Powerhouse lineup of women in beverage take the stage October 5th in San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA (September 27, 2024) SommCon®, the preeminent gathering for wine, beer, and spirits professionals has partnered with Women In Craft Forum to bring forward conversations about the past challenges and future opportunities for women in the craft beverage industry. Held during the SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo, October 5-7 in San Diego, California, Women In Craft Forum features educational sessions, mentorship, and networking opportunities, empowering attendees through shared stories, practical advice, and celebrating achievement of founders, disruptors and innovators throughout the industry.
The incredible line up of diverse voices joining this year’s roster include trailblazers Robin McBride, co-founder of McBride Sisters Wine Company, and Marian Leitner-Waldman, founder of Archer Roose Wines. These visionary leaders will share their personal stories of breaking barriers and thriving in varied aspects of the beverage industry.
Women In Craft Forum 2024 Agenda:
Yes You Can – The Journey of Archer Roose Wines
Marian Leitner-Waldman, Founder of Archer Roose Wines
Founder Spotlight: McBride Sisters Wine Company
Robin McBride, Co-Founder of McBride Sisters Wine Company
Moderated by Michelle Metter, Founder of SommCon, USA
Founders & Disruptors: Transforming Ideas into Action
Joy Merrilees, Vice President of Production, Shannon Family of Wines
Neeta Mittal, Co-Founder, LXV Wine
Dayna Turcotte, Laurel Canyon Spirits
Moderated by Rebecca Hopkins, Founder, A Balanced Glass
Thriving In Intersectionality: Belonging, Growth and Leadership
Lola Adeyemo, CEO, EQImindset LLC
Women of the Vine & Spirits presents: The Power of Intersectionality in the Workplace
Rawnica Dillingham, Chief Sales Officer, New Riff Distilling
Melanie Shelby, Founder & CEO, Enelalma Tequila
Mai Vu, Founder, Mai Vino
Knowledge In Practice – Finding Your Voice, Sharing Your Message, And Becoming A Better Presenter
Lauren Trickett, National Brand Ambassador for Cointreau & Mount Gay
Dana Beninati, Founder, DWD Productions
Noël Burgess, Freelance Writer & Content Creator
Trailblazing an Emerging Region
Tami Wong, Owner, Stay Classy Selections
Lynn La Chapelle, Owner, Artifact Winery and Vineyard
Theresa Kerns, President, Ramona Ranch Winery
Hilary Cocalis, Founder & Chief Go Getter, Sipwell Wine Co.
Making Magic – Lessons in Hospitality from the Castle to the Dining Room and Beyond
Molly Brooks, Beverage Director, Disney’s Club 33 and 21 Royal
Exploring Innovation: A Look Into New Ideas In The Beverage Industry
Regina Sanz, Senior Director of Global Marketing & Strategy, Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Meg Carrington-Griffin Simons, Director of Strategic Partnerships, The Veraison Project
Rachel Martin, Founder and CEO, Oceano Wines
Lew Shomer, President & CEO, Shomex Productions
Katerina Axelsson, CEO and Founder, Tastry AI
Women In Craft Forum takes place on Saturday, October 5, ahead of SommCon’s educational programming, giving attendees the ability to participate in both experiences and maximize their time in market. Access to Women in Craft Forum is included with a SommCon All Access pass and available for purchase a la carte.
Registration for SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo is still open
ABOUT SOMMCON:
SommCon® is the premier gathering for professionals in the wine, beer, and spirits industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for education, networking, and career development. SommCon Conference & Beverage Expo offers a comprehensive program of wine and spirits education, professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities, and a vibrant marketplace showcasing domestic and international producers of wine, beer, spirits, and brands in the low and no alcohol category. SommCon produces Concours d’Spirits and Concours d’Vin, impartial competitions of domestic and international wines and spirits, in partnership with The SOMM Journal, and SommGo, an on-demand streaming service featuring educational content for the global wine, beer, and spirits industry. SommCon is produced by Fast Forward, an event production house that specializes in consumer and business events in wine, beer, spirits, culinary, and hospitality.
ABOUT CRAFT BEVERAGE EXPO:
Craft Beverage Expo & Conference is a leading industry event that provides craft beverage producers with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. It serves breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, and other craft beverage producers by offering educational sessions, networking opportunities, and access to industry suppliers.
