SAN DIEGO, Calif.—Fast Forward Events has solidified its position as a leading trade show and event force in the adult alcohol beverage industry with the acquisition of the Craft Beverage Expo & Distribution Conference (CBE), Craft Beverage Experience and Women in Craft Forum.
The trio of events, created by Kellie Shevlin and Vincent Polito, have a broad reach, targeting producers, influencers and consumers of craft alcohol beverages, and a decade-long history of connecting craft alcohol beverage industry professionals and enthusiasts. Their trade shows join Fast Forward’s existing portfolio in this niche—the SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo; the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival; The Tasting & Tap Room Expo & Conference; and the e-learning platform, SommGo, an on-demand streaming service for the alcohol beverage industry.
Shevlin, who will continue on at Fast Forward as Vice President, Sales & Marketing, 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 clients and partners,” Shevlin said.
Related. Kelly Shevlin’s TSE Power Lunch (May 2019)
As an example, the Craft Beverage Expo, held March 29-31 in Pittsburgh, included a Women in Craft forum exploring the challenges unique to women in the alcohol beverage industry. The event also included tastings by craft beverage vendors from surrounding Allegheny County.
“Our vision for the CBE portfolio of shows is to help the heart of our craft beverage community find their foothold in today’s expanding alcohol beverage market,” Shevlin said. “The cross pollination of craft from our shows into the sectors currently serviced by Fast Forward gives us more depth with which to do so.”
The acquisition solidifies Fast Forward Events’ industry leadership position. Her company is committed to delivering innovative and immersive events that drive business growth and inspire passion among attendees, and this move takes that mission to the next level, said Michelle Metter, Co-Owner along with Ken Loyst.
“This strategic move allows us to further cement our position as the go-to creators of trade shows and events within the adult alcohol beverage markets,” Metter said.
Reach Kellie Shevlin at shevlin@fastforwardevents.com and Michelle Metter at metter@fastforwardevents.com
