Off-Premise Education

The Off-Premise Conference is specifically designed for beer, wine and liquor retailers.

If you’re an owner, operator or manager of a wine or liquor store, c-store, grocery store or club retailer looking for proven ways to grow your beverage business, then this program is just the ticket. The Off-Premise Track includes ten specialized educational sessions, as well as access to the keynotes and exhibit hall floor.

• ROOM N115
  10:00 – 11:00 AM
  What’s Hot and What’s Not in Beverage Alcohol Off-Premise Channels
  Thomas Fox, Partner, CM Profit Group
  Attend and get a comprehensive review of the beverage alcohol industry trends for all major off premise channels. Learn “what’s hot” and “what’s not” and get data and trends on all the major beverage alcohol segments and flavor styles to help you stay on top of these dynamic categories.

• ROOM N112
  11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
  KEYNOTE:  The Road Ahead: Legislative & Regulatory Challenges in 2010
  Dr. Peter Cressy, President/CEO, Distilled Spirits Council
  Attend this session as Dr. Cressy offers an economic overview and state of the hospitality industry, including legislative and regulatory challenges in 2010, federal, state and local tax threats, and issues associated with the government’s increasing reliance on research that lacks evidence and sound science.

• ROOM N115
  1:00 – 1:50 PM
  A Sneak Peek at the Next Wave of Beverage Mega-Brands
  Carlo Barone, OneBarUsa
  Learn the importance of following and stocking up on emerging brands in your establishment. Hear how to find them and why they are critical to your ongoing success.

• ROOM N115
  2:00 – 2:50 PM
  Driving Growth and Profitability Off-Premise: The Wine Treasure Hunt
  Jonathan Newman, Chairman & CEO, Newman Wine & Spirits
  There has never been a better time to be a wine buyer and these opportunities can offer retailers the unique ability to outshine their competition.  Smart retailers can truly thrive in this challenging economy, but to prosper you must offer a dynamic shopping experience with superior customer service, great product selection and hot pricing. Learn how to build amazing wine selections with superior gross profit margins to create excitement and a “treasure hunt” atmosphere that can drive robust retail traffic.

• ROOM N115
  3:00 – 3:50 PM
  Bringing On-Premise Excitement to Off-Premise Locations
  Greg Moore, Principal, Auctive, Inc.
  Due to the current economic climate, consumers have shifted some of their spending from on-premise to off-premise. Though bars, clubs, and restaurants have long been the primary points for creating awareness and driving trial for alcohol brands, off-premise accounts can capture more business by learning from how on-premise channels have generated consumer excitement.Retailers can learn from on-premise to foster discovery, engage the senses, and encourage interaction. We will explore key learnings and identify best practices that can help off-premise accounts drive consumer discovery, trial and repeat purchases of alcohol brands. These techniques can become essential building blocks to increasing traffic, consumer loyalty, and differentiation.

• ROOM N115
  4:00 – 4:50 PM
  Pricing, Promotion & Discounting Strategies to Boost Your Bottom Line
  Session description coming soon.

• ROOM N115
  10:00 – 11:00 AM
  Maximize Today’s Technology for Your Off-Premise Business
  Jason Lee, President, Maelstrom Partners LLC
  Technology for beverage retailers has become more prevalent in all aspects of the business; from commerce Web sites to video-integrated point-of-sale systems. Here, you’ll learn how to take total control of your business — from maximizing sales to flawless accounting, and from real-time management to shrinkage control — whether you are behind the register, at home, at another remote location or even at the airport. The days of 24/7 onsite management are long gone, giving you total flexibility, control, and, most importantly, a life outside of your business. Are you ready to join the movement?

• ROOM N112
  11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
  KEYNOTE:  From Busting Ghosts to Building Brands: An Interview with Dan Aykroyd
  Host: Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler and Field Reporter, Iron Chef America

• ROOM N115
  1:00 – 1:50 PM
  Forecasting & Replenishment Strategies and Systems for Multi-Unit Operators
  Gary Stephenson, Senior Consultant, Clicks and Mortar
  This session will discuss possible forecasting/replenishment strategies for multi-unit operators, including the potential impact of the current economic environment on such strategies. In addition potential system solutions will be noted.

• ROOM N115
  2:00 – 2:50 PM
  Growing Sales and Building Store Image with Strategy Category Planning
  Gary Stephenson, Senior Consultant, Clicks and Mortar
  This session will explore the advantages of utilizing category planning to leverage both store image and store sales. The discussion will include consideration of both traditional liquor related categories and the ability to expand, profitably, into other categories as they relate to the particular market place.

• ROOM N115
  3:00 – 3:50 PM
  Risks and Rewards: Navigating Legislative Hurdles
  Jason Lee, President, Maelstrom Partners LLC
  New legislation and tax regulations are testing the tenacity of the beverage retailer both on and off premise. The Three-Tier System and more than 75 years of an “old school” business model are being questioned by big-box retailers. Direct shipment has opened doors for interstate commerce but left more questions than answers. And the economy is trying the industry’s reputation as “recession-proof.” The seams are bursting in an industry that has always committed to social responsibility and self-regulation. How can you as a beverage retailer maximize your business and thrive in a slumping economy? Jason Lee will share the winning three-tier system: “Maximize your current assets”, “Invest in Technology” and “Embrace change.” Explore, discuss and leave inspired to bring your business to the next level.
• ROOM N115
  4:00 – 4:50 PM
  Social Media Marketing in the Off-Premise Industry
  Craig Lazar, Partner, American Pop, and Jonathan Hall, Partner, American Pop
  “Speaking with” and not “talking at” consumers offers an opportunity to spark honest discussions involving your business. Social Media Marketing offers an opportunity to forge lasting relationships with “Key Influencers” and create a lasting presence online in addition to issuing timely calls-to-action. Learn the various online channels of social media and become engaged with relevant conversations with your customers. A step-by-step approach will help spread your presence and promotions!