Phil Morgan | Distilled Spirits Industry Advisor | The Haskell Co.

Phil Morgan is a multidisciplinary design and strategy leader with 30+ years of experience building brands and places where people love to be. He is a serial entrepreneur who opened the first of his many restaurants in Paris, France. After moving to New York City, he founded a notable restaurant design firm in Brooklyn, creating 150+ incredible new spaces in the hospitality market. In 2011, Phil pivoted into distilled spirits and their production, focusing on quality and production efficiency. Since 2011, Phil has helped create award-winning whiskey, gins, and liquors in America and Mexico. Phil is renowned for his dedication and commitment to distilleries, consulting on process improvement in creating high-quality spirits. He is also fluent in French.

Jeff Schwartz | Founder | Whiskeyfellow

Known throughout the distilling universe as Whiskeyfellow, Jeff Schwartz is passionate about whiskey and writing. As a Kentucky Colonel and certified Bourbon Steward, Jeff loves spreading the whiskey gospel by penning reviews and educational articles, hosting whiskey workshops, and judging whiskey competitions. He and his wife, Michelle, enjoy life in Marshall, Wisconsin.

Emma Crandall | Founder and Head Blender | Crandall & Whittington

Emma Crandall is the Founder and Head Blender of Crandall & Whittington, a new Independent Blending and Bottling company. After attending Whiskey Marketing School in 2017, she ventured into the industry by running tasting events before becoming the Distillery Manager and eventually taking over the distilling and blending at Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co. After three and a half years at Crowded Barrel, she took a job at Balcones Distilling where she spent four and half years as a blender. Using that knowledge, she stepped out of her role with Balcones in 2026 to launch Crandall & Whittington. With her new venture, Emma combines her love and skill for creative writing and whiskey blending.

Gina Fossitt | Founder | Dandelion BevEd

Gina Fossitt is a leading voice in the beverage industry as an educator and entrepreneur with extensive experience in whisky, brand ambassadorship, and trade programming. After managing beverage programs in New York City, she joined Diageo’s Masters of Whisky program and later led ambassador internships and distillation mentorships at The George Dickel Distillery. As U.S. National Ambassador and then Trade and Education Manager for Corby Spirits and Wine, she developed global education programs and created the first certification dedicated to Canadian whisky. She founded Dandelion BevEd to produce custom educational programs for suppliers, distributors, enthusiasts, and consumers, including partnerships with WSET, Lush Life Productions, the. Edinburgh Whisky Academy and the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission. Gina also co-founded Sip.Central, a digital hub that streamlines sales tools, industry data, ordering, training, and incentive programs for beverage brands and distributors.

Carlos E. Cuarta | Bartender, Consultant, Mentor | Accént Cocktails

Carlos E. Cuarta is a Venezuelan native with 21 years of industry experience as a bartender, consultant, educator, mentor, and bar event organizer. He has participated in several tasting competitions and has served as an active member of the Beverage Tasting Institute’s tasting panel since 2014.

Carlos is deeply committed to helping the next generation of Latinos gain the education and opportunities needed to join the spirits and cocktail industry, one day at a time.

Tracie Franklin | VP of Supply and Innovation | Pronghorn Co.

Lauren Pellecchia | General Manager | Merchants Club at The Party Source

For more than a decade Lauren has crafted cocktails and memorable experiences throughout the greater Cincinnati area. She is the General Manager of Merchants Club at The Party Source. With a passion for sustainability and local flavors, she takes great pride in leading a small, but ambitious cocktail program in Northern Kentucky. When not behind the bar Lauren loves traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with her dog, cat, and nieces.  

Kymi Douglas | Lead Spirit Guide | Dark Arts Whiskey House

Kymi Douglas is the Lead Spirit Guide at Dark Arts Whiskey House and an Executive Bourbon Steward specializing in single-barrel selections and immersive whiskey education. With an academic background in biology and chemistry, she combines scientific precision with sensory storytelling to deepen appreciation for American whiskey. As a dedicated mentor within the Bourbon Women Foundation, Kymi is passionate about advancing women through education, access, and leadership development.