Speakers: Jana Daisy-Ensign, Striker Reese, Em Sauter, Aneel de Albuquerque Date & Time: Thursday, February 6, 2:00 – 3:15 PM Join us for a lively panel discussion on shifting consumer preferences in the beverage industry. We’ll explore the debate between entertainment and education: Are today’s consumers, especially younger ones, gravitating more towards immersive, fun experiences, or does educational content still hold significant value? With the rise of non-alcoholic options and a focus on health trends, education advocates argue that maintaining consumer engagement is more important than ever. This conversation will provide strategies for navigating these evolving demands.

Speakers: Ben Salisbury Date & Time: Thursday, February 6, 3:45 – 5:00 PM Ben Salisbury will share his considerable expertise in finding, screening, coaching, training, and retaining top sales talent in this must-attend session. If you want salespeople who will crush their goals consistently year after year without excuses, you must hire for that. If you want salespeople who do not need external motivation, you must hire for that. Ben’s session will show you precisely how to do it.

Speakers: Aaron Gore Date & Time: Friday, February 7, 3:45 – 5:00 PM An overview of the principles behind how humans are incentivized in the pursuit of goals, and how best to use those insights in the business landscape. Attendees will learn the basics of building compensation and bonus structures that create the incentives you want, while avoiding the perverse and misguided incentives that you don’t. Moreover, they will learn how to apply these same techniques in the broader landscape, helping everyone reach the sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and financial achievement they desire.

Speakers: Ben Salisbury Date & Time: Thursday, February 6, 10:30 – 11:45 AM Times have changed in our industry. Most of what used to work no longer works (or works as well). This session will provide new and “modern” strategies cider brands can use to compete and win when the stakes are high (and they’ve never been higher). In his inimitable, in-your-face style, Ben Salisbury will shine a bright light on the most common mistakes to avoid and what, specifically, to do instead. Attendees will walk away with actionable insights they can implement on Monday morning!

Speakers: Colin Schilling, TBD Date & Time: Thursday, Feburary 6, 2:00 – 3:15 PM This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of National Cider Month, highlighting its significance in the cider industry and offering practical strategies for leveraging this event to boost your sales. Discover how to actively participate and enhance your visibility during this period, and understand why National Cider Month is crucial for the growth and promotion of cider. The session will feature an exclusive panel of top-tier national chain buyers who will share their experiences on how National Cider Month has influenced their sales and offer valuable insights into successful strategies for selling in major grocery chains. Following the panel discussion, seize the opportunity to network with these industry leaders and expand your professional connections.

Speakers: Colin Schilling, TBD Date & Time: Thursday, February 6, 3:45 – 5:00 PM Dive deep into the dynamics of cider sales with our comprehensive session that contrasts annual performance with the impact of National Cider Month. We’ll explore how to leverage data storytelling to elevate your sales and identify key metrics that drive success. In the first half of the session, you will learn how to use data effectively to craft compelling narratives that resonate with consumers and stakeholders alike. The second half features a panel discussion with leading industry media experts. Gain valuable perspectives on how to collaborate with media to amplify your brand’s story and drive sales, with a specific focus on the coverage of National Cider Month in 2024. Following the panel, take advantage of networking opportunities to connect with journalists and media professionals, and build relationships that can help propel your cider brand to new heights.

Speakers: Amanda DeVries Date & Time: Thursday, February 6, 2:00 – 3:15 PM “If your product is for everyone, then you are selling to no one!” Amanda DeVries of Eye Candy Design specializes in branding & packaging design for food and beverage companies. Amanda will cover the key areas that require consideration when building a cider brand, including customer psychology and the competitive landscape. This session will dive into the importance of a compelling story, what your customers care about & why you should care too, why the competition matters, and how to wrap up the above ideas to create your brand positioning and leverage that in your packaging.

Price: $50 Speaker: Julie Rhodes Date & Time: Wednesday, February 5, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Unlock the power of digital marketing to grow your hard cider brand! This hands-on, interactive boot camp is designed specifically for owners and teams who are looking to build a strong digital presence but have limited marketing experience. In just a few hours, we’ll guide you through the foundations and logistics of digital marketing—giving you practical, actionable steps to create a marketing plan that drives brand awareness and boosts sales. From defining your brand’s unique story to navigating social media strategies, email campaigns, and paid advertising, this boot camp will help you understand how to effectively market your cider in today’s crowded marketplace. You’ll walk away with a clear, actionable digital marketing plan, ready to implement immediately. We’ll also help you determine your marketing budget so you can grow sustainably and scale your efforts without breaking the bank. By the end of the workshop, you’ll feel confident in developing a multi-channel digital marketing strategy that aligns with your business goals, resonates with your target customers, and generates results.

Speakers: Amanda Oborne, Davey McHenry Date & Time: Friday, February 7, 10:30 – 11:45 AM This information-packed session will equip cider producers with practical strategies to effectively market their sustainability initiatives and connect with environmentally aware customers. Join industry experts as they delve into the art and science of green marketing in the cider sector. Through case studies, expert presentations, and discussion you’ll gain actionable insights that can be applied immediately. Learn how to balance transparency with engagement, avoid greenwashing pitfalls, and create marketing campaigns that highlight your commitment to both quality cider and environmental stewardship.