Specialty Tea Institute (STI) 6th Annual Tea Symposium Wraps Up A Great Event
April 28, Boston -The Specialty Tea Institute 6th Annual (STI) Symposium & Training Seminars held April 25th--26th, 2003 was again a big success. Held in conjunction with the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) 15th Annual Conference and Exhibition, the STI gathering offered an array of training seminars and business sessions featuring excellent learning opportunities for tea novices and experts alike. STI Symposium attendance was more than double expectation, and over 140 importers, buyers, growers, current and future tea salon owners and others enjoyed the intensive two-day program. Many classes and seminars had standing room only, and even that was often hard to come by!
The scene was eclectic, and buzzed with energy unique to the world of tea. The latest tea and health findings were discussed, and Symposium attendees enjoyed hands-on classes that covered the basics of sourcing & brewing specialty tea, designing & opening your own café, and a seminar on the sensory evaluation of tea. This popular tasting class offered industry figures and tea enthusiasts the chance to learn more about gleaning the subtleties of brews from around the world. Attendees even took home the petite, white "cupping" mugs used in the class.
The Symposium also offered networking opportunities during tea breaks, sessions and the Farewell Reception held at trendy Turner Fisheries Restaurant in Boston's Westin Copley Place Hotel. This elegant reception was sponsored by the Himalayan Orthodox Tea Producers Association - Nepal ("HOTPA"), whose presentation on Nepalese teas was another Symposium highlight. Overall, the STI Symposium was a great success and the Tea Association looks forward to working even more closely with the SCAA to create another great Conference in 2004.