WSWA 73rd Annual Convention & Exposition Returns to Las Vegas April 19
Keynote Speeches by journalist David Gregory and adventurer Aron Ralston, Lifetime Leadership Award honors to Las Vegas local Larry Ruvo, launches of new wines and spirits from around the globe and much more shine a light on the beverage industry
On Tuesday, April 19 Las Vegas celebrates the business of beverage and welcomes the return of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Convention and Exposition to Caesars Palace bringing together the top talent in the wine and spirits industry. This year’s convention features a series of exciting speakers and special events, including the introductory keynote speech by renowned journalist David Gregory; tasting competitions and events; hospitality suites; and more.
One highlight of this year’s event includes two general sessions, sponsored by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and featuring keynote speaker Aron Ralston, fearless adventurer and subject of the hit film “127 Hours,” as well as television journalist David Gregory. The event also is home to exciting competitions including Wine and Spirits Tasting Competitions, the “Call for Cocktails Mixology Competition,” the unique “Wholesaler Iron Mixologist Competition” and the new “Brand Battle.”
On Thursday, April 21 the U.S. Beverage Alcohol Forum will feature sessions on marketing, succeeding within the three-tier system, and launching brands and rolling-out new extensions, among other relevant industry topics.
This year, WSWA will recognize two industry giants: Tito Beveridge and Larry Ruvo. The WSWA Educational Foundation will present Tito Beveridge, founder of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, with the Sidney Frank Award, given annually to a person who has made exceptional industry contributions in addition to noteworthy philanthropy and community service. The award is named for Sidney Frank, a leading innovator who built a number of successful brands and an extraordinary philanthropist.
WSWA will also present the Lifetime Leadership Award to Larry Ruvo, senior managing director of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada and a 40-year veteran of the industry. The award is presented annually to a wholesaler whose contribution to the association, the beverage industry and the community defines excellence, inspires loyalty and exemplifies leadership.
Highlights and additional information on the 73rd annual convention can be found at www.wswaconvention.org.
About Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America Convention
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 and hosted by WSWA, a national trade association representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry. With 350 member companies across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, WSWA is the voice for wholesalers in Congress, the executive branch, courts, state legislatures, and news media nationwide. More information about WSWA is available at www.wswa.org.
