Schedule

• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• february 17, 2020
• 1:00pm Registration1:00pm- 6:30pm

  Registration open all day.
• 1:00pm Hands-On Cash Flow Forecasting: Breakout Session1:00pm- 3:00pm

  Cash is the lifeblood of any business. It is arguably more important than profitability. In this hands on workshop, participants will create their own cash flow forecast spreadsheet using their own financial data. The session will open and close with classroom-style instruction, and in the middle of the session participants will get one-on-one attention with a CPA who specializes in accounting for distillers. Each participant will leave with a customized cash flow document and knowledge of how to use it as a management tool for their business. Speakers: Maria Pearman – CPA, Alcohol Beverage Finance and Tax, Perkins & Co.
• 1:00PM WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits Exam: Breakout Session1:00PM- 3:00PM

  WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits Exam: Breakout Session
• 1:00PM DISCUS Export Promotion Working Group (by invitation only)1:00PM- 2:00PM

  Committee members of the DISCUS Export Promotion Working Group will meet.
• 2:00PM DISCUS Transportation and Trade Operations Committees (by invitation only)2:00PM- 3:15PM

  Committee members of the DISCUS Transportation and Trade Operations Committees will meet.
• 2:00PM Private tour of Vendome Copper and Brass Works2:00PM- 3:15PM

  For one hundred plus years the Vendome Copper and Brass Works has been fabricating and supplying equipment to distilleries and other industries needing stills, cookers, vats and other metal apparatus. See current production on stills and fermentation tanks up close on this private tour. Vendome is located in downtown Louisville, a ten minute taxi ride from the Omni. Tour attendees responsible for coordinating transportation to and from the venue. Tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and is limited to ten people on a first come, first served basis. Vendome Copper and Brass Works 729 Franklin Street Louisville, KY 40202
• 3:00PM DISCUS Craft Advisory Council (by invitation only)3:00PM- 4:00PM

  Members of the DISCUS Craft Advisory Council will meet.
• 3:00PM Private tour of Vendome Copper and Brass Works3:00PM- 4:15PM

  For one hundred plus years the Vendome Copper and Brass Works has been fabricating and supplying equipment to distilleries and other industries needing stills, cookers, vats and other metal apparatus. See current production on stills and fermentation tanks up close on this private tour. Vendome is located in downtown Louisville, a ten minute taxi ride from the Omni. Tour attendees responsible for coordinating transportation to and from the venue. Tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and is limited to ten people on a first come, first served basis. Vendome Copper and Brass Works 729 Franklin Street Louisville, KY 40202
• 3:00PM DISCUS Market Development Meeting (by invitation only)3:00PM- 5:00PM

  DISCUS Market Development Committee will meet.
• 3:30PM DISCUS Laws and Regulations Committee (by invitation only)3:30PM- 5:00PM

  DISCUS Laws and Regulations Committee will meet.
• 4:00PM Private tour of Vendome Copper and Brass Works4:00PM- 5:15PM

  For one hundred plus years the Vendome Copper and Brass Works has been fabricating and supplying equipment to distilleries and other industries needing stills, cookers, vats and other metal apparatus. See current production on stills and fermentation tanks up close on this private tour. Vendome is located in downtown Louisville, a ten minute taxi ride from the Omni. Tour attendees responsible for coordinating transportation to and from the venue. Tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and is limited to ten people on a first come, first served basis. Vendome Copper and Brass Works 729 Franklin Street Louisville, KY 40202
• 5:00PM DISCUS Public Affairs Committee Meeting (by invitation only)5:00PM- 6:30PM

  Members of the DISCUS Public Affairs Committee will meet.
• 5:30PM Private Reception for Craft Distillers and Distributors (by invitation only)5:30PM- 6:30PM

  Join your peers in networking with key contacts in the distributor tier, helping to build relationships in a relaxed atmosphere to help build your business.
• 6:30PM Opening Reception hosted by Women in Spirits6:30PM- 8:00PM

  Hosted by Women in Spirits, the opening reception will be the official kick off to the DISCUS Inaugural Conference! Join us for food, music and, of course, spirits. Welcoming remarks will be made by leading women in the industry.
• 8:00PM Board of Directors Dinner (by invitation only)8:00PM- 10:00PM

