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Set Your Brewery Up For Success

Name: Brewbound Live Winter 2023
Start: 2023-12-06T08:00:00-08:00
End: 2023-12-07T16:00:00-08:00
Location: Marina del Rey Marriott

This December 6+7 the beer and beverage-alcohol industry will come together at the Marina del Rey Marriott to collaborate, make connections, and forge lasting relationships. The event mixes high-profile speakers and informative panels with sampling and networking opportunities.

Brewbound Live’s two-day program boils down all aspects of the beer business so you can keep up (and stay ahead) between batches. Take a deep dive into innovation, investment, retailing, and the key opportunities and trends that will enable growth within the beer business and beyond.

Brewbound Live Agenda

Times are subject to change.

Print the agenda for Tuesday, December 05

Please note: All times US Pacific Time

6:00 PM
-
8:00 PM
Brewbound Live Kick Off Party, Presented by Juneshine

Jumpstart your Brewbound Live conversation at the Kick Off Party located down the street at JuneShine (2914 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405). Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available, as well as light snacks. All registered attendees of Brewbound Live Winter 2023 are invited to attend. A valid ID is required for admittance.

Print the agenda for Wednesday, December 06

Please note: All times US Pacific Time

7:00 AM
-
9:30 AM
Breakfast & Registration

Breakfast, coffee and beverages are served from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM PT and are included with registration. Registration and badge pick up opens for the day at 7:00 AM PT.
8:00 AM
-
9:30 AM
Brewbound Live Pitch Slam Semifinal Round

Location: California Ballroom - Lobby Level
The Brewbound Live Pitch Slam, presented by Ollie, a Next Glass Company, is a business pitch competition designed to encourage entrepreneurship and build awareness for startups within the beer, cider, hard seltzer, alcoholic kombucha, and canned cocktail segments Watch the semi-finalists pitch and vote for your favorite to help them make it into the finals!
Judges include:
- Carrie Yunker
  
  , Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery
  
  Carrie Yunker
  
  Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery
  
  Carrie Yunker leads Bell’s Brewery as Executive Vice President after joining the team as a receptionist over two decades ago. Holding multiple leadership roles within the company over the years, she has helped guide Bell's to national distribution with iconic brands such Two Hearted IPA and Oberon Ale. As Executive Vice President, Carrie is the visionary and leader behind Bell’s strategic plans. In addition, she works closely with New Belgium Brewing’s leadership team to position the breweries as leaders both in the craft beer industry and beyond. She supports 1300+ employees across the nation and oversees day-to-day company operations with a commitment to recognizing, elevating, and celebrating the individual value a person brings to the organization. Carrie is largely credited for developing Bell’s coveted people-centric culture. A prominent leader at Bell’s, in the state of Michigan, and within the industry at large, Carrie’s passion for positively impacting Bell’s coworkers and the community propels her desire for demanding more from business. She was a founding member of the National Craft Beer Human Resource Group, and is currently a board member of the National Women in Beer Alliance. She is deeply invested in her local Kalamazoo community, and she serves as chair of the Alumni Committee for the Kalamazoo Valley Community Foundation and a Director for Southwest Michigan First. In all she does, Carrie leads with a passion for doing right by people, and is committed to striving for a more inclusive and inviting work environment for all.
- Michelle Abdollah
  
  , Category Manager (Alcoholic Beverages), Extra Mile
  
  Michelle Abdollah
  
  Category Manager (Alcoholic Beverages), Extra Mile
  
  Alcohol Category Manager for ExtraMile Convenience Stores LLC (EMCS), Michelle currently oversees all aspects of merchandising related to wine, beer, and spirits across the full network of over 700 licensed stations operating in 9 states. Michelle joined EMCS in October 2021 and comes with over 15 years of merchandising and operations experience. She has worked in both large format and c-store chains at Target and 7-Eleven. Before leaving 7-Eleven, she held the position of Store Readiness Manager for the Western United States covering all new store growth, acquisitions, and change of ownership. Prior to this, Michelle worked as a Business Consultant for a territory of franchised stores and served as the zone merchandising category lead for both alcohol and non- alcoholic beverages.
- Donn Bichsel
  
  , Founder, 3 Tier Beverages
  
  Donn Bichsel
  
  Founder, 3 Tier Beverages
  
  My career in the beverage industry started out on the retail side working at bars and restaurants in Chicago until my first supplier job with SAB selling Pilsner Urquell previous to their acquisition of Miller Brewing Company. Opportunity to build out a new sales team at Goose Island led me there during their transition from an externally led sales and marketing organization to recreation of an internal team. My next move was to Heineken/USA as a part of the Star Brand Imports team managing distributors along with developing and implementing the annual business plans across the Midwest. When Heineken made the decision to close our import division it led me back to craft beer and to Dogfish Head where the middle of America became my home managing their distributor side of the business along with On Premise National accounts. My final stop before beginning this next step was at Revolution Brewing back home in Chicago for the last eight years building out their sales, marketing and logistics side of the business from case zero. 3 Tier Beverages is based out of the Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago where it shares office space with a wife, two daughters and a 100lb Chocolate Labrador who thinks he is a lap dog. 3 decades of genuine, authentic and real experience in the beverage industry working for you.
- Yair Tygiel
  
  , Founder, Sunboy
- Carrie Yunker, Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery
- Michelle Abdollah, Category Manager (Alcoholic Beverages), Extra Mile
- Donn Bichsel, Founder, 3 Tier Beverages
- Yair Tygiel, Founder, Sunboy
Watch Video
9:30 AM
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10:00 AM
Networking Break
10:00 AM
-
10:30 AM
Welcome + Keynote: Get Out of Your Own Way & Get Focused

Location: California Ballroom - Lobby Level
Adam Bankovich, the new CEO of Cincinnati’s Rhinegeist Brewery, will give the keynote address at the 2023. Amid a sea change of leadership at top craft breweries across the country, Bankovich represents the next wave of craft leadership at a brewery that just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Following the keynote address, Bankovich will be joined on stage by Rhinegeist co-founder Bryant Goulding for a discussion of passing the torch to the next generation of leaders, getting out of your own way, why it’s OK to say no and much more.
- Adam Bankovich
  
  , CEO, Rhinegeist Brewery
  
  Adam Bankovich
  
  CEO, Rhinegeist Brewery
  
  An Ohio native and longtime Cincinnati resident, Adam Bankovich has over 15 years of experience in the brewing industry. After a four-and-a-half year stint with Cincinnati-based distributor Cavalier Distributing, Adam spent nine years at San Diego-based craft beer icon Stone Brewing, which culminated in the role of VP of Sales. Adam joined the Rhinegeist team as Chief Commercial Officer in October 2022, setting Rhinegeist’s commercial strategy on track for trend-defying growth in 2023 amidst an exceptionally challenging environment. Adam led Rhinegeist as interim Chief Executive Officer beginning May 2023, and was officially named CEO in October of the same year. Adam lives in Cincinnati with his wife Colleen and their three children Caroline, Marcus and Nathan.
- Bryant Goulding
  
  , Co-Founder, Rhinegeist Brewery
- Adam Bankovich, CEO, Rhinegeist Brewery
- Bryant Goulding, Co-Founder, Rhinegeist Brewery
Watch Video
10:30 AM
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11:00 AM
Future Proof Your Flagship

Bell’s Brewery EVP Carrie Yunker, Rogue Ales & Spirits president Steven Garrett, CANarchy chief commercial officer Chris Russell and Lawson’s Finest Liquids CEO Adeline Druart will explore brand building strategies, how to leverage brand equity of longstanding flagships, considerations for creating brand families and how to create a halo effect across your portfolio.
- Carrie Yunker
  
  , Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery
  
  Carrie Yunker
  
  Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery
  
  Carrie Yunker leads Bell’s Brewery as Executive Vice President after joining the team as a receptionist over two decades ago. Holding multiple leadership roles within the company over the years, she has helped guide Bell's to national distribution with iconic brands such Two Hearted IPA and Oberon Ale. As Executive Vice President, Carrie is the visionary and leader behind Bell’s strategic plans. In addition, she works closely with New Belgium Brewing’s leadership team to position the breweries as leaders both in the craft beer industry and beyond. She supports 1300+ employees across the nation and oversees day-to-day company operations with a commitment to recognizing, elevating, and celebrating the individual value a person brings to the organization. Carrie is largely credited for developing Bell’s coveted people-centric culture. A prominent leader at Bell’s, in the state of Michigan, and within the industry at large, Carrie’s passion for positively impacting Bell’s coworkers and the community propels her desire for demanding more from business. She was a founding member of the National Craft Beer Human Resource Group, and is currently a board member of the National Women in Beer Alliance. She is deeply invested in her local Kalamazoo community, and she serves as chair of the Alumni Committee for the Kalamazoo Valley Community Foundation and a Director for Southwest Michigan First. In all she does, Carrie leads with a passion for doing right by people, and is committed to striving for a more inclusive and inviting work environment for all.
- Steven Garrett
  
  , President, Rogue Ales
  
  Steven Garrett
  
  President, Rogue Ales
  
  Steven Garrett is a true Rogue. He recently became the President of Rogue, in August 2023, based on over a decade of dedicated service. Steven has been instrumental in building and scaling new ways to expand the Rogue brand, launching industry-leading products such as an award-winning canned cocktail line, CBD seltzers, and revamping the whiskey portfolio while remaining true to Rogue's brand essence of "Dare. Risk. Dream." Before his presidency, Steven held key positions, including Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Business Development, along with numerous sales roles, helping shape the company's trajectory.
- Chris Russell
  
  , Chief Commercial Officer, CANarchy
- Adeline Druart
  
  , CEO, Lawson's Finest Liquids
  
  Adeline Druart
  
  CEO, Lawson's Finest Liquids
  
  Adeline Druart, Chief Executive Officer of the award-winning, B Corp-certified Vermont craft brewery Lawson’s Finest Liquids, is a visionary leader with a strong craft food, beer and wine heritage. With a commitment to people, purpose, and growth, Adeline is recognized in the food and beverage industry for her CPG expertise, growth-minded leadership, deep people connections, and humbling career story. From cheesemaker-intern to company president of Vermont Creamery, Adeline’s 20 years of experience include business scaling and positioning the Creamery for successful acquisition and transition from founder-owned to Fortune 250 company Land O’Lakes. Adeline led the Creamery’s growth from a regional to national brand, earning #1 market position, and achieved B Corp certification highlighting a vibrant company culture and impactful purpose. Adeline also served as vice president and corporate officer of the farmer-owned cooperative in Land O'Lakes’ Dairy Foods Division. She is passionate about business ecosystems where inclusive culture, team empowerment, product with integrity, and authentic brand stories can be the catalyst for growth, driving meaningful impact. Adeline lives in Vermont with her husband and two children Hugo and Matisse.
- Carrie Yunker, Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery
- Steven Garrett, President, Rogue Ales
- Chris Russell, Chief Commercial Officer, CANarchy
- Adeline Druart, CEO, Lawson's Finest Liquids
Watch Video
11:00 AM
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11:50 AM
23 Data Points That Defined 2023

The beer industry’s chief economists will come together to discuss beer’s data, challenges and opportunities. Bart Watson and Lester Jones, chief economists of the Brewers Association and the National Beer Wholesalers Association, respectively, will share the stage to provide an update on beer industry trends and the trajectory heading into 2024.
- Bart Watson
  
