Full Schedule

WSWA members can stop by the Member Services Lounge for a quick break between meetings to engage with WSWA staff and learn more about association initiatives like the WSWA-PAC and SipSource, explore member benefits, or meet with a representative from Distribution Solutions.

Bar Hours: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hear from SipSource analysts and industry veterans Danny Brager and Dale Stratton as they give Access LIVE attendees exclusive access to SipSource data - and what it's telling us - usually reserved for subscribers. In this session, attendees will also receive a sneak preview of the highly anticipated forecasting capabilities and enhanced trend analysis —an industry first! This forecasting product has been built with partners Kearney and NielsenIQ and launched at Access LIVE!

WSWA’s SipSource is a best-in-class product created to provide a holistic view of all three-tier channels, to support productive fact-based discussions between supplier and distributor partners, and to help drive GROWTH. SipSource is facilitated by the collaboration of multiple distributors to aggregate their data to provide that industry view - representing depletions for over 325,000 off- and on-premise accounts today. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate this year’s Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O. Award winner as well.

The epicenter of Access LIVE! Formerly split across two exhibit halls, HQ brings all the action into one space—housing the highest concentration of exhibits in addition to The Hub, LIVE Stage, Innovation Pavilion, HQ Connect, and more.

As Pronghorn co-founder Dia Simms often says, the best commercial for diversity is commercial success. Join us for a fireside chat with Ms. Simms, hosted by Sara Harmelin, to gain actionable insights to unlock growth for your business.

Mixology Workshops are a hands-on cocktail development experience that focuses on the art of crafting unique and creative drinks. During this interactive session, participants will spend an hour with expert mixologists to explore the fundamental building blocks of cocktails and learn about the fascinating history of mixology, all with the aim of designing innovative creations that align with your brand. With a strong focus on social media, attendees will learn how to create visually stunning cocktails that are sure to make a splash online, at home and at the bar.

Served Up The Podcast, powered by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, leads conversations on topics like advocacy, entrepreneurship, and belonging with food and beverage industry thought leaders representing our diverse hospitality community. Stop by Access HQ, booth HQ 4100, and listen to some of the wine and spirits industy’s most well-known and ground-breaking professionals. Schedule and guests below. Follow @serveduppodcast on Instagram.

A one-stop-shop for brand innovation and development! Located in Access HQ, the Hub offers a variety of solutions for exhibiting brands looking to expand, experiment, and grow. Back by popular demand don’t miss your chance to secure a space in the Content Lab, Mixology Workshop, or at the Brand Building Bar!

Learn how SipSource’s new forecasting capability is poised to change the wine and spirits industry! This session is perfect for any data-driven professionals interested in applying predictive modeling to help guide business planning and decision making. Open to media and all attendees. • SipSource Analysts Danny Brager and Dale Stratton • Kearney’s Michael Ooms

Like alcohol before it, as cannabis continues to emerge from the dark days of Prohibition, opportunities and challenges face every segment of this burgeoning industry. But how did we get here, and what can the cannabis industry, and the cannabinoid beverage segment in particular, learn from its wine and spirits predecessors? From navigating regulatory gray spaces, to an overview of the manufacturing and distribution landscape, to an analysis of the booming hemp-derived THC market in places like Minnesota, this session will examine the ways in which the cannabis and hemp industries may benefit from the experience of the traditional adult beverage channels-and why wine and spirits companies should be excited about this up and coming new intoxicating market segment.

Mixology Workshops are a hands-on cocktail development experience that focuses on the art of crafting unique and creative drinks. During this interactive session, participants will spend an hour with expert mixologists to explore the fundamental building blocks of cocktails and learn about the fascinating history of mixology, all with the aim of designing innovative creations that align with your brand. With a strong focus on social media, attendees will learn how to create visually stunning cocktails that are sure to make a splash online, at home and at the bar.

Learn how SipSource data and forecasting is supporting today’s most competitive wine and spirits producers, distributors, and industry analysts, globally. Applying the best data can take your team’s business I.Q. and marketplace capabilities to the next level. This session will present three business cases for wine, spirits, and predictive modeling, respectively. Open to media and all attendees. • SipSource Analysts Danny Brager and Dale Stratton • Kearney’s Michael Ooms

The fastest growing category in all of adult beverage is non-alcoholic. Sales are up 300% since 2019, and this year will top half a billion dollars (Nielsen IQ). Just like every grocery store carries oat milk, and every menu has vegetarian options, every wholesaler and every retailer needs to offer non-alc options. If you don’t, you’re losing money–and losing ground to your competitors. Launching a new product category can be daunting. But getting started is easier than you think, and the rewards are immediate. In fact, Nielsen reports that households buying non-alc are worth 59% more than those that only purchase alcohol. Rich in detailed proof points, revenue models, and consumer insights, this panel is one of the most actionable you’ll attend at WSWA. Hosted by the founders of Ritual Zero Proof, the country’s #1 spirit alternative, you’ll leave armed with everything you need to launch your own non-alc program–and increase your bottom line immediately.

In today's world, our community is no longer limited geographically. It's now easier than ever to connect with peers all over the globe. Building your online community and nurturing these positive connections can expand your brand visibility globally. During this session, you will learn to identify key ambassadors and influential individuals in your network and how best to identify and garner those relationships, through social media. This seminar will provide you with the tools to develop and expand your company, or personal brand, by engaging your target audience. Educating you on how best to forge honest and genuine digital relationships, which can be molded into real-life profits and publicity. Being present online has never been more important.

Mixology Workshops are a hands-on cocktail development experience that focuses on the art of crafting unique and creative drinks. During this interactive session, participants will spend an hour with expert mixologists to explore the fundamental building blocks of cocktails and learn about the fascinating history of mixology, all with the aim of designing innovative creations that align with your brand. With a strong focus on social media, attendees will learn how to create visually stunning cocktails that are sure to make a splash online, at home and at the bar.

In this 45 minute session, TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) specialists will provide an overview of federal regulations and requirements applicable to imported and domestic alcohol beverage products. By the end of the session, you will be more familiar with TTB and its jurisdiction; have a general understanding of permitting, formula, and labeling requirements; and become aware of recent tax reform changes that may be applicable to you. Specialists will then open it up for your questions!

Join us on the LIVE Stage to hear from the next generation of leaders in the wholesale industry as they talk about today's marketplace, the value of distribution partnerships and their plans for the future marketplace!

Join this session to hear Francis Creighton, WSWA President & CEO, discuss a variety of hot topics with the FBI Deputy Director. Deputy Director Abbate with discuss organized retail theft, cyber security and other key issues the FBI is currently focused on. Following the fireside chat with FBI Deputy Director Abbate and WSWA's CEO Creighton, awards will be handed out to recipients of the Lifetime Leadership Award, Retailer Community Service Award, Access Craft Hot New Now Supplier Award, and the Wholesaler Movers and Shakers Awards.

The exclamation point on a week of unparalleled networking and deal making, Ovation LIVE is a chance to strengthen and celebrate new relationships, connections, and deals made during Access LIVE.