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Gold Sponsors : Silver Sponsors : women are speaking up and speaking out , taking charge of their respective areas to foster change . Beverage Dynamics ' parent company , EPG Brand Acceleration , is helmed by a woman , Marion Minor , who sat down with Merilee Kick , owner and founder of BuzzBallz , to discuss women in leadership .

Minor stressed the importance of finding good mentors . “ Mentoring is really important and a lot of times , that mentor is a man . Having someone who has already navigated the industry helps you move along and attain your goals ,” she said . Mentors are a good way to build confidence in the industry , along with jumping in and approaching everything with an eagerness to learn .

“ Roll up your sleeves and get things done . That ’ s the key to success ," Kick encouraged . " Know your craft inside and out ."

The alcohol industry has gone through a period of immense change , but overall , the future is bright for 2022 . While tequila and whiskey continue their upward trajectory , vodka and wine hold steady . “ Beverage alcohol consumption in the U . S . improved in 2021 , increasing about 1.4 % from 2020 ,” said Marina Velez , of the Beverage Information and Insights Group , in a panel about consumption trends .

The conference also included a store trip to our host retailer and Top 100 Retailers member , ABC Fine Wine & Spirits . Headquartered in Orlando , ABC is Florida ’ s largest independent retailer of wine and spirits , with 125 stores and four generations of family leadership . Attendees were able to converse with ABC employees , sample the store ’ s newest products and private labels , and explore the location ’ s layout , SKU mix and pricing .

This educational trip was one of the many invaluable learning opportunities offered by BARC 2022 . Be sure that you and your staff do not miss out on these opportunities in 2023 , when BARC travels to St . Louis for its 7th annual conference . BD

24 Beverage Dynamics • June 2022 www . beveragedynamics . com