  , Chief Economist, Brewers Association
- Lester Jones
  
  , Chief Economist, National Beer Wholesalers Association
  
  Lester Jones
  
  Chief Economist, National Beer Wholesalers Association
  
  Lester Jones serves as the Chief Economist and Vice President of Analytics for the National Beer Wholesalers Association, a national trade organization that represents the regulatory and economic interests of licensed beer distributors. He has more than 20 years of experience in industry research, survey methodology and applied business economics. He most recently served as Chief Economist at the Beer Institute, where he developed and executed significant research initiatives that helped shape America’s beer industry. He also has become a respected public speaker, offering in-depth technical, analytical, and quantitative expertise.
- Bart Watson, Chief Economist, Brewers Association
- Lester Jones, Chief Economist, National Beer Wholesalers Association
Watch Video
11:50 AM
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12:00 PM
Pitch Slam Finalist Announcement; Best of 2023 Awards & Rising Stars Video Announcement
Watch Video
12:00 PM
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1:30 PM
Lunch, Sampling & Livestream

Lunch and beer samples are served in the Bayview Ballroom on the rooftop level and is included with registration.
1:30 PM
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2:00 PM
How to Get Mindshare & Sell More Beer

Getting in distributors' trucks and onto retailer shelves is harder than ever, with increased competition coming from all sectors and categories of bev-alc. Hear directly from wholesalers on how you can gain mindshare and stand out, with Stone Distributing general manager Brian Fried, Breakthru Beverage California director of beer Sinead Carey and Tryon Distributing director of beer Elledge Davis.
- Sinead Carey
  
  , Director of Beer, Breakthru Beverage California
  
  Sinead Carey
  
  Director of Beer, Breakthru Beverage California
  
  Sinead Carey is the Director of Sales - Beer at Breakthru Beverage California. She joined Breakthru following the acquisition of Wine Warehouse in April 2023. She holds a leadership role that includes overseeing a team of craft beer specialists, working with supplier partners on planning, market execution, and collaborating with the sales teams to drive performance in the category. With more than 20 years of successful experience working in the beer industry, Sinead has held roles in sales, distributor management, channel management, and trade marketing with Star Brand Imports, Heineken USA and Anchor Brewing. Sinead is an Irish native and a graduate of Trinity College Dublin. She is a Cicerone Certified Beer Server and was awarded the Knighthood of the Belgian Brewers Paddle in 2022.
- Brian Fried
  
  , General Manager, Stone Distributing
  
  Brian Fried
  
  General Manager, Stone Distributing
  
  Brian Fried is the General Manager of Stone Distributing Company (SDC). SDC is an independent beverage distributor that operates throughout all Southern California and services a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands. SDC was founded in 1999 to distribute a few craft brands in San Diego with a hand full of employees. It has grown to be one of the largest craft-centric distributors in the country, employing over 350 passionate team members. Brian has been in the beverage business for 30 years with experience in beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages. He began his career working at a beer distributor in Southern California before moving over to the supplier side. He has worked for such companies as Miller Brewing Company, Heineken USA, and Beam Suntory. He has held multiple management roles over the years that have allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the beverage industry as well as expertise in business planning and organizational development.
- Elledge Davis
  
  , Director of Beer, Tryon Distributing
  
  Elledge Davis
  
  Director of Beer, Tryon Distributing
  
  Elledge Davis serves as the Portfolio Director for Tryon Distributing's beer division, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the dynamic world of beverage distribution. With roots in the restaurant industry, Elledge transitioned to Tryon in 2015, initially contributing to sales and operations. His journey within the company led him to brand management, where he discovered the powerful synergy between his background in computer science and mathematics and his extensive knowledge of craft beer. Currently holding the position of Director of Beer, Elledge leverages his analytical skills and programming proficiency to provide Tryon's brand management team with real-time insights. His strategic approach extends to automating administrative processes, allowing for the efficient redeployment of resources. Moreover, Elledge actively evaluates the portfolio and product requirements of the sales team, strategically enhancing retail relationships to maximize impact. Throughout his tenure, Elledge has played a pivotal role in the successful launch of numerous local, regional, and import brands into the North Carolina market. Beyond his responsibilities at Tryon, he remains committed to the company's core ethos, always leading with the mantra: "do the right thing."
- Sinead Carey, Director of Beer, Breakthru Beverage California
- Brian Fried, General Manager, Stone Distributing
- Elledge Davis, Director of Beer, Tryon Distributing
Watch Video
2:00 PM
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2:25 PM
Tapping in: Bringing Back the On-Premise

The on-premise has failed to return to pre-pandemic levels, as bars and restaurants continue to tackle staffing issues and shorter hours, and breweries continue to battle draft declines. Karl Strauss co-founder and CEO Chris Cramer, Mellow Mushroom associate director of beverage operations Kynyetta Lester, and industry consultant Jason Murphy will give insights on what on-premise business looks like today, how retailer priorities are shifting and why the on-premise is still important for craft brands.
- Chris Cramer
  
  , Co-Founder & CEO, Karl Strauss
- Kynyetta Lester
  
  , Associate Director of Beverage Operations, Mellow Mushroom
  
  Kynyetta Lester
  
  Associate Director of Beverage Operations, Mellow Mushroom
  
  Over the past two decades, Kynyetta has earned a reputation as a consummate beverage leader. A true luminary in the world of operations and training, Kynyetta has consistently demonstrated a passion for crafting exceptional beverage experiences. Kynyetta swiftly ascended the ranks in her roles, mastering the art of mixology and the intricacies of beverage management. In addition to her expertise, Kynyetta is equally adept at mentoring and training staff, instilling a culture of professionalism, and fostering a deep understanding of the art of guest service. Throughout her career, Kynyetta has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, embracing emerging trends while respecting the timeless traditions of the craft. With Kynyetta, every sip is a story, and every moment is an opportunity to create lasting memories.
- Jason Murphy
  
  , Consultant,
  
  Jason Murphy
  
  Consultant,
  
  Jason Murphy is a dynamic and strategic Marketing Leader renowned for driving brand growth and category expansion in the Food & Beverage industry. With a wealth of experience, including a pivotal role as the Director of Beverage Strategy & Innovation at Buffalo Wild Wings, Jason has successfully spearheaded comprehensive research initiatives, resulting in the successful alignment of a company-wide Beverage Alcohol Category Strategies. As the former Manager of Beer Innovation, also at Buffalo Wild Wings, Jason managed the nation's largest On-Premise Beer program across 1,200+ sports bars. His achievements include creating a consumer-focused, data-driven beer strategy, and innovating a successful "House Beer" that boosted draft sales profitability. Jason's expertise extends beyond national chains, as evidenced by his roles at Gordon Biersch Brewery + Restaurant and Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom, where he led brand refresh projects, developed profitable marketing strategies, and helped revive declining brands. A nationally recognized industry expert, Jason combines strategic vision, consumer insights, and a proven track record of successful marketing initiatives. His passion, energy, and leadership have consistently delivered significant and sustainable results in the competitive landscape of the Food & Beverage industry.
- Chris Cramer, Co-Founder & CEO, Karl Strauss
- Kynyetta Lester, Associate Director of Beverage Operations, Mellow Mushroom
- Jason Murphy, Consultant,
Watch Video
2:25 PM
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2:45 PM
Sampling, Networking & Livestream
2:45 PM
-
3:10 PM
M&A in 2023: Selling, Merging, & Buying Back Breweries

One of the leading themes for craft beer in 2023 has been mergers and acquisitions. Arlington Capital Advisors managing director Ryan Lake, industry board and advisory Simon Thorpe and Three Weavers co-founder Lynne Weaver will discuss trends in the space, as well as tips for navigating deals, from craft-on-craft strategic partnerships, to buying back your brewery, and more.
- Ryan Lake
  
  , Managing Director, Arlington Capital Advisors
  
  Ryan Lake
  
  Managing Director, Arlington Capital Advisors
  
  Ryan Lake is a Managing Director at Arlington Capital Advisors, a boutique investment banking firm focused exclusively on advising consumer businesses. He has over 20 years of investment banking and commercial banking experience and has sourced, structured, and negotiated over 60 transactions for beverage brands, suppliers, importers, distributors and retailers across beer, wine, spirits, RTD and non-alcoholic beverages. Ryan and the team at Arlington have successfully completed over $10 billion worth of transactions for beverage clients around the world.
- Simon Thorpe
  
  , Advisory & Board Member, Beer Industry
  
  Simon Thorpe
  
  Advisory & Board Member, Beer Industry
  
  Simon Thorpe is a former CEO of InBev USA, Pabst and Duvel Moortgat USA and a former MD of Lion/Kirin North America. Simon currently sits on several Boards and undertakes advisory work across the beer and spirits industry. In his role at Lion Kirin, Simon was responsible for building Lion’s beer platform in the USA, including the 2019 acquisition of New Belgium Brewing (CO). At Pabst, Simon oversaw the transition of the company from a low-end beer producer to a more diversified beverage company. For Duvel Moortgat he grew the company from small beginnings to become the #5 craft brewer in the USA, including the acquisition of Boulevard Brewing (MO) and Firestone Walker (CA). Prior to joining Duvel Moortgat, Simon spent time working with private equity projects in Europe and was previously Global Head of Strategy and M&A for InBev, CEO of InBev USA and Head of Global Brand Marketing. His career has spanned support services, art and stationery, and consumer goods categories in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, including senior management positions with Compass Group, Crayola (Hallmark) and Kellogg’s. His early career was with Tambrands (P&G) and Unilever in the UK and in Europe. Simon was born and educated in England but has lived most of his life in Europe and in the USA. He currently resides in Ithaca NY with his wife Kati and their family.
- Lynne Weaver
  
  , Founder & CEO, Three Weavers Brewing Company
  
  Lynne Weaver
  
  Founder & CEO, Three Weavers Brewing Company
  
  Lynne Weaver is the Founder and CEO of Three Weavers Brewing Company, a craft brewery in Inglewood, CA. As Founder and CEO, Lynne leads all aspects of the brewery, including operations, finance and sales. Founded in 2013, Lynne cultivated and guided the growth of Three Weavers into a strategic merger with CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective in 2018. In 2021, Lynne orchestrated with her original investors an asset purchase buyback of Three Weavers. Today, Lynne is focused on Three Weavers innovations in alt-beverage categories, expanding distribution, and their Brewery Restaurant buildout next to Sofi Stadium. From the beginning of her Craft beer career, Lynne developed a passion for giving back to her community of Inglewood and the craft beer industry. Lynne has served 6 years on the Board of Directors for the California Craft Brewers Association. Before founding Three Weavers, Lynne held designations as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Enrolled Agent (EA) with the IRS and was the Lead Real Estate Tax Consultant and Accountant for a Real Estate Tax Consulting firm. Lynne lives in Los Angeles, with her husband, Jonathan Weaver, and their children (aka the Three Weavers). Lynne received a BA in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
- Ryan Lake, Managing Director, Arlington Capital Advisors
- Simon Thorpe, Advisory & Board Member, Beer Industry
- Lynne Weaver, Founder & CEO, Three Weavers Brewing Company
Watch Video
3:10 PM
-
3:35 PM
Why a Cannabis Firm is the Most Active Acquirer of Craft Breweries

Tilray Brand’s president of the U.S. Beer Division Ty Gilmore will offer insights into the global cannabis firm’s craft beverage strategy after making nine acquisitions in 2023. Tilray has quickly built a portfolio of craft brands through acquisitions, including SweetWater, Green Flash, Alpine Beer Co. and Breckenridge Distillery. The company added to its roster this year with the additions of New York’s Montauk Brewing Company in January, followed by a transaction for eight craft beverage brands from Anheuser-Busch InBev.
- Ty Gilmore
  
  , President U.S. Beer Division, Tilray Brands
  
  Ty Gilmore
  
  President U.S. Beer Division, Tilray Brands
  
  Ty Gilmore is President, U.S. Beer at Tilray Brands, Inc. He brings over two decades of experience in the beverage industry to the company. Prior to joining our team, Mr. Gilmore spent seven years as the head of national accounts at Diageo and served as the executive vice president at Glazer's Beer and Beverage, where he oversaw sales, marketing, and operations for 11 distributors in the southern United States. In his new role, he will be responsible for driving the growth and expansion of our U.S. beer business. He will also be responsible for developing and implementing the national route-to-market strategy for our entire portfolio of leading craft brands, including SweetWater, Alpine, Green Flash, and Montauk Brewing Company.
- Ty Gilmore, President U.S. Beer Division, Tilray Brands
Watch Video
3:35 PM
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4:30 PM
Beers & Networking
6:00 PM
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8:00 PM
Official Party Presented by Firestone Walker, YETI, Crafted ERP, and Beer Institute

Head over to Firestone Walker - The Propagator (3205 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292) for additional networking. Enjoy beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and light appetizers. All registered attendees of Brewbound Live Winter 2023 are invited to attend. An event badge and valid ID is required for admittance.