  Old Forester Distillery
• february 18, 2020
• 7:30AM Registration7:30AM- 5:00PM

  Registration open all day.
• 7:30AM Breakfast sponsored by McDermott Will & Emery, with Bloody Mary Bar hosted by American Beverage Marketers7:30AM- 9:00AM

  Fuel up before a full day of great content! A breakfast buffet will be served .
• 7:30AM Sponsor Exhibits7:30AM- 5:00PM

  Be sure to check out all of the table top booths throughout the day. We are proud to have over 20 innovative companies specializing in shipping & logistics, marketing & data, spirits supplies, responsible consumption, and architecture & construction sponsor our inaugural conference.
• 8:30AM What does responsibility mean to me?8:30AM- 10:30AM

  Nikki Kurt, artist and graphic storyteller, will be at the R.org booth to bring RESPONSIBILITY to life. Asking attendees to describe "What Responsibility Means to Me." Nikki will capture the spirit of the organization's dedication to alcohol responsibility as part of a balanced lifestyle as seen through the members of the industry.
• 9:00AM Opening Remarks and Welcome9:00AM- 9:30AM

  Join us for the opening of the DISCUS 2020 Inaugural Conference. DISCUS President & CEO Chris Swonger reflects on the state of the industry and highlights key trends that the conference will address. Kentucky Distillers' Association President Eric Gregory provides a welcome to the state of Kentucky and highlights the work of the Kentucky Distillers' Association. Jessica Pendergrass from Heaven Hill Distilleries, and the Kentucky Distillers' Association Chair, will introduce Louisville Forward Chief, Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, who welcomes everyone to the iconic city. Speakers: Chris Swonger – President & CEO at Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Eric Gregory – President at Kentucky Distillers Association Jessica Pendergrass – General Counsel at Heaven Hill Distilleries Mary Ellen Wiederwohl – Chief, Louisville Forward
• 9:30AM Keynote Speaker – Senator Mitch McConnell, United States Senator at United States Senate9:30AM- 10:00AM

  A steadfast advocate for the distilled spirits industry, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will provide insights reflecting his 35 years in the U.S. Senate on the political landscape in advance of the 2020 election, highlight 2020 legislative priorities for the U.S. Senate and spotlight policy issues impacting the distilled spirits industry. Leader McConnell has served in the U.S. Senate since 1985 and served as the Senate Minority Leader before becoming the Senate Majority Leader in 2015. During his time in the U.S. Senate, Leader McConnell has championed tax and trade policies that support the industry. Speakers Senator Mitch McConnell – United States Senator at United States Senate (invited)
• 10:00AM Break hosted by Country Malt Group10:00AM- 10:30AM

  Thank you Country Malt Group for hosting this break. Country Malt Group provides a vast selection of quality malt ingredients to brewers, distillers and other craft beverage creators.
• 10:30AM General Session: State of the States10:30AM- 11:30AM

  DISCUS State Government Relations Vice Presidents Jay Hibbard, Dale Szyndrowski and Adam Smith are joined by Matt Dogali, President at American Distilled Spirits Association and Crady deGolian, Director of Government Affairs at Beam Suntory, to discuss the early returns from the state and local legislative sessions for 2020 and forecast the spirits industry’s biggest challenges as we play out the rest of the year. Moderated by Jay Hibbard. Speakers: Adam Smith – Vice President of Government Relations at Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Dale Szyndrowski – Vice President of Government Relations at Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Jay Hibbard – Vice President of Government Relations at Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Matt Dogali – President at American Distilled Spirits Association R. Crady deGolian – Director, State Government Affairs at Beam Suntory
• 11:30AM General Session: International Trade: OpportunIties, Challenges and Threats11:30AM- 12:30PM

  Rob Maron, DISCUS Vice President of International Trade, will moderate this panel featuring CJ Hélie, Executive Vice President, Spirits Canada, and Alfonso Mojica Navarro, Director General, CÁMARA NACIONAL DE LA INDUSTRIA TEQUILERA to discuss North American distilled spirits trade issues, assess the impact of retaliatory tariffs, and present opportunities for growth resulting from the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and other trade agreements. * Please note this session is Continuing Legal Education accreditation pending, and will be videotaped. Speakers Alfonso Mojica Navarro – Director General at National Chamber of the Tequila Industry CJ Helie – Executive Vice President at Spirits Canada Rob Maron – Vice President, International Trade at Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
• 12:30PM Press Lunch and Availability (For Media Only)12:30PM- 1:00PM

