TheRumLab Agenda 2024: Ambitious Expansion with Rum Festivals in Texas and Spain

Following a successful 2023, TheRumLab, known for hosting prominent events in the world of rum, is gearing up for an ambitious 2024.

According to Federico José Hernández, President of TheRumLab, last year’s success was reflected in the great attendance and active participation of brands that took advantage of these events to expand their businesses.

For the past 15 years, TheRumLab has been a pioneer in organizing rum festivals and congresses in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Its mission is to promote and elevate the premium category of rum, offering an educational platform where attendees can learn directly from owners, global brand ambassadors and distillers of participating rum brands.

The year 2024 is shaping up as a strategic year for TheRumLab, with the inclusion of the Texas Rum Festival in Dallas and the expansion into Europe with the new Spain Rum and Gin Expo. This will position the company in the five most important states in terms of rum sales in the US, as well as opening doors in the European market.

Festivals in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, will be dedicated to brand ambassadors, rum house founders, master rum makers, bartenders, bartending schools, cigar lovers, restaurant and bar representatives, and beverage media. It is estimated that more than 180 rum expressions will be presented, with varieties from countries such as Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Venezuela, among others, allowing consumers to appreciate the differences in color, flavor, and aroma.

Here are the highlights:

Events in the US (including Puerto Rico)

1. The 5th edition of the Miami Rum Congress is held at the Miami Beach Convention Center and The Gates Hotel. This 3-day event will include educational segments from Park Street University and cocktail competitions, among others.

– Date: February 9-11, 2024

– Location: Miami, FL

– Website: miamirumcongress.com

2. Taste of Rum, Puerto Rico The largest rum festival in the Caribbean, offering live music, local crafts and exquisite cuisine.

Date: March 9, 2019

– Place: San Juan, PR

– Website: Tasteofrums.com

3. Texas Rum Fest Premiere in Dallas, aimed at both professionals and amateurs.

– Date: March 16, 2024

– Location: Dallas, TX

– Web: TexasRumFest.com

4. Chicago Rum Fest In its 8th edition, it will be held in the Logan Square Auditorium with independent sessions for different audiences.

– Date: April 20, 2024

– Place: Chicago, IL

– Website: Chicagorumfest.com

5. New York Rum Fest The 7th edition promises to be exceptional, with a new home in Brooklyn and key leaders in the rum industry.

– Date: June 8, 2024

– Place: Brooklyn, NY

– Website: Newyorkrumfest.com

6. Los Angeles Rum Fest (Roof Top Pop-Up) A variety of rum styles in a pop-up format.

– Date: August 29, 2024

– Location: Los Angeles, CA

– Website: Larumfest.com

7. San Francisco Rum Fest and Congress The last stop on the California tour, with networking opportunities and premium tastings.

– Dates: August 31 and September 1, 2024

Lugar: San Francisco

– Website: sanfranciscorumfest.com

Events in Europe

1. Spain Rum and Gin Expo A new initiative in Madrid, including a pop-up version.

– Date: April 26, 2024

Place : Madrid, Spain

– Website: RumandGinExpo.com

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Featured image: Freepik