The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), Washington, D.C., has confirmed Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska (2006-2009) and 2008 Republican Vice Presidential Nominee, as the keynote speaker for the opening General Session at its 67th Annual Convention and Expositional April 6-8 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

 

“Governor Palin is a great supporter of America’s free enterprise system and understands that industries like the beverage alcohol industry play a key role in driving our national economy,” said Craig Wolf, WSWA’s president and chief executive officer, in a statement. “We're proud and honored to welcome her as a speaker. We expect she will share with the convention attendees her analysis of the current political environment and her vision for America’s future.”

 

The addition of Palin to the General Session will help kick off the convention with a program that also includes the annual presentation of the Sidney Frank Award and the address of WSWA’s incoming Chairman and National Wine & Spirits Inc.’s Chief Operation Officer John Baker. The convention’s speaker roster also includes closing General Business Session speaker Robert Sands, president and chief executive of Constellation Brands Inc.

 

WSWA has relocated its convention to Caesars Palace. With larger floor space and more suite options, the new location better accommodates convention participants and eliminates the need to travel back and forth between two separate hotels, convention organizers say. The event days also have changed to a Tuesday through Thursday format to build in an extra travel day.

 

In addition, WSWA’s convention program includes the Taste of the Industry, Hot Brand Awards, the General Business Session, the Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition and a number of networking receptions. For more information about the WSWA Annual Convention and Exposition, visit www.wswa2010.org or call 202/371-5682.