  Special event for media only! Join DISCUS CEO Chris Swonger and industry guests for a talk over lunch about the industry at large, top priorities for 2020 and the Inaugural Conference. Speakers Chris Swonger – President & CEO at Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Deirdre Mahlan – President at Diageo North America Frank Coleman – Senior Adviser to the CEO at Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
• 12:30PM Lunch: Collaboration for Change12:30PM- 1:45PM

  Join us for a discussion over lunch about how a global alcohol company works to improve lives in their local community. Learn how Brown-Forman works with Volunteers of America (VOA) to bring a solution-based approach to address alcohol and drug addiction in Kentucky and neighboring states. Jennifer Hancock, president and CEO, VOA; Robert Stivers, Senate President, State of Kentucky; and Taylor Amerman, Global Alcohol Responsibility Manager at Brown-Forman, will join the panel moderated by Dr. Ben Nordstrom, Executive Director, Responsibility.org. Speakers Ben Nordstrom – Executive Director at Responsibility.org Jennifer Hancock – President and CEO at Volunteers of America Senator Robert Stivers – Senate President at State of Kentucky Taylor Amerman – Global Alcohol Responsibility Manager at Brown-Forman
• 1:00PM What does responsibility mean to me?1:00PM- 3:00PM

  Nikki Kurt, artist and graphic storyteller, will be at the R.org booth to bring RESPONSIBILITY to life. Asking attendees to describe "What Responsibility Means to Me." Nikki will capture the spirit of the organization's dedication to alcohol responsibility as part of a balanced lifestyle as seen through the members of the industry.
• 1:45PM Economic Overview: Trends in the U.S. Spirits Market1:45PM- 2:45PM

  Four experts will provide an overview of the economic trends in the distilled spirits industry: David Ozgo, Chief Economist at DISCUS, Chris Desmond, leader of US Global Trade Services and co-lead of PwC's national Value Chain Transformation, and Danelle Kosmal and Danny Brager from Nielsen's Beverage Alcohol and Cannabis Practices. This presentation will examine spirits category trends and forecast what we can anticipate in 2020 and beyond. Speakers Christopher Desmond – Co-lead of Value Change Transformation at PricewaterhouseCoopers Danelle Kosmal – Vice President, Beverage Alcohol Practice at Nielsen Danny Brager – Senior Vice-President, Beverage Alcohol and Cannabis Practices at Nielsen David Ozgo – Senior Vice President, Economic and Strategic Analysis at Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
• 1:45PM Sustainability: How Doing Good, is Good for Business1:45PM- 2:45PM

  By the nature of our agriculturally based products, the careful stewardship of the environment and natural resources is essential for the U.S. distilled spirits industry. Both spirits suppliers and our partners along the supply-chain are critical actors in not only minimizing environmental impact, but also ensuring that quality ingredients go into our products. José de Diego Arozamena, Chairman and CEO of Arglass, Jerry Hincka, Senior Consultant of EHS Support, and Dennis Sones, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at ByQuest and David Dennis from Pratt Industries will describe new and innovative approaches to logistics and the sourcing of materials to help the industry reduce its environmental impact. This panel will be moderated by Jonah Corbett, Director HSE-Americas at Campari. Speakers David Dennis – Chief Commercial Officer at Pratt Industries Dennis Sones – Vice President of Sales & Marketing at ByQuest Jerry Hincka – Senior Consultant at EHS Support Jonah Corbett – Director, HSE-Americas at Campari Group José de Diego Arozamena – Chairman and CEO at Arglass
• 1:45PM TTB: Navigating The Permit, Formula And COLA Process1:45PM- 2:45PM

  Obtaining permits, formulas and COLA approvals can be a confusing exercise. Experts from the TTB and our industry will walk through a spirits producer’s various touch points with the agency from start to finish, provide expert tips on navigating the process, and answer attendee questions. This panel will be moderated by Deborah Ringo, Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs at DIAGEO. * Please note this session is Continuing Legal Education accreditation pending, and will be videotaped. Speakers Chris Fay – Senior Formula Specialist at Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Deborah Ringo – Director, Regulatory & Technical Affairs at Diageo Linda Lewis – Regulatory Manager at Brown-Forman Tracy McNeil – Labeling Specialist at TTB Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division Troy Moon – Applications Division at Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau National Revenue Center
• 2:45PM Break hosted by Dimensional Insight2:45PM- 3:00PM

