This competition rewards excellence in taste and provides opportunities for new and existing brands to earn recognition that will boost their profile during the show and lend credibility to their products for years to come. New this year – the competition will be completed before the show begins so brands can have bragging rights throughout their entire Access LIVE journey!
2025 Access LIVE
2025 Access LIVE
Access LIVE 2025 - Gaylord Rockies, Denver, CO
Join us at Access LIVE 2025 to explore what’s new as the wine and spirits industry comes together to collectively connect, innovate and grow.
Visit accesslive.wswa.org to learn more and register!
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Register is now open!
Agenda
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Wine & Spirits Tasting Competitions
Desoto Ballroom
SPONSORED BY: The Tasting Panel Magazine & The Somm Journal
Large Exhibit and Suite Buildout & Move-in Available
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Registration Open
Florida Exhibition Hall Pre-Function
Exhibit & Suite Move-In
Media & Brand Battle Contenders’ Reception
Sip some of the most innovative craft products to hit the market as we toast current and former Brand Battle contenders! This reception will give industry media and influencers unfettered access to the most buzzed about brands, stories and attendees at Access LIVE. 2023 Brand Battle Contenders’ product will be poured at this invite-only reception open to attending media, influencers, 2023 Brand Battle Contenders, the WSWA Board of Directors and past Brand Battle contenders and winners.
Citrus Ballroom
Opening General Session
Join us as we kick off Access LIVE with a State of the Industry Keynote by Board Chairman Tom Cole, introduction and welcome from new WSWA President and CEO, and presentation of the Lifetime Leadership Award.
Main Stage (Osceola Ballroom)
Celebrate LIVE
A lively welcome back and celebration of the industry! Network with new and existing contacts as the industry toasts the launch of Access LIVE and the recipient of the WSWA Lifetime Leadership Award. Formerly known as our “Opening Night Reception.”
Emerald Plaza Atrium
Monday, April 3, 2023
Access LIVE 5k Fun-Run or Yoga By the Pool
Main Stage Business Session & Continental Breakfast
Join us for a morning keynote session, continental breakfast, and presentation of the new Ray Hermann HERO Award. Sponsored by Breakthru Beverage Group, the HERO Award recognizes an industry professional (from any tier) that exemplifies Humanity, Ethics, Respect, and is One-of-a-Kind.
Main Stage (Osceola Ballroom)
Brand Battle Championship
Our version of Shark Tank. Brand Battle is the only event of its kind where craft, start-up, and small production brands will have the opportunity to get in front of distributors across the country to show off their product and receive constructive feedback and influential exposure. The 2023 Battle will be a tournament with 8 virtual category competitions that culminate in a championship at Access LIVE.
Main Stage (Osceola Ballroom)
TASTE
Our signature grand tasting reception! Join the industry for a fun filled evening of sampling new products available to the market. Also connect with the 8 Brand Battle Contenders and congratulated the Champion, who will have presented their products just prior to TASTE in the Brand Battle Championship. Formerly known as “Taste of the Industry.”
Sun Ballroom
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Exhibit Hall & Suites Teardown
Farewell Grab-n-Go Breakfast
HIIT Workout on the Lawn or Yoga By the Pool
Access HQ & Suites Open
The center of all Access LIVE action! Formerly split across two exhibit halls, HQ will bring all the action into one space—housing the highest concentration of exhibits in addition to The Hub, LIVE Stage, Innovation Pavilion, matched meetings, HQ Connect and more.
Hub Activities Open
A one-stop-shop for brand innovation and development! Located in Access HQ, the Hub will offer a variety of solutions for exhibiting brands:
Content Lab: Work with our team of photographers and videographers to develop high quality marketing assets for your social media feeds and more!
Mixology Workshop: View and participate in trend-demo’s and signature cocktail development with best-in-class mixologists to improve your on-premise strategy
Brand Building Bar: Book a one-on-one session with an Access Wholesale Advisor to tackle one of your most pressing business challenges. Get feedback on your brand and go-to-market strategy!
Hub Media Lounge: Connect with attending media and influencers as they seek out the most buzz-worthy products at Access LIVE.
LIVE Stage “TED”-Style Sessions
Multiple “TED” style presentations both Monday and Tuesday with educational, motivational, and inspirational speakers from inside and outside of the industry.
