In 1984, the National Soft Drink Association (now the American Beverage Association) organized and sponsored the first International Beverage Industry Exhibition and Congress, known as InterBev. The first exhibition was held in Chicago at the McCormick Place Convention Center.
Interbev 1984 offered a chance for beverage manufacturers, distributers, bottlers and marketers from around the world to learn about exciting new trends and technologies in the industry. Attendees could network with international beverage companies and learn about innovations being developed and used in other countries. The exhibition was officially endorsed by the U.S. Government and supported by Secretary of Commerce Malcolm Baldrige.
InterBev 1984 offered education on every aspect of the beverage business. It featured displays about products and ingredients, production technologies, packaging, warehousing and distribution, and dispensing and vending. In addition to taking home new ideas and new connections, attendees also received commemorative bottles:
InterBev 1984 was a hit and the exhibition continued for over 20 years. InterBev is another example of how America's beverage companies lead by coming together to showcase the best of the industry.