IBWA 44th Annual Convention and Trade Show

Alexandria, VA -- Excitement ran high as IBWA Blazed New Trails at its 44th Annual Convention and Trade Show held October 10-11, 2002, in Phoenix, AZ. Exhibitors and attendees alike commented on the high quality of the show, which resulted in attendance figures climbing well above 2,100, a 10% increase over the 2001 show in Miami, Florida. Of that number, a total of 414 international delegates were in attendance from 55 countries.

In advance of the IBWA event, President George W. Bush dispatched a letter, dated October 8, 2002, sending greetings and best wishes for a successful event to meeting attendees. The President also praised IBWA members for their commitment to excellence and for the industry's contribution to the growth and vitality of the economy.

The IBWA General Session contained a full agenda of award presentations, a keynote panel session, and the IBWA annual business meeting where new IBWA Chairman Michael Verrochi (Blue Hills Spring Water Co., Inc. of Quincy, MA) and officers were installed for 2003. IBWA President Joseph Doss also reported to the membership on successful IBWA initiatives of the past year.

The keynote panel, moderated by Michael Bellas, Chairman and CEO of Beverage Marketing Corporation of New York, explored critical U.S. and international bottled water industry issues and trends and provided attendees with insights into expert industry perspectives. Panelists on the keynote session included Richard Hall, founder and chairman of Zenith International Limited, and Jonathan Hall, publisher of the Hall Water Report.

An outstanding collection of educational seminars brought attendees the latest in technology and information designed to continually enhance bottled water quality, plant and distributor operations, customer service and business profitability in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The buzz of the trade show for exhibitors was not only the larger-than-expected attendance, but also the quality of leads gathered. Besides the opportunity to shop 'til they dropped on the trade show floor, the brand new IBWA Water Bar proved to be a hit of the show as a fun gathering place for attendees, providing a moment's relaxation and an opportunity to sip from a variety of bottled waters provided by IBWA bottler members.

The IBWA 44th Convention and Trade Show was capped by an energetic Wild West Saloon evening where attendees could test their quick draw and cattle roping skills, compete for prizes at the gambling tables, pose for pictures with cowboys and can-can dancers, and dance to the best in country, rock and popular music.

To learn more about the IBWA 44th Convention and Trade Show and for information on the IBWA 45th Annual Convention and Trade Show and the new alliance with the Worldwide Food Expo in 2003, visit the IBWA web site at www.bottledwater.org. Complete details of the Worldwide Food Expo 2003 Show will be posted as they become available on www.worldwidefood.com.

Note: Exhibitors also had an opportunity to make booth selections for the IBWA Bottled Water Pavilion, part of the Worldwide Food Expo in Chicago, IL, October 29 - November 1, 2003. Exhibitors who missed this opportunity should call Convention Management Group (CMG) at 703-876-0900.

# # #

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 in concert with the IBWA Model Code to set stringent bottled water standards for safe, high quality products. Consumers can contact IBWA at 1-800-WATER-11 or log onto IBWA's web site (www.bottledwater.org) for more information about bottled water and a list of members' brands. Media inquiries can be directed to Gwen Haynes at 703-683-5213.