Over 750 spirits industry leaders and supply chain partners united last week in San Diego for the highly-anticipated annual conference, a testament to the strong sense of community and collaboration fostered by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) in partnership with Women of the Vine & Spirits Global Connect.
The March 4-6 conference brought together leaders and speakers from inside and outside the spirits sector to network, share ideas, and drive innovation in the marketplace. Featured speakers Guy Fieri and Dan Butkus of Santo Spirits kicked off the conference with a lively session on supporting the spirit of hospitality. Other session topics covered courageous leadership, DEI integration, and innovation. The conference also featured a trade show and tasting floor with representation from spirits producers and brand owners nationwide.
During the conference, DISCUS launched the Cocktail Party, a fictional political party that aims to unify adult consumers around key issues facing the distilled spirits industry. The party’s nominee, Cher A. Spirit, was also in attendance to meet attendees and take photos with supporters.
Women of the Vine & Spirits announced the launch of 86 Harassment, an industry-wide initiative supported by DISCUS, with a dedicated website and resources to address sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the beverage, alcohol, and hospitality industries.
The Innovation Showcase Competition by DISCUS, which was sponsored by The Spearhead Group, recently recognized the outstanding work of spirits producers. Devil's Cask was crowned as the grand winner, showcasing the industry's dedication to innovation and excellence. The conference also acknowledged a group of exceptional industry leaders whose accomplishments continue to motivate and lead the industry forward.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the primary representative and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S. The members of DISCUS are firmly committed to promoting responsible drinking habits among adults. They actively engage in advocacy efforts on legislative, regulatory, and public affairs issues that impact the distilled spirits industry at local, state, federal, and international levels.
Women of the Vine & Spirits is a global organization that aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the wine, beer, and spirits industry. The organization is committed to driving business development and innovation while empowering everyone to thrive. Members can connect through Women of the Vine & Spirits' global network and collaborate across all industry sectors. They also receive benefits such as education, training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to tools, services, and resources for personal and business development.
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