Kickstart your WSPC experience by engaging with state associations and member lobbyists in roundtable discussions covering the best strategies for success and possible responses for certain topics you may encounter during next year’s legislative session.
2023 Winter State Policy Conference
2023 Winter State Policy Conference

Join us for this can’t miss event as our industry’s premier thought leaders gather to discuss the political, legislative, and legal issues facing America’s family-owned wholesalers.
New this year! Based on attendee feedback, WSPC will open Wednesday afternoon with a State Associations Roundtable session where you will be grouped based on issues most important to you to discuss and crowdsource strategies with your peers facing the same issues. This is not an update session, but rather a chance to have in-depth discussion on focused topics of interest with a small group.


Who should attend? WSWA wholesaler members, state association leadership, government affairs consultants, and regulatory staff are encouraged to attend.
Agenda
Registration
State Associations Roundtable
Welcome Reception & Casual Dinner
Breakfast
Welcome & Introductions
Inter-Tier Considerations Panel & Discussion
Join a thought-provoking panel discussion on tied house advertising legislation, rulings, and impact. WSWA will start a brief discussion on the broad implications of advertising before a panel of your peers explores the 2022 New York SLA declaratory ruling and legislative attempts made in Texas and California. Gain valuable insights into how you can expect these efforts to manifest moving forward and learn best practices for developing your own strategy.
Break
Crossover Products: Sales and Distribution Panel & Discussion
WSWA will briefly give an overview of non-alcoholic beverage merchandising and distribution legislation and rules followed by a panel discussion and open forum focusing on how state associations have approached the issue and strategies that can be taken when issues arise.
Working Lunch: New! DTC (and more!) Consumer Survey Data
Join the WSWA’s EVP of Strategic Communications & Marketing Michael Bilello and Morning Consult’s Caroline Bye as they dive into WSWA’s recent study measuring consumer experience purchasing alcohol through delivery platforms and tonline DTC vendors. Look beyond the data to hone key messaging that moves the needle with lawmakers and explore consumer sentiment data on issues such as online exploration, digital advertising, and more. This is your chance to ask questions and build a plan to apply these findings during the upcoming legislative session.
Break
Legal & Regulatory Update
WSWA Staff will host a discussion on relevant litigation around the country with a particular focus recent developments involving Dormant Commerce Clause challenges to self-distribution and interstate retail shipping laws. The session will also cover recent activities at the federal and state regulatory level including changes to trade practice and delivery requirements. To wrap it up, join a high-level policy discussion on emerging issues including packaging sustainability and hemp-derived beverages.
Break
Communications Workshop: Amplifying Your Message in the Digital Age
Whether it’s working with local media, building a social media campaign, or guerilla tactics the day before a vote – join WSWA’s communication’s team as they walk you through how to amplify your messaging in the digital age. Dive into ready-made social media toolkits, pre-drafted editorials on a variety of issues, and gain a primer on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to make sure your message is heard by lawmakers and regulators.
Reception & Dinner
Breakfast
Cannabis Update
We suggest you arrive at the J.W. Marriott on December 6 early-afternoon. We recommend you depart early afternoon on December 8 following the Cannabis Update.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may require a cancellation. We will issue a 100% refund, less a $50 processing fee, until October 11. A 50% refund will be given for cancellations occurring between October 12 through November 11. Any cancellations after November 11 will not receive a refund.