Jan. 22, 2025 – ‘Connecting with new and current wine consumers,’ is the major theme of the 2025 Wine Market Council (WMC) Research Conference and Annual Member Meeting to be held at Copia in Napa, California on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 8:00am to 12:15pm, followed by an optional lunch from 12:30 to 2:00pm.
“Given all of the economic, consumer, regulatory and political changes, there are both challenges and opportunities for the wine industry. Therefore, we want to focus this research conference on how to enhance our connection with current consumers, while at the same time, inviting new consumers into the world of wine,” stated Dr. Liz Thach, MW, President of Wine Market Council.
To that end, the conference will begin with a ‘U.S. Wine Market Overview’ by Danny Brager, Wine Industry business analyst, and former SVP of NielsenIQ’s Beverage Alcohol Practice. This will be followed by a joint presentation with Christian Miller, WMC Research Director and Liz Thach, WMC President, highlighting important “Clues to Connect With Wine Consumers” – derived from WMC’s recent young adult and multicultural wine consumer research, as well as their eco-friendly wine study.
“We’ll be sharing some of the key findings of our latest research at the conference, including material not shared in previous webinars. Perhaps more important, we’ll talk about how it can be used to develop successful wine marketing strategies,” stated Christian Miller, WMC Research Director. “Of course, our WMC members will have access to all of the detailed reports and statistics in the proprietary Members Resources section of our website.”
A highlight of the conference will be a special panel entitled, ‘How to Sell More Wine in Multiple Channels: Suggestions from Retailers & DTC Experts,’ which will feature an engaging and powerful panel of industry experts who will share tips and techniques to succeed in today’s evolving wine market.
Another highlight is luncheon keynote speaker, Francis Creighton, CEO of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). His presentation, entitled “Creating Opportunities Together: Partnering with Wholesalers in a Dynamic Market,” will not only focus on how to obtain a distributor and work with them successfully, but also WSWA’s position on dietary guidelines, cannabis, tariffs, and other hot topics. At this smaller intimate lunch, participants will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A with Francis and network with other members of the wine industry.
Conference Costs & Registration
The conference is complimentary for WMC members – up to 3 employees per member organization. The registration fee for additional people and non-WMC members is $125 per person. This includes the morning sessions (8:00 – 12:15), along with a complimentary continental breakfast and coffee break.
The 3-course lunch with special keynote speaker, Francis Creighton, CEO of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is $75 per person. It includes a family style meal of salad, main course, and dessert, along with a choice of of ice tea, lemonade, water, coffee, tea or wine. Attendance is limited.
Conference registration will open in February. For more information, please contact admin@winemarketcouncil.com.
About Wine Market Council
Established in 1996, Wine Market Council (WMC), is a non-profit organization, supported by members with an interest in advancing the U.S. wine market and industry. The mission of WMC is “to conduct forward-looking market research on U.S. wine consumer buying habits, attitudes, and trends.’
Each year WMC conducts 3 to 4 national research studies on the U.S. wine consumer, tapping into motivations for wine in their lives. The information is shared with members to develop successful wine marketing strategies. WMC’s database of research, spanning over 27 years, is one of the deepest and richest in the nation regarding motivations of U.S. wine consumers.
In addition to access to research study reports, members also benefit by receiving invitations to member-only webinars, complimentary attendance to the annual research conference, quarterly newsletters, and networking opportunities. Members include wineries, distributors, growers, importers, regional, national, and international trade associations, and affiliates. Membership dues start as low as $400 per year depending on the size of the organization. For more information on membership and costs, please see https://winemarketcouncil.com/join/.
