The annual Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) Conference concluded the evening of September 20 after two days of programming at the InterContinental at The Wharf in Washington, D.C.
Over 70 women—the highest attendance in WLC history—from WSWA member companies across the country attended the conference, which focused on educating, elevating and empowering women in the middle tier of the beverage alcohol industry. Attendees were joined by key industry service and solution providers who sponsored the event and contributed to its success, the company states.
“The WLC Conference is the perfect setting to celebrate the incredible talent and leadership of women in the wholesale tier,” said Hillary Wirtz, WLC chair and senior director of culture and inclusion at Breakthru Beverage Group, in a news release. “Together, we shared insights, forged connections, and inspired one another to break barriers and lead with confidence. As we navigate an ever-evolving industry, it’s vital to continue to drive meaningful change. The future of our industry depends on the diverse voices and perspectives of women at all levels, and I am excited to see how we will continue to shape it together.”
Women’s Leadership Council Conference Sessions
Programming on Thursday and Friday offered attendees insights and strategies to advance their leadership skills and impact on the industry, according to the company. Thursday evening featured a reception sponsored by Hillebrand Gori and three small group dinners, one sponsored by Provi, to encourage networking among different wholesaler companies.
The 2024 sessions included:
- Reshaping the Industry from the Inside Out: A panel of exceptional wholesaler women who are altering, adapting, and excelling in the increasingly dynamic and complex wine and spirits marketplace.
- Empower: Embrace the Work, Love Your Career: Featuring best-selling author Fran Hauser.
- Educate: Data Trends, Forecasting, and Enhancements: Presented by WSWA’s SipSource.
- Elevate Your Poker Game, Enhance Your Strategic Thinking: A session with Poker Power, an organization that empowers women with confidence and risk-taking skills by teaching them to play poker.
“This conference is always a powerful reminder of the impact women have on the success of the wine and spirits industry,” said Catherine McDaniel, WLC director and senior vice president of member advocacy at WSWA, in the release. “By bringing together women leaders from across the distribution tier, representing all areas of the business, we are continuing to pave the way for future generations to thrive in an inclusive environment that elevates everyone.”
Each year, WLC selects a local charity to support and give back to the community. This year, the session, sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, benefitted Dress for Success Washington, D.C., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women achieve economic independence by providing a network of support and resources. Attendees brought professional clothing to donate to Dress for Success, and many made financial contributions to assist in the organization’s mission, the company states.
