Join leaders from across the beer and beverage distribution industry at the third annual BREW Leadership Forum on April 7, 2025 in our nation’s capital.
This professional development event takes place within NBWA’s Legislative Conference. Through engaging workshops and presentations, you’ll learn how to maximize your leadership potential and deliver more wins for your company.
- Insights into how beer distributors can dominate the new beverage landscape
- Expert perspectives on motivating and retaining your workforce
- Candid tabletop discussions about the skills modern leaders need
Drive innovation in your company while advocating for its future — register for the Legislative Conference and BREW Leadership Forum!
Thank You to Our BREW Leadership Forum Sponsors
Register
Attending NBWA’s 2025 Legislative Conference?
Add the BREW Leadership Forum as an optional event while registering. Please note this event is a $125 additional cost to your registration price.

Agenda
This year’s agenda will help you get Ready for a Reset. Return to your distributorship with fresh energy and a plan of action for delivering big wins after getting expert tips on how to…
📝 Gain an edge in tough negotiations — whether closing deals or advocating for yourself
🏪 Better understand consumer thinking with insights straight from the retail floor
🍹 Maximize your portfolio by exploring the wide range of new drinks looking for a ride on beer trucks
🗣️ Be a more effective leader by changing your mindset from ‘reactive’ to ‘proactive’
See agenda details below and get ready to reset your drive, remix your thinking and redraw the playing field.
8:00 a.m. — Welcome
Hear from the new sheriff in town.
Get the day started with a rousing introduction from NBWA Chair Rebecca Maisel.
8:15 – 8:35 a.m. — Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02)
Our first of two special political guests.
8:35 – 9:25 a.m. — Retool Your Negotiation Arsenal
A powerhouse panel with Genesis Smith (Pepin Distributing Co.), Karen Kovtun (Ippolito Christian), Laurie Knight (NBWA) and moderator Jessica Miller (Rock Spring Real Estate Solutions)
Accomplished women leaders in the beer industry will help you master the art of negotiation. Whether closing deals, advocating for your ideas or navigating complex workplace situations, you’ll learn how to leverage innate skills such as empathy, collaboration and active listening to achieve your goals.
Following the panel, each table will engage in hands-on activities designed to enhance networking and negotiating capabilities, ensuring you leave with actionable insights and strategies.
9:25 – 10:15 a.m. — Brand YOU! Your Role in Taming Turbulence in a Rapidly Changing World
Lessons on communication and branding from renowned CNN journalist Nadia Bilchik
In a world of constant disruption, your personal brand is your most powerful tool for creating stability and driving impact.
Nadia Bilchik’ s interactive keynote explores how embracing authenticity, amplifying your strengths, and maintaining focus on what you can control empowers you— even in the most turbulent times.
Through actionable strategies, compelling stories, and insights from world leaders and top performers, this session will equip you to turn uncertainty into opportunity and position yourself as a steady force in an unpredictable world.
Schedule
Speakers
Event Sponsorship
Want to get your brand in front of the distribution leaders of today and tomorrow? Learn how to get involved by clicking the link below.