Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer’s) announced that it will host its second WineForward event in partnership with Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) on Wednesday, February 4, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. The session will take place on the Main Stage at Access LIVE hosted at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
After a successful inaugural debut in 2025, this three-hour symposium, now open to all Access LIVE attendees, will explore where the wine category stands today, and where it’s headed next. WineForward brings together influential leaders, analysts and brand builders from across the beverage alcohol ecosystem to explore evolving consumer behavior, cultural relevance, innovation and the social practices that have long made wine a connector at the table and beyond, according to the distributor.
“Wine has always been about connection and shared experiences,” said Mark Chaplin, president of commercial sales, Southern Glazer’s, in a news release. “As consumer expectations evolve, this is the moment to think differently about how we engage the next generation – by meeting them where they are, telling more compelling stories and reinforcing wine’s place in responsible social occasions.”
The program will feature candid conversations and perspectives from industry leaders, including:
- John Sutton, CEO, The Wine Group
- Rick Tigner, President and CEO, Jackson Family Wines
- Justin Fenchel, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, BeatBox Beverages
- Cristie Norman, Lead Sommelier, Delilah
- Nik Modi, Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Consumer & Retail Research, RBC Capital Markets
- Wayne Chaplin, President and CEO, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
- Mark Chaplin, President, Commercial Sales, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
- Cindy Leonard, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Fine Wine, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
- Zach Poelma, Senior Vice President, Commercial Intelligence & Strategy, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
The session will combine data-driven insights with real-world brand and hospitality perspectives in a panel discussion focused on growth, relevance and reconnecting consumers with wine in authentic and culturally resonant ways, according to the distributor.
“We look forward to building on the success of WineForward, welcoming our Southern Glazer’s partners and friends across the industry to go ‘Beyond the Glass’ and develop actionable solutions that shape the future of our industry,” said Francis Creighton, president and CEO of WSWA, in the release. “I look forward to the dynamic exchange of ideas that I am sure that we will have.”
To register for Access LIVE click here.
