Registration Opens; Breakfast + Networking

1:1 Meetings

• Samantha Fletcher

  , Senior Category Merchant, Adult Beverage, Whole Foods Market
• Michelle Abdollah

  , Category Manager, Alcoholic Beverages, Extra Mile

  

  Michelle Abdollah

  Category Manager, Alcoholic Beverages, Extra Mile

  Michelle Abdollah is a seasoned retail expert with over 15 years of experience in merchandising and operations. Currently, she serves as Category Manager for Alcoholic Beverages and Private Label Development Manager at Extra Mile convenience stores, overseeing merchandising strategies for wine, beer, and spirits across 1,100+ locations in 11 states. With a proven track record of driving growth and profitability, Michelle has honed her skills through various leadership roles at 7-Eleven and Target. Her expertise has earned her recognition as one of the Top Women In Convenience by Convenience Store News in 2024. Michelle's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction continues to propel her success in the convenience store channel.

• Michael Blumfield

  , Region Vice President, Sunset Distributing Company

  

  Michael Blumfield

  Region Vice President, Sunset Distributing Company

  Michael Blumfield serves as Region Vice President for Sunset Distributing Company (SDC), a division of Hand Family Companies—one of the largest family-owned beverage distributors in the U.S. With a legacy dating back to 1949, Hand Family Companies now operates across four states, employs over 1,000 people, and distributes more than 50 million cases of beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages annually. With more than 15 years of experience in the beverage industry, Michael has held leadership roles across both supplier and wholesaler organizations, including Heineken USA and Classic Beverage of Southern California. His background in brand strategy, route-to-market development, and organizational development has made him a versatile and trusted leader in the beverage space.

• Peter Heimark

  , President, Heimark Distributing LLC

  

  Peter Heimark

  President, Heimark Distributing LLC

  Peter Heimark is President and CEO of Heimark Distributing LLC (HDC.) Heimark Distributing is an Independent Beer and beverage Distributor based in Indio, California servicing communities in eastern Riverside County and Southern San Bernardino County including the Coachella Valley, San Bernardino National Forest, Joshua Tree National Park, and surrounding communities. Peter is the third generation of Heimark Family Members at the Helm of Heimark Distributing. He began his career with an internship working for Anheuser-Busch in Spain and Denmark. He spent the first twenty-three years of his career with Heimark Distributing’s sister company, Triangle Distributing, based in Santa Fe Springs. Upon conducting a territory swap with Anheuser-Busch in 2020, Peter moved to Heimark Distributing LLC. Peter has served as the Anheuser-Busch Advisory Panel Chairman, the Chairman of the National Beer Wholesalers Association, and has served on the board of the California Family Beer Distributors Association.

• Sinead Carey

  , Director of Beer, Breakthru Beverage
• Kevin Day

  , Director of Trade Development - Beer, Breakthru Beverage
• Anthony Trento

  , Senior Director Sales and Marketing, Sunset Distribution Co.

  

  Anthony Trento

  Senior Director Sales and Marketing, Sunset Distribution Co.

  Anthony Trento is a beverage sales leader with extensive experience across beer, kombucha, energy drinks, and emerging alcohol categories. His career includes national and regional leadership roles, most recently serving as Vice President of Sales at JuneShine Brands. Prior to that, he spent a decade at Stone Distributing, rising to Vice President of Sales and leading the Southern California beverage distribution team. Earlier roles at Anheuser-Busch and Monster Energy provided him with foundational  experience in field sales, route management, and retail execution. His background reflects expertise in beverage sales, distribution, team leadership, and brand development.

• Elise Horwitz

  , Director of Brands and Marketing, Sunset Distribution Co.

  

  Elise Horwitz

  Director of Brands and Marketing, Sunset Distribution Co.

  Elise Horwitz is the Director of Brands and Marketing for Sunset Distribution Co. (SDC), a division of Hand Family Companies—one of the largest family-owned beverage distributors in the U.S. With a legacy dating back to 1949, Hand Family Companies now operates across four states, employs more than 1,000 people, and distributes over 50 million cases of beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages annually. Elise began her career in events and hospitality in roles ranging from Event Planner to General Manager at Corbett's Catering, The Salted Pig, and W. Wolfskill. Her passion for craft beer and cocktails led her to her next journey at the innovative brewery "The Bruery" in Orange County, CA where she planned and coordinated numerous events and festivals. She later joined Stone Brewing and Stone Distributing Company (now Sunset Distributing) in 2016, where she has since built a dynamic career in beverage distribution. She specializes in cultivating strong Supplier relationships, shaping innovative brand strategies, and guiding the successful commercialization of beverages throughout Southern California.

