Carrie Yunker leads Bell’s Brewery as Executive Vice President after joining the team as a receptionist over two decades ago. Holding multiple leadership roles within the company over the years, she has helped guide Bell's to national distribution with iconic brands such Two Hearted IPA and Oberon Ale. As Executive Vice President, Carrie is the visionary and leader behind Bell’s strategic plans. In addition, she works closely with New Belgium Brewing’s leadership team to position the breweries as leaders both in the craft beer industry and beyond. She supports 1300+ employees across the nation and oversees day-to-day company operations with a commitment to recognizing, elevating, and celebrating the individual value a person brings to the organization. Carrie is largely credited for developing Bell’s coveted people-centric culture. A prominent leader at Bell’s, in the state of Michigan, and within the industry at large, Carrie’s passion for positively impacting Bell’s coworkers and the community propels her desire for demanding more from business. She was a founding member of the National Craft Beer Human Resource Group, and is currently a board member of the National Women in Beer Alliance. She is deeply invested in her local Kalamazoo community, and she serves as chair of the Alumni Committee for the Kalamazoo Valley Community Foundation and a Director for Southwest Michigan First. In all she does, Carrie leads with a passion for doing right by people, and is committed to striving for a more inclusive and inviting work environment for all.

Ty Gilmore is President, U.S. Beer at Tilray Brands, Inc. He brings over two decades of experience in the beverage industry to the company. Prior to joining our team, Mr. Gilmore spent seven years as the head of national accounts at Diageo and served as the executive vice president at Glazer's Beer and Beverage, where he oversaw sales, marketing, and operations for 11 distributors in the southern United States. In his new role, he will be responsible for driving the growth and expansion of our U.S. beer business. He will also be responsible for developing and implementing the national route-to-market strategy for our entire portfolio of leading craft brands, including SweetWater, Alpine, Green Flash, and Montauk Brewing Company.

Merrilee Kick is the CEO/Founder of BuzzBallz/Southern Champion LLC, the only woman-owned Distillery/Winery/Brewery combination in the United States. The Texas-based company manufactures ready-to-drink cocktails called “BuzzBallz” and “Uptown Cocktails”, as well as spirits like rum, vodka, gin, and bourbon. The family-operated company sells products in all 50 states and 27 countries and is home to over 855 employees. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Montana, an MBA from Texas Woman’s University, and she is recently an alumnus of Harvard Business School. She is married to her husband of 35 years, and has two children, who also work in the business with her. Merrilee received the Dallas Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Award, EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Top Women In Grocery Award, and WPO/Chase Bank’s “50 Fastest” Woman Owned companies in the United States. She is also a winner of the Enterprising Women of the year award, and Enterprising Women’s Top 20 Award.

Kevin is a 30 year beverage industry expert with diverse experience in Adult Beverage, Non- Alcoholic Beverages and Carbonated Soft Drinks. He is credentialed as a Certified Spirit Specialist (CSS), WSET Wine Level 1, and working on his Cicerone Certification . His tenure with Anheuser Busch, Miller Brewing, PepsiCo, Dr. Pepper Snapple, Bacardi USA, and Republic National Distributing has enabled him to develop and execute Sales, Marketing, and Distribution plans across multiple channels in both state and national capacities. Kevin is committed to developing minority leaders and improving racial inequalities in the beverage and CPG industries. His passion for mentoring minority talent and advising beverage companies comes to life through serving on the board of the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund and his role as Managing Partner with Davin Brand Management. Both these entities facilitate the growth of BIPOC or female owned adult beverage companies. Outside of the beverage space, Kevin is an avid cyclist and poker player. He’s an active member of his community by volunteering his time and services to his local parish and AYSO Soccer. Kevin also assists the Los Angeles Sports Council, a sports trade association that leverages the Los Angeles sports ecosystem to have positive community impact. Participating as the Executive Director for NB2A is directly aligned with his core values and taps into all of his experiences and skills. He’s honored to be selected as the first Executive Director and to build the foundation that will fuel the growth of Black owned breweries, membership into the organization and celebrate the history and accomplishments of the Black brewers of America.

