WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2026 – Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) concluded the 2026 Council for Leadership Development (CLD) Conference & NextGen Leaders Summit, held July 27–29 in Atlanta. The annual event brought together rising leaders, next-generation executives, and industry experts from across the wholesale tier for three days of leadership development, strategic discussion, and networking focused on preparing the industry's future leaders.
The conference once again featured its dual-track format, allowing participants to attend either the NextGen Leaders Summit—designed for individuals involved in company succession planning—or the broader CLD Conference, which provides professional development opportunities for emerging leaders across wholesale organizations. Many attendees participated in both tracks, taking advantage of the event's comprehensive educational programming.
This year's program explored the leadership skills and business strategies needed to navigate an increasingly dynamic beverage alcohol marketplace. Sessions focused on strengthening leadership capabilities, understanding evolving consumer trends, leveraging artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, preparing for business succession, and responding to the policy and regulatory issues shaping the industry's future.
Featured programming included conversations with industry executives and business leaders, interactive workshops, peer roundtables, and presentations from WSWA leadership covering:
- Leadership development and succession planning
- Practical AI adoption across wholesale operations and distribution leaders
- Beverage alcohol consumer and marketplace trends, including a structural shift in the consumer landscape
- Federal and state policy priorities impacting the wholesale tier
- Building resilient, high-performing teams
- Strategic networking and peer collaboration
Featured guest speakers included: Brian Baker, Big Sky Crisis Communications; Sarah Barrett and Harry Schuhmacher, Wine & Spirits Daily; Danny Brager, SipSource; Keo Browm and Robinson Brown, Brown-Forman Corporation; Donae Burston, La Fête Wine Company; Ron Cole, Pronghorn; Claudia Schbert, Boston Consulting Group; Christopher Jackson, JJ McCabe and Larri O’Brien, Jackson Family Wines; Nick Pericle, Texexity; Dr. Laila Rach, Rach Enterprises; Henry Tapai, Epicurean Atlanta; and Velera Wilson, Positive Identity.
WSWA leadership also addressed advocacy priorities and how members can get engaged.
"The wholesale tier continues to evolve at a rapid pace, making it more important than ever to invest in the leaders who will shape its future," said Francis Creighton, President and CEO of WSWA. "The CLD Conference and NextGen Leaders Summit provide an opportunity for rising leaders to learn from experienced executives, exchange ideas with their peers, and leave with practical strategies they can bring back to their organizations."
In addition to educational sessions, attendees participated in networking events designed to foster meaningful relationships across the industry and strengthen collaboration among the next generation of wholesale leaders.
"The relationships built at CLD and NextGen are just as valuable as the educational programming," said Alan Rosenberg, Chair of WSWA's Council for Leadership Development. "Whether attendees are preparing to lead a family business, managing a growing team, or developing new skills, this conference provides an unmatched opportunity to learn from peers who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing our industry."
To learn more about WSWA's leadership development programs, future CLD and NextGen events, or sponsorship opportunities, visit wswa.org.
About Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America
WSWA is the national trade association representing the distribution tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 380 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States.
To learn more, please visit www.wswa.org or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.
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