Print the agenda for Thursday, December 07

Please note: All times US Pacific Time

8:00 AM
-
9:30 AM
Breakfast & Registration

Breakfast, coffee and beverages are served from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM PT and are included with registration. Registration and badge pick up opens for the day at 8:00 AM PT.
9:00 AM
-
9:40 AM
Keynote: The Wake Up Call

Location: California Ballroom - Lobby Level
Crowns & Hops founders Beny Ashburn and Teo Hunter will kick off the second day of Brewbound Live, sharing their journey to opening a brewery in Inglewood, California. Following Ashburn and Hunter’s opening remarks on Day 2, they will be joined on stage by National Black Brewers Association (NB2A) executive director Kevin Asato to share the continuity of their respective missions, how they’re gaining traction and making an impact. The NB2A launched earlier this year with a mission to advocate for African-American brewers and brewery owners, who account for less than 1% of craft breweries in the U.S.
- Kevin Asato
  
  , Executive Director, National Black Brewers Association
  
  Kevin Asato
  
  Executive Director, National Black Brewers Association
  
  Kevin is a 30 year beverage industry expert with diverse experience in Adult Beverage, Non- Alcoholic Beverages and Carbonated Soft Drinks. He is credentialed as a Certified Spirit Specialist (CSS), WSET Wine Level 1, and working on his Cicerone Certification . His tenure with Anheuser Busch, Miller Brewing, PepsiCo, Dr. Pepper Snapple, Bacardi USA, and Republic National Distributing has enabled him to develop and execute Sales, Marketing, and Distribution plans across multiple channels in both state and national capacities. Kevin is committed to developing minority leaders and improving racial inequalities in the beverage and CPG industries. His passion for mentoring minority talent and advising beverage companies comes to life through serving on the board of the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund and his role as Managing Partner with Davin Brand Management. Both these entities facilitate the growth of BIPOC or female owned adult beverage companies. Outside of the beverage space, Kevin is an avid cyclist and poker player. He’s an active member of his community by volunteering his time and services to his local parish and AYSO Soccer. Kevin also assists the Los Angeles Sports Council, a sports trade association that leverages the Los Angeles sports ecosystem to have positive community impact. Participating as the Executive Director for NB2A is directly aligned with his core values and taps into all of his experiences and skills. He’s honored to be selected as the first Executive Director and to build the foundation that will fuel the growth of Black owned breweries, membership into the organization and celebrate the history and accomplishments of the Black brewers of America.
- Beny Ashburn
  
  , Co-Founder and The Dope CEO, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.
- Teo Hunter
  
  , Co-Founder, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.
- Kevin Asato, Executive Director, National Black Brewers Association
- Beny Ashburn, Co-Founder and The Dope CEO, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.
- Teo Hunter, Co-Founder, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.
Watch Video
9:40 AM
-
10:05 AM
Breaking the 4th Wall: Beyond Beer Growth Drivers

BuzzBallz founder Merrilee Kick, BeatBox Beverages co-founder Aimy Steadman and Stateside Vodka CEO Clement Pappas will explore 4th category trends and opportunities, their growth philosophies and insights into their strategies. All panelists helm ready-to-drink brands with explosive growth. BuzzBallz, maker of colorful circular canned cocktails, is a top 10 spirits brand in off-premise retailers tracked by Circana. Party punch maker BeatBox has maintained triple-digit growth in scans. Stateside’s Surfside brand of vodka-based hard tea and lemonade outperformed the company’s projections fivefold in New Jersey.
- Merrilee Kick
  
  , Founder & CEO, BuzzBallz/Southern Champion
  
  Merrilee Kick
  
  Founder & CEO, BuzzBallz/Southern Champion
  
  Merrilee Kick is the CEO/Founder of BuzzBallz/Southern Champion LLC, the only woman-owned Distillery/Winery/Brewery combination in the United States. The Texas-based company manufactures ready-to-drink cocktails called “BuzzBallz” and “Uptown Cocktails”, as well as spirits like rum, vodka, gin, and bourbon. The family-operated company sells products in all 50 states and 27 countries and is home to over 855 employees. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Montana, an MBA from Texas Woman’s University, and she is recently an alumnus of Harvard Business School. She is married to her husband of 35 years, and has two children, who also work in the business with her. Merrilee received the Dallas Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Award, EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Top Women In Grocery Award, and WPO/Chase Bank’s “50 Fastest” Woman Owned companies in the United States. She is also a winner of the Enterprising Women of the year award, and Enterprising Women’s Top 20 Award.
- Aimy Steadman
  
  , Co-Founder & COO, BeatBox Beverages
  
  Aimy Steadman
  
  Co-Founder & COO, BeatBox Beverages
  
  Aimy Steadman is a Co-Founder and COO at Future/Proof and creator of BeatBox Beverages - the World's Tastiest Portable Party Punch™. BeatBox is proudly a B Corps RTD beverage brand that offers fun & nostalgic flavors in a sustainable & resealable package. BeatBox is the number 1 fastest growing brand out of the top 10 RTD brands. With a deep passion for live music, and a community of super fans, BeatBox has become the brand that’s bringing the party to the alcohol industry. BeatBox Beverages is on track to see 160% growth in 2023. Aimy Steadman serves on the following nonprofit boards: Naturally Austin, Naturally Network, and Entrepreneurs Organization: Austin. Steadman has also received a handful of notable national as well as global accolades, most recently Austin Chamber’s A-List 2020 in addition to being featured in a recent book entitled The Immigrant Hustle.
- Clement Pappas
  
  , CEO, Stateside Vodka
  
  Clement Pappas
  
  CEO, Stateside Vodka
  
  Clement Pappas is CEO and part owner of Stateside Vodka in Philadelphia, PA. The craft vodka brand launched in 2015 and by 2018 was ranked the top selling Pennsylvania Distilled. The company launched its canned ready to drink (RTD) Stateside Vodka Soda line in 2021 and Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka in 2022. In just its second year on the market, Surfisde surpassed 1 Million case depletions and is rapidly expanding throughout the country. Prior to launching Stateside Vodka, Clement was CEO of Clement Pappas & Co., a leading national supplier of private brand juices. The company was founded in 1942 by his grandfather Clement, a hardworking U.S. immigrant who exemplified the American Dream. Growing up, the business played a central part in Clement's life, and he later worked in an executive capacity for the company for 15 years. Some of Clement’s key accomplishments included the turnaround of the company’s flagship NJ plant, startup of the company’s California manufacturing facility, and penetrating key national accounts such as Wal-Mart and Costco. Clement led the sale of the business to Lassonde Industries in 2011 and served as CEO until his exit in 2014. Prior to Clement Pappas & Co., he worked for Arthur Andersen Business Consulting in New York. Clement and his wife Lauren currently reside in Haddonfield, NJ with their two sons, Paul and Joseph. After tragically losing their premature son Peter in 2015, Clement and Lauren founded the Peter Joseph Pappas Fund with a mission to cure preeclampsia by 2050. Clement is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute, a member of YPO, and has served on numerous charitable and corporate boards. He earned his BSE from Duke University cum laude and his MBA from The Wharton School, where he was designated a Palmer Scholar.
- Merrilee Kick, Founder & CEO, BuzzBallz/Southern Champion
- Aimy Steadman, Co-Founder & COO, BeatBox Beverages
- Clement Pappas, CEO, Stateside Vodka
Watch Video
10:05 AM
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10:30 AM
Livestream & Networking Break
10:30 AM
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11:00 AM
Finding Inspiration Outside of the Beer Aisle

Flavor continues to be a priority for consumers and a driving force for innovation. But where does that innovation inspiration come from? Molson Coors director of marketing innovation Amanda DeVore, Liquid Death SVP of marketing Dan Murphy, and WeldWerks head brewer Skip Schwartz will discuss where they discover the next flavor trends, and how the best inspo is often in places outside of bev-alc.
- Dan Murphy
  
  , SVP of Marketing, Liquid Death
  
  Dan Murphy
  
  SVP of Marketing, Liquid Death
  
  Dan Murphy is SVP of marketing at Liquid Death, which makes health and sustainability 50 times more fun. As one of the fastest growing non-alc beverage brands of all time, Liquid Death is the first bold, hilarious beverage company focused on health and sustainability. We take the healthiest thing you can drink and package it into infinitely recyclable tallboy cans that can actually compete with the fun marketing of unhealthy brands across energy drinks, beer, and junk food. A portion of Liquid Death’s proceeds goes to nonprofits who are helping to fight plastic pollution and bringing clean drinking water to those in need. Prior to Liquid Death Dan had an advertising career building digital products (The launch of Domino's Pizza Tracker was one of his first) as well as just about anything that connects to the Internet (sites, apps, experiential, content). He also spent 3 years at Google playing with machine learning superpowers and has founded and helped build other startups, too.
- Skip Schwartz
  
  , Head Brewer, WeldWerks Brewing Company
  
  Skip Schwartz
  
  Head Brewer, WeldWerks Brewing Company
  
  Skip Schwartz is the Head Brewer at WeldWerks Brewing Company, located in Greeley, Colorado. Skip has been working in the craft beer industry for over 10 years and has experience in various roles, including sales, bartending, and production. Previously, Skip was the production manager at Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales in Denver, which led him to take on his initial role at WeldWerks as Special Project Manager. Later, he became the Innovation and Wood Cellar Lead and managed WeldWerks' highly-regarded barrel program while seeking innovative ways to enhance WeldWerks' already prestigious portfolio. Thanks to his success in this field, he was entrusted with the role of Head Brewer, where he continues to explore innovative approaches in the competitive beer market.
- Eddie Simeón
  
  , Co-Founder and CMO, Hella Cocktail Co.
  
  Eddie Simeón
  
  Co-Founder and CMO, Hella Cocktail Co.
  
