Please review our list of frequently asked questions.

If you are unable to find the answer you are looking for, you can email WorldClassRegistration@experiencenve.com and we will get back to you within 24 hours or the next business day.

General

WHAT IS WORLD CLASS?

Over the past 15 years, World Class has grown into one of the most influential hospitality platforms in the world. From the World Class Cocktail Festivals, introducing hundreds of thousands of people to exciting drinks experiences, to the World Class Competition recognising the very best international bartending talent, the World Class Industry Forum showcasing the latest trends and schools of thought in hospitality.

 

WHERE / WHEN IS WORLD CLASS LOCATED THIS YEAR?

World Class will take place in Shanghai, China between 9-12 September 2024

 

DO YOU NEED TO PURCHASE A PACKAGE TO PARTICIPATE IN WORLD CLASS SHANGHAI?

Yes, all guests need to have been invited and registered to attend. If you are unsure about your invitation or registration status, please reach out to your local World Class or Diageo contact.

 

CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS?

Of course, we will work with you to accommodate your accessibility needs. Please contact the events team at WorldClassRegistration@experiencenve.com if you have any queries around this.

 

CAN I BRING A SERVICE ANIMAL?

Yes, approved service animals are allowed at World Class. Please let us know the service animal you would intend to bring at WorldClassRegistration@experiencenve.com.

 

IS THERE A DRESS CODE FOR THE EVENT?

It will be Autumn in Shanghai during World Class, with temperatures between 21 to 27 degrees. Dress code during the event is smart-casual, however, feel free to get dressed up during the evenings and especially for our Final Awards night on Thursday. Don't forget your raincoat or umbrella as there is a chance of light rain showers during the month of September.

We are very excited to also share with you our theme for the Awards night – Reflections of Shanghai. It will be the final night of our Crystal Anniversary year for World Class, so it’s time to shine! Use metallics, gems, crystals, and anything else that mirrors to reflect the amazing week we will have had in Shanghai.

Dress to impress in your best cocktail attire!

 

PARTNER / SPOUSE / FRIEND / RELATION ATTENDANCE

World Class is an official business event, and therefore partners, spouses, and friends are asked not to stay in the rooms of the World Class guest where Diageo has made the room booking.

 

IS THERE A WORLD CLASS EVENT APP?

Yes, we will have a World Class Event App. You will receive instructions for the Event App download shortly, if you have not already received it. 
If in time, you should download it before you arrive in Shanghai as it will contain important information such as the agenda, bookable sessions, important information, and much more. 

 

WILL FOOD AND BEVERAGE BE INCLUDED?

Yes, food and beverage will be served at all scheduled World Class funcitions and events and are included in your package.

 

WILL AIR TRAVEL BE COVERED BY WORLD CLASS?

Your air travel to and from World Class is not included in your package, so please ensure you have organised and paid for this yourself.

 

VISA

 

WILL WORLD CLASS ORGANISE MY VISA FOR ME?

You are responsible for organising your own visas and ensuring you have the necessary documentation to enter the country. 

 

For information regarding visa requirements for your country, we recommend checking with your local Chinese consulate or a visa support service.

 

During the period from March 14 to November 30, 2024, holders of ordinary passports from the countries listed below can enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days. 

 

On arrival to China, you will present your passport and it will be stamped by the authorities, no need for any visa application in advance of your trip as long as you are not staying any longer than 15 days.  

Austria
Australia
Belgium
Brunei
France
Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Malaysia
New Zealand
Poland
Singapore (30 days)
Spain
Switzerland
The Netherlands

 

REGISTRATION

WHERE CAN I REVIEW MY REGISTRATION INFORMATION?

Once your registration profile is set up, you can revisit this at any time using the link included in your confirmation email or by clicking the login button located on the top right of the event website. This takes you to your Attendee Portal where you can also view the full event agenda and book into bookable sessions throughout the week. 

 

CAN ANYONE PURCHASE A TICKET AT THE EVENT?

All attendees must be invited by Diageo.

 

I NEED TO CANCEL, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Please let your Market Leader or Diageo contact know that you can no longer attend. 

NOTE to Market Leaders: 
No cancellations are allowed however guest name changes/substitutions are possible.

Should you have any further questions, please contact WorldClassRegistration@experiencenve.com

 

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT MY REGISTRATION

If you have any questions or experience any difficulties during the registration process, please contact the events team at WorldClassRegistration@experiencenve.com

 

WHEN WILL REGISTRATION CLOSE?

Registration will close on Friday, 23 August 2024

 

CAN I REGISTER AFTER THE DEADLINE?

If you have not registered by the close of registration please email your Market Leader contact and copy in the events team at WorldClassRegistration@experiencenve.com

 

WILL I RECEIVE A REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION?

Yes, you should have recieved a confirmation email when you completed your registration. If you are struggling to locate this, please contact the events team at WorldClassRegistration@experiencenve.com.

 

WHERE CAN I REVIEW MY REGISTRATION INFORMATION?

