05/03/2024

With over 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors, representing elected officials and three diverse, global consumer goods companies, Chris has led integrated corporate affairs strategies with responsibility for public affairs, international government affairs, corporate reputation management, corporate communications, brand public relations, philanthropy, and social responsibility.

Currently, Chris Swonger serves as the President & CEO of both the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and Responsibility.org. Responsibility.org was founded in 1991 and has received more than $250 million dollars voluntarily from the nation’s leading distillers to fight drunk driving and underage drinking and promote responsible decisions about beverage alcohol. DISCUS is the leading voice for distilled spirits in the U.S. market and serves as the industry’s advocate in state capitals, the nation’s capital, and foreign capitals around the globe.

Chris has extensive experience guiding corporations to lead in business while playing a positive role in communities through proactive engagement. In this capacity, Chris focuses on breaking down the traditional barriers that exist between corporations, non-government organizations, and activist groups by facilitating consensus-based outcomes that are deliverable, actionable, and measurable.

A native Texan, Chris received his bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and lives in McLean, Virginia, with his wife Amy, and their two sons Holden and Beckett Boone.

Chris’ favorite drink? Bourbon on the rocks. Something you should know about Chris? “I love to play chess!”

Chris will be delivering a keynote on day 1 in the first session and also be part of the distillers state associations panel. Along with Chris, IBWSS has lined up solid speakers for 2 days of learning and networking. Here is who all are going to speak. 

Day 1 Speakers:

TODD AZEVEDO
Wine & Grape Broker, Partner at Ciatti

TONY LEONARDINI
Director of Import Bulk Purchasing, Delicato Family Wines

MAURICE DIMARINO
Wine and Beverage Manager at Cohn Restaurant Group

RACHEL LOWE
Director of Beverage Operations at Levy Restaurants

CAMI LEHMANN
Director of Marketing, Maggiano’s Little Italy at Brinker International

DAVE GERARDU
Director of Wine at 50 Eggs Hospitality Group

MANVEER SANDHU
Director of Winemaking, Rack & Riddle Custom Wine Services

CATHY FERENCE
Sr. Manager, Bulk Wine Supply at Constellation Brands

NOËL SCHAFF
B2B Sales Manager at O'Neill Vintners and Distillers

MATTHEW HUGHES
Director of US Operations, BevZero

KIMBERLY SHANNON
Beer, Wine and Liquor Specialist at Giant Eagle, Inc

JEFF FEIST
Divisional Manager - Alcohol, wine, beer & spirits. Save Mart

BERGAGLIO FRANCESCO
President & CEO of Enartis

ELIZABETH TOMASINO
Associate Professor of Enology at Oregon State University

Day 2 Speakers:

SARAH (MORRA) QUALTERS
Director of Marketing, Corporate Brands & Emerging Channels, at The Wine Group

EVAN TRAUB
Senior Account Manager at IMI Agency

TRACY GENESEN
General Counsel at Wine Institute

MARLIESE MARTIN
Chief Operating Oicer, Hillebrand Gori USA

AARON BERGH
President & Master Distiller at Calwise Spirits Co and President at Paso Robles Distillery Trail

JOHN GRANATA
Master Distiller, President at Jersey Spirits Distilling Co. President at New Jersey Craft Distillers Guild

GEOFF LONGENECKE
Founder, Distiller Seven Caves Spirits, and President at San Diego Distillers Guild

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Limited Conference, Exhibitor and Sponsorships Availability:

Secure your spot as an exhibitor and be part of the IBWSS 2024 show. If you have bulk wine, bulk spirits, private label, contract bottling, grapes, NGS to sell, exhibiting at IBWSS offers a great opportunity to meet the right buyers to grow your business. With a ‘crop to shelf’ theme, IBWSS will also be catering to the suppliers of the wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Find exhibitor and sponsorship information here.

IBWSS is brought to you by Beverage Trade Network (BTN), a leading platform connecting the global beverage industry. BTN successfully connects industry players daily, making IBWSS a premier event dedicated to the private label and bulk beverage industry.

If you plan to attend the show, we encourage you to secure your super early bird visitor conference before January 31, 2024, and save. Here are the details: Exhibitor registration | Visitor registration