Press Release

CLEARWATER, FL – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) today wrapped up its 12^th Annual Next Generation Success in Leadership Conference. More than 230 rising stars in the beer and beverage distribution industry gathered in Clearwater, Florida to bolster their professional knowledge, gain insights into tomorrow’s market conditions and give back to the local community.

“The beer industry is ever-evolving, and NBWA’s Next Generation group continues to be an essential pipeline for young leaders who will help shepherd this great American industry into the future,” said NBWA President and CEO Craig Purser. “We must continue to invest in and empower emerging beer distribution leaders with the insights and resources they need to be successful in their businesses.”

Over the course of two action-packed days, an all-star lineup of motivational speakers, industry experts and NBWA leadership provided emerging beer leaders with actionable tools for growth. Speakers included trailblazing triple-A baseball manager Emily Jaenson, sales guru Jake Thompson and bestselling author Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer. Programming also included breakout and best practice sessions for attendees to learn from and network with their peers.

“Every year, we meet in person to elevate the next generation of beer distributor leaders and share knowledge for navigating a changing beverage alcohol market,” said NBWA Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kim McKinnish. “Following another successful Next Gen Conference, I am inspired by seeing the caliber and competency of our leaders who are driving innovation in this industry.”

Event attendees also had the opportunity to give back to the local community that was recently impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. During the Welcome Reception on Veterans Day, attendees packed 60 hurricane relief kits to support affected veterans in the Clearwater area.

“Beer distributors are part of the fabric of our local communities and we are proud to do so much more than just sell beer,” said Next Gen Chair Aaron Caffey. “Our volunteer work inspires attendees to carry on the legacy of community impact for the beer distribution industry.”

NBWA’s Next Generation Group was established in 2012 to bring together emerging leaders in the beer distribution industry. Since its inception, the group’s work has connected thousands of distributor leaders from across the country. For more information about the Next Generation Group click here.

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The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents America’s 3,000 independent beer distributors who service every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Licensed at the federal and state levels, beer distributors get bottles, cans, cases and kegs from a brewer or importer to stores, restaurants and other licensed retail accounts through a transparent and accountable regulatory system. Distributors build brands of all sizes – from familiar domestic beers to new startup labels and imports from around the world – and generate enormous consumer choice while supporting more than 140,000 quality jobs in their home communities. Beer distributors work locally to keep communities safe by sponsoring programs to promote responsible consumption, combat drunk driving and reduce underage drinking.