Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/57654
Session Line-Up U.S. Drinks Conference organizers (left to right): John Beaudette, President of MHW Ltd.; Mike Ginley, President of Next Level; Steve Raye and Jeff Grindrod, Managing Partners, Brand Action Team. Following on the heels of a SRO crowd at last year's U.S. Drinks Conference, this year's U.S. Beverage Alcohol Forum will kick off at 11:30 on Thursday, April 5 with a panel titled "Seduced by Social Media," followed by sessions on Brand Activation, Industry Trends and Brand Builders, Navigating Brand Entry and concluding with Assembling a World Class Team. The U.S. Beverage Alcohol Forum will be held on the fi nal day of WSWA this year, so make sure your travel plans allow for you to attend the sessions on Thursday afternoon. SESSION TITLE Seduced by Social Media? Moderated by Steve Raye, Brand Action Team. Brand Activation Moderated by Mike Ginley, Next Level Marketing. Industry Trends and Brand Builders Moderated by Jeff Grindrod, Brand Action Team. Navigating Brand Entry Moderated by John Beaudette, MHW Ltd. 2:30–3:25 1:30–2:25 TIME 11:30–12:25 BASIC DESCRIPTION Congratulations! You have 10,000 Facebook fans and Twitter followers. Now what are you doing to keep them engaged? Listen to experts talk real-world strategy, execution and results of their social media campaigns for both trade and consumer. 12:30–1:25 Brand Ambassadors have become a powerful tool in the marketer's kit to bring brands to life in retail stores and on premise. Hear from industry experts on what it takes to launch and grow new brands and categories in today's highly competitive environment. Industry data and trends from a global and U.S. perspective will frame the conversation. This seminar will cover the unique complexities of the U.S. "Three Tier System" and provide practical detail on U.S. market entry, including options for how to fi nd an importer and distributor, label/liquid approval and registration process, timelines you should allow, price structures, etc. Also covered will be new developments in this arena. Assembling a World Class Team 3:30–4:25 People make the difference in any organization and this session will focus on how to put together a world-class team of pros. SPONSORS Sponsors of this year's WSWA/USDC–produced U.S. Beverage Alcohol Forum include THE TASTING PANEL Magazine as well as Bar Business, Beverage Information Group, Beverage Media, J.F. Hillebrand, Nightclub & Bar, Nixon Peabody, Overton, Western Carriers and Kuehne + Nagel. please enjoy spring44 spirits responsibly. proudly made in the u.s.a. visit the source at spring44.com new gin classic gin drink." mat dinsmore the coloradoan TASTING-PANEL-HALF-PAGE.indd 1 the american america makes the best gin in the world. triple gold medal award winner 2011 microliquor spirit awards competition "the use of rocky mountain spring water imparts a surprising smoothness and crispness of flavor that tastes good on its own or mixed in any march 2012 / the tasting panel / 33 12/16/11 12:47 PM PHOTO: LANA BORTOLOT