  Thank you Dimensional Insight for hosting this refreshment break! Dimensional Insight provides award-winning data analytics, governance & reporting tools for Suppliers & Distributors.
• 3:00PM Craft Beverage Modernization Tax Reform Act: What’s in Store?3:00PM- 4:00PM

  Panelists will discuss the current state of play with the CBMTRA extension efforts, as well as the importance of the law on craft distillers and importers, as well as efforts to secure the extension and how the industry can mobilize to that end. Courtney Armour, Chief Legal Officer at DISCUS will moderate this panel. * Please note this session is Continuing Legal Education accreditation pending, and will be videotaped. Speakers Alison Leavitt – Managing Director at Wine and Spirits Shippers Association Courtney Armour – Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Hannah Cooper – Director, Grassroots at Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Kelly Pike Poulson – Vice President, Government Relations at Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Philip McDaniel – CEO at St. Augustine Distillery Co.
• 3:00PM Responsibility: Think Globally, Act Locally3:00PM- 4:00PM

  The distilled spirits industry is dedicated to supporting and implementing robust responsibility programs all over the world. This panel takes a look at examples of successful efforts to reduce underage drinking and impaired driving that are being executed by spirits producers of all sizes-- and how others can implement those proven campaigns. Alejandro Manuel Flores, Legal and Public Affairs Director, Caribbean and Central America, Pernod Ricard; Patrick Flook, Sustainability and Responsibility Manager, Caribbean and Central America, DIAGEO; and Dana Huber, Vice President, Distribution and Public Relations, Huber’s Orchard, Winery, and Vineyard and the Starlight Distillery will join the panel, moderated by Helen Gaynor from Responsibility.org. Speakers Alejandro Flores – Legal and Public Affairs Director at Pernod Ricard Dana Huber – Vice President, Distribution and Public Relations at Huber's Starlight Distillery Helen Gaynor – Director of Educational Programs at Responsibility.org Patrick Flook – Sustainability and Responsibility, Caribbean and Central America at Diageo
• 3:00PM Women in Spirits3:00PM- 4:00PM

  Hear from several women who have been significant in shaping growth and development in the spirits industry: Diageo North America President, Deirdre Mahlan; CEO and co-founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, Fawn Weaver; Woodford Reserve Assistant Master Distiller, Elizabeth McCall; and Catoctin Creek Co-Founder and Chief Distiller, Becky Harris come together to share their unique perspective as leading female voices from across the different aspects of the industry. Heather Fritzsche from The Spearhead Group will moderate the panel. Speakers Becky Harris – Founder and Chief Distiller at Catoctin Creek Deirdre Mahlan – President at Diageo North America Elizabeth McCall – Assistant Master Distiller at Brown-Forman Fawn Weaver – CEO at Uncle Nearest, Inc. Heather Fritzsche – CEO at The Spearhead Group
• 4:00PM Break hosted by Wine and Spirits Shippers Association4:00PM- 4:15PM

  Thank you Wine and Spirits Shippers Association for hosting this break. The Wine and Spirits Shippers Association (WSSA) negotiates shipping contracts on behalf of importers and exporters in the wine and spirits industry. Stop by their booth during the break to learn more about their business.
• 4:15PM Keynote: Retailers Discuss Brand Building in the 2020 Marketplace and Beyond4:15PM- 5:00PM

  The off-premise environment is critical to building iconic spirits brands. As retail trends evolve, representatives from several notable retailers will discuss what lies ahead in 2020 and beyond. Panelists include Jim Shpall, President and CEO of Apple Jack Wine and Spirits, Joshua Hammond, President of Buster's Wine and Liquors and David Jabour, Owner of Twin Liquors. John Bodnovich, Executive Director at American Beverage Licensees, moderates this panel. Speakers David Jabour – President at Twin Liquors Jim Shpall – President and CEO at Apple Jack Wine and Spirits John Bodnovich – Executive Director at American Beverage Licensers Joshua Hammond – President at Buster's Liquor's & Wines
• 5:30PM 21st Amendment Reception (by invitation only)5:30PM- 6:30PM

  For invited guests only, Board, Leadership and VIP Guests network and mingle in a location celebrating the end of prohibition. Cheers!
• 6:00PM Awards Dinner Reception hosted by Pratt Industries6:00PM- 7:00PM

