2012 Education Sessions

Hone your industry knowledge by attending more than 70 free, in-depth seminars, including a dedicated IWSB-only track. Conducted by specialists, these sessions range from topics as diverse as guest retention, sustainability issues and franchise issues.

Review all NRA Show 2012 sessions.

IWSB-Only Sessions:

Industry Overview
Sunday, May 6, 11:00am – 12:30pm

John McDonnell
John McDonnell
Tom Burkemper
Tom Burkemper
Ben Salisbury
Ben Salisbury
David Henkes
David Henkes

John McDonnell, COO & Executive VP, The Patron Spirits Company
Tom Burkemper, Sr. Director, Category Management/Trade Marketing, Anheuser-Busch In Bev
Ben Salisbury, Vice-President, Strategic Accounts, Constellation Brands U.S. and
David Henkes, Vice-President, On-Premise Practice Leader, Technomic Inc.

Understand and prosper from the data-based trends and shifts in wine, spirits and beer. Leaders in each category share their insights followed by Q&A session and tasting brunch.

Beer Profitability
Sunday May 6, 3:30 - 5:00pm

Lee Sanders
Lee Sanders
Ray Daniels
Ray Daniels
Kip Snider
Kip Snider

Lee Sanders, President of Franchising, T.G.I. Fridays USA
Ray Daniels, Founder and Director, Cicerone Certification Program
Kip Snider, Director of Beverage, Yard House Restaurants

Discover how to build your margins with a smart beer program, from proper positioning to selecting your product mix to appropriate sever training. Sip select product for deeper knowledge.

The Masters Session
Monday, May 7, 11:00am – 12:30pm

George Miliotes
George Miliotes
John Blazon
John Blazon
Serafin Alvarado
Serafin Alvarado
Melissa Monosoff
Melissa Monosoff

Featuring George Miliotes, Darden;
John Blazon, Jackson Wine Estates;
Serafin Alvarado, Southern Wine & Spirits of IL;
Melissa Monosoff, The Savona Restaurant

Join four Master Sommeliers to learn all about how to build a wine list that’s right for your guests. Sip new varietals and brands that help your operation build its reputation. Plus, discover how to access the knowledge of a Master Sommelier when you need one.

Creativity with Spirits
Monday, May 7, 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Tony Abou-Ganim
Tony Abou-Ganim
Dale DeGroff
Dale DeGroff

Featuring Tony Abou-Ganim and Dale DeGroff

These two cocktail geniuses are shaking up a show at IWSB. “King of Cocktail” Dale and “Modern Mixologist” Tony are also presenting a joint session (complete with samples, of course!) where they’ll talk up traditional formulas, coach you on creating loyalty-building signature drinks, and offer strategies for enhancing the server-customer experience.