Webinar – DtC Shipping Can Be a Win-Win-Win

Description

When?: January 11, 2024 , 3-4 PM Eastern

What?: Please join the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and Sovos ShipCompliant for a conversation about the opportunity that direct-to-consumer spirits shipping presents for the industry as whole.

Michael Walker, ACSA State Policy Advisor

Alex Koral, Sovos ShipCompliant

Margie A.S. Lehrman, ACSA CEO Moderator to probe on:

• The strength of consumer interest and purchase intent, as demonstrated in the annual Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report, based on survey work by Harris Poll. Our speakers will describe the opportunity for small producers to realize recurring revenue via subscription clubs, along with increased brand loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing via DtC shipping.
•  The opportunity for emerging craft brands to use DtC shipping to build a base for success in the three-tier channel. Our speakers will look at how the DtC market can establish consumer awareness that demonstrates value at retail to wholesalers.
• The path for the spirits industry to expand greater access to DtC shipping to grow the entire market, enabling safer sales process and driving millions in more tax revenue for states.

This webinar will be of interest to craft spirits producers who are interested in the growth opportunity that DtC spirits shipping represents and eager to learn more about how to help regulators see the win-win-win opportunity.

How much?: Complimentary to ACSA members and non-members alike

Who?:

Michael Walker, ACSA State Policy Advisor

Michael Walker brings over 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors. Michael currently serves as Founding Principal at the Walker Group helping organizations navigate the dynamic beverage alcohol policy landscape at all levels of government. 

Prior to launching The Walker Group in 2022, Michael was Vice President for External Affairs at Constellation Brands based in San Francisco. He supported the wine and spirits division, but also worked across the business to help the beer division address policy issues that arose in key state markets. In this role, Michael advised company leadership on proposed legislation and regulations that could impact the business as well as initiated action plans to drive policy agendas to help the company realize its goals and objectives. 

Prior to his work at Constellation, Michael served 8 years with US Senator Dianne Feinstein, advising her on various policy issues throughout the state, making recommendations for action as well as serving as primary contact for policymakers, community leaders, and industry representatives in Northern California.  

Michael worked in the United States Department of Health and Human Services while going to graduate school. He received a Masters in Public Policy from American University in Washington, DC in 1999.

Michael has served on boards and committees of various national industry associations including Wine Institute, WineAmerica, the Distilled Spirits Council, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance as well as regional associations and other organizations focusing on local land-use issues.

Alex Koral, Regulatory General Counsel, Sovos ShipCompliant Based in Boulder, Colorado, Alex Koral is Regulatory General Counsel for Sovos ShipCompliant, where he serves as lead legal researcher for beverage alcohol regulation and has become a leading expert in DtC shipping laws and interstate distribution of alcohol. He has spoken on the topic at many industry events including ACSA Convention, Craft Brewers Conference, DTC Wine Symposium, as well as meetings for the National Council of State Liquor Administrators and the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association. Alex has been in the beverage alcohol arena since 2015, after receiving his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School.