WSTA Events

The WSTA has the largest and broadest membership base of any trade association in our sector; multi-channel, multi-category, national and international, start-ups through to global brands.

WSTA Annual Conference 2018

»Date: 17th September 2018, 1:00 pm

»Venue: The Royal Institution of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle St, London, W1S 4BS

»Open to: Trade & Press, WSTA members & non-members

»Who should attend: Everyone!


Business as un-usual?

 

Plus, the panel will take on The Evolution of ‘The Buyer’

 

Headline Sponsor

 

We’ve produced two WSTA Annual Conferences since the UK voted to leave the EU, and brought you two high profile keynote speakers, both former Trade Ministers – Lord Maude and Lord Price – to discuss all things Brexit.

In 2018, the Conference falls just before the Brexit ratification process, due to start in October, so we can’t quite avoid the subject as it will be an ideal time to discuss Brexit negotiations and future prospects. But…

We’ve listened to your feedback and so, this year, we will see the conference tackle a second key topic, bringing together a variety of big names in the marketing and communication industries.

 

The Keynote Interviewee will discuss:   Business as un-usual?

The UK drinks sector is world leading. We are the second largest importer of wine in the world – by both volume and value – and the world’s largest exporter of spirits. Four of the top seven UK food and drink exports are alcoholic drinks. As a result, a change in the trading arrangements for our members represents both a threat and an opportunity – and we at the WSTA are determined to prepare our members as best as possible.

 

The Panel will discuss:   The Evolution of ‘The Buyer’

The way that we purchase products and services has been evolving over recent years, both as a consumer and as a business. The ‘buyer’s journey’ is now influenced by many different streams – peer reviews, brand ambassadors, experiential elements, and social influencers all make a big impact on our buying behaviours.

 

 

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Key conference theme:    Business as un-usual?

Panel discussion theme:           The Evolution of ‘The Buyer’

 

11.00am Pre-Conference ‘Meet the Board’ Brunch session

Welcome refreshments & registration

Conversation Room (Ground floor)
11-1pm (Brunch served throughout the session)
11.15am One-to-one sessions

With Board members & a representative from JF Hillebrand

1:00pm End of Brunch Session

WSTA Annual Conference begins

1st Floor
1.00pm WSTA Conference

Welcome refreshments

1st Floor
1.30pm Chairman’s Welcome

Dan Jago, Chairman, Wine and Spirit Trade Association

Faraday Theatre
1.40pm Industry Update

Miles Beale, Chief Executive, Wine and Spirit Trade Association

2.00pm Keynote Panel Session & Q+A

“Business as un-usual?” Speakers to be released

3.15pm Refreshment break 1st Floor
3.45pm Panel Session & Q+A

“The Evolution of The Buyer”, Chaired by Alex Forrest, Freelance Journalist, Former Political Correspondent for ITN

Faraday Theatre
5.00pm Showcase, accompanied by canapés

Experiential exhibition, networking and drinks

1st Floor
7.00pm End of Conference

This year our smaller WSTA members will be able to take part in a unique brunch session with members of the WSTA Executive Board, with participation from JF Hillebrand. You will have the opportunity to sit down with WSTA Board members, on a one-to-one basis, to ask them your most pressing business questions – questions such as:

  • What are retailers interested in and how should I pitch to them?
  • What do I need to keep in mind when looking to export internationally?
  • How can I establish my product in the premium market?
  • What is the best way to break into the on trade?

The event is being held exclusively for our smaller members who also qualify for our SME ticket rate of £50+vat. The session will start at 11am, directly before the WSTA Annual Conference begins at 1pm. Spaces are very limited for the pre-conference Brunch session and we expect demand to be high, so when you book your ticket to the WSTA Annual Conference, make sure you reserve your place at the pre-conference Brunch session for free at the checkout stage.

Board members attending the session and available for pre-booked slots are listed in the table below, including the subject areas they specialise in. We will also be joined by COO of JF Hillebrand, Gavin Herman, who will also be available for pre-booked slots and will assist with discussions around logistics and supply chains.

Email Jessica, Head of Membership & Events, to see if you qualify for free access.

 

Dan Jago

Chief Executive, Berry Bros. & Rudd, & WSTA Chairman

  • Pitching to Multiple Retailers
  • Strategy & partnerships
  • On vs Off trade
  • Supply chain
Troy Christensen

Chief Executive, Enotria Winecellars Ltd

  • Brexit
  • On trade
  • Wine premiumisation
  • Cocktail craze
Gavin Herman

COO, JF Hillebrand

  • State of the ocean shipping industry
  • Market outlook
  • Protective services when transporting wines & spirits
Tom King

Managing Director Europe, Treasury Wine Estates

  • Harnessing technology to engage consumers and shoppers
  • Winning in-store with great wine brands
  • Building an award-winning culture
Pierpaolo Petrassi

Head of Buying – BWS, Waitrose

  • Working with multiple grocers
  • Product innovation wine & spirits
  • Quality assurance to help reduce commercial risk
Sam Linter

Chief Executive, Bolney Wine Estate

  • Business strategy & development for sustainable growth
  • Supply chain for small producers
  • Business planning & long term investment
  • English Wine
  • Exporting for SMEs
Michael Saunders

CEO, Matthew Clark Bibendum

  • Wine Business
  • On trade supply
  • Off trade supply

 

Agenda

11.00am Pre-Conference ‘Meet the Board’ Brunch session

Welcome refreshments & registration

Conversation Room (Ground floor)
11-1pm (Brunch served throughout the session)
11.15am One-to-one sessions

With Board members & a representative from JF Hillebrand

1:00pm End of Brunch Session

WSTA Annual Conference begins

1st Floor

Keynote speakers:

Both Keynote speakers will be interviewed together onstage by Alex Forrest, former ITN Political Correspondent.

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