  Enjoy a cocktail and network with spirits industry professionals at a reception hosted by Pratt Industries, America's 5th largest corrugated packaging company and the world's largest, privately-held 100% recycled paper and packaging company, with more than 9000 highly-skilled, green-collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability.
• 7:00PM DISCUS Awards Dinner – Emceed by Fred Minnick7:00PM- 9:00PM

  Join us for dinner as we recognize and honor the many accomplishments of our four award winners: DISCUS Lifetime Achievement Award, DISCUS Chairman’s Leadership Award, DISCUS Top Shelf Award, and the DISCUS Dave Pickerell Memorial Craft Member of the Year. Celebrate the achievements of our industry at this premier networking event. The awards are sponsored by Vendome Copper and the evening will be emceed by Mr. Bourbon himself – Fred Minnick! Speakers Fred Minnick – Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author, Bourbon Curator and Taster at Bourbon Plus Magazine
• 9:00PM Spirits United Networking After Party9:00PM- 11:00PM

  Following the Awards Dinner, join Spirits United for sips and snacks at the Yum! Center.
• february 19, 2020
• 7:30am Breakfast hosted by McDermott Will & Emery7:30am- 9:00AM

  Thank you McDermott Will & Emery for hosting today’s breakfast. McDermott Will & Emery represents many of the top US companies in the spirits industry and dozens of multinational corporations worldwide. For years, clients have described MWE as "The Gold Standard” of Alcohol Beverages Law.
• 7:30AM Sponsor Exhibits7:30AM- 3:30PM

  Be sure to check out all of the table top booths throughout the day. We are proud to have over 20 innovative companies specializing in shipping & logistics, marketing & data, spirits supplies, responsible consumption, and architecture & construction sponsor our inaugural conference.
• 8:30AM Opening Remarks: Deirdre Mahlan – President at Diageo North America8:30AM- 8:40AM

  DISCUS Chair and President of Diageo North America, Deirdre Mahlan, kicks off day two of the DISCUS Inaugural Conference with opening remarks. Speaker: Deirdre Mahlan – President at Diageo North America
• 8:40AM Responsibility.org Program Overview Including Special Announcement8:40AM- 9:00AM

  Dr. Ben Nordstrom, Executive Director of Responsibility.org will provide an overview of the organization’s programs and initiatives that serve to prevent underage drinking, end drunk driving, and promote responsible consumption. In addition, Dr. Nordstrom will be joined by Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) to introduce a new and exciting joint initiative to prevent underage drinking. Speakers Ben Nordstrom – Executive Director at Responsibility.org Michelle Korsmo – President and CEO at Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America
• 9:00AM Keynote Speaker – Michael Phelps – Founder at Michael Phelps Foundation9:00AM- 9:40AM

  Michael Phelps, one of the most decorated athletes of all-time, will speak about the importance of responsibility initiatives and youth education. After returning home from his record-breaking performance in 2008, Phelps launched the Michael Phelps Foundation, with a mission to promote healthy and active lives for kids across the country. The Foundation’s signature program – IM – is a multi-faceted life skills curriculum that offers learn-to-swim, recreational and competitive aquatic activities as well as health and goal-setting lessons. In celebration of a decade of programming, the Foundation expanded its IM Healthy offering to include emotional health lessons that are available to all for free at www.michaelphelpsfoundation.org. Investing in the mental and emotional health of our youth is crucial now more than ever, and it takes leaders to create space to support programs that build up our kids and help them make smart decisions in the future, which isn’t necessarily easy. Being a leader isn’t just about making the tough, but right choice – it is also about learning from the past and having the courage to know it’s never too late to make the right decision. (Closed to Media)
• 9:40AM Break hosted by Dimensional Insights9:40AM- 10:00AM

  Thank you Dimensional Insight for hosting this refreshment break! Dimensional Insight provides award-winning data analytics, governance & reporting tools for Suppliers & Distributors.
• 10:00AM General Session: Market Disruptors - Marijuana, Changing Consumption Patterns and New Products to Market10:00AM- 10:45AM

  Emerging trends are threatening to disrupt the marketplace. Brandy Rand, Chief Operating Officer of the Americas at The IWSR, the global benchmark for beverage and alcohol data and intelligence, will examine the shifting marketplace as recreational marijuana continues to emerge, beverage alcohol consumption patterns shift and new products such as hard seltzers affect wider category dynamics. Speakers Brandy Rand – COO Americas at The IWSR
• 10:00AM Responsiblity.org Board Meeting with National Advisory Board (by invitation only)10:00AM- 2:00PM