  Eddie Simeón, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Hella Cocktail Co., grew up in a multicultural Mexican-Filipino-American family in Oakland, California. Like many grandchildren of immigrants, language was not his primary anchor to his roots. Instead, traditional comfort foods like enchiladas, lumpia, and calimanci were his gateway to the rich traditions of his familial homelands. Food is Eddie’s central connection to Mexican and Filipino culture, and as it turns out, his passion as a businessman. The intersection of culture and entrepreneurship becomes even more meaningful as Eddie passes on the traditions to his daughter and, now, you, the broader Hella Cocktail Co. community! With Hella, it’s more than a Margarita. Join us in celebrating the spirit of life.
- Amanda DeVore
  
  , Senior Director of Flavor Innovation, Molson Coors
  
  Amanda DeVore
  
  Senior Director of Flavor Innovation, Molson Coors
  
  Amanda DeVore is the senior director of flavor innovation for Molson Coors and has led category disruptive innovations for more than 15 years with the company. She has been instrumental in evolving Molson Coors flavor portfolio and most recently led the creation of Happy Thursday, a new bubble-free, spiked refresher launching nationwide March 2024. Amanda has a passion for developing successful partner and new-to-world alch-beverage innovations that tap into true consumer insights, whether it’s developing full flavor products like Simply Spiked with The Coca-Cola Company, which was the #1 flavor innovation when it launched in 2022, or creating the North American seltzer innovation pipeline for brands like Vizzy and Topo Chico Hard Seltzer. Amanda is passionate about bringing a new generation of younger, legal-drinking age consumers into the flavored alch-bev aisle, and evolving Molson Coors from a beer company to a full beverage company. When Amanda is not innovating breakthrough new products, you can find her spending time with her husband and two dogs or biking the lakefront in Chicago.
- Dan Murphy, SVP of Marketing, Liquid Death
- Skip Schwartz, Head Brewer, WeldWerks Brewing Company
- Eddie Simeón, Co-Founder and CMO, Hella Cocktail Co.
- Amanda DeVore, Senior Director of Flavor Innovation, Molson Coors
Watch Video
11:00 AM
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12:00 PM
Brewbound Live Pitch Slam Final Round

Location: California Ballroom - Lobby LevelA panel of expert judges will offer participants and attendees valuable insights on what makes for a successful brewery and beverage-alcohol brands. They’ll evaluate the emerging brands, business plans and innovative products presented by our contestants.
Judges include:
- Ryan Lake
  
  , Managing Director, Arlington Capital Advisors
  
  Ryan Lake
  
  Managing Director, Arlington Capital Advisors
  
  Ryan Lake is a Managing Director at Arlington Capital Advisors, a boutique investment banking firm focused exclusively on advising consumer businesses. He has over 20 years of investment banking and commercial banking experience and has sourced, structured, and negotiated over 60 transactions for beverage brands, suppliers, importers, distributors and retailers across beer, wine, spirits, RTD and non-alcoholic beverages. Ryan and the team at Arlington have successfully completed over $10 billion worth of transactions for beverage clients around the world.
- Carrie Yunker
  
  , Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery
  
  Carrie Yunker
  
  Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery
  
  Carrie Yunker leads Bell’s Brewery as Executive Vice President after joining the team as a receptionist over two decades ago. Holding multiple leadership roles within the company over the years, she has helped guide Bell's to national distribution with iconic brands such Two Hearted IPA and Oberon Ale. As Executive Vice President, Carrie is the visionary and leader behind Bell’s strategic plans. In addition, she works closely with New Belgium Brewing’s leadership team to position the breweries as leaders both in the craft beer industry and beyond. She supports 1300+ employees across the nation and oversees day-to-day company operations with a commitment to recognizing, elevating, and celebrating the individual value a person brings to the organization. Carrie is largely credited for developing Bell’s coveted people-centric culture. A prominent leader at Bell’s, in the state of Michigan, and within the industry at large, Carrie’s passion for positively impacting Bell’s coworkers and the community propels her desire for demanding more from business. She was a founding member of the National Craft Beer Human Resource Group, and is currently a board member of the National Women in Beer Alliance. She is deeply invested in her local Kalamazoo community, and she serves as chair of the Alumni Committee for the Kalamazoo Valley Community Foundation and a Director for Southwest Michigan First. In all she does, Carrie leads with a passion for doing right by people, and is committed to striving for a more inclusive and inviting work environment for all.
- Donn Bichsel
  
  , Founder, 3 Tier Beverages
  
  Donn Bichsel
  
  Founder, 3 Tier Beverages
  
  My career in the beverage industry started out on the retail side working at bars and restaurants in Chicago until my first supplier job with SAB selling Pilsner Urquell previous to their acquisition of Miller Brewing Company. Opportunity to build out a new sales team at Goose Island led me there during their transition from an externally led sales and marketing organization to recreation of an internal team. My next move was to Heineken/USA as a part of the Star Brand Imports team managing distributors along with developing and implementing the annual business plans across the Midwest. When Heineken made the decision to close our import division it led me back to craft beer and to Dogfish Head where the middle of America became my home managing their distributor side of the business along with On Premise National accounts. My final stop before beginning this next step was at Revolution Brewing back home in Chicago for the last eight years building out their sales, marketing and logistics side of the business from case zero. 3 Tier Beverages is based out of the Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago where it shares office space with a wife, two daughters and a 100lb Chocolate Labrador who thinks he is a lap dog. 3 decades of genuine, authentic and real experience in the beverage industry working for you.
- Michelle Abdollah
  
  , Category Manager (Alcoholic Beverages), Extra Mile
  
  Michelle Abdollah
  
  Category Manager (Alcoholic Beverages), Extra Mile
  
  Alcohol Category Manager for ExtraMile Convenience Stores LLC (EMCS), Michelle currently oversees all aspects of merchandising related to wine, beer, and spirits across the full network of over 700 licensed stations operating in 9 states. Michelle joined EMCS in October 2021 and comes with over 15 years of merchandising and operations experience. She has worked in both large format and c-store chains at Target and 7-Eleven. Before leaving 7-Eleven, she held the position of Store Readiness Manager for the Western United States covering all new store growth, acquisitions, and change of ownership. Prior to this, Michelle worked as a Business Consultant for a territory of franchised stores and served as the zone merchandising category lead for both alcohol and non- alcoholic beverages.
- Yair Tygiel
  
  , Founder, Sunboy
- Ryan Lake, Managing Director, Arlington Capital Advisors
- Carrie Yunker, Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery
- Donn Bichsel, Founder, 3 Tier Beverages
- Michelle Abdollah, Category Manager (Alcoholic Beverages), Extra Mile
- Yair Tygiel, Founder, Sunboy
Watch Video
12:00 PM
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1:20 PM
Lunch, Sampling + Livestream

Lunch and beer samples are served in the Bayview Ballroom on the rooftop level and is included with registration.
1:20 PM
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2:00 PM
Be Fearless: Overcoming the Beer-iers to the Evolving Consumer

From Generation Z to the silver tsunami, keeping up with consumers and their rapidly changing drinking habits isn’t easy. We'll try to break the mystique with a presentation by NIQ beverage alcohol vertical director of thought leadership Kaleigh Theriault and 3 Tier Beverages analytics and client success consultant Stephanie Roatis. Theriault and Roatis will provide fresh perspectives and share strategies to help brands better understand the consumer, from changing demographics to sober curiosity to consumer powered trends on flavor, pack size and channel choices.
- Kaleigh Theriault
  
  , Director of Thought Leadership, Beverage Alcohol Vertical, NIQ
  
  Kaleigh Theriault
  
  Director of Thought Leadership, Beverage Alcohol Vertical, NIQ
  
  Kaleigh has 8 years of NIQ experience and considerable background working with clients in multiple categories. She has been involved with the Beverage Alcohol category for the last four years working on Thought Leadership and client specific business questions and projects. Kaleigh brings a unique skillset of analytic capabilities, as well as commercial selling story creation, and has significant background in bringing consumer insights to the forefront in support of sales trends. She has been pivotal in the NIQ strategy and tactics for Beverage Alcohol as the industry changes and develops.
- Stephanie Roatis
  
  , Analytics & Client Success Consultant, 3 Tier Beverages
  
  Stephanie Roatis
  
  Analytics & Client Success Consultant, 3 Tier Beverages
  
  Analytics & Client Success Consultant at 3Tier Beverages with experience working for national & craft Beer, Wine, & Spirits brands. Formerly with IRI’s strategic analytics practice working primarily with Bev-Alc & Protein clients, specializing in pricing, assortment, and media effectiveness. Chicago native with a passion for the outdoors and architecture.
- Kaleigh Theriault, Director of Thought Leadership, Beverage Alcohol Vertical, NIQ
- Stephanie Roatis, Analytics & Client Success Consultant, 3 Tier Beverages
Watch Video
2:00 PM
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2:30 PM
Conveniently Growing: Keys to Winning in C-Stores

The convenience channel is one of the bright spots for beverage-alcohol in 2023, with c-store beer category sales outpacing other channels. Michelle Abdollah, category manager of alcoholic beverages for Extra Mile Convenience Stores, and David Williams, Bump Williams Consulting’s VP of analytics and insights, will share c-store data insights and trends, along with strategies for winning in the channel.
- Michelle Abdollah
  
  , Category Manager (Alcoholic Beverages), Extra Mile
  
  Michelle Abdollah
  
  Category Manager (Alcoholic Beverages), Extra Mile
  
  Alcohol Category Manager for ExtraMile Convenience Stores LLC (EMCS), Michelle currently oversees all aspects of merchandising related to wine, beer, and spirits across the full network of over 700 licensed stations operating in 9 states. Michelle joined EMCS in October 2021 and comes with over 15 years of merchandising and operations experience. She has worked in both large format and c-store chains at Target and 7-Eleven. Before leaving 7-Eleven, she held the position of Store Readiness Manager for the Western United States covering all new store growth, acquisitions, and change of ownership. Prior to this, Michelle worked as a Business Consultant for a territory of franchised stores and served as the zone merchandising category lead for both alcohol and non- alcoholic beverages.
- Dave Williams
  
  , VP Analytics & Insights, Bump Williams Consulting
  
  Dave Williams
  
  VP Analytics & Insights, Bump Williams Consulting
  
  Graduated from Penn State University in 2006 with a degree in Marketing. Dave began his career at Marketing Management Analytics (Ipsos MMA) as a Data Analyst, running sales regression models and market level analytics across various Retail and CPG clients. He left MMA and joined Nielsen in 2010, working up to the role of Client Manager. In this role, Dave led a team dedicated to Market Mix, Price/Promo and Consumer analysis for Procter & Gamble globally, spanning multiple categories and brands across their wide portfolio. In 2015, Dave left Nielsen to join BUMP Williams Consulting where he currently runs high-end analytics across the Beverage Alcohol universe. His key focus areas include Consumer Behavior, Pricing, Promotion and Retail Landscape for BWC’s Supplier, Distributor and Retailer clients.
- Michelle Abdollah, Category Manager (Alcoholic Beverages), Extra Mile
- Dave Williams, VP Analytics & Insights, Bump Williams Consulting
Watch Video
2:30 PM
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2:55 PM
Level Up Your Digital Strategy

Ruby Martinez, shopper marketing manager at Firestone Walker, Ethan Stienstra, co-founder of the E-Premise Group, and Paul Reiter, co-founder and CEO of Great Notion Brewing, will discuss strategies for finding success in the digital world, including how your virtual presence can be a tool for building communities and growing brick-and-mortar sales.
- Ruby Martinez
  
  , Shopper Marketing Manager, Firestone Walker
  
  Ruby Martinez
  
  Shopper Marketing Manager, Firestone Walker
  
  Ruby Martinez has over 10 years’ experience in grocery retail, and most recently stepped into the world of Beer. She joined the Firestone Walker team in 2022 and supports the National Accounts team on shopper marketing initiatives for retailers across the country. Most recently Ruby has dived into each retailer’s online platform. Optimized brand content ensures a consistent and positive user experience. Ruby collaborates with Syndigo, Instacart, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Whole Foods, and more ensuring what is on the shelf matches online searches. This focus is essential in sharing the Firestone Walker brand story with each customer. Ruby is based in Paso Robles, California and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
- Ethan Stienstra
  
