Michael Cervin was the senior editor of Bottled Water Web for nearly 20 years writing about every aspect of the bottled water industry. He is the author of “Our World of Water: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly of Earth’s Most Critical Resource.” His second water book, “The Architecture of H2O: True Stories of Weird, Wild & Wonderful Water,” will be published this fall. He has been both water judge and watermaster at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting for over a decade, and was invited by the Chinese government to conduct educational water tastings for Chinese journalists in Beijing. Michael has also conducted water tastings throughout  the U.S. and Europe and has been a judge and presenter at the (formerly known as) Global Bottled Water Awards for multiple years. He has appeared on television and in print as a water authority, including Fox News Health, Water Quality Products Magazine, OT Television, The Tasting Panel, Draft Magazine, Food & Beverage World, The Santa Barbara News-Press, Reviews (dot) com, Planet Experts, The Daily Meal, and many others.

Rafaela is the news reporter at FoodBev Media, a platform dedicated to the dissemination of food and beverage industry news.  The soft drinks industry is a vital part of the food and beverage sector, covering a range of production from fruit juices to sports and energy. Soft drinks are integral for creating enjoyable moments for all ages.

Ruriko Suzuki is a Water Sommelier specializing in water tasting, water culture, and food and water pairing. Since earning her Aqua Sommelier certification in Japan in 2008, she has focused on the sensory evaluation of water, with particular expertise in natural mineral waters and natural sparkling waters.

Her work explores how geology, natural environments, and mineral composition influence the character and taste profile of water. She has been commissioned by water brands and manufacturers in Japan and abroad for product evaluation, consulting, and educational presentations.

In addition to her professional activities, Ms. Suzuki actively engages with the international water sommelier community and continues to study global bottled water markets, water culture, and the role of water in gastronomy.

She currently serves as a Board Member of the Japan Aqua Sommelier Association, where she is involved in water education and the development of future Water Sommeliers.

Her expertise has been featured across television, radio, magazines, and digital media, and she continues to promote a deeper appreciation of water and its cultural and gastronomic significance.

Silvia Ștefănucă-Șerban is a Certified Water Sommelier, Wine Sommelier and Sake Sommelier, as well as Beverage Architect, and Experience Creator. Based in Romania, she works at the intersection of mineral water, gastronomy, hospitality, and wellbeing, developing water-focused experiences, educational programs, and destination concepts. Her work advocates for water as a cultural, sensory, and strategic asset in hospitality and gastro diplomacy.