WSWA Invites Retailers to Annual Convo

Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America's annual convention is no longer its annual convention.  It's now "Access LIVE," and retailers are invited.  It will be April 2-5 at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando.   Early bird rates are available through Dec. 16.

"Access LIVE will be the industry event connecting all three tiers under one roof — something that has never happened before," said Frances Creighton, WSWA's new president/ceo. "If you are looking to access new wholesaler partners, exciting brands, members of the media, deals and deal-making, or educational insights, Access LIVE is where you want to be."

The Battle of the Brands will still be featured, an event that helped launch Gray Whale Gin, Bedlam Vodka, Boukman Rhum, Seaside Grown, and most recently, Campesino Rum.

In a real break with traditional, there will no longer be suites in isolated hotel rooms.  Instead, the exhibit hall will feature 300 exhibit booths, 20 suites around the perimeter as well as the Live stage where TED-style sessions will take place.  The Hub, a new media training and creation workplace, will feature a content lab, mixology workshop, Brand Building Bar and media lounge.

There will also be a Main Stage with keynote speakers, general sessions and award ceremonies. There will also be Roundtable Hot Topic sessions that require registration prior to the show. Topics include an Update & Trends Analysis from WSWA's SipSource, a wholesaler-only roundtable, and a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) luncheon discussing the results of Deloitte's Raising the Bar Study sponsored by Women of the Vine & Spirits.

The General Sessions will showcase remarks from industry members, brand owners and celebrities, plus a welcome from WSWA's new President and CEO Francis Creighton.