Aimy Steadman is a Co-Founder and COO at Future/Proof and creator of BeatBox Beverages - the World's Tastiest Portable Party Punch™. BeatBox is proudly a B Corps RTD beverage brand that offers fun & nostalgic flavors in a sustainable & resealable package. BeatBox is the number 1 fastest growing brand out of the top 10 RTD brands. With a deep passion for live music, and a community of super fans, BeatBox has become the brand that’s bringing the party to the alcohol industry. BeatBox Beverages is on track to see 160% growth in 2023. Aimy Steadman serves on the following nonprofit boards: Naturally Austin, Naturally Network, and Entrepreneurs Organization: Austin. Steadman has also received a handful of notable national as well as global accolades, most recently Austin Chamber’s A-List 2020 in addition to being featured in a recent book entitled The Immigrant Hustle.

Simon Thorpe is a former CEO of InBev USA, Pabst and Duvel Moortgat USA and a former MD of Lion/Kirin North America. Simon currently sits on several Boards and undertakes advisory work across the beer and spirits industry. In his role at Lion Kirin, Simon was responsible for building Lion’s beer platform in the USA, including the 2019 acquisition of New Belgium Brewing (CO). At Pabst, Simon oversaw the transition of the company from a low-end beer producer to a more diversified beverage company. For Duvel Moortgat he grew the company from small beginnings to become the #5 craft brewer in the USA, including the acquisition of Boulevard Brewing (MO) and Firestone Walker (CA). Prior to joining Duvel Moortgat, Simon spent time working with private equity projects in Europe and was previously Global Head of Strategy and M&A for InBev, CEO of InBev USA and Head of Global Brand Marketing. His career has spanned support services, art and stationery, and consumer goods categories in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, including senior management positions with Compass Group, Crayola (Hallmark) and Kellogg’s. His early career was with Tambrands (P&G) and Unilever in the UK and in Europe. Simon was born and educated in England but has lived most of his life in Europe and in the USA. He currently resides in Ithaca NY with his wife Kati and their family.

Kaleigh has 8 years of NIQ experience and considerable background working with clients in multiple categories. She has been involved with the Beverage Alcohol category for the last four years working on Thought Leadership and client specific business questions and projects. Kaleigh brings a unique skillset of analytic capabilities, as well as commercial selling story creation, and has significant background in bringing consumer insights to the forefront in support of sales trends. She has been pivotal in the NIQ strategy and tactics for Beverage Alcohol as the industry changes and develops.

Lester Jones serves as the Chief Economist and Vice President of Analytics for the National Beer Wholesalers Association, a national trade organization that represents the regulatory and economic interests of licensed beer distributors. He has more than 20 years of experience in industry research, survey methodology and applied business economics. He most recently served as Chief Economist at the Beer Institute, where he developed and executed significant research initiatives that helped shape America’s beer industry. He also has become a respected public speaker, offering in-depth technical, analytical, and quantitative expertise.

Clement Pappas is CEO and part owner of Stateside Vodka in Philadelphia, PA. The craft vodka brand launched in 2015 and by 2018 was ranked the top selling Pennsylvania Distilled. The company launched its canned ready to drink (RTD) Stateside Vodka Soda line in 2021 and Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka in 2022. In just its second year on the market, Surfisde surpassed 1 Million case depletions and is rapidly expanding throughout the country. Prior to launching Stateside Vodka, Clement was CEO of Clement Pappas & Co., a leading national supplier of private brand juices. The company was founded in 1942 by his grandfather Clement, a hardworking U.S. immigrant who exemplified the American Dream. Growing up, the business played a central part in Clement's life, and he later worked in an executive capacity for the company for 15 years. Some of Clement’s key accomplishments included the turnaround of the company’s flagship NJ plant, startup of the company’s California manufacturing facility, and penetrating key national accounts such as Wal-Mart and Costco. Clement led the sale of the business to Lassonde Industries in 2011 and served as CEO until his exit in 2014. Prior to Clement Pappas & Co., he worked for Arthur Andersen Business Consulting in New York. Clement and his wife Lauren currently reside in Haddonfield, NJ with their two sons, Paul and Joseph. After tragically losing their premature son Peter in 2015, Clement and Lauren founded the Peter Joseph Pappas Fund with a mission to cure preeclampsia by 2050. Clement is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute, a member of YPO, and has served on numerous charitable and corporate boards. He earned his BSE from Duke University cum laude and his MBA from The Wharton School, where he was designated a Palmer Scholar.

