Press Release

DENVER, Co. – Yesterday, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) kicked off its 10th Annual Next Generation Success in Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado, bringing together 250 attendees from across the country. Additionally, the association welcomed over 85 first-time attendees.

“We often talk about leadership growth, workforce development and ensuring the next generation understands the complexities of our industry. This is the event tackling all those issues head on,” said NBWA President and CEO Craig Purser.

NBWA’s Next Generation Group and its conference have grown exponentially over the last decade: The inaugural event was held in Chicago, Illinois in 2013 with only 50 attendees and one speaker. Now, on its 10th anniversary, the Next Generation Success in Leadership Conference is welcoming nearly five times as many attendees and close to 30 speakers. This year, the Next Generation Group reached a milestone number: nearly 850 current and emerging leaders have joined the group.

“Strengthening bonds between industry peers, providing emerging leaders with development skills to thrive, and creating more diverse industry leaders was the impetus behind starting the Next Generation group ten years ago. Believe it or not, starting the group was a risk. We were not sure if anyone would embrace the idea. Now, I cannot imagine the NBWA without it. Founding the group and being its first chairperson gives me great pride. I am confident that the Next Generation group will continue to propel this great industry forward,” said Adam Vitale, President of G & M Distributors, Inc. and past Next Generation Group Chair.

On the first day of the conference, attendees heard from NBWA leadership, inspirational business leaders, industry veterans and their peers. General session speakers include author and business leader Russ Laraway, leadership and strategy coach Mike Barnes, DEI speaker Sarah Bettman and more.

Programming throughout the conference will also include breakout learning sessions led by experts from across industries, as well as peer-to-peer best practice sessions, where attendees will be able to hear directly from other emerging leaders and share ideas.

“The future of the industry is the Next Generation Group,” said NBWA Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kim McKinnish. “As our industry evolves and grows, they will lead the way. As we mark our 10th anniversary, I’m incredibly proud of the group’s commitment, passion and contribution to the success of our industry.”