  , Founder, The E-Premise Group
  
  Ethan Stienstra
  
  Founder, The E-Premise Group
  
  Ethan, a visionary leader in the Beverage Alcohol industry, has a proven track record of success. His journey began at Molson Coors, where he spearheaded the growth of the Blue Moon Brewing Company. Under his leadership, the team used the Blue Moon orange garnish ritual to propel the brand to become the #1 craft beer. His successful tenure led to his appointment as the Brand Manager of Innovation for craft and import brands, overseeing brands like Blue Moon, Leinenkugel, Pilsner Urquell, and Peroni. Ethan then spent six years at New Belgium Brewing Company as Director of Innovation and Specialty Brands where he reimagined New Belgium’s portfolio strategy and approach. In 2021, capitalizing on his industry expertise, Ethan embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. He teamed up with Dan Kiefer, a renowned creative in the beer industry, to launch Ahead of the Curve Strategy. Their shared vision was to empower adult beverage companies by providing expert guidance in brand positioning, portfolio strategy, and creative needs. Fast forward to 2022, Ethan took a leap into the digital world by founding The E-Premise Group. This e-commerce firm has quickly become a trusted partner for over 30 alcoholic beverage companies. But Ethan didn’t stop there. He also forged a strategic alliance with Denver-based investment bank GLC Advisors to provide M&A consultancy services to adult beverage companies. Ethan’s multifaceted experience and forward-thinking approach have truly established him as a dynamic force in the Adult Beverage industry.
- Paul Reiter
  
  , Co-Founder & CEO, Great Notion Brewing
  
  Paul Reiter
  
  Co-Founder & CEO, Great Notion Brewing
  
  Paul Reiter is CEO and Co-Founder of Great Notion Brewing. There, he focuses on leading the company with a direct-to-consumer #keepbeerfun ethos. Prior to co-founding Great Notion with two friends in 2015, Paul led a digital archiving sales team for over a decade at a $100M software-as-a-service company. While there, he received an MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship from Babson. Earlier in his career, Paul worked in the public relations and advertising fields, founded a hip-hop record label, and ate his weight in cheesesteaks in Philly. He currently lives in Portland. OR with his wife and two daughters.
- Nichole Shustack
  
  , Counsel, McDermott Will & Emery
  
  Nichole Shustack
  
  Counsel, McDermott Will & Emery
  
  Nichole D. Shustack focuses her practice on alcohol trade practice, regulatory, commercial agreements and distribution matters. She represents companies in the alcohol beverage industry, including brewers, distillers and wineries and has in-depth knowledge of the legal, regulatory and distribution issues facing the industry. Prior to joining the Firm, Nichole acted as in-house counsel for eight years at one of the largest craft brewers in the world where she counseled on regulatory, distribution matters and represented the company in drafting complex commercial agreements. Since joining McDermott, she uses this experience to provide clients with business-minded and practical legal advice.
- Ruby Martinez, Shopper Marketing Manager, Firestone Walker
- Ethan Stienstra, Founder, The E-Premise Group
- Paul Reiter , Co-Founder & CEO, Great Notion Brewing
- Nichole Shustack, Counsel, McDermott Will & Emery
Watch Video
2:55 PM
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3:20 PM
Quali-Tea Competition: Hard Tea & Lemonade Challenger Strategies

New hard tea and hard lemonade brands continue to populate shelves, while the No. 1 hard tea brand continues to grow its share (despite being more than 20 years in the game). Fishers Island founder Bronya Shillo, Owl's Brew founder and CEO Jennie Ripps and New Belgium senior director of brands & innovation Dave Knospe will discuss strategies for staying competitive in the increasingly crowded market, and how they've carved out unique identities for their brands.
- Jennie Ripps
  
  , Co-Founder & CEO, Owl’s Brew
  
  Jennie Ripps
  
  Co-Founder & CEO, Owl’s Brew
  
  Jennie Ripps is a tea sommelier, and co-founder and CEO of Owl’s Brew, a line of clean, great-tasting boozy beverages made with only good, whole ingredients. Jennie is co-founder of Wise Women Collective, Owl’s Brew's women-for-women initiative, dedicated to shining a light on women’s voices, and supporting women’s causes via charity partnerships. Jennie is co-author of Wise Cocktails: A DIY Guide to Crafting Tea-Based Cocktails. Jennie is a mentor for UPenn’s Professional Women’s Alliance. She is a graduate of Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses, and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. Jennie & Owl’s Brew have been profiled by The Today Show, The New York Times, and Forbes, among others. Jennie resides in Connecticut.
- Bronya Shillo
  
  , Founder & CEO, Fishers Island Lemonade
  
  Bronya Shillo
  
  Founder & CEO, Fishers Island Lemonade
  
  Today, Fishers Island Lemonade is recognized as America’s Craft Lemonade Canned Cocktail, winning dozens of awards for its one-of-a-kind taste profile and commitment to high quality ingredients. When Fishers Island Lemonade launched in 2014, canned cocktails were not nearly the category they are today. “Ready to drink” beverages were largely unheard of, and the ones that were available were made with low-quality ingredients. Founder Bronya Shillo bet on herself in launching her premium, authentic canned cocktail with a vision for Fishers Island Lemonade, in effect pioneering a new beverage category. Bronya spent many summers on Fishers Island, NY, where her family owned and operated the Pequot Inn. She ultimately joined the family working at the Inn and took charge of creating the bar’s signature house cocktail, Fishers Island Lemonade, locally referred to as “Fishers” or “FIL.” It was the most popular drink served at the bar all summer long. Bronya had her “a-ha” moment one late evening while reaching into the cooler to grab a beer for a customer and thinking to herself, “I wish this were a can of Fishers.” This innovative idea set her on a quest to create Fishers Island Lemonade in a ready-to-drink cocktail in a can. It was Memorial Day weekend 2014, after two full years of development, when Bronya launched Fishers Island Lemonade, pioneering the RTD craft cocktail category as one of the first canned cocktails launched in the United States. With only an estimated 5% of craft spirit brands owned by women, Bronya launched her business idea in the early days of a growing trend. This originator in the canned cocktail category has set the stage for many new entrants - paving the way for success of the larger beverage segment. Fast forward to today, Bronya continues to grow her female-led company with a full family of Fishers Island Lemonade offerings and hitting new benchmarks: - Since the brand's inception, the portfolio of products have earned Platinum, Double Gold and Consumer’s Choice Award at the 2022 SIP Awards, Gold at the 2022 Beverage Testing Institute Spirits Review. - Recognized by Impact Magazine as a “Hot Prospect” brand three years in a row, from 2019-2021 - Fishers Island Lemonade is one of the Top 10 selling spirits-based RTDs on Drizly throughout the key summer holidays in 2020, 2021 and 2022. - Fishers Island Lemonade is committed to its philanthropic efforts that have been recognized each year since 2014, giving back to the Fishers Island community and in 2022 partnering with Take 3 from the Sea non-profit. - Bronya was a featured panelist at AdWeek’s “Taste of Brandweek” panel in 2022. - Distributed in 14 states, recently expanding south into SC and FL in 2022 and also online at https://buy.filemonade.com/.
- Dave Knospe
  
  , Senior Director of Brand & Innovation, New Belgium
  
  Dave Knospe
  
  Senior Director of Brand & Innovation, New Belgium
  
  Since joining New Belgium Brewing in 2019, Dave Knospe has led the record-breaking Voodoo Ranger brand to its coveted ranking as the top selling IPA in the United States. With a keen eye for brand development and strategy, Dave's leadership led to the top selling craft beer launch in history - Juice Force IPA. As Senior Director of Brands at New Belgium, Dave oversees a portfolio of national craft beer brands, and continues to drive innovation pushing outside of the craft category. Dave has nearly 15 years of marketing experience focused on consumer-packaged goods, including a stint at Nestle Purina where he led the development of The Service Dog Salute – a program designed to raise awareness and funding to train rescue dogs to become certified service animals for veterans suffering from PTSD. Dave holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the University of Miami and earned an MBA from Poole College of Management at N.C. State University. In his free time, Dave chases his two-year-old around the house, explores the natural wonders of Colorado, and spends entirely too much time watching Baltimore sports teams.
- Jennie Ripps, Co-Founder & CEO, Owl’s Brew
- Bronya Shillo, Founder & CEO, Fishers Island Lemonade
- Dave Knospe, Senior Director of Brand & Innovation, New Belgium
Watch Video
3:20 PM
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3:30 PM
Brewbound Live Pitch Slam Winner Announcement
Watch Video
3:30 PM
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4:30 PM
Wrap Party

Wrap up your conversations on-site in the Marina del Rey Marriott lobby and enjoy a few final beers. All registered attendees of Brewbound Live Winter 2023 are invited to attend. An event badge and valid ID is required for admittance.

Recent Event Announcements

Posted 1/29/2024 at 10:06 AM

Brewbound Live: Level Up Your Digital Strategy, with The E-Premise Group, Firestone Walker, Great Notion and McDermott, Will & Emery

The digital marketplace has become a vital part of many bev-alc brands’ marketing and connection to consumers, and has an impact on both digital and brick-and-mortar sales.

Posted 1/3/2024 at 10:32 AM

Brewbound Live 2023: How to Get Mindshare & Sell More Beer, with Stone Distributing, Breakthru Beverage & Tryon Distributing

Landing in a wholesaler’s warehouse is a big win for a supplier, but it’s often just the first step in a journey that ultimately ends in a consumer’s fridge. Stone Distributing general manager Brian Fried, Breakthru Beverage California director of beer Sinead Carey and Tryon Distributing director of beer Elledge Davis shared the questions and tasks suppliers need to ask and accomplish along the way during the Brewbound Live business conference last month in Marina del Rey, California.

Posted 1/2/2024 at 8:45 AM

Brewbound Live 2023: The State of Craft Brewery M&A

The deal environment within the craft brewing industry is “a bit slow” with “a lot of volatility, a lot of uncertainty,” which isn’t very conducive to dealmaking, Arlington Capital Advisors managing director Ryan Lake shared during the 2023 Brewbound Live business conference earlier this month.

Brewbound Live Winter 2023 Speakers

Our community is driven by the craft, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the desire to create something that brings people together. We are honored to have expert speakers join us to share stories, insights, and advice that allow founders, executives, and decision makers to forge ahead with confidence.

Carrie Yunker

Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery

Carrie Yunker

Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery

Carrie Yunker leads Bell’s Brewery as Executive Vice President after joining the team as a receptionist over two decades ago. Holding multiple leadership roles within the company over the years, she has helped guide Bell's to national distribution with iconic brands such Two Hearted IPA and Oberon Ale. As Executive Vice President, Carrie is the visionary and leader behind Bell’s strategic plans. In addition, she works closely with New Belgium Brewing’s leadership team to position the breweries as leaders both in the craft beer industry and beyond. She supports 1300+ employees across the nation and oversees day-to-day company operations with a commitment to recognizing, elevating, and celebrating the individual value a person brings to the organization. Carrie is largely credited for developing Bell’s coveted people-centric culture. A prominent leader at Bell’s, in the state of Michigan, and within the industry at large, Carrie’s passion for positively impacting Bell’s coworkers and the community propels her desire for demanding more from business. She was a founding member of the National Craft Beer Human Resource Group, and is currently a board member of the National Women in Beer Alliance. She is deeply invested in her local Kalamazoo community, and she serves as chair of the Alumni Committee for the Kalamazoo Valley Community Foundation and a Director for Southwest Michigan First. In all she does, Carrie leads with a passion for doing right by people, and is committed to striving for a more inclusive and inviting work environment for all.
Ty Gilmore

President U.S. Beer Division, Tilray Brands

Ty Gilmore

President U.S. Beer Division, Tilray Brands

Ty Gilmore is President, U.S. Beer at Tilray Brands, Inc. He brings over two decades of experience in the beverage industry to the company. Prior to joining our team, Mr. Gilmore spent seven years as the head of national accounts at Diageo and served as the executive vice president at Glazer's Beer and Beverage, where he oversaw sales, marketing, and operations for 11 distributors in the southern United States. In his new role, he will be responsible for driving the growth and expansion of our U.S. beer business. He will also be responsible for developing and implementing the national route-to-market strategy for our entire portfolio of leading craft brands, including SweetWater, Alpine, Green Flash, and Montauk Brewing Company.
Merrilee Kick

