2026 Annual Membership Forum

Our annual membership meeting for wholesaler members will kick-off with WSWA's new Board Chair Cutter Smith sharing his goals and priorities for the year. Following Cutter's discussion, SipSource Analyst Danny Brager will present a deep-dive on SipSource data and trends in our ever evolving and often challenging market. With a focus on year-to-date 2025 performance, emerging growth segments, and consumer behavior trends, this session is designed to provide actionable intelligence for strategic planning and decision-making. Topics will include category and segment performance snapshots, channel shifts across on and off premise, regional performance variations, consumer demand, all amidst macroeconomic factors. An interactive Q&A will follow.

WSWA President and CEO Francis Creighton will walk attendees through what the association has achieved so far this year, our priorities for 2026, and how the WSWA team is executing the strategic plan. From key wins on Capitol Hill to expanded industry partnerships and data-driven initiatives, attendees will gain a clear picture of how WSWA is positioning the wholesale tier for long-term success. Don’t miss this inside look at the strategy, advocacy, and momentum shaping the future of the industry.

Please join company representatives from both smaller and larger enterprises for a dynamic, solutions-focused discussion on the unique challenges your businesses face in today’s rapidly changing landscape. This interactive session is designed to spark dialogue, share real-world experiences, and identify practical ways WSWA can support you in facing—and conquering—those challenges. We’ll also focus on strengthening engagement within the wholesale tier and exploring strategies to help your organization drive better results, boost visibility, and maximize your membership.

CLD Committee: Open to Council for Leadership Development (CLD) Committee and any Forum attendees who would like to join an hour-long discussion on plans for 2026 CLD. Agenda items will include agenda topics, speakers and potential sponsors for future conferences.  

Please join the WSWA Educational Foundation's Board in welcoming WSWA members to Dallas with a lively reception, giving attendees time to network with peers and reconnect with industry colleagues. We'll hear how the Foundation is making a meaningful impact through its scholarship program that supports the next generation. Learn how your company can get involved and help strengthen the future of our industry—one student at a time.

Speakers: 

• Michael Martignetti, WSWA Public Policy Chair & SVP, Martignetti Companies

• Dawson Hobbs, EVP, Government Affairs, WSWA

• Jake Hegeman, SVP, Legal & Regulatory, General Counsel, WSWA

Don’t miss this essential Annual Membership Forum session, where we’ll tackle the most pressing federal, state, and legal policy issues shaping the future of the wholesale tier. From the evolving federal tax and tariff landscape to the uncertain outlook for hemp policy and key state-level battles over DTC and intoxicating hemp legislation, this session will provide a comprehensive update on what’s happening—and what’s ahead. We’ll also dive into the critical legal challenges confronting the alcohol regulatory model and what they could mean for your business. Walk away with the insights and context you need to stay informed, engaged, and ahead of the curve.

Speaker: Nick Pericle, Managing Director, Distribution, ProfitOptics

Everyone's talking about AI, but rarely do we focus on where it's come from, what it can currently do, what the expectations are, as well as practical ways that we can get started now. This session delivers what distribution executives need: live demonstrations of AI analyzing sales patterns, streamlining compliance processes, and predicting market shifts before they happen. You'll see exactly how AI handles complex distribution networks, improves customer relationships, and identifies untapped revenue opportunities. Walk away with battle-tested frameworks including an AI pilot project scorecard, a vendor evaluation matrix, and templates for building your first AI use case—whether that's enhancing customer service, optimizing operations, or accelerating decision-making with better data insights.

Join fellow attendees during this hour long lunch and networking session. This is a great opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and build relationships to foster collaboration and community within our tier. After a full 24 hours of presentations and discussions on hot topics, use this time to provide additional thoughts and feedback to WSWA staff.