George Jage – Founder & President

After 10 years in the trade show industry, George was presented with the idea of a trade show for the tea industry and after some extensive research saw that an emerging community of specialty tea wholesalers lacked a sense of community and identity, and had no true marketplace for their industry.

In 2003, George founded and launched the first North American tea trade show. Since then, World Tea Expo® has been thrice recognized as one of the Fastest 50™ growing events in North America, launched the leading industry news source, the World Tea News®, and created the North American Tea Championship™. World Tea Expo has also in the past held the first ever tea auction on U.S. soil, created and hosted the Top Tea Cocktail Competition™, developed the World Tea Ratings™, publishes the World Tea Buyers’ Guide™, and most recently launched the Tea Infusionist Challenge™.

In 2004, George was named as one of Tradeshow Executive’s “Next Generation of Leaders”. In 2006, George was named by Gourmet News as one of the “Top 20 Under 40” in the specialty food business. In 2008 was given the Nevada Entrepreneur Award by In Business Magazine. And most recently in 2010, George was honored by the University of Nevada Las Vegas with the Jerry Valen Award of Distinction for “Hospitality and Convention Executive of the Year”.

George has served on the Specialty Tea Institute Advisory Board and was chair for the 2005 STI Symposium. He was a member of Young Entrepreneurs’ Organization from 2003 to 2006. Since 2004, George has been a member of SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers), currently serves as a Board Member, and chaired the 2010 SISO Executive Conference.

Kim is responsible for sales & marketing strategies, objectives and initiatives for all brands and oversees the production of innovative events and content-driven education for tea that fuel the company's Expo.

Jage joined World Tea in 2005 bringing with her over ten years of sales experience. In 2007 her responsibilities grew to incorporate marketing and in 2009 she was named Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Under her tenure, World Tea Expo was named as one of TSW Fastest 50™ in 2008 & 2009. Jage also launched 3 products within the World Tea portfolio: North American Tea Championship, World Tea Buyer's Guide and World Tea East and currently serves as Executive Vice President for the company.

Stacie Woods – Director of Operations

Stacie has been with World Tea Expo since 2007.  She started as the Conference Director, where she successfully developed and managed the conference programs for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Expos.  Key accomplishments include the creation and development of New Business Boot Camp, Executive & Technical Series and the addition of Skill Building Workshops.  Stacie is currently responsible for all operational aspects, including the selection and management of all key event vendors.  She is also responsible for all special events at the Expo. 

Before joining the World Tea Expo team, Stacie was Director of Educational Programs for the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) for nine years. Originally from California, Stacie earned her B.S. in Marketing from Woodbury University in Burbank, CA.

Stacie does enjoy an occasional cup of tea; however you will probably find her hiding in the corner of the office drinking coffee.

As conference director Kaye is responsible for managing the logistics and arrangements needed for each conference. This includes the facility, food, speakers and coordinating the education offerings at the direction of the Education Committee.

No personal information available, as Kaye is in the witness protection program. j/k

Hailing from the South, Kaye has been a lifelong tea drinker and has enjoyed local tea ceremonies in many of the countries she has visited. Kaye has been on faculty at University of Nevada, Las Vegas teaching Meetings and Events, Trade Show Operations and other classes related to the industry. The weather in Las Vegas allows Kaye to play golf year round.

Keith Timmons – Sales Manager

Keith joined World Tea Media in 2009 as an account executive in the sales department. Keith currently serves as Sales Manager, and his responsibilities include business development for the World Tea Expo, World Tea News, North American Tea Championship, and World Tea East.

Keith handles exhibitor relations including assisting with space selection, selecting promotional opportunities and sponsorship opportunities. In addition to his sales related duties Keith assists with computer and tech issues and works as the facilities manager (he takes out the trash) for the office.

Keith brings more than fifteen years of sales, marketing and management experience across multiple platforms to World Tea Media. Prior to joining World Tea Media Keith spent the last eight years in advertising sales in New York, Charlotte, NC and Las Vegas. Keith enjoys playing golf, spending time with his wife and two children, and of course drinking tea.

Edie Gillette – Office Administrator & Executive Assistant

As Office Manager for World Tea, Edie is responsible for office administration and management of the company’s day-to-day operation. Her responsibili-teas include implementation of operating policies and procedures, human resources administration, and accounting operations. Edie also provides executive support to the company’s founder and president. Prior to joining the World Tea TEAm, Edie held office management positions in various business industries. Originally from northern California, Edie earned her B.A. in Human Services from Holy Names University in Oakland, California. Edie and her family moved to Las Vegas in 2004.

For Edie, tea is a necessi-tea… Her favorites include oolongs and silver needle, but she’s always open to new potentiali-teas!

Jie Chen - Marketing Coordinator

As Marketing Coordinator, Jie is responsible for assisting the executive vice president with sales and marketing projects. Jie is also instrumental in the operations of the North American Tea Championship^TM and the Tea Infusion Challenge^TM. Prior to officially joining the World Tea Team, Jie worked here as an intern. She is a graduate student at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, majoring in the hotel administration, with a focus in convention and event management.

Jie is originally from Fujian, China and is a total tea lover; she can't have a day without tea.