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A Day in the Life of an Aplomo Tequila Vendor: My Experience at the Atlanta Agave Trade Show (Monday Sept 9, 2024)

As a tequila vendor, trade shows are a unique blend of excitement, hustle, and a little bit of unpredictability. The Atlanta Agave Trade Show was no exception—it promised to be a high-energy, agave-filled weekend, and boy, did it deliver. From setting up our booth to interacting with eager consumers, it was an experience I will not forget.

Setting Up: The Calm Before the Storm

Arriving at the venue early in the morning, there was a certain sense of calm in the air. All around me, vendors were unpacking crates of glassware, setting up elaborate displays, and polishing bottles until they gleamed under the lights. Our booth was designed to showcase the heart and soul of our tequila brand: sleek bottles, rich history, and, of course, the agave plants from which our tequila is born.

We had to be ready for anything. Whether it was tequila aficionados with years of experience or curious newcomers just dipping their toes into the world of agave, every interaction mattered. And as soon as the doors opened, the flood of visitors began, turning that early-morning calm into a lively, buzzing marketplace.

The First Wave: Educators and Enthusiasts

The first group to approach our booth were the enthusiasts—you know, the ones who live and breathe tequila. These people came armed with notebooks, questions, and an almost intimidating knowledge of agave. They swirled their tastings with care, asking in-depth questions about aging processes, terroir, and barrel types. For me, these interactions were both thrilling and challenging. As much as I was there to represent the brand, I also found myself learning from these passionate aficionados. We bonded over the complexities of oak barrels and the subtleties of highland versus lowland agave.

The Curious Newcomers

As the day wore on, the crowd became more diverse, bringing in a new wave of people: the curious newcomers. These were the attendees who were just beginning their tequila journey, often admitting they only knew tequila from margaritas or that infamous “college shot night.” It was always fun to see their faces light up when they realized that tequila is so much more than a party drink—it’s a craft, an art, and a culture.

I loved explaining the differences between blanco, reposado, and añejo tequilas, offering them a taste of each to see their preferences evolve in real-time. Watching them experience a smooth, aged tequila for the first time was like watching someone discover a new favorite book. “Wow, this is tequila?” became a common refrain.

The Questions You Don’t Expect

Of course, no trade show is without its quirks. There were the usual questions about agave, aging, and distillation, but then came the questions you don’t prepare for. “What food should I pair this with?” or “Can I use this tequila in a dessert?” One person even asked me if they could plant their own agave in their backyard in Georgia. (Spoiler: it’s a little too humid for that.)

But this is the beauty of consumer interaction—it keeps you on your toes and often leads to moments of humor or connection that you wouldn’t get otherwise.

The Best Part: Sharing the Passion

As the day wound down and the crowd began to thin, I reflected on what makes these events so fulfilling. Sure, trade shows are exhausting—standing for hours, talking nonstop, trying to balance being informative with being engaging. But it’s also a unique opportunity to share something you’re passionate about with a broad audience.

Seeing someone take a sip, close their eyes, and truly appreciate the craft behind a bottle of tequila—that’s what makes it all worth it. You get to be part of their discovery, their journey, even if only for a brief moment.

Wrapping Up

By the end of the day, my feet were sore, my voice was hoarse, but my spirits were high. As a tequila vendor, the Atlanta Agave Trade Show wasn’t just a place to showcase products—it was a place to connect, educate, and share the love of agave with people from all walks of life.

And when the last bottle was packed up and the lights dimmed on the event, I left feeling more energized than I had when I walked in that morning. Always ready to do it all over again because of the passion.

Cheers to the next one!

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