• Login

Conference

Conference Schedule

Meet our 2024 Speakers

AM

09:10 AM 09:30 AM

Oyster Room

Todd Azevedo

Wine & Grape Broker, Partner at Ciatti

Global Bulk Trends and Opportunities

At the International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show (IBWSS), Todd Azevedo, a Wine & Grape Broker and Partner at Ciatti, will present on "Global Bulk Trends and Opportunities." Azevedo will highlight current trends in the bulk wine market, identifying key regions and varieties that are in demand. He will discuss the factors driving these trends, such as climate change and consumer preferences. Azevedo will also explore opportunities for producers and brokers to capitalize on these trends, offering strategic insights into navigating the global market. The presentation aims to equip attendees with the knowledge to make informed decisions in the bulk wine industry.

09:30 AM 09:50 AM

Oyster Room

Alexander Braun

CEO North America for Hillebrand Gori

Global Logistics Movements Update

Alexander Braun, Chief Executive Officer of Hillebrand Gori, will provide the latest updates on global logistics movements, covering current challenges and industry trends. Alex will address supply chain disruptions, the impact of geopolitical events, and technological advancements in logistics. Additionally, he will share strategies for optimizing logistics operations to improve the efficiency and reliability of transporting bulk wine and spirits across international markets.

09:50 AM 10:20 AM

Oyster Room

Lee Morse

Technical Product Manager at Scott Laboratories

Enhancing overall quality: Additives to make your wine stand out from the crowd

At the International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show (IBWSS), Lee Morse, Technical Product Manager at Scott Laboratories, will present "Enhancing Overall Quality: Additives to Make Your Wine Stand Out from the Crowd." Attendees will gain invaluable insights into cutting-edge wine additives that can significantly improve flavor, aroma, and stability. This presentation offers a unique opportunity to learn how to differentiate your wine in a competitive market using high-quality, scientifically-backed additives. Don't miss out on practical tips and expert advice that can elevate your winemaking process and product quality.

10:20 AM 11:00 AM

Oyster Room

Maurice DiMarino

Wine and Beverage Manager at Cohn Restaurant Group

Rachel Lowe

Director of Beverage Operations at Levy Restaurants

Cami Lehmann

Director of Marketing, Maggiano’s Little Italy at Brinker International

Restaurants Chain Buyers Panel

The insightful panel discussion "Restaurants Chain Buyers Panel" will bring together key industry leaders to share their expertise and perspectives on wine and beverage purchasing for restaurant chains. The panelists include:

 

Cami Lehmann, Director of Marketing at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Brinker International, who will offer insights into marketing and promoting wine selections to enhance the dining experience and drive sales.
Rachel Lowe, Director of Beverage Operations at Levy Restaurants, who will focus on operational considerations and the importance of aligning beverage offerings with overall restaurant concepts.
Maurice DiMarino, Wine and Beverage Manager at Cohn Restaurant Group, who will share best practices for managing supplier relationships and ensuring consistent quality and value in wine and beverage programs.


Together, these experts will provide a comprehensive look at the key factors influencing wine and beverage purchasing decisions in the restaurant industry, from selection and marketing to operations and supplier management.

11:30 AM 12:00 PM

Oyster Room

Christian Deakin

Product Development Manager at BevZero

Masterclass: Crafting Flavorful Dealcoholized Wines

Christian Deakin, the Product Development Manager at BevZero, will be presenting a masterclass on "Crafting Flavorful Dealcoholized Wines." In this session, Deakin will delve into the art and science of creating high-quality dealcoholized wines. He will cover key techniques and technologies used in the dealcoholization process, focusing on how to preserve the essential flavors and aromas that define great wines. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities in this growing segment of the wine industry, learning best practices for maintaining the integrity and complexity of wines while reducing or eliminating alcohol content. Deakin’s expertise promises to provide valuable knowledge for winemakers and industry professionals interested in expanding their portfolios with flavorful, dealcoholized options.

PM

01:00 PM 01:40 PM

Oyster Room

Manveer Sandhu

Director of Winemaking, Rack & Riddle Custom Wine Services

Noël Schaff

B2B Sales Manager at O'Neill Vintners and Distillers

Cathy Ference

Sr. Manager, Bulk Wine Supply at Constellation Brands

Bottlers Panel: What Bottlers are Looking for in Bulk Buying

The "Bottlers Panel: What Bottlers are Looking for in Bulk Buying" will provide valuable insights from prominent figures in the bottling industry on their criteria and considerations when purchasing bulk wine. The panelists include:

Manveer Sandhu, Director of Winemaking at Rack & Riddle Custom Wine Services, who will share his expertise on the importance of quality control and consistency in bulk wine selections to ensure the production of premium bottled wines.
Cathy Ference, Sr. Manager of Bulk Wine Supply at Constellation Brands, who will offer insights into strategic sourcing practices and the role of market trends in bulk wine purchasing decisions.
Noël Schaff, B2B Sales Manager at O'Neill Vintners and Distillers, who will focus on the commercial aspects of bulk wine buying, including logistical considerations and the impact of supply chain dynamics on purchasing strategies.

