Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America “understands the important role this annual event has played for wholesalers, suppliers, retailers, and other vendors within the industry for more than 75 years, the association said.
But, “as evidenced by the ongoing rocky large-scale event recovery, and as felt by other large trade associations, WSWA, with input from board members and industry partners, decided that hosting a large event where tastings and meeting in-person are paramount was not for the best in the Spring of 2022,” Michelle Korsmo, WSWA president/CEO, said.
Looking toward 2023, WSWA said it has completely reimagined the 2,800-person event. The 2023 experience will showcase supplier growth, provide media asset creation, encourage deal-making and networking, as well as deliver experiential learning and wholesaler thought leadership. Chris Underwood, WSWA chairman, said: “Our industry is built on relationships and the convention has always been a great conduit for building lifelong ones. WSWA’s new convention format will certainly enhance this experience for all, for decades to come.”
“The WSWA Board weighed heavily in this new direction, and this is the right move for the industry. I am positive that the convention and trade show event we launch in 2023 will once again be the epicenter for beverage alcohol for years to come,” said Tom Cole, current Vice Chairman, and Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors for RNDC. “WSWA’s convention has and will always be the strongest platform to foster the acceleration of all three-tiers of the industry as we continue to make the U.S. alcohol marketplace the best in the world.”
The 2023 WSWA convention will be April 3-6 in Orlando, Fla.