Arthur von Wiesenberger is a globally respected authority on bottled water, with over 45 years of industry leadership. His first book on the subject, Oasis, was published in 1978, helping to establish the bottled water category in the U.S. He is the founder of BottledWaterWeb.com and has served as Watermaster of the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting for more than three decades. A seasoned author, broadcaster, and water sommelier, Arthur has judged thousands of waters and consulted with global brands. His work promotes quality, taste, and sustainability in hydration, and he continues to inspire innovation through education and advocacy. He is also the Executive Producer & host of the award-winning television series, AnimalZone.

Michael Cervin has written hundreds of articles about water for over two decades for a variety of publications. He was the Senior Editor at BottledWaterWeb for over a decade and is the author of Our World of Water: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Earth’s Most Critical Resource. He has served as a judge at both Berkeley Springs International Water Competition, and the Global Water Drinks Awards, and has conducted professional water tastings in China, Europe and the U.S. He is currently working on his second water book, The Architecture of H2O: True Stories of Weird, Wonderful & Wild Water.

Pat Eckert is a renowned water sommelier, entrepreneur, and advocate for the cultural and sensory appreciation of water. As CEO of Fine Liquids since 2018, he curates rare, sustainably sourced mineral waters for gastronomy, collectors, and connoisseurs worldwide. He co-hosted the Fine Water Summit 2024 with Dr. Michael Mascha and has judged the Taste Awards in Athens (2023) and San Sebastian (2024).

Founder of the Colors of Water Academy, Pat blends science, art, and culture to tell the stories behind exceptional waters, publishing his first book in 2024. He is also creator of AQA FINELLI, a lightly mineralized artesian water served in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe. In 2024, it became the first German water to be featured at this level in fine dining.

As curator of the world’s largest water bottle collection, Pat continues to champion quality, sustainability, and deeper awareness of the world’s most essential resource.

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 serves as Chief Instructor at Aquademia, Japan’s certified school for Aqua Sommeliers (Water Sommeliers), and is a Director of the Japan Aqua Sommelier Association. Since earning her Aqua Sommelier certification in 2008, she has been a leading expert in water tasting, dedicated to exploring and evaluating the sensory qualities of water. She is frequently commissioned by numerous water brands and manufacturers for her professional insights.

In addition to mentoring new professionals and contributing to the association’s management, Ms. Suzuki is deeply engaged in studying the pairing of water with food, examining how different water profiles complement dining experiences. Her expertise has been widely featured on television, radio, and in print media.

For over 14 years, I have navigated the intersection of taste and storytelling, exploring the gastronomical industry from concept development to menus to branding and team trainings. I believe in the elegance of details and the stories hidden in every glass. I blend tastes, cultures and rituals — so every sip becomes a memory. My Water Masterclasses have been the revelation that confirmed my path: the taste of the water is the future of hospitality. Today, through all my interactions, I aim to educate, inspire, and connect people through taste—whether they are professionals, enthusiasts, or simply food lovers seeking authentic experiences.