The Beverage Alcohol Retailers Conference (BARC) will return home for its 10th anniversary.
Created as a national conference focused on off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, BARC began with a goal of giving independent and chain operators a dedicated space to discuss merchandising, operations, marketing, compliance and industry trends. The inaugural event took place in Minneapolis before expanding to markets across the country over the past decade.
As editor of the host magazine, Beverage Dynamics, I have participated in every conference. I have been able to host the three-tier panel, giving retailers and producers the opportunity to discuss important industry relationship matters with the middle tier. Every year there are new topics that focus on the changing industry. Two panels that have stood out are the social media panel, where I learned tips and tricks from folks who are at the cutting edge of digital marketing in this industry and last year’s talk about Gen Z trends. Hearing firsthand from retailers what products the youngest LDA generation prefers was an enormously educational experience.
Over the years, we have hosted retailer panels, store tours, supplier networking events and educational sessions covering topics from category management to emerging beverage trends. We have held tasting events in the flagship stores of local alcohol retail leaders that brought together members of all three tiers of the industry for great drinks and even better discussions.
This is the defining feature of BARC: opportunities for retailers from different markets and business models to exchange ideas in person.
For many attendees, some of the most memorable moments have happened outside the meeting rooms — conversations during offsite events, late-night networking sessions and the annual awards dinners that bring together operators from across the industry. The event has also evolved alongside the business itself, with recent conferences focusing on RTDs, THC beverages, non-alcoholic products and changing consumer purchasing habits.
This year’s conference will take place June 15-17 in Minneapolis as part of Beverage Industry Week 2026. Our anniversary event will include retail store tours, returning speakers and expanded networking opportunities.
For retailers, suppliers and distributors who have attended over the years — or those considering their first trip — the 2026 edition offers a chance to reconnect with colleagues and celebrate a decade of BARC, going back to where it all began and we want you to join us!
Registration information and the conference agenda are available at BARC 2026 Registration.
Kyle Swartz is editor of Beverage Dynamics. Reach him at kswartz@epgacceleration.com. Read his recent piece, The 2026 Spirits Growth Brands Awards Winners.
