(This week we conclude a a two-part series on the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen. Part I of this blog was published last week.) When making plans to attend the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado, there are a few important things to remember. Last week we touched on a few, no let's delve into more specifics! This year’s event will be June 20-22, 2014.
TYPES OF TICKETS
- Consumer Pass - $1,250 each. Provides access to wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and the Grand Tasting Pavilion for the entire three days of the F&W Classic. That’s a total of 5 Grand Tastings and a number of seminars (excluding the Restaurant Trade Program and the Reserve Tastings. Reserve Tastings are available for an additional charge.) FYI - Consumer Passes allow you to preregister for seminars to ensure you get a seat!
- American Express Restaurant Trade Pass - $1,250 each. Only available for professional who shape the food and hospitality (restaurant) industry. This two-day program offers a plethora of invaluable insights and networking opportunities. You receive all the benefits of the Consumer Pass, as well as an invitation to an event kick-off party; two previews of the Grand Tasting Pavilion; access to industry-only happy-hour events; and panel discussions and interactive workshops at the Hotel Jerome.
- Grow for Good Pass - $3,750 each. This is a dedicated national initiative to support local farms and to encourage sustainable agriculture - that benefits the Wholesome Wave Foundation. Buyers of this pass will have all the benefits of the Consumer Pass, as well as exclusive access to special evening events. There are a limited number of passes, and for each sold, F&W will donate $1,000 directly to Whole Wave.
WHERE TO GET TICKETS
- Consumer Passes and Grow for Good Passes will be available at the Registration Tent at the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, 425 Rio Grande Place in Aspen. Call (970) 925-9000 for more information. Hours of registration and pass pick-up will be: from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 19; from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 20; and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 21.
- Restaurant Trade Passes will be available at the Hotel Jerome, 330 E. Main St., from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 19; from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 20; and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, 425 Rio Grande Place. Call (970) 920-1000 for more information.
- Please do not lose your lanyard. A lanyard must be worn and properly displayed at all times at F&W events. Passes are invalid without a lanyard. Passes are non-transferable and WILL NOT be replaced if lost or stolen.
EVENTS FOR NON-PASSHOLDERS
- Even those who do not have a F&W Classic pass can still participate in the event.
- Open to the public is the 5K Charity Run to benefit Wholesome Wave.
- There will also be a special evening full of events and parties available for purchase - including the 3rd annual Last Bite Dessert Party.
HOW TO BE AN EXHIBITOR
- Applications available as of January 2014.
- Exhibitors will be hand-selected and notified in mid-April
- More information on exhibiting or advertising is available by contacting Eunice Choi at eunice@timeinc.com.
HOW TO VOLUNTEER
- Registration begins March 1, 2014. Applicants must be 21 years of age or older.
- Applications will only be accepted online with the following requirements: applicant has volunteered in the recent past; applicant is a resident of the Roaring Fork Valley; number of years an applicant has volunteered; applicant's past performance as a volunteer; and how early the application is submitted. (FYI - The Roaring Fork Valley is defined as Aspen to Rifle. Residents might be asked to supply one of the following to verify residency: driver's license, passport, utility bill, pay stub, etc.
- Learn more about how to volunteer for the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.
2014 EXHIBITORS In 2014, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen will feature panels, cooking demonstrations and wine seminars and panels led by some the biggest names in the culinary world, including:
- Hugh Acheson
- José Andrés
- Richard Betts
- Sissy Biggers
- Shayn Bjornholm
- Richard Blais
- Tom Colicchio
- Graham Elliot
- Anthony Giglio
- Carla Hall
- Paul Grieco
- Ray Isle
- Kate Krader
- Megan Krigbaum
- Giada de Laurentiis
- Tim Love
- Jim Meehan
- Danny Meyer
- Claudine Pépin
- Jacques Pépin
- Marnie Old
- Mark Oldman
- John Ragan
- Andrea Robinson
- Marcus Samuelsson
- Leslie Sbrocco
- Gail Simmons
- Curtis Stone
- Michael Symon
- Ming Tsai
- Jonathan Waxman
- Laura Werlin
- Josh Wesson
- Sang Yoon
- Andrew Zimmern
- (*Schedule and participants subject to change without notice)
LODGING IN ASPEN
- Secure your lodging for the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen as soon as possible. This will ensure you have the best accommodations and the best location near the event.
- We offer more than 200 condominiums, town houses and private homes in downtown Aspen, ranging from economy to luxury, studios to 7 bedrooms.
- The St. Regis Residence Club and the Hyatt Grand Aspen both offer luxury lodging less than one block from the event.
- Lodge rooms available at the historic Independence Square hotel, also across the street from the event.
- All Frias guests receive complimentary passes to the Aspen Club & Spa for the duration of their stay. The Aspen Club & Spa is the valley's premier full-service spa and workout facility.