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Full Schedule

Full Schedule

  • Wednesday, February 5, 2025
  • 7:45 AM – 9:30 AM MST
    Closing General Session & Breakfast
    Main Stage
  • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST
    Member Services Lounge Open
    WSWA members can stop by the Member Services Lounge for a quick break between meetings and walking the show floor to engage with WSWA staff and learn more about association initiatives like the WSWA-PAC and WSWA’s Educational Foundation, explore member benefits, or meet with a representative from Distribution Solutions.
  • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST
    Registration Open
  • 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM MST
    Freeman Product Distribution Center Open
  • 8:15 AM – 9:30 AM MST
    Closing General Session & Breakfast
  • 9:40 AM – 4:00 PM MST
    Access HQ (Exhibit Hall) Open
    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.
  • 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM MST
    Shaken, Stirred, and Redefined: Navigating Beverage Trends in the Hotel Industry
    LIVE Stage Speaker: Gary Gruver – Marriott International
    LIVE Stage Speaker: Steven Goalen – Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
    LIVE Stage Speaker: Stephanie Krawczyk – Marriott International
    Join us for an insightful discussion with Marriott’s leaders for beverages as they unveil the latest trends and consumer preferences shaping the hotel industry. Gary Gruver, Steven Goalen and Stephanie Krawczyk will cover everything from luxury brands to convention hotels and portfolio properties across the country. Discover how Marriott selects the perfect products for their hotel bars and property restaurants. Gain insider knowledge on what it takes to get your product on their radar and learn the submission process for consideration. This session offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from an industry expert and understand the evolving landscape of hotel beverage offerings.
    LIVE Stage
  • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM MST
    Reinventing Iconic Vacation Cocktails
  • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM MST
    Hub Activities Open
    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!
  • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM MST
    Main Street Suites Open
  • 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM MST
    SipSource Data Center
    Check out the NEW SipSource Data Center and “Analysts Zone” on the showroom floor! This unique opportunity allows attendees to engage with SipSource experts for informative sessions and data demos. Experience interactive, live demonstrations showcasing the industry’s most reliable data source in a first-of-its-kind format.
    SipSource
  • 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM MST
    Wholesaler Power Hour: Finding Success in Control States: A Deeper Dive on How to Succeed within A Public-Private Partnership
    LIVE Stage Speaker: David Jackson – NABCA
    LIVE Stage Speaker: Dale Stratton – SipSource
    LIVE Stage Speaker: Will Fulghom – Breakthru Beverage Group
    LIVE Stage Speaker: Kevin Wood – William Grant & Sons, Inc.
    According to the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), control jurisdictions represent approximately 24.7% of the nation’s population and account for roughly 23.0% of distilled spirit sales and a significantly smaller percentage of beer and wine sales. Hear from NABCA on best business practices being implemented across the 18 US control jurisdictions and the wholesalers who work to support this critical relationship between industry and government. This session will also feature data from WSWA's SipSource to provide unique insights on market performance.
    LIVE Stage
  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST
    No & Low Mixology Workshop
  • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM MST
    Hemp Beverage Meet and Greet presented by Hemp Beverage Alliance
    Are you curious about the growing hemp beverage industry and how it intersects with wine and spirits distribution? Connect with hemp beverage manufacturers, wine and spirits distributors, and industry leaders to explore opportunities, share insights, and discuss the future of this exciting sector.
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM MST
    Grab & Go Lunch
  • 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM MST
    Intoxicating Hemp: Regulation in the States and the Road Ahead
    LIVE Stage Speaker: Dr. Gillian Schauer – Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA)
    LIVE Stage
  • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM MST
    Tech at Every Level: Crafting High-Impact Cocktail Content on Any Budget
    Learn how to create scroll-stopping, social media-worthy content; no matter your budget! This seminar will guide you from simple smartphone setups to pro-level production using lighting, stabilizers, and top editing systems. Discover must-have phone accessories and advanced gear like the Sony A7 series, plus expert tips to make your visuals stand out. Whether you're starting with the basics or ready to level up, this session will help you craft stunning content that grabs attention.
  • 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM MST
    Continue the Conversation: Hemp Beverage Industry Q&A
    Continue the conversation with Live Stage regulatory speakers on emerging state and federal consideration around hemp-derived intoxicating beverages.
    HQ Connect
  • 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM MST
    WSWA/DISCUS Meeting (Invite Only)
  • 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM MST
    Connecting with Emerging Consumers: Culture, Transparency, Technology
    LIVE Stage Speaker: Erlinda A. Doherty – Vinicola Consulting
    Younger LDAs are conscientious consumers who are socially conscious, value authenticity, and are digitally deft. As our industry is at a crossroads, we have a unique opportunity to transform how we engage with these consumers and create new enduring relationships. In this discussion, we will learn what leaders are doing to successfully develop new connections through culture-forward narratives, showcasing insistence on transparency, and investing in the newest technologies to forge new pathways to emerging consumers.
    LIVE Stage
  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM MST
    Unlocking the Future of American Whiskey: Trends, Innovation, and Market Expansion
    Mixologist: Sly Cosmopoulos, CSS, WSET II Wine, WSET III Spirits,WSET Certified Trainer – Republic National Distributing Company
    Visit the Mixology Workshop for an exciting deep dive into the evolving world of American Whiskey and discover how to leverage its potential to captivate both seasoned aficionados and new generations of drinkers. In this dynamic seminar, we’ll explore emerging trends shaping the category, innovative ways to push boundaries on signature drink menus, and strategies to introduce whiskey to novices without alienating connoisseurs.
    Learn how to craft compelling cocktail experiences that entice younger audiences while maintaining the integrity of this timeless spirit. We'll also discuss strategic timeframes and promotional periods to maximize whiskey sales and create buzz that resonates year-round.
    If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve and establish yourself as a leader in the whiskey space, this session is your ultimate guide to driving trial, increasing engagement, and elevating whiskey's presence in today’s ever-evolving market.
    Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and strategies from an industry leader.
    Mixology Workshop
  • 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM MST
    Pronghorn x Diageo: Reducing the Sea of Sameness to Capture the Future Consumer
    LIVE Stage Speaker: Erin Hall – Pronghorn
    LIVE Stage Speaker: Malcolm Ellis – Diageo
    LIVE Stage Speaker: Alan Henderson – Henderson Spirits
    In a marketplace increasingly saturated with indistinguishable products and brands, standing out is more crucial than ever. This fireside chat will explore the innovative partnership between Pronghorn and Diageo as they tackle the challenge of breaking through the "sea of sameness" in the beverage alcohol industry.
    Join leaders from both companies as they discuss their strategy for identifying and capturing the future consumer—one that demands authenticity, diversity, and bold innovation. Drawing on Pronghorn's commitment to building an inclusive pipeline of emerging talent and Diageo's legacy of crafting world-class brands, this conversation will dive into how they are reshaping the industry by embracing new perspectives and disrupting traditional categories.
    From leveraging data and culture-driven insights to forging collaborations that resonate with a new generation of consumers, this session will uncover actionable strategies for brands looking to not only stay relevant but thrive in the evolving marketplace. Attendees will leave with a fresh understanding of how innovation, inclusivity, and a bold vision can help brands connect with the future consumer and rise above the noise.
    LIVE Stage
  • 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM MST
    Exhibit Hall & Suites Teardown
  • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM MST
    Ovation LIVE
    A crowd favorite! Ovation LIVE is the exclamation point on a week of unparalleled networking and deal making. This is the perfect last chance to strengthen and celebrate new relationships, connections, and deals made during Access LIVE. Stay tuned for exciting Ovation LIVE announcements!
    Reception