevents.com