As the craft beer segment continues to evolve, understanding the criteria beer distributors use to select new brands is paramount to the future success of a craft brewery business.
That’s why the upcoming Brewbound Session — held on Thursday, May 29, at the Revere Hotel in Boston — will feature inside looks at the operations of two unique East Coast beer wholesalers.
Joining the full-day business conference are Rob Mitchell, the vice president of sales for Manhattan Beer Distributors and Brian Murphy, the director of sales and marketing for Massachusetts Beverage Alliance.
During their presentations, Mitchell and Murphy will provide a glimpse into their organizations, highlighting their efforts to grow sales in two fast-growing craft beer locales. The pair will also discuss the qualities they look for in prospective craft brands and explain the challenges and best practices for working with distributors in different markets.
Following their presentations, Mitchell and Murphy will engage in moderated question-and-answer sessions with the audience and with Brewbound’s editor, Chris Furnari. The pair will discuss issues surrounding franchise law reform and self-distribution carve-outs for craft brewers.
The Brewbound Session is a full-day conference for beer industry professionals. The event focuses on the strategic marketing, brand building and business development issues that most directly impact craft brewers. A variety of distribution, retail, investment and branding discussions are offered.
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Brewbound Session attendees will have multiple opportunities to engage speakers, both during the moderated portions of the program and also during structured networking and sampling breaks.
Sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities are available. To learn more or for questions regarding registration, please contact Mike Vassallo at mvassallo@bevnet.com or by phone at 617-231-8827 to learn more.
Agenda >>>
About Rob Mitchell:
In his 24th year of employment at Manhattan Beer Distributors, Rob Mitchell has seen a sea of change in the distribution landscape of Metro New York. As the Vice President of Craft at Manhattan Beer, Rob manages a team of 10 Specialty Supervisors who work with the Manhattan Beer sales team and their 27 craft breweries to develop the brands within the MBD distribution footprint.
Following the framework of their craft beer division, Manhattan also now has a wine and spirits team which Rob also manages. With year to date craft growth of 30% and projected craft volume of 2.4 million cases, Manhattan Beer is off to a strong start.
About Brian Murphy:
Brian has 15 years of beer and beverage experience. He began working for Coca-Cola Enterprises after graduating college in 1997, and joined Burke Distributing in 1999 as an on-premise merchandising sales representative. During 12-plus years at Burke Distributing, Brian served in many roles including: General Division Sales Supervisor; On Premise Sales Manager; Spirits Category Manager; and Craft and Specialty Import Beer Category Manager.
Brian serves as a liaison between existing and prospective Craft and Specialty Import Breweries and Suppliers and the wholesalers’ network that make up the alliance in order to achieve statewide sales and distribution objectives and secure new brand acquisitions. He became a Certified Cicerone® in August, 2012 and is a proud member of the Brewer’s Association and American Homebrewers Association. Brian graduated from Bentley College (now Bentley University) in Waltham in 1997 with a BS in Business Marketing.
About the Brewbound Session:
The Brewbound Session is a business conference addressing the topics that most directly impact the decisions craft brewers are faced with as they look to grow their brands. The event focuses on the business side of craft, offering brewers a unique opportunity to learn from and network with industry experts.
About Brewbound.com
Published by BevNET.com, Inc. Brewbound.com is dedicated to covering the rapidly evolving craft beer industry. Brewbound delivers daily content via www.brewbound.com and the Brewbound email Newsletter. Content includes: new product launches, analysis of industry trends, video interviews with industry leaders, expert beer reviews and exclusive content from craft beer events.