Founder & CEO, BuzzBallz/Southern Champion

Merrilee Kick

Founder & CEO, BuzzBallz/Southern Champion

Merrilee Kick is the CEO/Founder of BuzzBallz/Southern Champion LLC, the only woman-owned Distillery/Winery/Brewery combination in the United States. The Texas-based company manufactures ready-to-drink cocktails called “BuzzBallz” and “Uptown Cocktails”, as well as spirits like rum, vodka, gin, and bourbon. The family-operated company sells products in all 50 states and 27 countries and is home to over 855 employees. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Montana, an MBA from Texas Woman’s University, and she is recently an alumnus of Harvard Business School. She is married to her husband of 35 years, and has two children, who also work in the business with her. Merrilee received the Dallas Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Award, EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Top Women In Grocery Award, and WPO/Chase Bank’s “50 Fastest” Woman Owned companies in the United States. She is also a winner of the Enterprising Women of the year award, and Enterprising Women’s Top 20 Award.
Kevin Asato

Executive Director, National Black Brewers Association

Kevin Asato

Executive Director, National Black Brewers Association

Kevin is a 30 year beverage industry expert with diverse experience in Adult Beverage, Non- Alcoholic Beverages and Carbonated Soft Drinks. He is credentialed as a Certified Spirit Specialist (CSS), WSET Wine Level 1, and working on his Cicerone Certification . His tenure with Anheuser Busch, Miller Brewing, PepsiCo, Dr. Pepper Snapple, Bacardi USA, and Republic National Distributing has enabled him to develop and execute Sales, Marketing, and Distribution plans across multiple channels in both state and national capacities. Kevin is committed to developing minority leaders and improving racial inequalities in the beverage and CPG industries. His passion for mentoring minority talent and advising beverage companies comes to life through serving on the board of the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund and his role as Managing Partner with Davin Brand Management. Both these entities facilitate the growth of BIPOC or female owned adult beverage companies. Outside of the beverage space, Kevin is an avid cyclist and poker player. He’s an active member of his community by volunteering his time and services to his local parish and AYSO Soccer. Kevin also assists the Los Angeles Sports Council, a sports trade association that leverages the Los Angeles sports ecosystem to have positive community impact. Participating as the Executive Director for NB2A is directly aligned with his core values and taps into all of his experiences and skills. He’s honored to be selected as the first Executive Director and to build the foundation that will fuel the growth of Black owned breweries, membership into the organization and celebrate the history and accomplishments of the Black brewers of America.
Aimy Steadman

Co-Founder & COO, BeatBox Beverages

Aimy Steadman

Co-Founder & COO, BeatBox Beverages

Aimy Steadman is a Co-Founder and COO at Future/Proof and creator of BeatBox Beverages - the World's Tastiest Portable Party Punch™. BeatBox is proudly a B Corps RTD beverage brand that offers fun & nostalgic flavors in a sustainable & resealable package. BeatBox is the number 1 fastest growing brand out of the top 10 RTD brands. With a deep passion for live music, and a community of super fans, BeatBox has become the brand that’s bringing the party to the alcohol industry. BeatBox Beverages is on track to see 160% growth in 2023. Aimy Steadman serves on the following nonprofit boards: Naturally Austin, Naturally Network, and Entrepreneurs Organization: Austin. Steadman has also received a handful of notable national as well as global accolades, most recently Austin Chamber’s A-List 2020 in addition to being featured in a recent book entitled The Immigrant Hustle.
Bart Watson

Chief Economist, Brewers Association
Simon Thorpe

Advisory & Board Member, Beer Industry

Simon Thorpe

Advisory & Board Member, Beer Industry

Simon Thorpe is a former CEO of InBev USA, Pabst and Duvel Moortgat USA and a former MD of Lion/Kirin North America. Simon currently sits on several Boards and undertakes advisory work across the beer and spirits industry. In his role at Lion Kirin, Simon was responsible for building Lion’s beer platform in the USA, including the 2019 acquisition of New Belgium Brewing (CO). At Pabst, Simon oversaw the transition of the company from a low-end beer producer to a more diversified beverage company. For Duvel Moortgat he grew the company from small beginnings to become the #5 craft brewer in the USA, including the acquisition of Boulevard Brewing (MO) and Firestone Walker (CA). Prior to joining Duvel Moortgat, Simon spent time working with private equity projects in Europe and was previously Global Head of Strategy and M&A for InBev, CEO of InBev USA and Head of Global Brand Marketing. His career has spanned support services, art and stationery, and consumer goods categories in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, including senior management positions with Compass Group, Crayola (Hallmark) and Kellogg’s. His early career was with Tambrands (P&G) and Unilever in the UK and in Europe. Simon was born and educated in England but has lived most of his life in Europe and in the USA. He currently resides in Ithaca NY with his wife Kati and their family.
Kaleigh Theriault

Director of Thought Leadership, Beverage Alcohol Vertical, NIQ

Kaleigh Theriault

Director of Thought Leadership, Beverage Alcohol Vertical, NIQ

Kaleigh has 8 years of NIQ experience and considerable background working with clients in multiple categories. She has been involved with the Beverage Alcohol category for the last four years working on Thought Leadership and client specific business questions and projects. Kaleigh brings a unique skillset of analytic capabilities, as well as commercial selling story creation, and has significant background in bringing consumer insights to the forefront in support of sales trends. She has been pivotal in the NIQ strategy and tactics for Beverage Alcohol as the industry changes and develops.
Teo Hunter

Co-Founder, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.
Beny Ashburn

Co-Founder and The Dope CEO, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.
Chris Cramer

Co-Founder & CEO, Karl Strauss
Lester Jones

Chief Economist, National Beer Wholesalers Association

Lester Jones

Chief Economist, National Beer Wholesalers Association

Lester Jones serves as the Chief Economist and Vice President of Analytics for the National Beer Wholesalers Association, a national trade organization that represents the regulatory and economic interests of licensed beer distributors. He has more than 20 years of experience in industry research, survey methodology and applied business economics. He most recently served as Chief Economist at the Beer Institute, where he developed and executed significant research initiatives that helped shape America’s beer industry. He also has become a respected public speaker, offering in-depth technical, analytical, and quantitative expertise.
Clement Pappas

CEO, Stateside Vodka

Clement Pappas

CEO, Stateside Vodka

Clement Pappas is CEO and part owner of Stateside Vodka in Philadelphia, PA. The craft vodka brand launched in 2015 and by 2018 was ranked the top selling Pennsylvania Distilled. The company launched its canned ready to drink (RTD) Stateside Vodka Soda line in 2021 and Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka in 2022. In just its second year on the market, Surfisde surpassed 1 Million case depletions and is rapidly expanding throughout the country. Prior to launching Stateside Vodka, Clement was CEO of Clement Pappas & Co., a leading national supplier of private brand juices. The company was founded in 1942 by his grandfather Clement, a hardworking U.S. immigrant who exemplified the American Dream. Growing up, the business played a central part in Clement's life, and he later worked in an executive capacity for the company for 15 years. Some of Clement’s key accomplishments included the turnaround of the company’s flagship NJ plant, startup of the company’s California manufacturing facility, and penetrating key national accounts such as Wal-Mart and Costco. Clement led the sale of the business to Lassonde Industries in 2011 and served as CEO until his exit in 2014. Prior to Clement Pappas & Co., he worked for Arthur Andersen Business Consulting in New York. Clement and his wife Lauren currently reside in Haddonfield, NJ with their two sons, Paul and Joseph. After tragically losing their premature son Peter in 2015, Clement and Lauren founded the Peter Joseph Pappas Fund with a mission to cure preeclampsia by 2050. Clement is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute, a member of YPO, and has served on numerous charitable and corporate boards. He earned his BSE from Duke University cum laude and his MBA from The Wharton School, where he was designated a Palmer Scholar.
Stephanie Roatis

Analytics & Client Success Consultant, 3 Tier Beverages

Stephanie Roatis

Analytics & Client Success Consultant, 3 Tier Beverages

Analytics & Client Success Consultant at 3Tier Beverages with experience working for national & craft Beer, Wine, & Spirits brands. Formerly with IRI’s strategic analytics practice working primarily with Bev-Alc & Protein clients, specializing in pricing, assortment, and media effectiveness. Chicago native with a passion for the outdoors and architecture.
Steven Garrett

President, Rogue Ales

Steven Garrett

President, Rogue Ales

Steven Garrett is a true Rogue. He recently became the President of Rogue, in August 2023, based on over a decade of dedicated service. Steven has been instrumental in building and scaling new ways to expand the Rogue brand, launching industry-leading products such as an award-winning canned cocktail line, CBD seltzers, and revamping the whiskey portfolio while remaining true to Rogue's brand essence of "Dare. Risk. Dream." Before his presidency, Steven held key positions, including Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Business Development, along with numerous sales roles, helping shape the company's trajectory.
Ryan Lake

Managing Director, Arlington Capital Advisors

Ryan Lake

Managing Director, Arlington Capital Advisors

Ryan Lake is a Managing Director at Arlington Capital Advisors, a boutique investment banking firm focused exclusively on advising consumer businesses. He has over 20 years of investment banking and commercial banking experience and has sourced, structured, and negotiated over 60 transactions for beverage brands, suppliers, importers, distributors and retailers across beer, wine, spirits, RTD and non-alcoholic beverages. Ryan and the team at Arlington have successfully completed over $10 billion worth of transactions for beverage clients around the world.
Michelle Abdollah

Category Manager (Alcoholic Beverages), Extra Mile

Michelle Abdollah

Category Manager (Alcoholic Beverages), Extra Mile

Alcohol Category Manager for ExtraMile Convenience Stores LLC (EMCS), Michelle currently oversees all aspects of merchandising related to wine, beer, and spirits across the full network of over 700 licensed stations operating in 9 states. Michelle joined EMCS in October 2021 and comes with over 15 years of merchandising and operations experience. She has worked in both large format and c-store chains at Target and 7-Eleven. Before leaving 7-Eleven, she held the position of Store Readiness Manager for the Western United States covering all new store growth, acquisitions, and change of ownership. Prior to this, Michelle worked as a Business Consultant for a territory of franchised stores and served as the zone merchandising category lead for both alcohol and non- alcoholic beverages.
Adam Bankovich

CEO, Rhinegeist Brewery

Adam Bankovich

CEO, Rhinegeist Brewery

An Ohio native and longtime Cincinnati resident, Adam Bankovich has over 15 years of experience in the brewing industry. After a four-and-a-half year stint with Cincinnati-based distributor Cavalier Distributing, Adam spent nine years at San Diego-based craft beer icon Stone Brewing, which culminated in the role of VP of Sales. Adam joined the Rhinegeist team as Chief Commercial Officer in October 2022, setting Rhinegeist’s commercial strategy on track for trend-defying growth in 2023 amidst an exceptionally challenging environment. Adam led Rhinegeist as interim Chief Executive Officer beginning May 2023, and was officially named CEO in October of the same year. Adam lives in Cincinnati with his wife Colleen and their three children Caroline, Marcus and Nathan.
Bryant Goulding