• Samantha Fletcher, Senior Category Merchant, Adult Beverage, Whole Foods Market
• Michelle Abdollah, Category Manager, Alcoholic Beverages, Extra Mile
• Michael Blumfield, Region Vice President, Sunset Distributing Company
• Peter Heimark, President, Heimark Distributing LLC
• Sinead Carey, Director of Beer, Breakthru Beverage
• Kevin Day, Director of Trade Development - Beer, Breakthru Beverage
• Anthony Trento, Senior Director Sales and Marketing, Sunset Distribution Co.
• Elise Horwitz, Director of Brands and Marketing, Sunset Distribution Co.

Welcome Remarks

Purpose Under Pressure: Highland's Leah Wong Ashburn on Philanthropy in Hard Times

• Leah Wong Ashburn

  , Owner, President & CEO, Highland Brewing Company

  

  Leah Wong Ashburn

  Owner, President & CEO, Highland Brewing Company

  Leah is the second-generation family owner, President and CEO of Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, NC. Founded by her father Oscar Wong in 1994, Highland is the founding brewery in Asheville. It is also the largest independent brewery native to NC and in the nation’s top ten breweries led by women. Leah’s past board service includes the NC Brewers Guild, Asheville Chamber, Buncombe County Tourism Authority, Riverlink, AB Tech Community College. Currently, she serves on the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Visitors. Recognitions include Brewbound’s Person of the Year, Woman Executive of the Year from the Asheville Chamber, James Beard semi-finalist for Beer, Wine or Spirits Professional. But her only trophy with a disco ball is for Best Dancer in a local version of Dancing with the Stars. Leah is married to Brock Ashburn, Highland’s VP of Facilities and Engineer, and is stepmother to two amazing young women.

• Leah Wong Ashburn, Owner, President & CEO, Highland Brewing Company

Are You Experiential? Making Your Brand Pop IRL

• Rosalie Kennedy

  , Director of Marketing, Athletic Brewing

  

  Rosalie Kennedy

  Director of Marketing, Athletic Brewing

  Rosalie Kennedy is the Director of Marketing at Athletic Brewing Company, where she leads the company's strategic initiatives. Her industry-leading work has shaped Athletic’s leading brand presence and helped define the modern non-alcoholic beer category. With a background in brand management, Rosalie previously honed her expertise at Boston Beer Company, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the brand strategy for Angry Orchard Hard Cider, which became the country's No. 1 hard cider and drove the overall cider segment. Her career also includes notable agency experience in New York City, where she coordinated high-profile campaigns for Heineken USA's portfolio of brands. Outside of the office, Rosalie is actively involved in her community and has volunteered her time to small business growth initiatives. She is also a certified yoga instructor and a proud mom. She graduated with a double major in marketing and psychology from McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

• Sophia D'Angelo

  , Founder & CEO, Boston Experiential Group

  

  Sophia D'Angelo

  Founder & CEO, Boston Experiential Group

  Sophia D’Angelo is the founder of Boston Experiential Group, a Boston based experiential agency specializing in high-impact brand storytelling through immersive consumer experiences. With over 16 years in the experiential marketing space, she has led strategic activations for top beverage brands including Boston Beer Company, EIGHT Brewing, Night Shift, Loverboy, Flor de Caña, Edrington and more. Sophia is known for translating brand positioning into dynamic, on-the-ground moments—from national sampling tours to large-format festival footprints—that drive trial, boost share of voice, and deepen consumer affinity. Her expertise lies at the intersection of cultural insight, retail readiness, and full-funnel engagement.

