NEW YORK – Feb. 4, 2020 – As Vinexpo New York draws closer to its March 2-3 return, organizers are finalizing a provocative program that explores the biggest trends and challenges shaping the wine and spirits industry. On the line-up are thought-provoking conference sessions on the impact of cannabis and the low-alcohol movement while master classes will span topics from sustainability to a deep dive into cognac.
North America’s leading international exhibition exclusively for the wine and spirits trade, Vinexpo New York will span two full days of exhibits, educational programming, business meetings, tastings and networking at Manhattan’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, March 2-3, 2020. Advance registration is available online through March 1 for $100 at www.vinexpoamerica.com; on-site registration will cost $150.
Among the conference highlights:
- VinePair Presents: The Health Halo—How Health is Impacting How We Drink. VinePair’s Adam Teeter will lead a panel of industry experts in a discussion on today’s surging interest in low and no-alcohol drinks. The conference will take on the perception that certain drinks, brands and styles are healthier for consumers, even if they still contain alcohol.
- BDS Analytics Presents: Cannabis Trends and the Impact on Beverage Alcohol. BDS account manager Kate Senzamici will draw from her research background in consumer packaged goods and the cannabis industry to discuss the cannabis market’s growth, evolution and role as a disruptor in the beverage alcohol industry.
- The Changing World of Wine Retail. A panel of pioneering wine retailers—Wally Wine & Spirits’ Christian Navarro, Wine.com’s Michael Osborn, Total Wine & More’s Robert Trone, and Gary Fisch of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace—will join Wine Spectator executive editor Thomas Matthews in this insightful look at industry developments.
- The World in Which We Drink: Global & US Beverage Alcohol Trends. Brandy Rand from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis will share global and U.S. beverage alcohol volume and value growth and forecasts across wine, spirits, beer and ready-to-drink. She will discuss underlying consumption drivers like wellness, changing consumption environments and ecommerce. From bourbon’s rebirth to the hard seltzer craze, Rand will examine brands and categories shaping the future of beverage with a special focus on the world of wine.
Rounding out the conference program will be a panel called Expertise & Experience: Four Industry Leaders Share Their Perspectives and a presentation by SevenFifty Daily on wine and spirits technology. The current schedule is available here and will be updated as events are finalized.
As the 2020 master class program continues to take shape, Vinexpo New York has announced the details of two intriguing sessions:
- Sonoma County: Sustainable Agriculture in the Wine Glass. On the heels of the region’s designation as the world’s most sustainable wine region, Sonoma County Winegrowers will discuss what it means to lead the charge on one of the most pressing issues facing the industry today.
- Agencede l’Alimentation Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Cognac Presents: Cognac Master Class. Cognac educator Franky Marshall will lead this deep dive into one of the world’s most revered and storied spirits—its history, production and how to best enjoy it, complete with a tasting of six cognacs of various ages, styles and crus.
Also on the master class schedule is the presentation of the new Crus Bourgeois du Medoc Classification. Topics for two master classes presented by Riedel will be announced soon, and as more sessions are added to the program they will be updated here.
The Buzz
A new addition to the 2020 event is The Buzz, a dedicated, informal space for information sharing, group discussion and networking with a focus on current events, issues and trends impacting the U.S. beverage alcohol market. Vinexpo New York advisory board members will moderate discussions on laws and distribution, tariffs, spirits and consumption trends.
One to Wine Meetings scheduling begins February 10
Vinexpo New York’s complimentary matchmaking service, One to Wine Meetings, connects buyers in advance with the exhibitors they seek to meet so they arrive at the show with appointments in hand. Enrollment for pre-registered attendees has begun and the platform for meeting selections opens on February 10.