The Beverage Alcohol Retailers Conference, the only national educational event for off-premise retailers, held a successful second annual conference in Denver from June 3-5.
More than 175 industry members attended the event at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, which included networking receptions, keynote addresses, panel discussions, two educational tracks and tabletop exhibits. (Check out the photo gallery.) The conference was produced by Beverage Dynamics magazine, a national trade publication serving off-premise retailers.
“We’re excited to be able to offer an exceptional experience for our off-premise retailer readers,” says Beverage Dynamics Publisher Amy Collins.
A welcome reception kicked off the two-plus day event on Sunday, June 3. Monday morning began with a keynote from Dimitri Haloulos, BevMo! CEO, who shared his views on the state of the off-premise retailer industry, as well as his advice to fellow retailers. Tuesday’s keynote speaker Sam Dantzler, lead trainer with General Manager and Sales Managers Management Training Academies, spoke on embracing change while creating customers for life. The closing keynote, also taking place on Tuesday, was given by Tom Shay of Profits Plus.
Other educational session topics included point-of-sale systems, category management, what legalized cannabis means for the industry, e-commerce and direct shipping. Networking events provided the opportunity for retailers to make connections with industry peers.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Retailers of the Year Awards, which recognized 32 store owners who are models for the industry. Following the presentation, three of the winners took the stage to answer questions from the audience in a town hall forum and discussed how they excel.
“We’re proud our second year of BARC was a continued success, and I look forward to continuing the trend with BARC 2019,” says Beverage Dynamics Editor Jeremy Nedelka. “Independent beverage alcohol stores face challenges from regulators, legislators and national competitors. It’s important that we provide a forum for them to come together and learn how to improve their businesses and succeed in today’s environment.”
The educational sessions were presented in partnership with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET), Wine Education Institute, National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association, Colorado Licensed Beverage Association, Tennessee Wine & Spirits Retailers Association, United Beverage Retailers of Arkansas and Kansas Association of Beverage Retailers.
Beverage Alcohol Retailers Conference sponsors included L’École du Vin de Bordeaux, First Data, Sellr, 3×3 Insights, Sangria Lolea, The Presidents’ Forum, Breinify, GoSpotCheck, Verdi, Opici Wines, Market Street Spirts, LibDib, DRYNC, MP Zero, Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur, North American Beverage Co., Vinexpo New York, American Barrels and Bloody Point Mixing Co.
The 2019 Beverage Alcohol Retailers Conference will take place in Louisville, Kentucky with dates to be announced soon. For more information about BARC, visit BevRetailersConference.com.
Beverage Dynamics, published by EPG Media LLC, is the largest national magazine dedicated to the needs of the off-premise beverage alcohol retailer.