WSWA’s Annual Membership Forum, October 1-2, is the event for gaining business intelligence, networking with other executives in the wholesale tier and providing valuable input on critical issues and decisions.
October 1-2, 2026
Who should attend? WSWA Board of Directors, WSWA Wholesaler Member Company Owners, CEOs and Top Executives.
WSWA’s Chairman will open the Forum with a timely state-of-the-association address, followed by key governance business, including member voting on the new slate of Board of Directors nominees.
Featured speaker Daniel Lippman, White House and Washington reporter for POLITICO, will offer an insider’s view of the political dynamics shaping policy, politics and decision-making in Washington heading into the fall.
Join this essential briefing on the policy issues affecting the wholesale tier and the role of WSWA-PAC in advancing industry priorities. The session will feature timely updates from Capitol Hill, state capitols and the legal landscape.
WSWA’s communications and policy teams will share how the association is elevating the wholesaler perspective in alcohol policy conversations nationwide as the industry faces shifting narratives, regulatory challenges and new marketplace pressures.
Explore the rapidly evolving intoxicating hemp beverage landscape and WSWA’s advocacy for clear, consistent regulatory oversight, including the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act. With a short-term extension recently passed by Congress, questions about how this growing category should be regulated remain front and center in Washington and state capitols.
Join fellow Large Enterprise Council and Small Enterprise Council members for facilitated peer discussions on the issues affecting companies like yours, the ways WSWA can support members in addressing those challenges, and opportunities to strengthen engagement and maximize membership value. Each breakout will also include a vote to select the new council chair.
Connect with fellow members during an informal reception supporting WSWA-PAC and strengthening relationships across the wholesale tier.
Committee members will convene for concurrent working sessions focused on Foundation priorities, Committee for Leadership Development initiatives and Finance Committee business.
WSWA’s President & CEO Francis Creighton will share a concise update on association priorities, recent progress and the work ahead for members and the wholesale tier.
Danny Brager will unpack the latest SipSource data and highlight what current beverage alcohol trends reveal about market performance, consumer behavior and the outlook ahead.
Atwood Group will deliver an economic outlook and review WSWA’s investment portfolio performance, offering perspective on the financial conditions and market factors most relevant to the association.
Take a follow-up look at how AI adoption across the wholesale tier has evolved over the past year, what has changed in day-to-day practice, and where new opportunities and challenges are emerging.
Mark Brown, Executive Chairman of Sazerac Company, will share his perspective on the forces shaping beverage alcohol today and what they signal for the industry’s next chapter.