• Rosalie Kennedy, Director of Marketing, Athletic Brewing
• Sophia D'Angelo, Founder & CEO, Boston Experiential Group

After the Lines: Taproom Strategies for Post-Hype Profitability

• Tiago Carneiro

  , Founder, NOVO Brazil Brewing

  

  Tiago Carneiro

  Founder, NOVO Brazil Brewing

  Tiago Carneiro is a visionary entrepreneur who has made an impact on the beverage industry, particularly in Southern California’s South Bay. His journey began in Brazil, and through dedication, passion, and a commitment to quality, he has become the founder of NOVO Brazil Brewing Company and the driving force behind NOVA Kombucha. Tiago’s story began in Belo Horizonte, where he was deeply immersed in his family’s restaurant business. Their restaurants were known for making everything in-house, from bread to soda, and they eventually ventured into brewing beer. Tiago’s vision has grown far beyond a single brewery. NOVO Brazil Brewing Company has expanded from its initial Chula Vista location to a network of five establishments — generating over 150 jobs and positively impacting the local economy, — and several San Diego sports partnerships. NOVO Brazil’s offerings include NOVA Kombucha, California Spritz beer cocktails and hard seltzers.

• Adam Charnack

  , Co-Founder & CEO, Hi-Wire Brewing

  

  Adam Charnack

  Co-Founder & CEO, Hi-Wire Brewing

  Since 2012, Adam has pursued his craft-beer passion of producing approachable and balanced beers in the heart of Asheville NC. Hi-Wire Brewing can be found in bars, restaurants, and grocery stores across eight states, including their nine retail locations - in Asheville, Durham, Wilmington and Charlotte in North Carolina as well as in Knoxville, TN. Outside of work Adam studies land-use and urban design - having acted as past Chair of the Asheville Transit Committee and member of the area’s Metropolitan Planning Organization. As of late 2025, he’s a key stakeholder in the City’s bus system redesign. The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has awarded Adam Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022 and 2015, and Hi-Wire Brewing the local Chamber of Commerce’s Sky High Growth Award in 2022 and 2019 as well as a “Venture 15”, fastest-growing start-up award in 2021, 2019, and 2018. We believe that the things that bring us together are stronger than the things that pull us apart. Our mission is to make the things that bring us together. Hi-Wire Brewing: “Find Your Fun”

• Andrew Burman

  , Co-Founder and COO, Other Half Brewing Company

  

  Andrew Burman

  Co-Founder and COO, Other Half Brewing Company

  Andrew Burman co-founded Other Half Brewing Company in Brooklyn, NY in 2014. Serving as the Chief Operating Officer, Burman oversees the brewery’s daily operations. His journey into the culinary and brewing world began after earning a degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, where he also played lacrosse. Pursuing his passion for food, he went to L’Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg, MD. To deepen his understanding of food systems, Burman obtained a Master’s degree in Food Culture and Food Systems from New York University. Since Other Half’s establishment, the brewery has expanded beyond Brooklyn, opening locations in New York City, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, the Finger Lakes, and Buffalo. Burman’s commitment to quality and innovation has been instrumental in Other Half’s growth and its reputation for pushing the boundaries of beer and brewing culture.

• Tiago Carneiro, Founder, NOVO Brazil Brewing
• Adam Charnack, Co-Founder & CEO, Hi-Wire Brewing
• Andrew Burman, Co-Founder and COO, Other Half Brewing Company

Sponsored Workshop: Brewing Up Opportunity: Leveraging Seasonal Events and Technology to Drive Year-Round Revenue

• Margaret Kelly

  , Account Executive-Inside Sales, Tripleseat Software

  

  Margaret Kelly

  Account Executive-Inside Sales, Tripleseat Software

  With over four years in the hospitality industry, Margaret Kelly brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and industry expertise to her work. She began her career as a neuroscience research fellow for the U.S. Army before transitioning into hospitality sales at Toast POS, where she helped restaurants optimize their operations through technology. Today, Margaret supports breweries, wineries, and distilleries at Tripleseat, empowering them to streamline their event management and drive growth through smarter systems. Her passion lies in helping beverage brands enhance their guest experience while simplifying the business side of events.