Once your registration profile is set up, you can revisit this at any time using the link included in your confirmation email or by clicking the login button located on the top right of the event website.

PACKAGES

 

INCORRECT ATTENDEE/PACKAGE TYPE?

If you are a Market Leader that needs to swap package types, please contact the events team with the changes you wish to make at WorldClassRegistration@experiencenve.com

If you are an Attendee and you believe you should have a different package type, please contact your Market Leader or Diageo contact who invited you.

 

WHAT DOES A GLOBAL GUEST PACKAGE INCLUDE?

Global Guest package inclusions

 

WHAT DOES A COMPETITOR / CHAPERONE / JUDGE PACKAGE INCLUDE?

Competitor / Chaperone / Judges inclusions

 

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR ANY ATTENDEE REGARDLESS OF PACKAGE?

The following items are not included in packages: Additional may apply: 
• Return flights from your country of origin to Shanghai
• Visa arrangements or costs
• Accommodation outside of the World Class 2024 dates or if it is not included within package selected
• Room guests: this is a Diageo business activity and not designed to host partners or friends. Please respect this.
• Transfers outside of the World Class 2024 dates
• Taxis are not provided or paid for by World Class 2024
• Excursions or activities which are not part of the World Class 2024 programme
• Travel & transport for any excursions which are not part of the World Class 2024 programme
• Food & beverage outside of the World Class 2024 programme
• Incidental charges in your hotel i.e. laundry, telephone, minibar, room service, spa treatments or any items of a personal nature

 

 

PROGRAMME

 

WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORLD CLASS EVENT AGENDA AND DAILY SCHEDULE?

Please visit your registration page / Attendee Portal to view the full Programme Agenda. This will also be available on the Event App. You will receive an email providing required instructions.

 

WHERE CAN I FIND SCHEDULE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INDUSTRY FORUM PROGRAMME?

An overview of the sessions are available on our Industry Forum page.

 

CAN I CREATE MY OWN PERSONAL AGENDA?

Yes, absolutely. You can create your own personal agenda by favouriting the activities and sessions you would like to attend in the Event App.

You can also change your favourites at any time or decide to attend sessions while on the ground at World Class (as long as thereis capacity available*).

*Please keep in mind the sessions have capacity limits and are available on a first come first served basis.

 

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

WILL THERE BE ANY SHUTTLE SERVICES PROVIDED FOR WORLD CLASS?

Yes, transfers will run from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to host hotel(s) on Saturday, 7 and on Sunday, 8 September for Global Package Guests.


Shuttle services for guests staying at the host hotel(s) to any offsite events.


Departure shuttles will run throughout the day from host hotel(s) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on Friday, 13 September.
Also between W Hotel and the Bellagio Hotel daily during event times. Further details available at registration desk at the W Hotel

 

WILL THERE BE PARKING AVAILABLE AT THE EVENT?

There is a public car park at the W Hotel - payment is made by machine at the car park directly.
Car parking is not included in your package cost.

The details for the Bellagion by MGM Shanghai are to follow.

 

I’D LIKE TO RENT A CAR RATHER THAN UTILIZE GROUND TRANSPORTATION, IS THIS COST REIMBURSABLE?

No, car rental is not included in the World Class packages.

 

 

HOUSING

 

IS A HOTEL ROOM INCLUDED IN MY PACKAGE?

Yes, all Global Guest & Competitor packages include accommodation at 5* Hotels, so there is no need to book this separately.


If you have not already received your hotel confirmatioin and have completed your World Class Shanghai registration please contact the events team at WorldClassRegistration@experiencenve.com.

If you are attending World Class on a Day pass no accommodation is included.

 

WHERE IS THE WORLD CLASS HOTEL LOCATED?

W Hotel

OR

The Bellagio by MGM Shanghai

 

WHERE DO I CHECK IN FOR MY BEDROOM UPON ARRIVAL?

W Hotel check-in desks are located on the W Floor. Hotel staff will direct you to the elevators by the main entrance when you arrive at the hotel.
The Bellagio check-in desks are located on Level 1 (Ground floor) - Hotel staff will direct you to the back of the space, by the main entrance when you arrive at the hotel.

 

CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT TIMINGS

Check-in from 15:00/3:00PM
If your flight arrives in Shanghai exceptionally early we recommend that you book the night prior to ensure your room is ready for you on check-in (this will be at your own expense if the check-in date falls outside what is included in your package)

Check-out by 12:00/12:00PM
The hotel concierge will be happy to store your luggage if your flight is not until much later on the day of check-out

 

I’D LIKE TO EXTEND MY STAY FOR PERSONAL REASONS. HOW DO I DO THIS?

If you would like to arrive earlier or stay later, than your package dates at the W Shanghai or the Bellagio, you will be able to do so via the following process:


• Once your hotel room has been allocated by the event team you will receive a confirmation email with your confirmation number
• Once you have your confirmation number, you can contact the hotel and add additIonal nights directly to your reservation.
• Please note that any nights booked over and above your package allowance must be paid directly to the hotel.