Press Release
4th Annual Making Moves Delivers Energy, Focus on Industry Growth
Women In Beer Gather in Las Vegas for Education and Connection
Las Vegas, NV – The National Beer Wholesalers Association’s (NBWA) Building Relationships and Empowering Women (BREW) initiative and the Alliance for Women in Beer co-hosted the fourth annual Making Moves event this week in Las Vegas, convening 300 beverage industry leaders for two impactful days of professional development, connection and inspiration.
A one-of-a-kind event, Making Moves is built for and by women in beverage alcohol, with men encouraged to join, to help attendees build leadership skills, foster community and spark conversations that drive long-term progress for the industry.
This year’s theme of “Building a Winning Hand” was reflected in a program that urgently spoke to challenges in today’s industry, including technological upheaval, changing consumer behavior and the need to reimagine traditional marketing strategies.
“Making Moves once again raised the bar for what leadership development in our industry can look like, tackling today’s biggest questions in a program that looked clearly and comprehensively at the future of professional success in beer and beverages,” said Kim McKinnish, NBWA Chief Operating Officer, who leads the BREW program.
“Four years in and it’s clear: Making Moves is an essential event for beverage alcohol leaders of all career levels, providing a forum for fearless debate on bold ideas for growing our industry,” McKinnish added. “The energy and collaborative spirit at this year’s event are a testament to the momentum behind not just Making Moves, but the entire BREW and Alliance for Women in Beer programs.”
This year’s keynote speakers inspired attendees to find their purpose and chase their dreams. Amanda Brinkman, a nationally recognized brand-builder and Emmy-nominated creator of Small Business Revolution, delivered a stirring speech reminding attendees that leadership grounded in purpose creates enduring impact.
Sue McCollum, CEO of Eagle Brand Sales and Double Eagle Distributing and newly minted limited partner of the Buffalo Bills, shared her journey of risk-taking and resilience, reminding attendees that no matter where they are in their careers, betting on themselves and aiming high can lead to lasting impact.
“Don’t look for permission to take a risk. Every decision you don’t make is a risk,” said McCollum. “We have a higher calling, a bigger purpose and it’s a risk not to go after what you want. The dots will connect, just maybe not in the way you planned.”
Making Moves also featured thought-provoking sessions that tackled some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. Laura Fries, Executive Vice President at Edelman, brought data-driven insights into how the next generation of legal-age drinkers is reshaping brand expectations, while a marketer’s panel featuring Constellation Brands EVP and Managing Director, Beer Brands Mallika Monteiro, Heineken USA CMO Alison Payne and Hurray’s Girl Beer founder Ray Biebuyck explored the shift from traditional to digital marketing channels.
The event featured a star-studded lineup of speakers from across the beer and beverage industry, including:
- Nikki Beyrle, LDF Companies
- Aaron Caffey, Caffey Distributing & Carolina Premium Beverage
- Samantha Catalina, Countermeasures Corp.
- Nicole Langone, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- Ann Legan, Molson Coors
- Jenn Litz-Kirk, Beer Business Daily
- Nick Rellas, Greater Industries
- Stefanie Stanisic, Doll Distributing
NBWA also announced two winners of the 2025 Frieda G. Maisel Trailblazer Award, which honors beer and beverage distributors who empower women’s professional success in the industry.
- Sue McCollum (Eagle Brand Sales, Double Eagle Distributing) received the individual award
- Manhattan Beer & Beverage Distributors received the company award
The next Making Moves event will be held Oct. 13-14 in Orlando, FL following NBWA’s 89th Annual Convention & Product Showcase.
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