Matched Meetings
NEW THIS YEAR! All registered suppliers have the opportunity to be matched with wholesalers during select times on Monday and Tuesday of Access LIVE. Based on answers provided to questions that both suppliers and attendees will complete during the registration process, all will have the opportunity to connect with potential new business partners.
Access HQ Florida Exhibition Hall
2024 Preview and Presale
Roundtable Networking Lunches
Three different networking lunches will be held covering varying topics:
- Wholesaler Discussions (Closed session for wholesaler attendees)
- Craft and Emerging Brand Discussions
- Diversity Equity & Inclusion Discussions
Locations TBD
Access HQ & Suites Open
The center of all Access LIVE action! Formerly split across two exhibit halls, HQ will bring all the action into one space—housing the highest concentration of exhibits in addition to The Hub, LIVE Stage, Innovation Pavilion, matched meetings, HQ Connect and more.
Hub Activities Open
A one-stop-shop for brand innovation and development! Located in Access HQ, the Hub will offer a variety of solutions for exhibiting brands:
Content Lab: Work with our team of photographers and videographers to develop high quality marketing assets for your social media feeds and more!
Mixology Workshop: View and participate in trend-demo’s and signature cocktail development with best-in-class mixologists to improve your on-premise strategy
Brand Building Bar: Book a one-on-one session with an Access Wholesale Advisor to tackle one of your most pressing business challenges. Get feedback on your brand and go-to-market strategy!
Hub Media Lounge: Connect with attending media and influencers as they seek out the most buzz-worthy products at Access LIVE.
LIVE Stage “TED”-Style Sessions
Multiple “TED” style presentations both Monday and Tuesday with educational, motivational, and inspirational speakers from inside and outside of the industry.
Matched Meetings
NEW THIS YEAR! All registered suppliers have the opportunity to be matched with wholesalers during select times on Monday and Tuesday of Access LIVE. Based on answers provided to questions that both suppliers and attendees will complete during the registration process, all will have the opportunity to connect with potential new business partners.
Access HQ Florida Exhibition Hall
WSWA 40 Under 40 Award
New this year! WSWA will honor 40 accomplished and emerging leaders in the distribution tier who are under the age of 40, who demonstrate high potential for continued success in leadership roles and exhibit a strong passion for – and commitment to – the wholesale tier of the U.S. alcohol industry.
Mangrove Lawn & Coquina Lawn
Ovation LIVE Wholesaler & Media Preview
Mangrove Lawn & Coquina Lawn
Ovation LIVE
The final event of Access LIVE will be a celebration for all! This new reception will salute the wholesaler tier’s brightest – 40 Under 40 as well as celebrate all of the award winners from the 2023 Access LIVE! Join us for a huge party on the outdoor lawn filled with music and entertainment and celebrate all the connections and deals made during Access LIVE.
Mangrove Lawn & Coquina Lawn
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Access HQ & Suites Open
The center of all Access LIVE action! Formerly split across two exhibit halls, HQ will bring all the action into one space—housing the highest concentration of exhibits in addition to The Hub, LIVE Stage, Innovation Pavilion, matched meetings, HQ Connect and more.
Hub Activities Open
A one-stop-shop for brand innovation and development! Located in Access HQ, the Hub will offer a variety of solutions for exhibiting brands:
Content Lab: Work with our team of photographers and videographers to develop high quality marketing assets for your social media feeds and more!
Mixology Workshop: View and participate in trend-demo’s and signature cocktail development with best-in-class mixologists to improve your on-premise strategy
Brand Building Bar: Book a one-on-one session with an Access Wholesale Advisor to tackle one of your most pressing business challenges. Get feedback on your brand and go-to-market strategy!
Hub Media Lounge: Connect with attending media and influencers as they seek out the most buzz-worthy products at Access LIVE.
LIVE Stage “TED”-Style Sessions
Multiple “TED” style presentations both Monday and Tuesday with educational, motivational, and inspirational speakers from inside and outside of the industry.
Matched Meetings
NEW THIS YEAR! All registered suppliers have the opportunity to be matched with wholesalers during select times on Monday and Tuesday of Access LIVE. Based on answers provided to questions that both suppliers and attendees will complete during the registration process, all will have the opportunity to connect with potential new business partners.
Access HQ Florida Exhibition Hall
