Dallas, TX, September 16, 2025 – Last week, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) closed its Annual Membership Forum in Dallas. The event brought together WSWA’s Board of Directors, wholesaler company owners, CEOs, and other top executives for two days of collaboration and strategic discussion. This annual event serves as a vital opportunity for the wholesale tier to examine business intelligence, public policy, and regulatory developments that continue to shape the industry’s future.
The 2025 Annual Membership Forum featured a comprehensive program designed to equip members with insights and strategies to navigate today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Attendees received a detailed “State of the Market” update from SipSource Analyst Danny Brager highlighting growth categories, consumer behavior, and performance metrics across regions and sales channels.
WSWA President and CEO Francis Creighton provided a strategic address outlining the association’s accomplishments over the past year and its priorities for 2026, including key advocacy wins, industry partnerships, and data-driven initiatives. In addition, breakouts for large and small enterprise councils allowed participants to address sector-specific challenges, while sessions covered pressing issues such as regulatory shifts, intoxicating hemp beverages, and the increasing role of artificial intelligence in distribution.
“In today’s world, speaking with a clear voice is more important than ever,” said Creighton. “In 2025 wine and spirits wholesalers had important public policy victories and in 2026 will fight to ensure a resilient and responsible wholesale tier that is well-positioned for long-term success.”
The Annual Membership Forum also marks an important leadership transition for WSWA’s Board of Directors. Cutter Smith, President of Eder Bros., Inc., assumed the role of Chairman this week, succeeding outgoing Chair Dina Opici.
“Serving as Chair during a time of great change has reaffirmed my belief that our industry’s strength lies in adaptability, collaboration, and shared purpose. The Annual Membership Forum is more than a gathering, it’s a call to action for every wholesaler to engage, innovate, and lead in shaping a regulatory and economic environment where we can all succeed. The theme for my chairmanship - It takes everybody – has never been more tested nor true,” said Opici reflecting on her tenure and the significance of the gathering.
The event also featured an intimate dinner experience for attendees hosted by Jackson Family Wines where Rick Tigner, President & CEO of Jackson Family Wines, and JJ McCabe, SVP of U.S. Sales shared the inspiring journey behind their successful partnerships with the NBA and WNBA. Attendees savored a curated selection of Jackson Family Wines’ premium vintages while enjoying compelling stories of innovation, collaboration, and brand excellence in the world of sports and wine.
WSWA’s Annual Membership Forum remains a cornerstone of the association’s mission to strengthen the voice of wholesalers, provide actionable intelligence, and ensure members are prepared to meet both current and future challenges.