Analytics & Client Success Consultant at 3Tier Beverages with experience working for national & craft Beer, Wine, & Spirits brands. Formerly with IRI’s strategic analytics practice working primarily with Bev-Alc & Protein clients, specializing in pricing, assortment, and media effectiveness. Chicago native with a passion for the outdoors and architecture.

Steven Garrett is a true Rogue. He recently became the President of Rogue, in August 2023, based on over a decade of dedicated service. Steven has been instrumental in building and scaling new ways to expand the Rogue brand, launching industry-leading products such as an award-winning canned cocktail line, CBD seltzers, and revamping the whiskey portfolio while remaining true to Rogue's brand essence of "Dare. Risk. Dream." Before his presidency, Steven held key positions, including Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Business Development, along with numerous sales roles, helping shape the company's trajectory.

Ryan Lake is a Managing Director at Arlington Capital Advisors, a boutique investment banking firm focused exclusively on advising consumer businesses. He has over 20 years of investment banking and commercial banking experience and has sourced, structured, and negotiated over 60 transactions for beverage brands, suppliers, importers, distributors and retailers across beer, wine, spirits, RTD and non-alcoholic beverages. Ryan and the team at Arlington have successfully completed over $10 billion worth of transactions for beverage clients around the world.

Alcohol Category Manager for ExtraMile Convenience Stores LLC (EMCS), Michelle currently oversees all aspects of merchandising related to wine, beer, and spirits across the full network of over 700 licensed stations operating in 9 states. Michelle joined EMCS in October 2021 and comes with over 15 years of merchandising and operations experience. She has worked in both large format and c-store chains at Target and 7-Eleven. Before leaving 7-Eleven, she held the position of Store Readiness Manager for the Western United States covering all new store growth, acquisitions, and change of ownership. Prior to this, Michelle worked as a Business Consultant for a territory of franchised stores and served as the zone merchandising category lead for both alcohol and non- alcoholic beverages.

An Ohio native and longtime Cincinnati resident, Adam Bankovich has over 15 years of experience in the brewing industry. After a four-and-a-half year stint with Cincinnati-based distributor Cavalier Distributing, Adam spent nine years at San Diego-based craft beer icon Stone Brewing, which culminated in the role of VP of Sales. Adam joined the Rhinegeist team as Chief Commercial Officer in October 2022, setting Rhinegeist’s commercial strategy on track for trend-defying growth in 2023 amidst an exceptionally challenging environment. Adam led Rhinegeist as interim Chief Executive Officer beginning May 2023, and was officially named CEO in October of the same year. Adam lives in Cincinnati with his wife Colleen and their three children Caroline, Marcus and Nathan.

Paul Reiter is CEO and Co-Founder of Great Notion Brewing. There, he focuses on leading the company with a direct-to-consumer #keepbeerfun ethos. Prior to co-founding Great Notion with two friends in 2015, Paul led a digital archiving sales team for over a decade at a $100M software-as-a-service company. While there, he received an MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship from Babson. Earlier in his career, Paul worked in the public relations and advertising fields, founded a hip-hop record label, and ate his weight in cheesesteaks in Philly. He currently lives in Portland. OR with his wife and two daughters.

