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Conference
Conference Schedule
Meet our 2026 Speakers
09:00 AM 09:10 AMOyster Room |
Malvika PatelEditor and VP at Beverage Trade Network |
Opening KeynoteSetting the context for the next two days — market realities, opportunities, and where bulk and private label are headed. |
09:10 AM 09:30 AMOyster Room |
Steve DorfmanWine & Grape Broker, Partner at Ciatti |
Where the Bulk Beverage Market Is HeadedFrom pricing and supply to buyer demand and international trade, this session examines the forces shaping the global bulk wine and spirits market and where suppliers should focus for future growth. |
09:30 AM 10:00 AMOyster Room |
Emily HainesWinemaker at Trinchero Family Estates 
Deb JuergensonChief Winemaking Officer at Bronco Wine Company 
Manveer SandhuDirector of Winemaking Rack & Riddle Custom Wine Services 
Hady KahaleVP Business-to-Business, Naked Wines |
Private Label & Retail Exclusives: How Winemakers Build for Retail FirstHow leading winemakers collaborate with retail buyers to design wines for price, style, margin, and shelf performance — and why private label has become a primary growth lever. |
10:00 AM 10:30 AMOyster Room |
Sam WongSenior Director of Data, Analytics and AI, Mark Anthony Group 
Taran Jeet Bedi (TJ)Founder & CEO — Spiritz.AI / TWENTYZERONINE VENTURES LLC |
The AI Advantage for Beverage BusinessesArtificial intelligence is reshaping sales, operations, forecasting, and decision-making across the beverage industry. Hear how leading companies are implementing AI and creating measurable business value. |
10:30 AM 11:00 AMOyster Room |
Steve Beckner, CSWWine & Spirits Buyer at Grocery Outlet 
Ryan J PandlSr. Merchant - Beer, Wine, and Spirits at BJ's Wholesale 
Rachelle CarandangSenior Manager - Product Development and Sourcing Beverages at Sam's Club |
How Winemakers Create Private Label & Exclusive Brands for Retail SuccessRetail buyers discuss how they evaluate suppliers, develop exclusive brands, and identify new opportunities. Gain insight into what retailers want and how to position your business for growth. |
01:00 PM 01:30 PMOyster Room |
Charles SteadmanDirector, Food and Beverage Experience and Strategic Partnerships at Virgin Voyages 
Chris AroraManager, Wine Operations, Celebrity Cruises |
Inside the Buyer’s Mind: How to Win Cruise ListingsHear directly from cruise buyers about sourcing priorities, supplier expectations, tender processes, and the factors that influence purchasing decisions. |
01:30 PM 02:00 PMOyster Room |
Pete BargerCo-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Southern Distilling Company 
Patrick MacKenzieDirector of International Business Development for Tennessee Distilling Group 
Will WhalenSenior Account Manager at Ultra Pure LLC |
The Business of Bulk SpiritsExplore how buyers evaluate bulk spirits, barrel inventory, and private label opportunities. Learn about pricing, sourcing strategies, and building long-term supply relationships. |
02:00 PM 02:30 PMOyster Room |
Sarah QualtersVP of Marketing at Rack & Riddle Custom Wine Services 
Jan Kotowski ChangChief Operating Officer at Archer Roose 
Megan BrodieHead of Global Portfolio & Winemaking, Archer Roose Wines |
How Suppliers Drive Retail GrowthDiscover how suppliers are helping retailers increase traffic, strengthen customer loyalty, and grow sales through exclusive products, promotions, and strategic collaboration. |
02:30 PM 03:00 PMOyster Room |
Matthew HughesGeneral Manager of Solos |
Beyond Proof: Crafting Authenticity and Creating Value in NoLo Wines & Spirits Through InnovationThe no- and low-alcohol (NoLo) beverage category has moved far beyond simple substitution — it is now a frontier for genuine craft, scientific innovation, and meaningful consumer connection. This talk explores how producers can move past the limitations of early-generation NoLo products to create beverages that deliver real sensory satisfaction, emotional resonance, and perceived value. Whether you are a producer, buyer, or brand strategist, this talk offers a practical and forward-looking perspective on how the NoLo category can create lasting value — not by promising less, but by delivering more. |
