Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/580744
{ SOMMjournal.com } 95 WINE INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS OF ALL LEVELS AND SKILL UNCORK four days of education and certification opportunities in San Diego, CA November 18–21. Wine takes center stage with the introduction of SommCon—a four-day educational conference designed to offer wine industry professionals and seri- ous enthusiasts convenient and affordable access to education and networking opportunities. SommCon was born out of the belief that education fundamentally changes an individual's access to the future they want. At the helm of SommCon is a group of over 25 industry experts dubbed "Team SommCon." Together, these industry leaders, including Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, hoteliers, wine educators, distributors and beyond, have had a role in the selection of SommCon's education sessions, workshops, tastings and certification offerings. Their common goal was to provide a new opportunity for wine professionals to network and learn from each other to collectively advance the industry about which they are so passionate. Team SommCon member Mary Gorman, Master of Wine, feels that, "SommCon represents a fresh and innovative forum for the best of the sommelier and hospital- ity community to come together, to learn, to share and exchange ideas and, most importantly, to remember why the hospitality business is so important for the wine industry." SommCon launches with 50 sessions, bringing together some of the greatest thought leaders, entrepreneurs and artisans to discuss, develop and lead the conversation on the business of wine. The experience features Master Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine, and Master of Wine–led sessions, power speed dat- ing–style blind tastings, customized tracks based on professional type and learning centers, round-table discussions, regional explorations, trade tasting and expo, Grand Tasting and more. Presenters include Master Sommeliers Joe Spellman, David Glancy, Fred Dame, Eric Entrikin, Will Costello, Bob Bath, Eric Hemer ; Masters of Wine Geoff Labitzke, Amy Christine, Patrick Farrell, Mary Gorman; Certified Wine Educator Ira Norof; THE TASTING PANEL's Publisher/Editorial Editor Meridith May; regional industry leaders and Advanced Sommeliers Jesse Rodriguez, Lisa Redwine, Brian Donegan and many others from various aspects of the industry. A sampling of session titles include: • Chardonnay and White Burgundy • Brunello di Montalcino: A Master's Perspective • Wine Faults: Yeast, Bacterial and Sulfur Defects in Wine • Napa Valley "Connect the Rocks" • Bordeaux Beyond the Classified Growths • Establish Your Own Import Business • Emerging Mexico • Solutions Based Technologies to Drive Beverage Profits SommCon is available to trade professionals of all types, ranging from early career professionals to the most seasoned experts, as well as serious enthusiasts who have a passion for wine and spirits, but will only have capacity for 300 registra- tions during its inaugural year. Where the Somms Go SOMMCON POURS INTO SAN DIEGO NOVEMBER 18–21 Brian Donegan, Advanced Sommelier. Eric Entrikin, Master Sommelier. Amy Christine, Master of Wine. Joshua Orr, Advanced Sommelier. Lisa Redwine, Advanced Sommelier. David Glancy, Master Sommelier. Ira Norof, Certified Wine Educator. Joseph Spellman, Master Sommelier.