BETHESDA, MD – ABL held a successful Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas on July 27-29, celebrating beverage retailers’ important role in the American hospitality industry with educational sessions, product tasting and hospitality. Industry leaders, policy experts, and members of the beverage alcohol community enjoyed insightful discussions, networking, and recognition of outstanding contributors to the industry.
Speakers highlighted a wide array of issues facing beverage licensees including third-party delivery companies for on-premise and off-premise alcohol; the evolving regulatory environment for hemp-derived THC and Delta-9 products; personal privacy laws and their impact on hospitality businesses; an overview of product, market and demographic trends currently shaping the industry; and industry reporters’ thoughts on the top stories in the alcohol industry.
Attendees also participated in events hosted by the Texas Package Stores Association as part of its Annual Convention & Trade Show, including an elegant wine tasting and a huge industry trade show featuring hundreds of products to taste and a joint general session featuring industry speakers. ABL hosted a Brand Showcase of its own featuring more than 50 brands for attendees to enjoy, and to which TPSA members were invited.
“The hospitality ABL meeting attendees enjoyed in Texas was tremendous,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “In addition to our own extensive meeting program and providing value to our members, we were thrilled to participate with the Texas Package Stores Association and bring attention to both events.
At the ABL Board of Directors meeting that was held as part of the conference, ABL elected officers to two-year terms. Bobby Greenawalt of Greenawalt Hospitality in Auburn, Alabama was re-elected as President; Nick Fede, Jr. of Kingstown Liquor Mart in North Kingstown, Rhode Island was elected Vice President – Off-Premise; Keith Kern of Jimmy’s Saloon in Superior, Wisconsin was elected Vice President – On-Premise; and Mark O’Callaghan of Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse in Clifton park, NY was elected At-Large Representative.
ABL recognized beverage licensees from across the country with the ABL Retailer of the Year Awards. The Retailer of the Year awards recognize and honor ABL members who demonstrate excellence in advocacy; responsible sales and service practices; community engagement and service; and support of their state association.
Planning for the 2025 ABL Annual Meeting is underway with updates planned soon at www.ablusa.org.
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