Together, these industry leaders will provide a comprehensive overview of what bottlers prioritize when selecting bulk wine, sharing their experiences and best practices to help attendees understand the critical elements of successful bulk wine procurement.

01:40 PM 02:10 PM

Oyster Room

Chris Swonger

President & CEO, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsiblity

Spirits Trends Moving Into 2024 and 2025

Chris Swonger, President & CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, will provide a forward-looking perspective on the distilled spirits industry with his presentation, "Spirits Trends Moving Into 2024 and 2025." His session will highlight key trends and challenges, offering major takeaways:

Highlighting DISCUS's Role: Swonger will emphasize the pivotal role that DISCUS plays in supporting the distilled spirits industry, including advocacy, research, and industry promotion.

Policy Issues and Challenges: He will educate the audience on the major policy issues and challenges currently facing the industry, such as regulatory changes, trade barriers, and market access concerns.

Audience Involvement: Swonger will outline how individuals and businesses can get involved in supporting the distilled spirits industry, including participation in advocacy efforts, staying informed about policy developments, and contributing to industry initiatives.
Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of the distilled spirits sector and actionable insights on how they can contribute to its continued growth and success.

02:10 PM 02:40 PM

Oyster Room

Bruce Abbott

President at LIQUOR STORES USA NORTH INC

Sid Patel

CEO and Founder at Beverage Trade Network

5 Ways To Work With National and Regional Chains

In this talk, Bruce Abbott's will go deeper into the below 5 ways, with examples and explanations that producers can work with national and regional chains. Followed by a Q and A session.

1. Tradition model

2. Clearance model

3. Private label

4. Control label

5. Exclusive label

Currently, Bruce is the President of Liquor Stores USA North Inc. Prior to this, he worked at the largest alcohol retailer in Alaska, Brown Jug, as the category manager for spirits. He was in charge of choosing over 7,000 wines and spirits for 21 retail locations, organizing public tastings, creating control-brand wine programs, and choosing whiskey barrels for the network.

02:40 PM 03:00 PM

Oyster Room

Amy Jensen

Corporate Accounts Manager at Enartis

Technical Advancements In Wine Blending

Jensen Amy, Central Coast Business Manager at Enartis USA, will present on "Technical Advancements in Wine Blending." Her talk will delve into the latest innovations and techniques revolutionizing wine blending, focusing on cutting-edge technologies that enhance precision and consistency, innovative approaches to improving flavor profiles, and effective quality control methods. Attendees will gain practical insights into how these advancements can be applied in winemaking to produce superior, high-quality blended wines.

03:00 PM 03:30 PM

Oyster Room

Elizabeth Tomasino

Associate Professor of Enology at Oregon State University

Blending of smoke tainted wines into bulk wines and what the lab analysis means

Dr. Elizabeth Tomasino, Associate Professor of Enology at Oregon State University, will present at the IBWSS 2024 Conference in San Francisco on "Blending of Smoke-Tainted Wines into Bulk Wines and What the Lab Analysis Means." Her talk will address strategies to mitigate smoke taint effects through blending, helping winemakers salvage affected products while maintaining quality. She will also highlight the importance of lab analysis in detecting and quantifying smoke compounds, providing essential guidance for effective blending decisions. This session offers valuable insights for wine producers and enologists facing the challenges of smoke-tainted wines

AM

09:00 AM 09:20 AM

Oyster Room

Ankita Okate

Chief Growth Officer and Events Head at Beverage Trade Network

Unlock the Power of AI: Transform Your Wine Business

Ankita Okate, Chief Growth Officer and Events Head at Beverage Trade Network, will lead a session titled "Unlock the Power of AI: Transform Your Wine Business." Okate will explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the wine business, covering practical applications such as predictive analytics, personalized marketing, and supply chain optimization. Attendees will learn how to leverage AI to drive efficiency, innovation, and growth in their wine businesses, gaining a deeper understanding of how AI can revolutionize various aspects of the industry and unlock new opportunities in a competitive market.

09:20 AM 09:40 AM

Oyster Room

Pam Strayer

Writer, Editor | Freelance Journalist | Content Strategist | Content Marketer

Bag in Box Wine Production for Small to Medium Wineries

Pam Strayer, a seasoned writer, editor, and freelance journalist specializing in the wine and alcoholic beverage industry, will present the latest trends, market dynamics, and emerging opportunities in bag in box wine. Her unique perspective as a respected journalist will provide attendees with an understanding of the emerging bag in box landscape. Her articles on the topic will appear in the August issue of Grape and Wine magazine and in the October issue of Wine Business Monthly.

09:40 AM 10:10 AM

Oyster Room

Evan Traub

Director of Accounts at IMI Agency

Working with National Chains

Evan Traub, Director of Accounts at IMI Agency, will provide valuable strategies for "Working with National Chains." Drawing from his extensive experience in the beverage industry, Traub will discuss how to establish and nurture partnerships with national chain retailers. He will cover essential topics such as relationship-building, negotiation tactics, and meeting the specific needs of large-scale retailers. Attendees will gain actionable advice to enhance their effectiveness in collaborating with national chains, ultimately driving success in the competitive beverage market.

