Virginia Spirits Summit & Conference Schedule

Conference Schedule

Please note: The schedule is tentative and subject to change. We will provide updates as they become available.

Tuesday, february 3rd

12:30 – 1:45 PM

Halsey Family Hall

Welcome and General Session: Working with the VSBMO and VDA

An overview of each organization’s current priorities and how distilleries can get involved to strengthen the industry. Includes legislative updates from VDA and 2026 VSBMO programs, events and marketing initiatives.

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2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Reynolds Leadership Center

Beyond the Bottle: Understanding Your Customer

Join the Virginia Spirits Board Marketing Office for a Placer.ai–powered insights session. Learn who’s visiting Virginia distilleries, when they’re coming, and how to use data to improve marketing, events and staffing.

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2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Halsey Family Hall

Marketing Opportunities at Virginia ABC

Tyler Moore will share an overview of promotional and merchandising programs available in Virginia ABC stores and explain how to participate to boost brand visibility and sales across Virginia.

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3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Halsey Family Hall

Building Your Marketing Toolkit

Learn how to curate and operationalize a ready-to-use brand kit — including key messaging, creative assets, press materials and a library of visuals — to support media outreach, partnerships and proactive content development.

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3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Reynolds Leadership Center

On-Premise Partnership Strategies for Craft Distillers

Beverage consultant Eric Kozlik shares on-premise partnership strategies for distillers of all styles and price points, providing tools to overcome positioning challenges and boost visibility and sales.

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4:15 PM – 5:15 PM

Halsey Family Hall

Virginia ABC Roundtable Discussion

Dale Farino will join us for a discussion covering recent legislative proposals, updates to the Distiller Manual and other topics of interest to Virginia’s distilling industry. Time will be allowed for Q&A with Virginia ABC representatives.

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6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

The Rec Room

Dinner & Tasting

A casual group dinner to network, collaborate and socialize with your industry colleagues.

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wednesday, february 4th

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Halsey Family Hall

Summit: Virginia Spirits Today, Tomorrow & Beyond

A conversation on our history, current trajectory and long-term vision as an industry—featuring diverse outside perspectives.

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9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

Halsey Family Hall

Grains of Truth: Why Local Sourcing Powers Virginia Spirits

Discover why “local grain” is poised to become the heart of Virginia spirits in this lively, interactive panel session designed to spark conversation across the grain-to-glass journey.

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9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

Reynolds Leadership Center

Working with Wholesalers & Distributors

Understand best practices for building productive relationships, improving communication and navigating distribution successfully.

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11:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Halsey Family Hall

General Session: Legislative Issues + Legislative Visit Prep

VDA leadership and Hunton Andrews Kurth will review the 2026 legislative proposals affecting Virginia distilleries and prepare participants for in-person meetings at the State Capitol, providing guidance on effective advocacy, messaging, and engagement strategies.

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12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Reynolds Leadership Center

Speaking the Same Language

Learn how using WSET’s systematic tasting language helps staff communicate the uniqueness of your spirits with consumers, wholesalers, press, and other industry partners.

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12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Halsey Family Hall

Trends in Barrels

Hear the latest insights from Speyside on barrel innovation, wood selection, and how new trends impact spirit character and aging.

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Industry Newsletter

Stay informed on the latest promotions, events and marketing opportunities designed to support the Virginia spirits industry.