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A Springtime Retreat THE 70TH WSWA CONVENTION & EXPOSITION IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER by Megan Wieczorek I Cindy Nachman-Senders is Senior Consultant for Meetings and Conventions at Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America. n April, industry professionals from all over the country will be packing up cocktail shakers and latest vintages for one of the most exciting events of the year: the annual Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Convention & Exposition. This year marks the 70th anniversary of this three-day convention, taking place April 28–30 in Orlando, Florida. And rest assured, this 70th year will certainly not disappoint. With a host of cutting-edge competitions and events, the upcoming WSWA Convention & Exposition should have no problem living up to its tagline: "So hot, it's cool!" THE TASTING PANEL is the oficial media sponsor of the event and will have an in-depth presence at this strategically important industry gathering. "This year's convention and exposition has been designed to assist suppliers build and strengthen partnerships with wholesalers, identify new market opportunities and maximize their distribution potential," remarks Cindy Nachman-Senders, Senior Consultant for WSWA's Meetings and Conventions. In addition to an expansive range of exhibitions and hospitality suites, this year's event includes an Opening Night Reception, a Wholesaler Reception, a Taste of the Industry event showcasing new products and brand extensions and four exciting wine and spirits tasting and mixology competitions. The newest addition to WSWA's competition portfolio is the "Hoptails" competition, which will celebrate the union of beer and spirits in creative cocktail combinations, and THE TASTING PANEL will host the Wholesaler Iron Mixologist Competition, with winners to be announced in the July issue of THE TASTING PANEL Magazine. "No other show or event in the U.S. is better at bringing together innovative products and services with wholesalers who will carry these products to market," says Nachman-Senders. "From the media perspective, this is the show for learning about emerging trends before they hit the market, enabling them to preview new products and identify and report on trends as they develop." The U.S. Beverage Alcohol Forum will also be a great resource to provide practical insights and ideas for wine and spirits brands to enter and lourish in the American marketplace. So whether you're a producer or importer, media or distributor, the 70th annual WSWA Convention is the place to be this April. Word on the street is that it's so hot, it's cool! For more information, go to www.wswa.org. 48 / the tasting panel / january 2013