Co-Founder, Rhinegeist Brewery
Chris Russell

Chief Commercial Officer, CANarchy
Paul Reiter

Co-Founder & CEO, Great Notion Brewing

Paul Reiter

Co-Founder & CEO, Great Notion Brewing

Paul Reiter is CEO and Co-Founder of Great Notion Brewing. There, he focuses on leading the company with a direct-to-consumer #keepbeerfun ethos. Prior to co-founding Great Notion with two friends in 2015, Paul led a digital archiving sales team for over a decade at a $100M software-as-a-service company. While there, he received an MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship from Babson. Earlier in his career, Paul worked in the public relations and advertising fields, founded a hip-hop record label, and ate his weight in cheesesteaks in Philly. He currently lives in Portland. OR with his wife and two daughters.
Lynne Weaver

Founder & CEO, Three Weavers Brewing Company

Lynne Weaver

Founder & CEO, Three Weavers Brewing Company

Lynne Weaver is the Founder and CEO of Three Weavers Brewing Company, a craft brewery in Inglewood, CA. As Founder and CEO, Lynne leads all aspects of the brewery, including operations, finance and sales. Founded in 2013, Lynne cultivated and guided the growth of Three Weavers into a strategic merger with CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective in 2018. In 2021, Lynne orchestrated with her original investors an asset purchase buyback of Three Weavers. Today, Lynne is focused on Three Weavers innovations in alt-beverage categories, expanding distribution, and their Brewery Restaurant buildout next to Sofi Stadium. From the beginning of her Craft beer career, Lynne developed a passion for giving back to her community of Inglewood and the craft beer industry. Lynne has served 6 years on the Board of Directors for the California Craft Brewers Association. Before founding Three Weavers, Lynne held designations as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Enrolled Agent (EA) with the IRS and was the Lead Real Estate Tax Consultant and Accountant for a Real Estate Tax Consulting firm. Lynne lives in Los Angeles, with her husband, Jonathan Weaver, and their children (aka the Three Weavers). Lynne received a BA in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Ethan Stienstra

Founder, The E-Premise Group

Ethan Stienstra

Founder, The E-Premise Group

Ethan, a visionary leader in the Beverage Alcohol industry, has a proven track record of success. His journey began at Molson Coors, where he spearheaded the growth of the Blue Moon Brewing Company. Under his leadership, the team used the Blue Moon orange garnish ritual to propel the brand to become the #1 craft beer. His successful tenure led to his appointment as the Brand Manager of Innovation for craft and import brands, overseeing brands like Blue Moon, Leinenkugel, Pilsner Urquell, and Peroni. Ethan then spent six years at New Belgium Brewing Company as Director of Innovation and Specialty Brands where he reimagined New Belgium’s portfolio strategy and approach. In 2021, capitalizing on his industry expertise, Ethan embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. He teamed up with Dan Kiefer, a renowned creative in the beer industry, to launch Ahead of the Curve Strategy. Their shared vision was to empower adult beverage companies by providing expert guidance in brand positioning, portfolio strategy, and creative needs. Fast forward to 2022, Ethan took a leap into the digital world by founding The E-Premise Group. This e-commerce firm has quickly become a trusted partner for over 30 alcoholic beverage companies. But Ethan didn’t stop there. He also forged a strategic alliance with Denver-based investment bank GLC Advisors to provide M&A consultancy services to adult beverage companies. Ethan’s multifaceted experience and forward-thinking approach have truly established him as a dynamic force in the Adult Beverage industry.
Dan Murphy

SVP of Marketing, Liquid Death

Dan Murphy

SVP of Marketing, Liquid Death

Dan Murphy is SVP of marketing at Liquid Death, which makes health and sustainability 50 times more fun. As one of the fastest growing non-alc beverage brands of all time, Liquid Death is the first bold, hilarious beverage company focused on health and sustainability. We take the healthiest thing you can drink and package it into infinitely recyclable tallboy cans that can actually compete with the fun marketing of unhealthy brands across energy drinks, beer, and junk food. A portion of Liquid Death’s proceeds goes to nonprofits who are helping to fight plastic pollution and bringing clean drinking water to those in need. Prior to Liquid Death Dan had an advertising career building digital products (The launch of Domino's Pizza Tracker was one of his first) as well as just about anything that connects to the Internet (sites, apps, experiential, content). He also spent 3 years at Google playing with machine learning superpowers and has founded and helped build other startups, too.
Jennie Ripps

Co-Founder & CEO, Owl’s Brew

Jennie Ripps

Co-Founder & CEO, Owl’s Brew

Jennie Ripps is a tea sommelier, and co-founder and CEO of Owl’s Brew, a line of clean, great-tasting boozy beverages made with only good, whole ingredients. Jennie is co-founder of Wise Women Collective, Owl’s Brew's women-for-women initiative, dedicated to shining a light on women’s voices, and supporting women’s causes via charity partnerships. Jennie is co-author of Wise Cocktails: A DIY Guide to Crafting Tea-Based Cocktails. Jennie is a mentor for UPenn’s Professional Women’s Alliance. She is a graduate of Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses, and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. Jennie & Owl’s Brew have been profiled by The Today Show, The New York Times, and Forbes, among others. Jennie resides in Connecticut.
Ruby Martinez

Shopper Marketing Manager, Firestone Walker

Ruby Martinez

Shopper Marketing Manager, Firestone Walker

Ruby Martinez has over 10 years’ experience in grocery retail, and most recently stepped into the world of Beer. She joined the Firestone Walker team in 2022 and supports the National Accounts team on shopper marketing initiatives for retailers across the country. Most recently Ruby has dived into each retailer’s online platform. Optimized brand content ensures a consistent and positive user experience. Ruby collaborates with Syndigo, Instacart, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Whole Foods, and more ensuring what is on the shelf matches online searches. This focus is essential in sharing the Firestone Walker brand story with each customer. Ruby is based in Paso Robles, California and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Dave Williams

VP Analytics & Insights, Bump Williams Consulting

Dave Williams

VP Analytics & Insights, Bump Williams Consulting

Graduated from Penn State University in 2006 with a degree in Marketing. Dave began his career at Marketing Management Analytics (Ipsos MMA) as a Data Analyst, running sales regression models and market level analytics across various Retail and CPG clients. He left MMA and joined Nielsen in 2010, working up to the role of Client Manager. In this role, Dave led a team dedicated to Market Mix, Price/Promo and Consumer analysis for Procter & Gamble globally, spanning multiple categories and brands across their wide portfolio. In 2015, Dave left Nielsen to join BUMP Williams Consulting where he currently runs high-end analytics across the Beverage Alcohol universe. His key focus areas include Consumer Behavior, Pricing, Promotion and Retail Landscape for BWC’s Supplier, Distributor and Retailer clients.
Kynyetta Lester

Associate Director of Beverage Operations, Mellow Mushroom

Kynyetta Lester

Associate Director of Beverage Operations, Mellow Mushroom

Over the past two decades, Kynyetta has earned a reputation as a consummate beverage leader. A true luminary in the world of operations and training, Kynyetta has consistently demonstrated a passion for crafting exceptional beverage experiences. Kynyetta swiftly ascended the ranks in her roles, mastering the art of mixology and the intricacies of beverage management. In addition to her expertise, Kynyetta is equally adept at mentoring and training staff, instilling a culture of professionalism, and fostering a deep understanding of the art of guest service. Throughout her career, Kynyetta has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, embracing emerging trends while respecting the timeless traditions of the craft. With Kynyetta, every sip is a story, and every moment is an opportunity to create lasting memories.
Brian Fried

General Manager, Stone Distributing

Brian Fried

General Manager, Stone Distributing

Brian Fried is the General Manager of Stone Distributing Company (SDC). SDC is an independent beverage distributor that operates throughout all Southern California and services a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands. SDC was founded in 1999 to distribute a few craft brands in San Diego with a hand full of employees. It has grown to be one of the largest craft-centric distributors in the country, employing over 350 passionate team members. Brian has been in the beverage business for 30 years with experience in beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages. He began his career working at a beer distributor in Southern California before moving over to the supplier side. He has worked for such companies as Miller Brewing Company, Heineken USA, and Beam Suntory. He has held multiple management roles over the years that have allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the beverage industry as well as expertise in business planning and organizational development.
Sinead Carey

Director of Beer, Breakthru Beverage California

Sinead Carey

Director of Beer, Breakthru Beverage California

Sinead Carey is the Director of Sales - Beer at Breakthru Beverage California. She joined Breakthru following the acquisition of Wine Warehouse in April 2023. She holds a leadership role that includes overseeing a team of craft beer specialists, working with supplier partners on planning, market execution, and collaborating with the sales teams to drive performance in the category. With more than 20 years of successful experience working in the beer industry, Sinead has held roles in sales, distributor management, channel management, and trade marketing with Star Brand Imports, Heineken USA and Anchor Brewing. Sinead is an Irish native and a graduate of Trinity College Dublin. She is a Cicerone Certified Beer Server and was awarded the Knighthood of the Belgian Brewers Paddle in 2022.
Bronya Shillo

Founder & CEO, Fishers Island Lemonade

Bronya Shillo

Founder & CEO, Fishers Island Lemonade

Today, Fishers Island Lemonade is recognized as America’s Craft Lemonade Canned Cocktail, winning dozens of awards for its one-of-a-kind taste profile and commitment to high quality ingredients. When Fishers Island Lemonade launched in 2014, canned cocktails were not nearly the category they are today. “Ready to drink” beverages were largely unheard of, and the ones that were available were made with low-quality ingredients. Founder Bronya Shillo bet on herself in launching her premium, authentic canned cocktail with a vision for Fishers Island Lemonade, in effect pioneering a new beverage category. Bronya spent many summers on Fishers Island, NY, where her family owned and operated the Pequot Inn. She ultimately joined the family working at the Inn and took charge of creating the bar’s signature house cocktail, Fishers Island Lemonade, locally referred to as “Fishers” or “FIL.” It was the most popular drink served at the bar all summer long. Bronya had her “a-ha” moment one late evening while reaching into the cooler to grab a beer for a customer and thinking to herself, “I wish this were a can of Fishers.” This innovative idea set her on a quest to create Fishers Island Lemonade in a ready-to-drink cocktail in a can. It was Memorial Day weekend 2014, after two full years of development, when Bronya launched Fishers Island Lemonade, pioneering the RTD craft cocktail category as one of the first canned cocktails launched in the United States. With only an estimated 5% of craft spirit brands owned by women, Bronya launched her business idea in the early days of a growing trend. This originator in the canned cocktail category has set the stage for many new entrants - paving the way for success of the larger beverage segment. Fast forward to today, Bronya continues to grow her female-led company with a full family of Fishers Island Lemonade offerings and hitting new benchmarks: - Since the brand's inception, the portfolio of products have earned Platinum, Double Gold and Consumer’s Choice Award at the 2022 SIP Awards, Gold at the 2022 Beverage Testing Institute Spirits Review. - Recognized by Impact Magazine as a “Hot Prospect” brand three years in a row, from 2019-2021 - Fishers Island Lemonade is one of the Top 10 selling spirits-based RTDs on Drizly throughout the key summer holidays in 2020, 2021 and 2022. - Fishers Island Lemonade is committed to its philanthropic efforts that have been recognized each year since 2014, giving back to the Fishers Island community and in 2022 partnering with Take 3 from the Sea non-profit. - Bronya was a featured panelist at AdWeek’s “Taste of Brandweek” panel in 2022. - Distributed in 14 states, recently expanding south into SC and FL in 2022 and also online at https://buy.filemonade.com/.
Skip Schwartz

Head Brewer, WeldWerks Brewing Company

Skip Schwartz

Head Brewer, WeldWerks Brewing Company

Skip Schwartz is the Head Brewer at WeldWerks Brewing Company, located in Greeley, Colorado. Skip has been working in the craft beer industry for over 10 years and has experience in various roles, including sales, bartending, and production. Previously, Skip was the production manager at Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales in Denver, which led him to take on his initial role at WeldWerks as Special Project Manager. Later, he became the Innovation and Wood Cellar Lead and managed WeldWerks' highly-regarded barrel program while seeking innovative ways to enhance WeldWerks' already prestigious portfolio. Thanks to his success in this field, he was entrusted with the role of Head Brewer, where he continues to explore innovative approaches in the competitive beer market.
Adeline Druart

CEO, Lawson's Finest Liquids

Adeline Druart

CEO, Lawson's Finest Liquids

Adeline Druart, Chief Executive Officer of the award-winning, B Corp-certified Vermont craft brewery Lawson’s Finest Liquids, is a visionary leader with a strong craft food, beer and wine heritage. With a commitment to people, purpose, and growth, Adeline is recognized in the food and beverage industry for her CPG expertise, growth-minded leadership, deep people connections, and humbling career story. From cheesemaker-intern to company president of Vermont Creamery, Adeline’s 20 years of experience include business scaling and positioning the Creamery for successful acquisition and transition from founder-owned to Fortune 250 company Land O’Lakes. Adeline led the Creamery’s growth from a regional to national brand, earning #1 market position, and achieved B Corp certification highlighting a vibrant company culture and impactful purpose. Adeline also served as vice president and corporate officer of the farmer-owned cooperative in Land O'Lakes’ Dairy Foods Division. She is passionate about business ecosystems where inclusive culture, team empowerment, product with integrity, and authentic brand stories can be the catalyst for growth, driving meaningful impact. Adeline lives in Vermont with her husband and two children Hugo and Matisse.
Eddie Simeón

Co-Founder and CMO, Hella Cocktail Co.

