Industry Network Picks Wine Business Chair to Lead Discussion of Competitive Threats and Innovation
Rohnert Park, California – The Wine Business Institute (WBI) at Sonoma State University (SSU) today announced that Dr. Damien Wilson, Hamel Family Faculty Chair and Associate Professor of Wine Business, will moderate the inaugural session of the Wine Industry Network’s North Coast Wine Industry Trade Show and Conference on December 3 from 9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. The session, entitled, “State of the North Coast Wine Industry” will provide a forum for Professor Wilson to engage fellow industry leaders Eric Thomson of Pernod Ricard, Ron Lindenbusch of Lagunitas Brewing, and Ryan O’Connell of Naked Wines, in a current year review and discussion of market competition from craft beer, cider, and spirits. Discussion is also expected to include the challenges and opportunities that legalization of cannabis could create, and examples of successful business models that have embraced and leveraged competitive threats as opportunities for growth.
“We’re looking forward to a spirited discussion that inspires all of us to think outside the square and rethink business-as-usual. Consumer demographics are changing the competitive landscape and this means a shifting set of risks and rewards for industry players. My hope and expectation is that audience members come away energized with a fresh perspective on how to make and embrace change in their industry and place of business,” Professor Damien Wilson, Hamel Family Faculty Chair said.
Professor Wilson has 20 years of international wine industry experience in Australia, France, and the U.S. He is former Director of Wine Business programs at Burgundy School of Business in Dijon, France, and widely known for expertise in wine production, distribution, sales, and service. His research specialties include wine consumer behavior, tourism, technology, and crowdfunding. In 2015, he was appointed as the Hamel Family Faculty Chair in Wine Business, a five-year renewable term based in the future Wine Spectator Learning Center, a 15,000 square foot educational and industry complex.
For more information about the upcoming State of the North Coast Wine Industry panel discussion moderated by Dr. Damien Wilson, or for information about wine business education seminars, certificates, and degree programs of the Wine Business Institute, please call 707-664-3235 or visit www.sonoma.edu/winebiz.
