FEBRUARY 14, 2019 – BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today the second slate of speakers for the 2019 ABL Annual Meeting, being held March 24-26, 2019 at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This announcement builds on a program already rich with unique perspectives on a range of issues directly affecting independent beverage licensees.
“The ABL Annual Meeting is the marquee event for independent beverage retailers, providing attendees from across the country with a forum to share, network and learn about important regulatory and legislative developments, emerging industry trends, the evolving legal landscape, and more, said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “The annual meeting is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate our industry, build lasting connections, and impart valuable information and key takeaways that members can apply directly to their businesses.”
Additional speakers for the 2019 ABL Annual Meeting include:
Jake Hegeman | Vice President – Legal & Regulatory Affairs | Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America | State Regulator Panel
Jake Hegeman is Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs for WSWA. In this role, Jake works with state and federal regulatory officials on behalf of WSWA and its members. Jake joined WSWA from Stateside Associates, a Virginia based state government affairs firm where he served as Vice President. In this role, Jake managed the company’s regulatory division and worked on advocacy efforts with a wide variety of state regulatory agencies. Prior to rejoining Stateside Associates, Jake served as National State Liaison at the USDA (Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service). As a liaison, Jake worked alongside agency leadership and state agriculture officials to improve regulatory processes and enhance communication and coordination across a range of animal and plant health issues.
Roi Kliper | Chief Executive Officer | City Hive, Inc. | Mobile POS & Data
Roi Kliper is the founder and CEO of City Hive Inc. – a software startup based in NYC that works with retailers, distributors and suppliers tracking tens of millions of data points in real time and help them digitally transform their businesses. Roi is a father of three, an entrepreneur, and an AI expert. He holds a Ph.D in computational neuroscience specializing in machine learning, statistical modeling and Big Data. An innovator with multiple patents in retail tech and an experienced developer and product leader that has previously led the development and deployment of Data products that have evolved to multi-million product lines.
Michael Madigan | Managing Shareholder | Madigan, Dahl & Harlan, P.A. | Legal Update for Retailers: United States District & Circuit Courts
Michael Madigan has over 30 years of experience practicing in the areas of administrative, alcohol beverage, antitrust, business, commercial, distributor, dealer, franchise, construction, employment, and environmental law. AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell for 27 years and recognized as a “Super Lawyer” by the Minnesota Journal of Law and Politics for eighteen 18 years. Selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America in the practice area of Franchise Law. For the last 22 years, served as an Arbitrator and Mediator on the Complex Commercial Panel of the American Arbitration Association and served as a Neutral on the Minnesota ADR Neutrals Roster. Inducted as a Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America (a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers).
Gerald Proctor | Vice President – Government Affairs | Alcanna, Inc. | Recreational Cannabis
Gerald Proctor is the Vice President of Government and Corporate Affairs for Alcanna Inc. He has more than 12 years of experience in public service, government relations and retail for controlled substances. Proctor sits on the Industry Boards of ALSA (Alberta Liquor Stores Association) and ABLE BC (Alliance of Beverage Licensees). He is also an accomplished senior civil servant in Alberta and Saskatchewan with extensive government and public relations experience.
ABL will also honor Craig Purser, President & CEO of the National Beer Wholesalers Association, as the recipient of the 2019 ABL Top Shelf Award. The ABL Top Shelf Award, the highest honor presented by America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers, recognizes those who have demonstrated professional excellence in the beverage alcohol industry and have had a positive influence in their community. The award will be presented at the ABL Honors Gala on March 25, 2019.
REGISTER NOW! Registration is available online for $299, which includes access to all general sessions and ABL hospitality events + a COMPLIMENTARY 2-day pass to the Nightclub & Bar Show 2019 (Valued at $499). Click here to view 2019 ABL Annual Meeting schedule of events. For more information on ABL or the annual meeting, please visit www.ablusa.org.
BOOK TODAY: ABL has secured room block for the 2019 ABL Annual Meeting at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Please note that room availability at the reduced ABL costs (Saturday, March 23: $120.00 + $35.00 daily resort fee + applicable taxes/fees | Sunday, March 24 – Tuesday, March 26: $85.00 + $35.00 daily resort fee + applicable taxes/fees) is on a first-come, first-served basis. The ABL room block is scheduled to close on February 20, 2019. Once the room block is filled, ABL is unable to guarantee rates and availability. As such, we encourage attendees you to reach out to your members and remind them to book now!