The Beverage Forum 2020 Agenda

Registration & Coffee

Market Trends I: Alcoholic Beverages

The alcoholic beverage segment has recently taken on a new look. A multitude of craft and artisanal beverages and companies have taken the stage creating a whole new array of choices for consumers. With an in-depth review of growth rates, projections, consumer growth patterns, category challenges and much more, you will get a detailed look at the developments that are shaping today’s alcoholic beverage marketplace. We will also explore the consumer. Which category — beer, wine or spirits — is winning and why?

Brian Jorgensen, Marketing Manager, McCormick & Company
Brian Sudano, Managing Partner, Beverage Marketing Corporation

Continental Breakfast & Networking

Welcome
Steve Pintarelli, Publisher, Beverage Industry

Opening Address
Michael Bellas, Chairman & CEO, Beverage Marketing Corporation

PANEL: Gaining & Leveraging Deep Consumer Insights

Consumer needs and wants are at the very core of marketing. Changes in the technological, demographic, social and economic environments, however, have profoundly changed what consumers seek and demand from products and companies today. What are the best ways to learn about emerging consumer needs and wants? How do ensure that what you learn is properly incorporated into products and marketing that will make a significant difference in the marketplace? Top beverage marketers will share how they are gaining deep consumer insights and how those insights are changing what and how they sell.

Dafne Hefner, VP, Consumer Strategy & Insights, Anheuser-Busch InBev
additional panelists to be announced

Networking Break

KEYNOTE

Greg Steltenpohl, Co-founder and CEO, Califia Farms

PANEL: The Rise of the Premium Alternate Universe

The premium adult alternative beverage market is taking the industry by storm. As beverage–makers develop more original formulations and products, they are turning to next-generation ingredient solutions (including health and wellness formulations). Whether its alcohol or non-alcohol beverages, consumers are showing that premium and innovation is not a fad but the key to success in the evolving beverage market.

Jessica Lukas, Senior Vice President of Commercial Development, BDS Analytics
Paul Verdu, VP, Sales & Marketing, Tenth & Blake
Moderator: Brian Sudano, Managing Partner, Beverage Marketing Corporation

Lunch & Networking

Beverage Awards Presentation

Small Company of the Year
Large Company of the Year

KEYNOTE

Anthony von Mandl, O.C., O.B.C., Founder & CEO, The Mark Anthony Group of Companies
Phil Rosse, President, Mike’s Hard Lemonade Company

PANEL: Financial Forecasts: A Wall Street Perspective on the Beverage Market

Like the sound financial guidance that your broker will provide, diversity is key for the future of the beverage market. Beverage-makers are diversifying and transforming their portfolios to provide consumers with the choices they need through organic creation and mergers and acquisitions. In terms of financial performance, some beverage corporations have fared better than during this time and the Wall Street analysts will discuss who is winning and losing.

Bonnie Herzog, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs
Carlos Laboy, Managing Director, Global Beverage Sector Head, HSBC
Robert Ottenstein, Senior Managing Director, Evercore ISI
Moderator: Caroline Levy, Founder, Caroline Levy Advisory Services

Networking Break

KEYNOTE

Jim Koch, Brewer & Founder, The Boston Beer Company

Networking Reception

Registration & Coffee

Market Trends II: Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The current state of the refreshment beverage marketplace is a consumer’s dream: virtually a product for every occasion. But for marketers, there are both challenges and opportunities.  The fast pace of change poses pitfalls. Some refreshment beverage categories are thriving; others are struggling to resonate with changing tastes. Learn which categories are growing, which are not, and why. Gain valuable insight with an overview of current market trends and learn what the future may hold.

Gary Hemphill, Managing Director & COO BMC Research, Beverage Marketing Corporation

Continental Breakfast & Networking

PANEL: The Disruptor Effect

Two decades ago, people might have scoffed at you if they were told that bottled water would be the No. 1 beverage in terms of volume. Today, many just see more potential for the hydration category as it explores new formulation trends. But, what will be the next trend to move the needle in the beverage market? As more states have legalized recreational cannabis, many anticipate this will be a major disruptor to the beverage market; however, the industry already is seeing segments like craft beverages — alcohol and non-alcohol — and plant-based beverages disrupt the status quo.

Neel Premkumar, CEO & Founder, Dyla Brands – makers of FORTO Coffee
Ken VandeVrede, CEO, Kalo Brands
Neil Kimberley, Chief Strategy Officer, Essentia Water
Moderator: Steve Pintarelli, Publisher, Beverage Industry

KEYNOTE

Bill Newlands,President & CEO, Constellation Brands

Networking Break

PANEL: Shopping for the Future

The retail market is catering to consumer needs more than ever before. As in-home consumption gains steam, off-premise outlets are stepping up their game to bring consumers convenient delivery services, diverse food and beverage options, and even on-premise consumption solutions to elevate the shopping experience. In the on-premise realm, purveyors are exploring non-alcohol solutions to draw in the next generation of consumers as well as creating niche outlets that truly create an experiential atmosphere.

Moderator: Danny Stepper, Co-Founder & CEO, L.A. Libations

KEYNOTE

Closing Remarks