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A Meeting of the Minds T he "Women of the Vine" Global Symposium has opened online registra- tion for its first annual conference to be held March 13–15, 2015 at The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, CA. The Symposium will provide tan- gible strategies to help women further their careers within the ever-changing wine world. Notable industry keynote speakers, panelists and moderators will share their expertise for participants seeking to hone business skills, gather fresh ideas and network with other like-minded women in the wine industry. "We have built what we believe to be a first-of-its-kind gathering of women in the wine business worldwide. Our goal is to bring together professionals from every aspect of the industry to ensure that women will continue to advance in leadership roles in the future," says Deborah Brenner, author and founder, Women of the Vine. With 12 sessions and two keynote luncheons, the agenda features diverse seminars and panel discussions focused on the personal, family and business dynamics of today's women in wine. Educational programs include such top- ics as life/work balance, honing your leadership skills, communication tactics to be seen and heard and success stories and case studies. Networking wine events, author book signings, winemaker dinners and a Grand Tasting Gala Event are also slated. A snapshot of sessions and speakers includes: • Michaela Rodeno was the first female non–family member CEO of any winery in Napa Valley and author of From Bubbles to Boardroom: Act 1 & 2. • Leslie Sbrocco, award-winning author, speaker, wine consultant and television host. • Panel Discussion: Strategies for Successful Marketing & Promotions: Off-Premise, moderated by Meridith May, Publisher/Editorial Director, THE TASTING PANEL and The SOMM Journal. Panelists: Mary Connelly, Costco; Amy Hoopes, Wente Vineyards; and Kyla Welsh, True Fabrications. • Panel Discussion: Strategies for Successful Marketing & Promotions: On-Premise. Panelists: Mary Melton, PF Chang's; Heather Berry, Cheesecake Factory; Nancy Curry, VP National Accounts, SWS; and Clarice Turner, SVP U.S. Retail, Starbucks. • Session: Family Ties: Taking the Reins, moderated by Virginie Boone, Editor, Wine Enthusiast. Panelists: Cynthia Lohr, J. Lohr; Alycia Mondavi; Angelina Mondavi; Christine Wente, Wente Vineyards; and Kim Stare Wallace, Dry Creek Vineyards. • Interactive Wine Session: Thinking Differently about Wine Education Employing Cross Sensory Methods, hosted by Dr. Kathryn LaTour, Cornell University, and Gilian Handelman, Jackson Family Wines. For a full list of the agenda, moderators and panelists, visit www.womenofthevine.com. "WOMEN OF THE VINE" GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM ANNOUNCES ITS 2015 AGENDA AND OPENS REGISTRATION 26 / the tasting panel / december 2014 "There is a strong need for such a forum due to the shortage of mentor/network- ing opportunities for women despite how many of us hold top spots across the industry. I am anxious to be a part of this group and look forward to making the inaugural event a huge success," says Jayne Portnoy, Vice President of Marketing & Brand Strategy at Napa Technology. Attendees can register at www.womenofthevine.com.