Cost: $110 for regular admission, $150 for VIP

Organizer: Malt Advocate

What to expect: More than 200 single malt and blended whiskies from around the world will be available for sampling, but the real focus is on education, as industry leaders host seminars on making the peaty stuff. Attendees will also enjoy an expansive gourmet buffet all evening, plus coffee, tea, water and soda. Each attendee receives a commemorative Glencairn whisky glass for tastings.

Additional info: This event takes place at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. VIPs get an extra hour of tastings.