  The Responsibility.org Advisory Board and Board members meet to continue the planning for the growth of Responsibility.org in 2020 and beyond, as they work to end impaired driving and underage drinking through their collective action. By invitation only.
• 10:45AM Break hosted by ByQuest10:45AM- 11:00AM

  Thank you ByQuest for hosting this break! ByQuest builds brands by continually innovating to provide customers with the ultimate one-stop source for all their specialty glass packaging needs. They aim to enhance brand value through the creation of impactful visual identity.
• 11:00AM 10 Things Every Spirits Brand Owner Should Keep in Mind About Trademark Enforcement11:00AM- 12:00PM

  David Gooder was Brown-Forman/Jack Daniel's first Chief Trademark Counsel, a position he held for 22 years. As such, he was the guardian of the Jack Daniel's trademarks. His work across many borders, languages, and cultures produced valuable learnings and honed trademark enforcement strategies and tactics. Join David as he takes us through his ten most important pieces of advice brand owners should consider when faced with a trademark enforcement challenge, regardless of which side of the dispute the brand finds itself. * Please note this session is Continuing Legal Education accreditation pending, and will be videotaped. Speakers David Gooder – Consulting Chief Trademark Counsel at Independent Consultant
• 11:00AM Advancing the Responsibility Agenda: Kentucky Case Study11:00AM- 12:00PM

  Kentucky recently passed legislation that improves the state's policy on ignition interlocks and advanced the responsibility agenda. This panel recounts how successful partnerships between the lawmakers, social responsibility organizations and spirits associations from the state and national level were key in achieving this important goal. Kentucky State Senator Whitney Westerfield (R-Hopkinsville), Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers' Association, and Jason Siwula, Acting Executive Director, Kentucky Office of Transportation will join the panel moderated by Madeleine Spjut from Responsibility.org. Speakers Eric Gregory – President at Kentucky Distillers Association Jason Siwula – Acting Executive Director at Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Madeleine Spjut – Director of Government Relations at Responsibility.org Senator Whitney Westerfield – Kentucky State Senator at State of Kentucky
• 11:00AM Social Media Influencers: Keeping current and compliant11:00AM- 12:00PM

  Hear experts from Wheel House Labs, Starpower and McDermott, Will, and Emery as they discuss the benefits and risks of using Social Media to build your brand, including the growing trend of using Social Media Influencers and how to maximize their benefits while avoiding costly code violations. Speakers Alva Mather – Partner and Head of the Alcohol Regulatory & Distribution Group at McDermott Will & Emery Dan Sanborn – President at Wheelhouse Labs Elizabeth Alpert – Senior Vice President at Starpower
• 12:00PM Legend's Lunch12:00PM- 1:00PM

  Maker’s Mark cofounders Bill and Margie Samuels reinvented family whisky and helped revolutionize the industry. Maker’s Mark is an iconic American creation – from the dipped red wax seal (which Margie originally hand dipped in her kitchen using a fryer to melt the wax) to the wheated flavor profile that Bill perfected. “Don’t screw up the whisky” were the words of advice Bill Sr. shared with Bill Samuels, Jr. when he took the reins of the family business in 1975. Bill Samuels, Jr., Chairman Emeritus, Maker's Mark Distillery, will share insights on his decades of experience growing his family-founded business into a global whisky brand. Eric Gregory from the Kentucky Distillers Association will introduce Bill Samuels. Speakers Bill Samuels – Chairman Emeritus at Maker's Mark Eric Gregory – President at Kentucky Distillers Association
• 1:00PM DISCUS Board of Directors Meeting (by invitation only)1:00PM- 4:00PM

  The DISCUS Board and Executive Committee will meet to continue guiding the future of the organization. Invite only.
• 1:15PM How to Get Expanded Distribution1:15PM- 2:15PM

  Industry veteran Broken Shed Vodka's Paul Criscuolo, NABCA's President and CEO, Jim Sgueo, Imperial Beverage President Joe Cekola and Breakthru Beverage Group Founder Charles Merinoff lead a discussion with Distributors on how Craft Distillers can get the attention of their distributors and tips on how to gain expanded distribution in a crowded marketplace. Chrissy Beaudette, Director of Business Development, MHW, Ltd, moderates this panel. Speakers Charles Merinoff – Founder, Breakthru Beverage Group Chrissy Beaudette Tinelli – Director of Client Development at MHW Ltd. Jim Sgueo – President and CEO, National Alcohol Beverage Control Association Joe Cekola – President at Imperial Beverage Paul Criscuolo – Vice President, National Sales Leader at Broken Shed Vodka LLC
• 1:15PM Millennial Trends: Tailoring Brands to New Consumer Demands1:15PM- 2:15PM

