WHAT A WEEK
It’s hard to believe it’s over, but World Class Shanghai has officially come to a close. It was a truly special 6 days here of celebrating 15 years of promoting cocktail culture with our incredible global hospitality community, which was capped off by Keegan McGregor of Canada taking the top gong as our Global Bartender of the Year 2024!
As is only appropriate for such an auspicious anniversary, we had to go big. There are far too many moments and memories to call everything out, but here are a few of my highlights:
- Delivering a monster 160+ sessions brand experiences, challenges, tastings, seminars, and more
- Having our most diverse judging panel yet, consisting of 18 absolute legends of the industry
- Putting Shanghai’s best venues and hospitality on show with 40+ guest shifts and branded pop ups taking over the city with the World Class Cocktail Festival
- The return of the Industry Forum masterclasses/seminars/think tanks, and the launch of its mentorship program
- Launching the World Class Lab in partnership with Sober Company, creating a legacy of education and capability with Shanghai’s bartenders
- 10x immersive brand activation spaces, bringing Diageo’s Luxury Portfolio to life in partnership with the best bartending talent in the world
I also want to say a huge thank you to the many partners that gave all their dedication and passion into delivering this event. It takes a village to do this!
Diageo China – Atul Chhaparwal, Graham Villiers-Tuthill, Iris Wang, Rita Ren, Ryan Zhang, Andy An, & Cooper Chen
Diageo Global - Patricia Borges & Julie Bramham
NVE Experience Agency – Event Strategy, Creative, Production & Logistics
Global Bartending – Drinks & Competition Execution
Scotch Creatives – Competition Strategy
Delightful Media – Content
The Story – Talent & PR
I’ve taken away so many learnings from this year. It feels like World Class is going from strength to strength in its 15th edition and I can’t wait for us to continue to celebrate hospitality, foster connection, and shine a light on the incredible talent that exists within our industry as we grow. First, though, it is time for a short break to recharge the batteries and spend some time with my loved ones.
See you all in Toronto for 2025!