• Margaret Kelly, Account Executive-Inside Sales, Tripleseat Software

Networking Break

Greetings From Minnesota: Insights From Intoxicating Hemp's Biggest Market

• Jon Halper

  , Owner & CEO, Top Ten Liquors

  

  Jon Halper

  Owner & CEO, Top Ten Liquors

  Jon Halper is the Owner and CEO of Top Ten Liquors, one of the Twin Cities’ fastest-growing independent liquor retailers. Since acquiring the business in 2013, Jon has expanded Top Ten into a leading presence across Minnesota, recognized for its innovative retail approach and commitment to community. In addition to building one of the state’s most successful liquor businesses, Jon has emerged as an industry leader in the THC and cannabis market. He has played a pioneering role in advancing usage, shaping regulatory policy, and fostering collaboration across the country. His work as a network builder and advocate has helped position Minnesota at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry. Jon and his wife, Jill, are also deeply committed to philanthropy. They are longtime champions of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) and continue to give back through numerous local charities and community initiatives. With a career spanning law, retail, and entrepreneurship, Jon brings a unique perspective on growth, responsible innovation, and the future of both the liquor and cannabis industries.

• Jon Halper, Owner & CEO, Top Ten Liquors

From Value to Vibe: Balancing What’s Brewing Across Price, Preference & Purpose

• Kaleigh Theriault

  , Director Bev-Alc Thought Leadership, NIQ

  

  Kaleigh Theriault

  Director Bev-Alc Thought Leadership, NIQ

  Kaleigh has 10 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 five years working on Thought Leadership, industry insights, 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.

• Andrew Hummel

  , Director Bev-Alc Vertical, CGA

  

  Andrew Hummel

  Director Bev-Alc Vertical, CGA

  Andrew Hummel is Director for CGA by NIQ and is responsible for driving the success of US supplier, distributor, and retail partners within the on-premise channel. Andrew joined CGA by NIQ in 2021, bringing 10+ years of comprehensive BevAl three-tier system experience and valuable CPG industry knowledge to the NIQ On-Premise team. He began his career journey as a pricing analyst for a large US grocer before seeking a hands-on role at a Chicago craft brewery. Subsequently, he gained exposure to chain and independent on-premise operators through his role at a leading BevAl distributor where he became well versed in industry data. His deep understanding of BevAl/CPG, and passion for brands, helps clients develop and execute actionable strategies from NIQ’s market insights. Andrew attended Indiana University – Kelley School of Business Honors Program and currently lives in Chicago, IL.

• Kaleigh Theriault, Director Bev-Alc Thought Leadership, NIQ
• Andrew Hummel, Director Bev-Alc Vertical, CGA

Awards & Rising Stars Video Announcement

Lunch Powered by Rationale, Sampling & Livestream

Breakthrough Marketing: Taking Drinker Engagement to New Heights

• Whitney Stevenson

  , President and Chief Commercial Officer, JuneShine Brands

  

  Whitney Stevenson

  President and Chief Commercial Officer, JuneShine Brands

  Whitney Stevenson is President and Chief Commercial Officer of JuneShine Brands, bringing nearly 20 years of beverage industry experience. She previously spent 15+ years at Boston Beer Company as Director for the Pacific Division, leading a 100+ person team across the western US and Hawaii. Her career includes roles at Molson Coors and PepsiCo, establishing her as a proven leader in brand growth and sales excellence.

• Van Sharma

  , Co-Founder, Rupee Beer

  

  Van Sharma

  Co-Founder, Rupee Beer

  Van is the Co-Founder of Rupee Beer - an award-winning range of light & easy to drink beers specially brewed to pair with Indian, spicy and global cuisine. Having grown up in the Indian restaurant industry his entire which his family has been in for over half a century across three different continents, Van learned the ins and outs of how to create go-to-market strategies for making the ethnic flavors he grew up look and feel appealing for an American audience. A certified third culture kid who has lived, worked and traveled to over 72 countries around the world, his approach to marketing is all about making large scale global ideas resonate with a hyper local audience. He got his start in sales and marketing functions working in London, UK, before entering the start-up space with his previous ventures, and eventual return to the U.S. during Covid to start Rupee Beer, which today has made an impact in its awareness and branding crossing both the world of import and craft beer.