Lynne Weaver is the Founder and CEO of Three Weavers Brewing Company, a craft brewery in Inglewood, CA. As Founder and CEO, Lynne leads all aspects of the brewery, including operations, finance and sales. Founded in 2013, Lynne cultivated and guided the growth of Three Weavers into a strategic merger with CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective in 2018. In 2021, Lynne orchestrated with her original investors an asset purchase buyback of Three Weavers. Today, Lynne is focused on Three Weavers innovations in alt-beverage categories, expanding distribution, and their Brewery Restaurant buildout next to Sofi Stadium. From the beginning of her Craft beer career, Lynne developed a passion for giving back to her community of Inglewood and the craft beer industry. Lynne has served 6 years on the Board of Directors for the California Craft Brewers Association. Before founding Three Weavers, Lynne held designations as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Enrolled Agent (EA) with the IRS and was the Lead Real Estate Tax Consultant and Accountant for a Real Estate Tax Consulting firm. Lynne lives in Los Angeles, with her husband, Jonathan Weaver, and their children (aka the Three Weavers). Lynne received a BA in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Ethan, a visionary leader in the Beverage Alcohol industry, has a proven track record of success. His journey began at Molson Coors, where he spearheaded the growth of the Blue Moon Brewing Company. Under his leadership, the team used the Blue Moon orange garnish ritual to propel the brand to become the #1 craft beer. His successful tenure led to his appointment as the Brand Manager of Innovation for craft and import brands, overseeing brands like Blue Moon, Leinenkugel, Pilsner Urquell, and Peroni. Ethan then spent six years at New Belgium Brewing Company as Director of Innovation and Specialty Brands where he reimagined New Belgium’s portfolio strategy and approach. In 2021, capitalizing on his industry expertise, Ethan embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. He teamed up with Dan Kiefer, a renowned creative in the beer industry, to launch Ahead of the Curve Strategy. Their shared vision was to empower adult beverage companies by providing expert guidance in brand positioning, portfolio strategy, and creative needs. Fast forward to 2022, Ethan took a leap into the digital world by founding The E-Premise Group. This e-commerce firm has quickly become a trusted partner for over 30 alcoholic beverage companies. But Ethan didn’t stop there. He also forged a strategic alliance with Denver-based investment bank GLC Advisors to provide M&A consultancy services to adult beverage companies. Ethan’s multifaceted experience and forward-thinking approach have truly established him as a dynamic force in the Adult Beverage industry.

Dan Murphy is SVP of marketing at Liquid Death, which makes health and sustainability 50 times more fun. As one of the fastest growing non-alc beverage brands of all time, Liquid Death is the first bold, hilarious beverage company focused on health and sustainability. We take the healthiest thing you can drink and package it into infinitely recyclable tallboy cans that can actually compete with the fun marketing of unhealthy brands across energy drinks, beer, and junk food. A portion of Liquid Death’s proceeds goes to nonprofits who are helping to fight plastic pollution and bringing clean drinking water to those in need. Prior to Liquid Death Dan had an advertising career building digital products (The launch of Domino's Pizza Tracker was one of his first) as well as just about anything that connects to the Internet (sites, apps, experiential, content). He also spent 3 years at Google playing with machine learning superpowers and has founded and helped build other startups, too.

Jennie Ripps is a tea sommelier, and co-founder and CEO of Owl’s Brew, a line of clean, great-tasting boozy beverages made with only good, whole ingredients. Jennie is co-founder of Wise Women Collective, Owl’s Brew's women-for-women initiative, dedicated to shining a light on women’s voices, and supporting women’s causes via charity partnerships. Jennie is co-author of Wise Cocktails: A DIY Guide to Crafting Tea-Based Cocktails. Jennie is a mentor for UPenn’s Professional Women’s Alliance. She is a graduate of Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses, and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. Jennie & Owl’s Brew have been profiled by The Today Show, The New York Times, and Forbes, among others. Jennie resides in Connecticut.

Ruby Martinez has over 10 years’ experience in grocery retail, and most recently stepped into the world of Beer. She joined the Firestone Walker team in 2022 and supports the National Accounts team on shopper marketing initiatives for retailers across the country. Most recently Ruby has dived into each retailer’s online platform. Optimized brand content ensures a consistent and positive user experience. Ruby collaborates with Syndigo, Instacart, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Whole Foods, and more ensuring what is on the shelf matches online searches. This focus is essential in sharing the Firestone Walker brand story with each customer. Ruby is based in Paso Robles, California and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Graduated from Penn State University in 2006 with a degree in Marketing. Dave began his career at Marketing Management Analytics (Ipsos MMA) as a Data Analyst, running sales regression models and market level analytics across various Retail and CPG clients. He left MMA and joined Nielsen in 2010, working up to the role of Client Manager. In this role, Dave led a team dedicated to Market Mix, Price/Promo and Consumer analysis for Procter & Gamble globally, spanning multiple categories and brands across their wide portfolio. In 2015, Dave left Nielsen to join BUMP Williams Consulting where he currently runs high-end analytics across the Beverage Alcohol universe. His key focus areas include Consumer Behavior, Pricing, Promotion and Retail Landscape for BWC’s Supplier, Distributor and Retailer clients.

