Friday, May 20 • 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
The full day, hands-on discussions focus on beer, wine, spirits, cider, and mead producers. We will walk you through how to make the “big decision” to move forward with your plans, the legal considerations, marketing and distribution issues, and preparation for future growth. Participants will be given the opportunity to interact with each other and to take part in roundtable discussions addressing legal, accounting and regulatory issues.
Workshop Moderator: Craig Rashkis, Partner, Farwell Rashkis, LLP
Registration and check-in: 8:30 – 9:00 am
9:00 am – 9:30 am
The Big Decision
Is launching a craft beverage business right for you? Hear from the experts about their start-up jitters and successes. Join this modera- tor-led discussion with established craft beverage business owners as they focus on start-up timing, costs, and things they wish they knew before starting their businesses.
Presenters:
- Ulli Bisono, Co-Owner, Half Moon Bay Distillery
- James Hrica, Co-Owner, East Cliff Brewing
- Scott Townsend, Winemaker and Owner, Russian Ridge Winery
9:30 am – 10:50 am
Logistics of Starting Your Craft Beverage Business
Now that you are sure you’re in the right game, listen to these expert panelists discuss the legal, insurance, financial, and administrative considerations you’ll need to know when starting your business.
Presenters:
- Craig Rashkis, Partner, Farwell Rashkis, LLP
- Krista Grove, Bidwell Insurance
- Tammy Rosenblum, Partner, Moss Adams, LLP
- Michael Faircloth, Phil May & Edward Martin, Merrill Lynch
11:00 am – 11:30 am
Branding & Marketing
Now that you’ve got your business up and running, how do you sell your product and create a viable brand? Experts will discuss branding and marketing specific to a craft beverage business.
Presenter: David Schuemann, Owner/Creative Director, CF Napa Brand Design
11:30 am – 12:00 noon
Morning Breakout Session
Speakers and panelists will interact with attendees and answer more specific questions from the morning sessions.
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Lunch Break/CBExpo Closing General Session
1:30 pm – 2:45 pm
Working With Government Agencies
Learning to navigate the complex world of regulations in craft beverage can be daunting, and you won’t want to do it alone. Don’t miss presentations from local government agency repre- sentatives, which will shed light on topics such as licensing and permitting, label approval, marketing and advertising (including social media), sampling and tastings, direct-to-consumer sales, and much more!
Presenters:
- Jon Lloyd, Alcohol & Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
- Michael Korson, Deputy Division Chief, Northern Division, Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC)
2:45 pm – 3:15 pm
Getting Your Products to Market
This panel discussion will focus on packaging considerations, self-distribution, working with distributors, getting your first sale and more.
Presenters:
- Fred Bueltmann (a.k.a. The Beervangelist), Vice President of Brand and Lifestyle, New Holland Brewery
- Jim Cargill, Winemaker and Manager, House Family Vineyards
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Preparing For Growth
You might think this part of the business plan is a long way off, but the key is in the planning! It’s never too early to develop vendor relationships or plan for financing future growth. In addition to those topics, panelists will also discuss the basics of hiring employees and how to go about expanding your distribution and facilities.
Presenters:
- Fred Bueltmann (a.k.a. The Beervangelist), Vice President of Brand and Lifestyle, New Holland Brewery
- other panelists are TBA
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Afternoon Breakout Session
Speakers and panelists will interact with attendees and answer more specific questions from the afternoon sessions.
This workshop is brought to you by:
