The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has officially opened registration for its 70th Annual Convention & Exposition in Orlando Fla., April 28-30, 2013. A new information-packed convention website (www.wswaconvention.org) features interactive links to convention registration and housing, exhibit and hospitality suite floorplans, as well as information on a variety of competitions, evening events and networking opportunities.
The industry’s leading event will be held at the Grande Lakes Orlando, a joint J.W. Marriott and Ritz-Carlton property.
“Whether you are an established brand, expanding your product line, or a start-up looking for distribution, the WSWA 70th Annual Convention & Exposition is the place to network with key partners and build relationships to take your business to the next level,” WSWA President and CEO Craig Wolf said.
Convention attendees and exhibitors also can watch a renowned panel of judges as they critique product during the Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition; learn from mixologists as they compete in the “Call for Cocktails” Mixology and “Wholesaler Iron Mixologist” competitions; and watch new trends emerge during the “Hoptails” Mixology Competition which will showcase the combination of spirits and craft beer into signature cocktail creations. The competitions are sponsored by The Tasting Panel magazine (www.tastingpanelmag.com) and will feature Tony Abou-Ganim (www.themodernmixologist.com) as executive director. Abou-Ganim is one of the industry’s leading mixology pioneers and a frequent expert on the topic in high-profile media outlets.
On the program at this year’s convention are high-profile keynote speakers including the only NFL player with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Terry Bradshaw, and New York real estate mogul, business consultant and television personality Barbara Corcoran. The schedule also includes the opening night reception and the popular “Taste of the Industry” event. The U.S. Beverage Alcohol Forum (USBAF) presented in partnership with the U.S. Drinks Conference, offers can’t-miss educational sessions for wholesalers, suppliers and retailers. Registration for the USBAF is included in the convention fee or can be purchased as a separate item.
The WSWA Annual Convention & Exposition is widely covered by industry, trade and lifestyle media as well as WSWA-TV via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. To view the 70th Annual Convention & Exposition promotional video, go to: www.youtube.com/user/wswaannualconvention.
WSWA reports that due to great interest during the pre-sale period, exhibit space and lower level hospitality suites are selling at a record pace. Exhibitors are encouraged to act quickly to reserve space.
To learn more about the WSWA 70th Annual Convention & Exposition and to register visit: www.wswaconvention.org or call the WSWA Convention Hotline at 202-371-5682. Save money by registering before the “early bird” deadline on January 31.
The WSWA Annual Convention & Exposition has traditionally drawn more than 2,000 attendees and is the highlight of the year for the beverage alcohol industry. It is organized by WSWA, a national trade association representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry. With more than 350 member companies across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, WSWA is the voice for wholesalers in Congress, the administration, the courts, with the news media and in communities across America.