Over the past two decades, Kynyetta has earned a reputation as a consummate beverage leader. A true luminary in the world of operations and training, Kynyetta has consistently demonstrated a passion for crafting exceptional beverage experiences. Kynyetta swiftly ascended the ranks in her roles, mastering the art of mixology and the intricacies of beverage management. In addition to her expertise, Kynyetta is equally adept at mentoring and training staff, instilling a culture of professionalism, and fostering a deep understanding of the art of guest service. Throughout her career, Kynyetta has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, embracing emerging trends while respecting the timeless traditions of the craft. With Kynyetta, every sip is a story, and every moment is an opportunity to create lasting memories.

Brian Fried is the General Manager of Stone Distributing Company (SDC). SDC is an independent beverage distributor that operates throughout all Southern California and services a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands. SDC was founded in 1999 to distribute a few craft brands in San Diego with a hand full of employees. It has grown to be one of the largest craft-centric distributors in the country, employing over 350 passionate team members. Brian has been in the beverage business for 30 years with experience in beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages. He began his career working at a beer distributor in Southern California before moving over to the supplier side. He has worked for such companies as Miller Brewing Company, Heineken USA, and Beam Suntory. He has held multiple management roles over the years that have allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the beverage industry as well as expertise in business planning and organizational development.

Sinead Carey is the Director of Sales - Beer at Breakthru Beverage California. She joined Breakthru following the acquisition of Wine Warehouse in April 2023. She holds a leadership role that includes overseeing a team of craft beer specialists, working with supplier partners on planning, market execution, and collaborating with the sales teams to drive performance in the category. With more than 20 years of successful experience working in the beer industry, Sinead has held roles in sales, distributor management, channel management, and trade marketing with Star Brand Imports, Heineken USA and Anchor Brewing. Sinead is an Irish native and a graduate of Trinity College Dublin. She is a Cicerone Certified Beer Server and was awarded the Knighthood of the Belgian Brewers Paddle in 2022.

Today, Fishers Island Lemonade is recognized as America’s Craft Lemonade Canned Cocktail, winning dozens of awards for its one-of-a-kind taste profile and commitment to high quality ingredients. When Fishers Island Lemonade launched in 2014, canned cocktails were not nearly the category they are today. “Ready to drink” beverages were largely unheard of, and the ones that were available were made with low-quality ingredients. Founder Bronya Shillo bet on herself in launching her premium, authentic canned cocktail with a vision for Fishers Island Lemonade, in effect pioneering a new beverage category. Bronya spent many summers on Fishers Island, NY, where her family owned and operated the Pequot Inn. She ultimately joined the family working at the Inn and took charge of creating the bar’s signature house cocktail, Fishers Island Lemonade, locally referred to as “Fishers” or “FIL.” It was the most popular drink served at the bar all summer long. Bronya had her “a-ha” moment one late evening while reaching into the cooler to grab a beer for a customer and thinking to herself, “I wish this were a can of Fishers.” This innovative idea set her on a quest to create Fishers Island Lemonade in a ready-to-drink cocktail in a can. It was Memorial Day weekend 2014, after two full years of development, when Bronya launched Fishers Island Lemonade, pioneering the RTD craft cocktail category as one of the first canned cocktails launched in the United States. With only an estimated 5% of craft spirit brands owned by women, Bronya launched her business idea in the early days of a growing trend. This originator in the canned cocktail category has set the stage for many new entrants - paving the way for success of the larger beverage segment. Fast forward to today, Bronya continues to grow her female-led company with a full family of Fishers Island Lemonade offerings and hitting new benchmarks: - Since the brand's inception, the portfolio of products have earned Platinum, Double Gold and Consumer’s Choice Award at the 2022 SIP Awards, Gold at the 2022 Beverage Testing Institute Spirits Review. - Recognized by Impact Magazine as a “Hot Prospect” brand three years in a row, from 2019-2021 - Fishers Island Lemonade is one of the Top 10 selling spirits-based RTDs on Drizly throughout the key summer holidays in 2020, 2021 and 2022. - Fishers Island Lemonade is committed to its philanthropic efforts that have been recognized each year since 2014, giving back to the Fishers Island community and in 2022 partnering with Take 3 from the Sea non-profit. - Bronya was a featured panelist at AdWeek’s “Taste of Brandweek” panel in 2022. - Distributed in 14 states, recently expanding south into SC and FL in 2022 and also online at https://buy.filemonade.com/.

