NABCA
Marriott’s Marco Island Resort & Golf Club is the site of this year’s NABCA Conference.
THE 61st ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT MARCO ISLAND, FL, PROMISES TO BE ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING EVER.
Under the banner of “Building a Better Partnership,” what better way to turn on NABCA members at the opening of the 61st Annual NABCA Conference than with the electricity provided by former Vice President Dan Quayle, who will address the first General Session (9 a.m., Sunday, May 31) in a discussion titled, “Challenges of the 21st Century.” The former Vice President will use his unique perspective to explore the burning issues of today and tomorrow.
“State of the States,” the first Business Session (10:30-noon), gives members a chance to get an overview of current and future regulatory and legislative developments in all the states, both open and control.
At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Seminar I kicks off with a discussion on “Technology: Today and Tomorrow.” This workshop explores the latest technologies in warehousing, networking and communications.
A Mississippi Riverboat Dinner, commencing at 6 p.m., promises an enjoyable evening following a full day of meetings.
Of course, those who arrive early at Marriott’s Marco Island Resort & Golf Club can participate in the Saturday morning NABCA golf tournament and then relax until Saturday evening’s Lanai Welcome Reception/Dinner (6 p.m.)
Plenty of leisure activities, like golf and water sports, are available for NABCA members to relax during off-hours at the conference.
On Monday morning, General Session II (9 a.m.-10 a.m.) targets the relationship between the industry and the control states in an informative panel discussion and question-and-answer session titled, “Partnering With Industry.” The industry executives participating include Charles A. Phillips, president and CEO, IDV North America; Steven J. Kalagher, president and CEO, the Seagram Spirits & Wine Group; Richard Sands, executive vice president and general counsel, the Canandaigua Wine Co.; and Donn S. Lux, president, David Sherman Corp.
Business Session II (10:30 a.m.-noon) deals with “Federal Affairs and Legislation,” where representatives of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers Association and the Wine Institute discuss issues such as direct shipping, advertising and developments at the BATF.
The afternoon Seminar II (2 p.m.-4 p.m.) addresses “Underage Alcohol Violations: Prevention Strategies.”
Among the experts providing innovative ideas for combating underage usage are: Roger Johnson, assistant chief of the Wisconsin Dept. of Revenue, Alcohol & Tobacco Division; Steven L. Schmidt, director of the Bureau of Alcohol Education, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board; and Mark Willingham of the Florida State Police Department, Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco.
At 6 p.m., NABCA members can chill out at a Beach Party Dinner.
Kicking off Tuesday morning’s General Session III (9 a.m.-10 a.m.) is legendary football coach Lou Holtz, most recently the head coach of Notre Dame, and currently an analyst on CBS Sports’ “College Football Today.” Known as a stirring motivational speaker, Holtz will address members on the subject of “Team Building.”
“Alcohol Control Through Education” is the topic of Tuesday afternoon’s Seminar III (2 p.m.-4 p.m.). Representatives from The Century Council will demonstrate elements of their “Alcohol 101” college-level interactive education course, as well as other efforts used to enlighten underage consumers.
As always, the conference will be concluded by a cocktail reception (6 p.m.) and the Annual Banquet (7 p.m.-11 p.m.).
