New York, NY: A key session anchoring the 4th annual U.S. Drinks Conference will focus on the impact of consolidation in the distribution tier. Featured speakers on the panel include Kevin Fennessey, Sr. Vice President of Marketing at Southern Wine and Spirits; Efren Puente, Vice President of Marketing with Charmer-Sunbelt Group; Jeffrey Altschuler, CEO of Allied Beverage Group and Bob Hendrickson Vice President of Sales for Republic National Distributing Company. Ted Roman, SVP of Wm. Grant & Sons will moderate the panel which will be held on Oct. 13, the second day of the conference.
According to Steve Raye, of Brand Action Team, one of the conference organizers, “This is a ‘Top Shelf’ panel of speakers for this session representing some of the largest wholesaler companies in the American beverage alcohol business. One of the critical issues facing suppliers trying to enter the U.S. market is the consolidation among distributors and the resulting challenge in finding the right wholesaler partner.”
Mike Ginley of Next Level Marketing, another conference organizer added, “We’ve designed this panel to provide some real insights and advice on exactly what distributors expect suppliers to bring to the table. We anticipate this being a very lively session and will tackle the critical issues of distributor relations.”
“The U.S. Drinks Conference is being held in New York on Oct. 12 and 13 and is designed to provide practical information and guidance on navigating the intricacies of the American wine, spirits and beer business,” added conference organizer John Beaudette of MHW Ltd. A detailed agenda, roster of speakers and registration and hotel information can be found at www.USDrinksConference.com.
The U.S. Drinks Conference is organized by MHW Ltd., Next Level Marketing and Brand Action Team. Sponsors of the conference are:
Beverage Media Group
Beverage Information Group
Nightclub and Bar Magazine
Tasting Panel Magazine
Bar Business Magazine
Drinks International
IWSR
Beverage Industry Magazine
Ultimate Beverage Challenge
JF Hillebrand
Nixon Peabody
Overton
Western Carriers
BevForce