Skip Schwartz is the Head Brewer at WeldWerks Brewing Company, located in Greeley, Colorado. Skip has been working in the craft beer industry for over 10 years and has experience in various roles, including sales, bartending, and production. Previously, Skip was the production manager at Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales in Denver, which led him to take on his initial role at WeldWerks as Special Project Manager. Later, he became the Innovation and Wood Cellar Lead and managed WeldWerks' highly-regarded barrel program while seeking innovative ways to enhance WeldWerks' already prestigious portfolio. Thanks to his success in this field, he was entrusted with the role of Head Brewer, where he continues to explore innovative approaches in the competitive beer market.

Adeline Druart, Chief Executive Officer of the award-winning, B Corp-certified Vermont craft brewery Lawson’s Finest Liquids, is a visionary leader with a strong craft food, beer and wine heritage. With a commitment to people, purpose, and growth, Adeline is recognized in the food and beverage industry for her CPG expertise, growth-minded leadership, deep people connections, and humbling career story. From cheesemaker-intern to company president of Vermont Creamery, Adeline’s 20 years of experience include business scaling and positioning the Creamery for successful acquisition and transition from founder-owned to Fortune 250 company Land O’Lakes. Adeline led the Creamery’s growth from a regional to national brand, earning #1 market position, and achieved B Corp certification highlighting a vibrant company culture and impactful purpose. Adeline also served as vice president and corporate officer of the farmer-owned cooperative in Land O'Lakes’ Dairy Foods Division. She is passionate about business ecosystems where inclusive culture, team empowerment, product with integrity, and authentic brand stories can be the catalyst for growth, driving meaningful impact. Adeline lives in Vermont with her husband and two children Hugo and Matisse.

Eddie Simeón, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Hella Cocktail Co., grew up in a multicultural Mexican-Filipino-American family in Oakland, California. Like many grandchildren of immigrants, language was not his primary anchor to his roots. Instead, traditional comfort foods like enchiladas, lumpia, and calimanci were his gateway to the rich traditions of his familial homelands. Food is Eddie’s central connection to Mexican and Filipino culture, and as it turns out, his passion as a businessman. The intersection of culture and entrepreneurship becomes even more meaningful as Eddie passes on the traditions to his daughter and, now, you, the broader Hella Cocktail Co. community! With Hella, it’s more than a Margarita. Join us in celebrating the spirit of life.

Since joining New Belgium Brewing in 2019, Dave Knospe has led the record-breaking Voodoo Ranger brand to its coveted ranking as the top selling IPA in the United States. With a keen eye for brand development and strategy, Dave's leadership led to the top selling craft beer launch in history - Juice Force IPA. As Senior Director of Brands at New Belgium, Dave oversees a portfolio of national craft beer brands, and continues to drive innovation pushing outside of the craft category. Dave has nearly 15 years of marketing experience focused on consumer-packaged goods, including a stint at Nestle Purina where he led the development of The Service Dog Salute – a program designed to raise awareness and funding to train rescue dogs to become certified service animals for veterans suffering from PTSD. Dave holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the University of Miami and earned an MBA from Poole College of Management at N.C. State University. In his free time, Dave chases his two-year-old around the house, explores the natural wonders of Colorado, and spends entirely too much time watching Baltimore sports teams.

