The Virginia Spirits Board and the Virginia Distillers Association announce the inaugural Virginia Spirits Summit & Conference to be held at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on February 3-4, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia. This distillery-focused event is designed to support, educate, and empower Virginia’s growing spirits industry. Over two days the program will bring together distillery owners, operators, stake holders, partners, and marketing and production professionals from across the commonwealth. You can expect to leave with actionable insights from industry leaders; regulatory, legislative, and policy updates; best practices you can implement in short order; the opportunity to help shape the future of Virginia’s craft spirits industry and ample opportunities to network and connect with friend and colleagues old and new.
From expert-led sessions to collaborative discussions, the conference creates space for distillers to connect, strengthen our collective voice and stay ahead in an evolving and challenging landscape.
Distillery owners and operators
Distillers
Production professionals
Front of house and hospitality leaders
Marketing professionals
Any stakeholder who has a role in your company’s growth
$50 per distillery. Yes! That cost is per distillery and includes up to five team members. Registration includes all sessions, coffee breaks, snacks, Tuesday’s dinner, and Wednesday’s light breakfast and lunch.
Please note: The schedule is tentative and subject to change. We will provide updates as they become available.
12:30 – 1:45 PM
Kicking off the inaugural Virginia Spirits Summit + Conference, Secretary Katie K. Frazier of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Forestry will deliver opening remarks. VDA leaders and representatives from the Virginia Spirits Board Marketing Office will then provide an overview of each organization, highlighting ways distilleries can get involved to advance both individual and collective goals and strengthen the Virginia spirits industry.
The session will cover current legislative and policy initiatives from the VDA, updates on the VSBMO’s 2026 programs—including the First Landing Cup, Virginia Cocktail Games, VA250 Bottle Collaboration, domestic and international marketing efforts, Virginia Spirits Month, and more—offering a comprehensive look at opportunities and resources for distillers across the commonwealth.
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Beyond the Bottle: Understanding Your Customer
During this session the VSBMO will explore statewide trends and provide eligible distilleries with customized reports showing demographics of actual customer foot traffic with strategies for maximizing your marketing dollars to attract your target customer.
Marketing Opportunities at Virginia ABC
Representatives from Virginia ABC will provide an overview of promotional and merchandising programs you can take advantage of in Virginia ABC stores and provide details on how to participate to help increase brand visibility and sales.
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Building Your Marketing Toolkit
Learn how to curate ready-to-use brand assets—key messaging, press materials and a library of visuals—to support media outreach, partnerships and content development.
Breaking Through the On-Premise Wall
Explore practical strategies for securing placements and building stronger relationships with bars, restaurants and other on-premise accounts.
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Join Virginia ABC for updates on legislation, compliance, and emerging issues affecting Virginia distillers, with a live Q&A for practical guidance.
6:30 PM – Evening
A casual group dinner to network, collaborate and socialize with your industry colleagues.
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
A conversation on our history, current trajectory and long-term vision as an industry—featuring diverse outside perspectives.
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
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.
Working with Wholesalers & Distributors
Understand best practices for building productive relationships, improving communication and navigating distribution successfully.
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Leadership from the Virginia Distillers Association and representatives from Hunton Andrews Kurth will provide details on the VDA’s legislative proposals before the General Assembly in the 2026 session and prepare participating distilleries for legislative meetings in at the Virginia State Capitol later that afternoon.
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Participants heading to legislative visits will depart; all others remain for final sessions.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Trends in Barrels
Hear the latest insights from Speyside on barrel innovation, wood selection, and how new trends impact spirit character and aging.
Speaking the Same Language
Speaking a common language about the spirits you produce can be a great tool for tasting room and production staff when communicating about your products with consumers, wholesalers, press and other industry players.
1:30 PM
Rooms must be book by January 2, 2026 to ensure the group rate.
The event will be hosted at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture: 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220.
301 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23220
Approximately 10 minutes from conference
$149/night + $37 valet parking (optional)
Booking Deadline: January 2, 2026
3800 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230
Approximately 6 minutes from conference
$184/night + $15 parking
Booking Deadline: January 2, 2026
3950 Westerre Pkwy, Henrico, VA 23233
Approximately 18 minutes from conference
$119/night + $5 parking
Booking Deadline: January 2, 2026
Cost is $50 Per Distillery ,and you can bring up to five individuals.
REGISTRATION CLOSES MONDAY, JANUARY 26
Registration for our upcoming Summit & Conference has officially closed. Thank you to everyone who registered — we can’t wait to gather soon.
Stay informed on the latest promotions, events and marketing opportunities designed to support the Virginia spirits industry.