  Noah Friedman, COO of 3X3, a data analysis firm that analyzes receipt-level retail data, presents an analysis of new trends in consumer demand. Speakers Noah Friedman – COO at 3x3
• 1:15PM Virginia is for (Spirits) Lovers: Partnering to Improve Consumer Experiences1:15PM- 2:15PM

  Virginia has made great strides in serving the commonwealth's spirits consumers by focusing on partnerships between the state, local guild and national organizations. DISCUS Vice President of State Government Relations David Wojnar moderates a panel including Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Authority Board Chair Jeff Painter, Catoctin Creek Co-Founder and General Manager Scott Harris, CEO of Virginia Distiller Company Gareth Moore, and Responsibility.org Director of Government Relations Madeline Spjut to examine lessons learned and the tactics that could work to improve other markets. Speakers David Wojnar – Vice President, State Government Relations at Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Gareth Moore – CEO at Virginia Distillery Company Jeff Painter – Immediate Past Chairman at Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority Madeleine Spjut – Director of Government Relations at Responsibility.org Scott Harris – Founder & General Manager at Catoctin Creek
• 2:15PM Break hosted by Spirits 3602:15PM- 2:30PM

  Thank you Spirits 360 for hosting this break! Spirits 360 takes the complexity out of direct to consumer shipping. The Spirits360 Shipping Solution Suite is a cloud-based platform which offers 4 key components to meet the needs of distilleries of all sizes.
• 2:30PM 2020 Hurdles to Getting Your Product to Market2:30PM- 3:30PM

  Operations experts will address potential supply chain hurdles on the horizon for 2020. How is the trend in immediate shipment (aka Amazon effect) impacting the costs and availability of trucks and other necessary transportation components? Are there any new laws or trends that will impact ocean shipments? What are the impacts of the newly imposed tariffs on getting beverage alcohol products to market? Panelists Max Moran from Remy Cointreau, Priscilla Royster from John S. Conner and Caroline Dewhurst from Hillebrand will discuss these questions and many other issues creating friction with getting product to market. Speakers Caroline Dewhirst – Strategic Sales Manager at JF Hillebrand Global Beverage Logistics Max Moran – Vice President, Operations at Rémy Cointreau USA Priscilla Royster – Vice President, Compliance at John S. Connor
• 2:30PM Communicating Your Brand: Securing Press, Unlocking SEO, and Utilizing Social Media2:30PM- 3:30PM

  Dave Karraker, veteran spirits industry communicator and President of Raptor Communications moderates a discussion on strategies to create buzz for your brand via media and digital channels with Deputy Assistant to the President and White House Chief Digital Officer Ory Rinat, Beekeeper Group Founder Shana Glickfield and Mather Group Founder Josh Greene. Learn how to build brand awareness through SEO optimization, targeted marketing campaigns and audience engagement. Speakers Dave Karraker – President at Raptor Communications Josh Greene – CEO at The Mather Group Ory Rinat – Deputy Assistant to the President and White House Chief Digital Officer at The White House Shana Glickfield – Partner at Beekeeper Group
• 2:30PM The Art of a Craft Deal: Valuing, Financing and Selling Your Business2:30PM- 3:30PM

  Several high-profile spirits company acquisitions have happened over the last few years. Constellation's Blair Veneema; Rabbit Hole Distillery Founder Kaveh Zamanian; Angel's Envy Co-Founder Wes Henderson and Credit Suisse Analyst Kaumil Gagrawal discuss experiences from both sides of the acquisition process and explore how to build a company that is seen as a prime asset target. McDermott Will & Emery's Tom Monaghan moderates this panel.
  Speakers Blair Veneema – Vice President, Corporate Development at Constellation Brands Kaumil S. Gajrawala – Managing Director at Credit Suisse Kaveh Zamanian – Founder, CEO & Whiskey Maker at Rabbit Hole Thomas Conaghan – Partner at McDermott Will & Emery Wesley Henderson – Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Angel's Envy