Eddie Simeón

Co-Founder and CMO, Hella Cocktail Co.

Eddie Simeón, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Hella Cocktail Co., grew up in a multicultural Mexican-Filipino-American family in Oakland, California. Like many grandchildren of immigrants, language was not his primary anchor to his roots. Instead, traditional comfort foods like enchiladas, lumpia, and calimanci were his gateway to the rich traditions of his familial homelands. Food is Eddie’s central connection to Mexican and Filipino culture, and as it turns out, his passion as a businessman. The intersection of culture and entrepreneurship becomes even more meaningful as Eddie passes on the traditions to his daughter and, now, you, the broader Hella Cocktail Co. community! With Hella, it’s more than a Margarita. Join us in celebrating the spirit of life.
Dave Knospe

Senior Director of Brand & Innovation, New Belgium

Dave Knospe

Senior Director of Brand & Innovation, New Belgium

Since joining New Belgium Brewing in 2019, Dave Knospe has led the record-breaking Voodoo Ranger brand to its coveted ranking as the top selling IPA in the United States. With a keen eye for brand development and strategy, Dave's leadership led to the top selling craft beer launch in history - Juice Force IPA. As Senior Director of Brands at New Belgium, Dave oversees a portfolio of national craft beer brands, and continues to drive innovation pushing outside of the craft category. Dave has nearly 15 years of marketing experience focused on consumer-packaged goods, including a stint at Nestle Purina where he led the development of The Service Dog Salute – a program designed to raise awareness and funding to train rescue dogs to become certified service animals for veterans suffering from PTSD. Dave holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the University of Miami and earned an MBA from Poole College of Management at N.C. State University. In his free time, Dave chases his two-year-old around the house, explores the natural wonders of Colorado, and spends entirely too much time watching Baltimore sports teams.
Jason Murphy

Consultant,

Jason Murphy

Consultant,

Jason Murphy is a dynamic and strategic Marketing Leader renowned for driving brand growth and category expansion in the Food & Beverage industry. With a wealth of experience, including a pivotal role as the Director of Beverage Strategy & Innovation at Buffalo Wild Wings, Jason has successfully spearheaded comprehensive research initiatives, resulting in the successful alignment of a company-wide Beverage Alcohol Category Strategies. As the former Manager of Beer Innovation, also at Buffalo Wild Wings, Jason managed the nation's largest On-Premise Beer program across 1,200+ sports bars. His achievements include creating a consumer-focused, data-driven beer strategy, and innovating a successful "House Beer" that boosted draft sales profitability. Jason's expertise extends beyond national chains, as evidenced by his roles at Gordon Biersch Brewery + Restaurant and Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom, where he led brand refresh projects, developed profitable marketing strategies, and helped revive declining brands. A nationally recognized industry expert, Jason combines strategic vision, consumer insights, and a proven track record of successful marketing initiatives. His passion, energy, and leadership have consistently delivered significant and sustainable results in the competitive landscape of the Food & Beverage industry.
Amanda DeVore

Senior Director of Flavor Innovation, Molson Coors

Amanda DeVore

Senior Director of Flavor Innovation, Molson Coors

Amanda DeVore is the senior director of flavor innovation for Molson Coors and has led category disruptive innovations for more than 15 years with the company. She has been instrumental in evolving Molson Coors flavor portfolio and most recently led the creation of Happy Thursday, a new bubble-free, spiked refresher launching nationwide March 2024. Amanda has a passion for developing successful partner and new-to-world alch-beverage innovations that tap into true consumer insights, whether it’s developing full flavor products like Simply Spiked with The Coca-Cola Company, which was the #1 flavor innovation when it launched in 2022, or creating the North American seltzer innovation pipeline for brands like Vizzy and Topo Chico Hard Seltzer. Amanda is passionate about bringing a new generation of younger, legal-drinking age consumers into the flavored alch-bev aisle, and evolving Molson Coors from a beer company to a full beverage company. When Amanda is not innovating breakthrough new products, you can find her spending time with her husband and two dogs or biking the lakefront in Chicago.
Elledge Davis

Director of Beer, Tryon Distributing

Elledge Davis

Director of Beer, Tryon Distributing

Elledge Davis serves as the Portfolio Director for Tryon Distributing's beer division, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the dynamic world of beverage distribution. With roots in the restaurant industry, Elledge transitioned to Tryon in 2015, initially contributing to sales and operations. His journey within the company led him to brand management, where he discovered the powerful synergy between his background in computer science and mathematics and his extensive knowledge of craft beer. Currently holding the position of Director of Beer, Elledge leverages his analytical skills and programming proficiency to provide Tryon's brand management team with real-time insights. His strategic approach extends to automating administrative processes, allowing for the efficient redeployment of resources. Moreover, Elledge actively evaluates the portfolio and product requirements of the sales team, strategically enhancing retail relationships to maximize impact. Throughout his tenure, Elledge has played a pivotal role in the successful launch of numerous local, regional, and import brands into the North Carolina market. Beyond his responsibilities at Tryon, he remains committed to the company's core ethos, always leading with the mantra: "do the right thing."
Nichole Shustack

Counsel, McDermott Will & Emery

Nichole Shustack

Counsel, McDermott Will & Emery

Nichole D. Shustack focuses her practice on alcohol trade practice, regulatory, commercial agreements and distribution matters. She represents companies in the alcohol beverage industry, including brewers, distillers and wineries and has in-depth knowledge of the legal, regulatory and distribution issues facing the industry. Prior to joining the Firm, Nichole acted as in-house counsel for eight years at one of the largest craft brewers in the world where she counseled on regulatory, distribution matters and represented the company in drafting complex commercial agreements. Since joining McDermott, she uses this experience to provide clients with business-minded and practical legal advice.
Donn Bichsel

Founder, 3 Tier Beverages

Donn Bichsel

Founder, 3 Tier Beverages

My career in the beverage industry started out on the retail side working at bars and restaurants in Chicago until my first supplier job with SAB selling Pilsner Urquell previous to their acquisition of Miller Brewing Company. Opportunity to build out a new sales team at Goose Island led me there during their transition from an externally led sales and marketing organization to recreation of an internal team. My next move was to Heineken/USA as a part of the Star Brand Imports team managing distributors along with developing and implementing the annual business plans across the Midwest. When Heineken made the decision to close our import division it led me back to craft beer and to Dogfish Head where the middle of America became my home managing their distributor side of the business along with On Premise National accounts. My final stop before beginning this next step was at Revolution Brewing back home in Chicago for the last eight years building out their sales, marketing and logistics side of the business from case zero. 3 Tier Beverages is based out of the Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago where it shares office space with a wife, two daughters and a 100lb Chocolate Labrador who thinks he is a lap dog. 3 decades of genuine, authentic and real experience in the beverage industry working for you.
Yair Tygiel

Founder, Sunboy

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Dec. 3-5: Dive into Beverage & RTD Spirits at BevNET Live

Head out a few days early to attend BevNET Live on December 3-5 in Marina del Rey, CA. For more than a decade, the CPG industry has turned to BevNET Live to discover the latest trends and network with the beverage community. Our signature two-day event for the beverage industry brings together thought leaders, trailblazers, and the next generation of brand founders to help beverage industry professionals thrive.

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Invest in the Future of Your Beer Business

Attending Brewbound Live is the first step in propelling your business into growth mode. Establish new partnerships, collaborate with beer industry experts, and walk away with the ability to make more strategic decisions for your company.

Set Your Brewery Up For Success

Brewbound Live Agenda

Brewbound Live Kick Off Party, Presented by Juneshine

Breakfast & Registration

Brewbound Live Pitch Slam Semifinal Round

Networking Break

Welcome + Keynote: Get Out of Your Own Way & Get Focused

Future Proof Your Flagship

23 Data Points That Defined 2023

Pitch Slam Finalist Announcement; Best of 2023 Awards & Rising Stars Video Announcement

Lunch, Sampling & Livestream

How to Get Mindshare & Sell More Beer

Tapping in: Bringing Back the On-Premise

Sampling, Networking & Livestream

M&A in 2023: Selling, Merging, & Buying Back Breweries

Why a Cannabis Firm is the Most Active Acquirer of Craft Breweries

Beers & Networking

Official Party Presented by Firestone Walker, YETI, Crafted ERP, and Beer Institute

Breakfast & Registration

Keynote: The Wake Up Call

Breaking the 4th Wall: Beyond Beer Growth Drivers

Livestream & Networking Break

Finding Inspiration Outside of the Beer Aisle

Brewbound Live Pitch Slam Final Round

Lunch, Sampling + Livestream

Be Fearless: Overcoming the Beer-iers to the Evolving Consumer

Conveniently Growing: Keys to Winning in C-Stores

Level Up Your Digital Strategy

Quali-Tea Competition: Hard Tea & Lemonade Challenger Strategies

Brewbound Live Pitch Slam Winner Announcement

Wrap Party

Brewbound Live 2023 Sponsors

Recent Event Announcements

Brewbound Live: Level Up Your Digital Strategy, with The E-Premise Group, Firestone Walker, Great Notion and McDermott, Will & Emery

Brewbound Live 2023: How to Get Mindshare & Sell More Beer, with Stone Distributing, Breakthru Beverage & Tryon Distributing

Brewbound Live 2023: The State of Craft Brewery M&A

Brewbound Live Winter 2023 Speakers

Carrie Yunker

Ty Gilmore

Merrilee Kick

Kevin Asato

Aimy Steadman

Bart Watson

Simon Thorpe

Kaleigh Theriault

Teo Hunter

Beny Ashburn

Chris Cramer

Lester Jones

Clement Pappas

Stephanie Roatis

Steven Garrett

Ryan Lake

Michelle Abdollah

Adam Bankovich

Bryant Goulding

Chris Russell

Paul Reiter

Lynne Weaver

Ethan Stienstra

Dan Murphy

Jennie Ripps

Ruby Martinez

Dave Williams

Kynyetta Lester

Brian Fried

Sinead Carey

Bronya Shillo

Skip Schwartz

Adeline Druart

Eddie Simeón

Dave Knospe

Jason Murphy

Amanda DeVore

Elledge Davis

Nichole Shustack