The WSTA has revealed the full line-up of speakers for their annual Industry Summit, next week, with special guests looking ahead at the key issues facing the industry as it emerges from the Brexit and pandemic battlefield.
For a second year, the WSTA’s flagship event will take place virtually, giving everyone the opportunity to hear from a wide array of experienced and talented speakers in four sessions over two days, on Wednesday and Thursday.
Tickets are still available on the WSTA website by clicking on the link here.
The WSTA once again welcomes Alex Forrest Whiting as Chair of the event that will cover a diverse range of topics including - global trade, innovations in technology, sustainability, diversity and inclusion - key focal points for the trade, as it recovers from the turmoil of Brexit and Covid.
It kicks off with a ‘no holds barred’, industry update on Wednesday morning from WSTA Chief Executive Miles Beale, who will talk honestly about industry wins and ongoing grief following one of the most turbulent eras in the trade.
This will be followed by a double headed spotlight briefing in the afternoon from Oliver Oram, Chief Executive of Chainvine who will be sharing his valuable experience in international markets and developing Blockchain technology, and Dr Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV, will tackle the complexities and future of E-labelling.
The pair will then be joined for a panel discussion by Katherine Bedard, Director of International Public Policy at the California Wine Institute alongside Russell Davies, Managing Director of the event’s headline sponsor, Hillebrand, to discuss how to keep ahead of the curve on software, standards and global trade.
On Thursday morning the keynote interview will include an in-depth chat with Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality and George Yip, Emeritus Prof. of Marketing and Strategy at Imperial College Business School. The pair will share their expertise on leadership and business agility following the fallout of Brexit and the pandemic.
And closing the event, on Thursday afternoon, will be a panel discussion on how businesses can drive initiatives around ESG and diversity and inclusion.
Giving us a broad range of experiences and views on this topic are Valentina Lira, Director of Sustainability at Vina Concha y Toro, Mandy Nyarko, Co-Founder, or the Startup Discovery School and Kathy Caton, MD & Founder of Brighton Gin.
Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said:
“It feels like the start of a very important term. We are very excited to kick it off with the WSTA’s 2021 Industry Summit, which is less than a week away and boasts a line up to cover a wide range of red hot current topics - meaning there is something in it for everyone.
We have also worked hard to secure a diverse group of experts, from inside and outside of the trade. I am confident they will give attendees real insight into how to recover and grow their business post Brexit and pandemic, as well as what’s around the corner – both to watch out for and to harness.
The convenience of holding the event virtually allows us to reach out to a wider audience. If you haven’t booked you tickets, please don’t delay. With company tickets giving everyone access it’s great value – and you don’t need to leave home to be with us!”