2024 Women's Leadership Council Conference

2024 Women's Leadership Council Conference

2024 Women's Leadership Council Conference

WSWA’s Women’s Leadership Council Conference Returns September 18-20 at The Intercontinental Hotel – The Wharf in Washington, DC!

This uniquely designed event connects current and future women leaders in the wholesale tier by providing networking opportunities, developing advanced leadership skills and business acumen, and equipping attendees with tools to elevate and empower them in their roles in the ever-changing marketplace within the beverage alcohol industry.

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2023 WLC
Register
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The Warf DC

Who should attend? The WLC Conference is designed to educate, elevate and empower current and future women leaders in the wholesale tier.

Attendees
Member Registration Rate: $750
Hotel Room Rate (per night): $399 + taxes per night
Please note you will be prompted to reserve your hotel accommodations in our room block when you register for this meeting. The hotel deadline is September 3.
Conference Speakers
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Cheryl Durzy
Cheryl Durzy
CEO, LibDib
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Fran Hauser
Fran Hauser
Best-selling Author, Keynote Speaker, Publishing Strategist, Media Executive and Champion of Women in the Workplace
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Susan Kyles
Susan Kyles
Executive Director, Dress for Success, Washington, D.C.
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Virginia Means-Sized
Virginia Means
Chief People Officer, United Distributors
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Romie Montpeirous
Romie Montpeirous
Director of Logistics for Nevada, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
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Dina Opici
Dina Opici
President, Opici Family Distributing, Incoming WSWA Board Chair
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April oury NEW
April Oury
Poker Power Facilitator, General Partner at Prota Capital Fund II
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Liz Phillips
Liz Phillips
Vice President, Commercial Excellence, Breakthru Beverage Group
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Lisa Pickell
Lisa Pickell
Lead Instructor, Poker Power
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Dale Stratton
Dale Stratton
Analyst, SipSource
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H.Wirtz
Hillary Wirtz
Senior Director of Culture and Inclusion, Breakthru Beverage, WLC Chair

Agenda

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Registration Opens

Outside Algonquin

Welcome Remarks from WLC Chair Hillary Wirtz

Algonquin Room

Philanthropic Event to Benefit Dress for Success

Speaker: Susan Kyles, Executive Director/CEO, Washington DC

Each year, WLC chooses a local charity to actively support during an organized activity to “give back” to the community and network with peers.  It is by far one of the highlights of coming together to make a difference at the conference.

To support Dress for Success, Washington, D.C. now click here.

Algonquin Room
SPONSORED BY: Tito's Handmade Vodka

WSWA Association and Policy Update: What's New and Upcoming

Join WSWA President and CEO Francis Creighton as he leads a discussion on WSWA's current policy priorities for the remainder of 2024 and what to expect in 2025. How will business be impacted during OND and beyond? How can you prepare for the challenges and changes brought on by an election year? Leave this session with insights into D.C. politics, important policies and the goals of the association to continue to protect the wholesale tier and family-owned businesses.

Algonquin Room

Reshaping the Industry from the Inside Out

Speakers:

  • Cheryl Durzy, CEO, LibDib

  • Virginia Means, Chief People Officer, United Distributors

  • Romie Montpeirous, Director of Logistics for Nevada, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits

  • Liz Phillips, Vice President, Commercial Excellence, Breakthru Beverage Group

Ever wonder just how much our industry has changed since COVID? How is the industry adapting to new business models and defining success in an evolving marketplace? Hear from Virginia Means as she leads a panel of exceptional women who are altering, adapting, and excelling in our increasingly dynamic and complex marketplace.

Algonquin Room
SPONSORED BY: Newborn Evolution

Networking Reception

Join us for a networking reception and raise a glass to toast the newly appointed WSWA Board of Directors Chair Dina Opici, President, Opici Family Distributing.

Algonquian Room
SPONSORED BY: Hillebrand Gori

Small Group Dinners

Attendees will be divided into 3 small groups to enjoy dinner within walking distance of the hotel on Wharf. Connect with friends and get to know new peers across the industry!

The Wharf, Washington, D.C.
SPONSORED BY: Provi
Friday, September 20, 2024

Sunrise Yoga

Marina Room

Networking Breakfast

Algonquian Room
SPONSORED BY: Dimensional Insight

Professional Headshots

Have your headshots taken by a professional photographer! More information and signup to be shared with registered attendees.

WLC: Strategic Focus, Priorities and Plan for the Future

Hear from WLC Chair Hillary Wirtz as she gives an overview of WLC and the future of the initiative.

Algonquian Room

Empower: Embrace the Work, Love Your Career with Fran Hauser

Speaker: Fran Hauser, Best-selling Author, Keynote Speaker, Publishing Strategist, Media Executive, and Champion of Women in the Workplace

Returning for the second year, we welcome back Fran Hauser, best-selling author, speaker, commentator, and podcast host. This year, Fran will walk us through her second book, Embrace the Work, Love Your Career: a guided workbook and session for realizing your career goals with clarity, intention, and confidence. 

Algonquian Room

Networking Break

Oyster Hall

Educate: Data Trends, Forecast and Enhancements with SipSource

Speaker: 

  • Dale Stratton, Analyst, SipSource
  • Jessica Cyr, Vice President, Sales Execution, Martignetti Companies

 

Hear from WLC member Jessica Cyr and SipSource analyst and industry veteran Dale Stratton as they share the latest data and trends in the wine and spirits marketplace. Utilizing SipSource as a tool, we will put into action how to problem solve with data exercises through an interactive workshop. Learn practical tips to improve your supplier customer strategies, harness knowledge to improve employee training with data application, calculate brand velocity, understand points of distribution in making portfolio decisions for any market. You will walk away armed with a new appreciation for SipSource.

Algonquian Room
SPONSORED BY: VIP

Networking Lunch

Algonquian Room
SPONSORED BY: Jenda

Elevate Your Poker Game, Enhance Your Strategic Thinking

Lead by: April Oury, Poker Power Facilitator, General Partner at Prota Capital Fund II
 

Founded in 2020, Poker Power aims to empower women with confidence and risk-taking skills by teaching them to play poker. Learning how to think, strategize, negotiate and take risks, like a winning poker player, translates to leadership skills that help women succeed from the classroom to the board room. An expert instructor will guide us through the basics, from hand strength to bet sizing, so we can confidently sit at the table like a boss. We will learn the ins and outs of the game, when to hold, and when to fold, all while having a blast. But it's not just about the game - the skills you'll learn in this program can be applied to your career and life. You'll develop strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and a competitive edge that will set you apart in any field. And the best part? You'll get to put your newfound knowledge into practice right away by playing with your fellow WLC attendees!

Algonquian Room

Toast to the 2024 WLC Conference!

Join attendees, speakers and sponsors for a celebratory toast as we close out the 2024 WLC Conference and help us welcome the incoming WLC Chair Laura DePasquale! This is the perfect opportunity to connect one last time with peers and prepare for 2025 WLC events and opportunities.

Algonquian Room
Sponsorship Opportunities!
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Andavi
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Dimensional
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Hillebrand Gori
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Jenda
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newborn evolution
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Provi
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vip
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Tito's
Meetings and Conventions Contacts
Kari Langerman
Senior Vice President, Meetings and Events
202.243.7516
Lisa Koenig
Senior Director, Meetings and Events
301-346-0674
Catherine Ontko
Senior Coordinator, Meetings and Events
757.775.8530