Cider in Tomorrow’s Beverage Market
Date & Time: Thursday, February 5 — 3:45 – 5:00 PM
Where is alcohol headed next? In this dynamic panel, distributors and retailers will share their perspective on trends shaping the beverage alcohol landscape—from what’s selling now to how consumer preferences are evolving. Hear how retailers are thinking about alcohol in the years ahead, and gain practical insights on where cider fits into the mix. Attendees will leave with valuable takeaways and tips to position their cider for success in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Speakers: Bryan Ferguson, TBD
Cider Horizons: Insights from Consumers
Date & Time: Thursday, February 5 — 2:00 – 3:15 PM
Explore the most impactful direct-to-consumer trends shaping the cider industry, including cider clubs, e-commerce expansion, generational purchasing behaviors, and premium vs. value positioning strategies. Learn actionable approaches for building sustainable DTC revenue streams and optimizing your product mix for different market segments.
Speakers: Taylor Harrison, Brian Warrener, Paul Swigger
Getting Social with Consumers
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 4 — 3:45 – 5:00 PM
Social media is constantly evolving—and so are your customers. This session takes a fresh look at how cideries can stand out online, build authentic engagement, and turn followers into fans. Learn how to craft a social media strategy that reflects your brand’s personality, leverages the latest tools (including AI!), and drives real results. From content creation and storytelling to analytics and community building, you’ll leave with new ways to think about social media—and the confidence to do it differently and successfully. Bring your questions, challenges, or examples of your own social media efforts to share and get feedback during this interactive session.
Speakers: TBD
From Concept to Crowd: Innovative Taprooms
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 4 — 2:00 – 3:15 PM
What makes a taproom more than just a place to pour cider? This session explores how thoughtful design, creative programming, and inventive menus can help cideries attract new audiences and build loyal followings. Hear from cideries who have transformed their spaces into vibrant community hubs through events, collaborations, and experiences that keep guests coming back. Whether you’re opening your first taproom or refreshing an existing one, you’ll leave inspired with new ideas to turn your concept into a crowd favorite.
Speakers: Shaunessy Bordas, Chris Leimena, Caitlin Braam
Trends Ahead: Cider by the Numbers
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 4 — 11:00 – 12:15 PM
What’s shaping the future of cider? This session dives into the latest data, consumer trends, and market insights driving the industry forward. Learn which cider styles are gaining momentum, where growth opportunities lie, and how producers can leverage trends to make informed business and marketing decisions. Whether you’re a small cidermaker or an established producer, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to stay ahead of the curve and grow your business in an evolving market.
Speakers: TBD