Schedule Offers

Kaleigh Theriault from NielsenIQ will provide an in-depth analysis of the latest trends and consumer behavior in the alcohol industry. Learn how data can guide strategic decision-making for brands, retailers, and importers, and discover actionable insights for 2024 and beyond.

Brian Rosen, Chairman of InvestBev, will share lessons from years of experience in launching brands. He’ll break down the most common mistakes that hinder success and provide actionable advice for emerging and established brands aiming to thrive in the competitive alcohol market

With shifting global trade policies and new tariff structures reshaping import dynamics, this panel brings together top U.S. distributors and importers to discuss how they're adapting sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and future-proofing their portfolios. Learn what importers and distributors are looking for in 2025, how to pitch successfully in a competitive landscape, and the biggest risks and opportunities ahead.

Key Takeaways:

• How tariffs are changing the playing field
• What suppliers need to do to secure distribution
• Forecasts for category growth and margin resilience
• Leveraging data and digital tools to optimize the supply chains

Whether you’re an international brand looking to enter the U.S. market or a domestic player adapting to global shifts, this panel gives you a front-row seat to how distributors and importers are thinking and buying in 2025. Understand what it takes to get noticed, secure shelf space, and stay relevant amid volatility — straight from the decision-makers themselves.

In today’s competitive retail environment, education is emerging as a key differentiator. This panel brings together a leading Chicago mainstreet retailer and the Director of Education at Southern Glazer Wine and Spirits Florida to explore how informed staff, smarter buying, and supplier-driven training programs are influencing what gets listed—and what actually sells. Moderated by Sid Patel, this session will reveal how brands can better partner with both sides of the trade to drive visibility, advocacy, and velocity.

Highlight native Italian varietals that express a deep connection to their region of origin. This session celebrates authenticity, tradition, and regional character.

Cocktail culture is evolving fast — from low-ABV creations and sustainable practices to spirit-free storytelling and global influences. In this lively panel, top bartenders and bar program directors share what’s trending behind the stick, how brand relationships are formed, and why bars are becoming cultural hubs. Whether you’re building a brand or refining your on-premise strategy, this is where the pulse of the drinks scene beats loudest.

If you want to understand what’s truly driving drinks decisions on the front lines, this is the panel to attend. You’ll hear directly from the creators behind award-winning cocktail programs, learn what bartenders are looking for in brand partnerships, and gain valuable insight into what’s connecting with guests right now. Whether you're a brand, supplier, or industry peer, this panel will sharpen your on-premise game.

In this panel, the bar managers will cover what’s trending in cocktail programs across the U.S, How bartenders choose which brands to work with, Menu engineering for profit and guest engagement and The cultural influence of bars in 2025 and beyond. The talk will also have a Q and A for other bar managers and bartenders to ask questions to the panel.

From inflation to inventory pressure and changing guest habits, restaurants are rethinking how they structure their beverage menus. This panel features leading operators, sommeliers, and beverage directors sharing how they’re curating profitable lists, working with suppliers, and responding to the premiumization vs. value trend.

Key Takeaways:
Local vs. imported: What guests are asking for
How to build supplier partnerships that go beyond price
Creating dynamic wine and cocktail lists that drive revenue

If you're a brand looking to break into restaurant programs — or a restaurant professional aiming to make your beverage list work harder — this session delivers practical strategies from the people doing it best. Learn how to create programs that wow guests, boost margins, and respond to shifting preferences without sacrificing quality.

Press event for Taste the Difference. Inviting all media to atttend.

Catalonia: A Journey Through 12 PDO Wine Regions

This masterclass, part of the European program Taste the Difference, will explore the rich diversity of Catalan wines through seven selections from Catalonia’s 12 PDO regions. Home to the fifth-largest vineyard area in Europe, Catalonia’s wines reflect a unique terroir shaped by the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. This session highlights the region’s deep-rooted winemaking tradition and innovative spirit, where every bottle tells a story of culture, craftsmanship, and excellence.

This tasting showcases how geography—altitude, soil, and climate—shapes Italian wines. Each wine tells the story of a different terroir, from alpine slopes to coastal vineyards.