09:00 AM 09:10 AMOyster Room |
Malvika PatelEditor and VP at Beverage Trade Network 
Sid PatelCEO and Founder at Beverage Trade Network, CPGBuyerAI and IBWSS Shows |
Opening KeynoteInsights from Day 1 — tariffs, supply chain shifts, bulk buyer demand — and setting the stage for what’s ahead: private label growth, product innovation, and new retail opportunities. This kickoff highlights the practical takeaways from the first day and prepares attendees to dive into the consumer, retail, and innovation-focused discussions that will shape the future of the drinks industry. |
09:10 AM 09:40 AMOyster Room |
Stephan MarusczykGlobal Sea Logistics VinLog Development Manager |
Streamlining Shipping & Logistics for Bulk Wine and SpiritsShipping and logistics are critical cost drivers in bulk wine and spirits. This session breaks down how producers and buyers are optimizing freight, storage, and timing to reduce risk, protect margins, and move product more efficiently. Learn practical strategies to streamline logistics and scale bulk programs with confidence. |
09:40 AM 10:10 AMOyster Room |
Evan TraubDirector of Accounts at IMI Agency 
Jen JacksonEnterprise Beverage Manager, Thompson Restaurants 
H. Christian GianarisNational Beverage Director, PPX Hospitality Brands, Legal Sea Foods Restaurant Group, Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group |
How Hotels & Restaurant Groups Buy Beverage ProgramsGain insight into how hospitality buyers evaluate suppliers, develop beverage programs, and award long-term contracts across hotel and multi-unit restaurant groups. |
10:10 AM 10:40 AMOyster Room |
Adam SpiegelManaging Director of Freebrook Imports 
William (Bill) AuxierGeneral Manager at Surf City Still Works |
How Bulk Spirits Buyers Are Sourcing in 2026Leading buyers discuss sourcing priorities, market conditions, pricing pressures, and the opportunities they see across today's bulk spirits market. |
10:40 AM 11:00 AMOyster Room |
Allison CuratoloDirector of Business Development, Signature Fine Wine at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits Nevada 
Joshua BlissettPortfolio Manager at Curated Wine Group |
Behind Distribution: What Drives Portfolio DecisionsHear how distributors and importers evaluate suppliers, make portfolio decisions, and identify opportunities in an increasingly competitive marketplace. |
01:00 PM 01:40 PMOyster Room |
Mark BrightFounder, Wine Director, Wine Maker, Saison Hospitality 
Lyndsi Hastings-mundyBeverage Director for Riot Hospitality Group 
Katherine WojcikDirector of Programs + Partnerships for Luxury & Lifestyle Brands with IHG Hotels & Resorts |
On-Premise Buying: What National Bar & Restaurant Groups WantLeading on-premise buyers share sourcing priorities, supplier expectations, and the trends influencing beverage purchasing decisions across multi-unit operations. |
1:40 PM 2:10 PMOyster Room |
Patrick SpencerExecutive Director, Natural Cork Council 
Peter HladunCEO, North America Cork Supply & Tonnellerie |
Packaging That Delivers: Sustainability, Cost & PerformanceExplore the commercial realities of packaging decisions, from closures and alternative formats to sourcing strategies, logistics, sustainability, and consumer expectations. |
2:10 PM 3:00 PMOyster Room |
Sid PatelCEO and Founder at Beverage Trade Network, CPGBuyerAI and IBWSS Shows |
Using AI to Find Buyers & Grow DistributionLearn how AI-powered buyer intelligence and sales automation tools can help brands identify opportunities, build pipelines, and accelerate distribution growth. |