10:10 AM 10:40 AM

Oyster Room

Sid Patel

CEO and Founder at Beverage Trade Network

How to Build a Sales Process to Grow and Get New Distribution

Join Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, for a comprehensive session on building a sales process to acquire new distributors and expand current distribution. Patel will detail the steps to develop an effective sales strategy, including the key metrics to track and the systematic approach needed to grow new markets. The session will conclude with a live Q&A, making it a must-attend for importers, wineries, distilleries, and breweries aiming to enhance their distribution network.

10:40 AM 10:50 AM

Oyster Room

Elizabeth Campbell Boyd

Women of the Vine & Spirits

Molly Zook

Winemaker at The Prisoner Wine Co.

Elizabeth Kester

Director of Winemaking at Wente Vineyards

Ashley Maniti

Winemaker at Delicato Family Wines

Winemakers Discussion with Women of the Vine & Spirits

At the upcoming International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show (IBWSS), don't miss the highly anticipated Winemakers Panel with Women of the Vine & Spirits. This session will feature prominent voices such as Elizabeth Campbell Boyd of Women of the Vine & Spirits and Molly Zook, Winemaker at The Prisoner Wine Co., Elizabeth Kester, Director of Winemaking from Wente Vineyards and Ashley Maniti, Winemaker, Delicato Family Wines. Attendees can look forward to an engaging and insightful discussion on the contributions and future impact of women in the wine and spirits industry.

10:50 AM 11:00 AM

Oyster Room

Elizabeth Campbell Boyd

Women of the Vine & Spirits

Chris Swonger

President & CEO, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsiblity

86 Harassment: An Industry Wide Initiative Addressing Sexual Harassment

86 Harassment: An Industry Wide Initiative Addressing Sexual Harassment

Women of the Vine & Spirits launched 86 Harassment, an industry-wide dedicated website and resource to address sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries. Thanks to invaluable support, from Chris Swonger, President of Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), and others, this initiative is set to support the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries. Attend this session to learn how you can lean into these resources, for yourself, your teams and your network and how you can get involved in this industry-wide program.

PM

01:00 PM 01:40 PM

Oyster Room

Geoff Longenecker

Founder, Distiller Seven Caves Spirits and President at San Diego Distillers Guild

John Granata

Master Distiller, President at Jersey Spirits Distilling Co.and President at New Jersey Craft Distillers Guild

Aaron Bergh

President & Master Distiller at Calwise Spirits Co and President at Paso Robles Distillery Trail

Teresa Casey

Executive Director, New York State Distillers Guild

Spirits Board Panel

The Spirits Board Panel brings together a distinguished group of industry leaders:

  1. Geoff Longenecker, Founder of Distiller Seven Caves Spirits and President of the San Diego Distillers Guild.
  2. John Granata, Master Distiller and President of Jersey Spirits Distilling Co., and President of the New Jersey Craft Distillers Guild.
  3. Aaron Bergh, President & Master Distiller of Calwise Spirits Co., and President of the Paso Robles Distillery Trail.
  4. Teresa Casey, Executive Director of the New York State Distillers Guild.
  5. David Cohen President of the Florida Craft Spirits Association and President and Head Distiller at Manifest Distilling

These experts will provide invaluable insights into various aspects of the spirits industry, covering topics such as production techniques, flavor trends, regulatory challenges, and market opportunities. Attendees can expect an engaging discussion that offers a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic spirits market, enriched by the diverse perspectives and expertise of the panelists.

01:40 PM 02:40 PM

Oyster Room

Cris Steller

Spirits Distillation, Private Label Production & Regulatory /Legislation projects

Adam Spiegel

President and Master Distiller of Corning & Company

Carmen Gonzalez Alfaro

Master Distiller & New Product Development in Casa del Sol Spirits

Distiller Panel: How To Sell Bulk and Private Label

The Distiller Panel at the International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show will focus on strategies for selling bulk and private label spirits. The panelists are:

  • Cris Steller, an expert in spirits distillation, private label production, and regulatory/legislation projects.
  • Adam Spiegel, President and Master Distiller of Corning & Company, bringing extensive experience in crafting premium spirits and managing private label projects.
  • Carmen Gonzalez Alfaro, a Master Distiller with expertise in new product development at Casa del Sol Spirits.

This panel will offer valuable insights into the intricacies of selling bulk and private label spirits, covering topics such as production processes, branding, packaging, market positioning, and regulatory compliance. Attendees can expect to gain practical knowledge and actionable strategies to effectively navigate the bulk and private label spirits market, leveraging the expertise of these seasoned distilling professionals.

Book Your Exhibitor Spot Today and Grow Your Business.

Book yours today and don't miss a chance to be part of America's biggest gathering of bulk and private label.

Book Exhibitor Spot