Speakers & Events

WAVE Awards

The Grand Rapids / Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Kent County Lodging Association  have teamed up to present the first annual WAVE Awards at the Festival on Friday, November 21.  The WAVE Awards were created to recognize excellence in hospitality in Grand Rapids and Kent County.  Every day, service providers create a positive experience for guests and residents, and it is the goal of the WAVE Awards that the hard work and dedication of those individuals is truly noticed.

For more info visit:  www.waveaward.com

Educational and Informational Seminars, Demonstrations & Workshops

Using a variety of formats, industry experts will offer the public an education on wine and food throughout the show.

Joe Borrello

Joe Borrello of Tasters Guild International will host our wine stage and conduct seminars and tasting along with specialists from other esteemed organizations, attracting both wine connoisseurs and adventurous novices to the world of wine and spirits.

Angus Campbell and Robert Garlough

Angus Campbell and Robert Garlough of the Secchia Institute of Culinary Arts will host our food cooking stage and conduct seminars, demonstrations and workshops along with several of the area's outstanding chefs.