Introducing New Assemblage Partnership Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Wine Industry. Early Bird and VIP Tickets On Sale Now
AUSTIN, TX – March 2, 2023 – Today, Lift Collective, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization advocating for equity and inclusion in the wine industry, announced the return of its Conference to Austin, TX on May 22-23. In partnership with Assemblage, an Oregon-based 501(c)3 nonprofit, together the two groups focused on change work for the wine industry will introduce a new wide scale collaboration beginning with programming at the 2023 Conference.
Passes to the two-day event are on sale today that provide attendees access to a special keynote speaker, industry expert panels, interactive workshops, shared meals and networking, mental wellness practices and a wine tasting experience. VIP ticket holders will gain access to an intimate speakers dinner reception as well as treated to bespoke industry gifts.
Centered around the theme of Social Sustainability, this year’s conference is designed to uplift voices and amplify the experiences and contributions of underrepresented wine professionals.
“The Lift Collective Conference will focus on topics guided by radical acts of self-love and push into areas of the wine industry that have the most to gain from these efforts,” said Rania Zayyat, founder and president of Lift Collective. “In order to become effective changemakers, it is important that we work together as a community to advocate for Social Sustainability. That is why I’m excited by our new partnership with Assemblage to be able to expand the work that we’re all doing to create an equitable wine industry.”
“Assemblage is thrilled to partner with Lift Collective, not just because it will enable both organizations to expand and deepen our respective impact, but also because we believe trusting, transparent partnerships are key in diversity, equity, and inclusion work,” said Rachel Adams, founder and executive director of Assemblage. “We’ve seen the wine industry’s intense focus on DEI since 2020 waning in favor of a return to the status quo, and we hope this partnership will present cross-regional opportunities for wine professionals to stay engaged and committed to a more diverse and equitable industry.“
This conference is for anyone in the wine industry, new or seasoned, pursuing the quality of life that they deserve— one that thrives inside and out. The 2023 Conference is made possible by supporting partners Wine & Food Foundation, T Edwards and Napa Valley Vintners.
A limited quantity of Early Bird and VIP passes are available for purchase on Lift Collective’s website with a virtual ticket becoming available at a later date. To learn more about Lift Collective and receive the latest updates on the Conference, visit www.liftcollective.org.
About Lift Collective
Lift Collective is a 501(c)3 multi-channel platform widening the aperture of intersectionality in the wine industry through collaborative programming, scholarships, and an annual conference. The organization continually innovates on the constructs of the wine world by bringing together individuals in thoughtful discussion, providing monetary support to industry professionals, and offering mentorship opportunities to all who need it. The purpose of Lift Collective is less about behind-the-scenes efforts made by a select few and more about collaboration, conversation, and transparency between our partners and collaborators.
About Assemblage
Assemblage is an Oregon-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to address disparities in the global wine industry tied to race, ethnicity, gender, identity, age, sexual orientation, and ability. Assemblage strives to alter the balance of power in wine toward underrepresented and historically marginalized professionals through ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion training for wineries and wine-related businesses as well as its bi-annual Symposium, returning to Oregon’s Willamette Valley in 2024.
