The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) wrapped up its 87th Annual Convention and Product Showcase in San Diego, naming Alabama’s Rebecca Maisel as its new board chair.
With 1,700 distributors and beverage professionals and more than 150 exhibitors, this year’s convention highlighted the successes and durability of the beer distribution industry while exploring innovative strategies for continued growth.
“In an industry that’s evolving at a whiplash pace, distributors are the steady, reliable engine that keeps things moving. You persevere, you evolve and you succeed. To me, that is the definition of durability,” said Craig Purser, President and CEO of NBWA, in his keynote address. “Brands rise and fall, segments shoot up and back down but all that the local bar or restaurant or convenience or grocery retailer knows is that the beer guy is coming in the morning with fresh supplies.”
In naming Maisel board chair, NBWA highlighted her significant experience in the industry, including serving as senior vice president of legal and government affairs at Gulf Distributing Holdings, a third-generation family business based in Mobile, Ala. She previously served as chair of NBWA’s Next Generation Group and the Alabama Wholesale Beer Association.
“Having this board elect me to the officer corps of NBWA three years ago, running the chairs and standing here today as your chair, sends a message to our membership and to the beverage world that there is room at the very top of this industry for qualified emerging leaders who demonstrate passion and commitment to our mission,” Maisel stated. “As chair, I assure you I will justify the confidence you have placed in me to lead this association.”
Outgoing NBWA Chairman Jim Fabiano II, CEO of Fabiano Brothers in Bay City, Mich., gave a comprehensive update on the state of the industry and NBWA’s work to advance its members’ interests.
“If there’s one message I want you to take with you, it’s that this association has your back,” Fabiano stated. “I hope you also leave with a sense of optimism for what we can accomplish together. With our collective strength, we will continue to drive our industry forward and face roadblocks and challenges head on.”
NBWA also presented five awards:
• Mike LaMonica Jr. of LaMonica Beverages in Loves Park, Ill., received the Life Service Award, NBWA’s highest honor, for his leadership, service and legacy
• Wilsbach Distributors based in Harrisburg, Pa., received this year’s Public Affairs Award for promoting the beer distribution industry
• Laurie Brown of Brown Distributing in Austin, Texas, received the Freida G. Maisel Trailblazer Award for advancing women in the beer distribution industry
• Mike Frank of Frank Beverage Group in Middleton, Wis., received this year’s Kenny Kerr PAC Award, named in honor of NBWA’s first PAC Chairman
• Matesich Distributing based in Newark, Ohio, received the Whitey Littlefield Award, which honors distributors who go the extra mile to grow the NBWA PAC
Innovation took center stage at this year’s event, from cutting-edge technology solutions on the Product Showcase floor to speakers who offered insights into reaching today’s consumers.
Former Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers Badan keynoted the convention with lessons on building brand loyalty, while Heineken USA CEO Maggie Timoney shared her perspectives on innovation in the beer category during a fireside chat with NBWA’s Purser.
Strategies for elevating beer were also the focus on two panels:
• Category Growth: Expansion, Innovation and Occasion with Shuan Belongie (CEO, New Belgium Brewing), Paul Chibe (CEO, Pabst Brewing), Bill Shufelt (CEO, Athletic Brewing) and moderator Amy Jo Martin (bestselling author and marketer)
• Harnessing the Power of the On-Premise with Jim Koch (Founder and Brewer, Boston Beer Co.), Robbie Maletis (General Manager, Maletis Beverage), Alex Bergson (Vice President, Manhattan Beer Distributors) and moderator Lester Jones (Vice President of Analytics and Chief Economist, NBWA)
Attendees also heard from Jonathan Martin, POLITICO’s Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist, on the upcoming election and what the 2025 political landscape may look like.
NBWA’s 88th Annual Convention and Trade Show will take place Oct. 12-15, 2025 in Las Vegas.