• Kevin George

  , CMO, Garage Beer

  

  Kevin George

  CMO, Garage Beer

  Kevin George is the Chief Marketing Officer of Garage Beer — which means he leads the small squad of talented marketing misfits who thought going up against the big, established beer brands was a good business plan. He helps guide those responsible for turning America’s simplest light beer into one of the loudest voices on the internet and now, one of the fastest growing brands in beer. For the three years he’s been there, Garage Beer’s marketing has gone from “let’s post a picture of a can” to a full- blown circus of unhinged social campaigns, viral billboards, and brand stunts that somehow work. Kevin doesn’t just run marketing — he directs the chaos, proving that a high quality, premium beer brand can be “smart dumb”, entertaining, unpredictable, and still end up in your fridge. He was employee number 7 and part of the team that somehow convinced a couple of professional athletes to invest their own money and co-own a light beer brand that tastes like victory in a lawn chair. Before this, Kevin held fancy marketing jobs at fancy companies like Unilever, Beam-Suntory and Seagram that came with ties, charts, and real responsibilities. But he gave all that up to follow his true passion: helping America discover the coldest beer you can pull out of a garage fridge.

• Whitney Stevenson, President and Chief Commercial Officer, JuneShine Brands
• Van Sharma, Co-Founder, Rupee Beer
• Kevin George, CMO, Garage Beer

Craft M&A Trends: Cashless Deals, Building Platforms

• Sam Hendler

  , Co-Founder & CEO, Hendler Family Brewing Company

  

  Sam Hendler

  Co-Founder & CEO, Hendler Family Brewing Company

  Sam Hendler co-founded Jack’s Abby Brewing with his brothers, Jack and Eric, in 2011. As head of sales and marketing during the high-growth years of the 2010s, he helped build Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers into a regional powerhouse across the Northeast. Since becoming CEO in 2020, Sam has navigated the brewery through one of the most challenging periods in the industry—pivoting into contract brewing, executing strategic M&A, and tripling the company’s production between 2020 and 2025 under a new corporate umbrella, Hendler Family Brewing Company. A past president of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild, he was honored with the Brewers Association’s 2022 F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of craft brewers.

• Charlie Berger

  , Chief Development Officer, Wilding Brands

  

  Charlie Berger

  Chief Development Officer, Wilding Brands

  Charlie Berger fell in love with the craft beer industry after a summer spent working on the Great Divide Brewing Company packaging line in 2003. He studied brewing at Siebel and Doemans, worked in brewpubs and production breweries before cofounding Denver Beer Co in 2011. Through strategic investment, he grew Denver Beer Co to 5 taprooms, and regional brewery status. In January of 2025, Denver Beer Co, Stem Ciders, and Funkwerks created Wilding Brands, which has grown through acquisition to include 9 unique beverage brands comprised of Great Divide, Station 26, Cerveceria Colorado, Howdy Beer, Formation Brewing, and Easy Living Hop water.

• Sam Hendler, Co-Founder & CEO, Hendler Family Brewing Company
• Charlie Berger, Chief Development Officer, Wilding Brands

The View from California: Firestone Walker's Nick Firestone

• Nick Firestone

  , CEO, Firestone Walker

  

  Nick Firestone

  CEO, Firestone Walker

  Nick grew up in the beverage industry, where he learned early the value of long hours and discounted family labor. He began his beer career as a cook and dishwasher in the Firestone Walker Taproom kitchen, later taking on roles in groundskeeping, forklift driving, and cellar work. Leaving home, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy, competing on the national USNA Parachute Team. He went on to serve five years in the U.S. Marine Corps as an Artillery Officer, deploying to Afghanistan in 2014. After military service, Nick earned his MBA at UC Berkeley and worked as a Senior Strategy Consultant for L.E.K. Consulting, advising clients in technology, private equity, and retail. Today, Nick serves as Chief Executive Officer of Firestone Walker. As a fourth-generation member of the family beverage business, he is deeply committed to advancing the brewery’s legacy through innovation, sustainability, and long-term stewardship....and he looks forward to one day employing his three kids at the Firestone Walker Taproom.

• Nick Firestone, CEO, Firestone Walker

Pitch Slam Finals

• Samantha Fletcher

  , Senior Category Merchant, Adult Beverage, Whole Foods Market
• Ryan Lake

  , Managing Director Beverage Investment Banking , J.P. Morgan
• Donn Bichsel

  , Founder, 3 Tier Beverages
• Ray Biebuyck

  , Founder, Hurray's Girl Beer

• Samantha Fletcher, Senior Category Merchant, Adult Beverage, Whole Foods Market
• Ryan Lake, Managing Director Beverage Investment Banking , J.P. Morgan
• Donn Bichsel, Founder, 3 Tier Beverages
• Ray Biebuyck, Founder, Hurray's Girl Beer

Official Party, Presented by Firestone Walker