Jason Murphy is a dynamic and strategic Marketing Leader renowned for driving brand growth and category expansion in the Food & Beverage industry. With a wealth of experience, including a pivotal role as the Director of Beverage Strategy & Innovation at Buffalo Wild Wings, Jason has successfully spearheaded comprehensive research initiatives, resulting in the successful alignment of a company-wide Beverage Alcohol Category Strategies. As the former Manager of Beer Innovation, also at Buffalo Wild Wings, Jason managed the nation's largest On-Premise Beer program across 1,200+ sports bars. His achievements include creating a consumer-focused, data-driven beer strategy, and innovating a successful "House Beer" that boosted draft sales profitability. Jason's expertise extends beyond national chains, as evidenced by his roles at Gordon Biersch Brewery + Restaurant and Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom, where he led brand refresh projects, developed profitable marketing strategies, and helped revive declining brands. A nationally recognized industry expert, Jason combines strategic vision, consumer insights, and a proven track record of successful marketing initiatives. His passion, energy, and leadership have consistently delivered significant and sustainable results in the competitive landscape of the Food & Beverage industry.

Amanda DeVore is the senior director of flavor innovation for Molson Coors and has led category disruptive innovations for more than 15 years with the company. She has been instrumental in evolving Molson Coors flavor portfolio and most recently led the creation of Happy Thursday, a new bubble-free, spiked refresher launching nationwide March 2024. Amanda has a passion for developing successful partner and new-to-world alch-beverage innovations that tap into true consumer insights, whether it’s developing full flavor products like Simply Spiked with The Coca-Cola Company, which was the #1 flavor innovation when it launched in 2022, or creating the North American seltzer innovation pipeline for brands like Vizzy and Topo Chico Hard Seltzer. Amanda is passionate about bringing a new generation of younger, legal-drinking age consumers into the flavored alch-bev aisle, and evolving Molson Coors from a beer company to a full beverage company. When Amanda is not innovating breakthrough new products, you can find her spending time with her husband and two dogs or biking the lakefront in Chicago.

Elledge Davis serves as the Portfolio Director for Tryon Distributing's beer division, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the dynamic world of beverage distribution. With roots in the restaurant industry, Elledge transitioned to Tryon in 2015, initially contributing to sales and operations. His journey within the company led him to brand management, where he discovered the powerful synergy between his background in computer science and mathematics and his extensive knowledge of craft beer. Currently holding the position of Director of Beer, Elledge leverages his analytical skills and programming proficiency to provide Tryon's brand management team with real-time insights. His strategic approach extends to automating administrative processes, allowing for the efficient redeployment of resources. Moreover, Elledge actively evaluates the portfolio and product requirements of the sales team, strategically enhancing retail relationships to maximize impact. Throughout his tenure, Elledge has played a pivotal role in the successful launch of numerous local, regional, and import brands into the North Carolina market. Beyond his responsibilities at Tryon, he remains committed to the company's core ethos, always leading with the mantra: "do the right thing."

Nichole D. Shustack focuses her practice on alcohol trade practice, regulatory, commercial agreements and distribution matters. She represents companies in the alcohol beverage industry, including brewers, distillers and wineries and has in-depth knowledge of the legal, regulatory and distribution issues facing the industry. Prior to joining the Firm, Nichole acted as in-house counsel for eight years at one of the largest craft brewers in the world where she counseled on regulatory, distribution matters and represented the company in drafting complex commercial agreements. Since joining McDermott, she uses this experience to provide clients with business-minded and practical legal advice.

My career in the beverage industry started out on the retail side working at bars and restaurants in Chicago until my first supplier job with SAB selling Pilsner Urquell previous to their acquisition of Miller Brewing Company. Opportunity to build out a new sales team at Goose Island led me there during their transition from an externally led sales and marketing organization to recreation of an internal team. My next move was to Heineken/USA as a part of the Star Brand Imports team managing distributors along with developing and implementing the annual business plans across the Midwest. When Heineken made the decision to close our import division it led me back to craft beer and to Dogfish Head where the middle of America became my home managing their distributor side of the business along with On Premise National accounts. My final stop before beginning this next step was at Revolution Brewing back home in Chicago for the last eight years building out their sales, marketing and logistics side of the business from case zero. 3 Tier Beverages is based out of the Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago where it shares office space with a wife, two daughters and a 100lb Chocolate Labrador who thinks he is a lap dog. 3 decades of genuine, authentic and real experience in the beverage industry working for you.