The Leadership Summit, held in Washington, D.C., the day before the Hill Climb, brings together industry leaders to connect, share insights, and explore what’s next for beverage alcohol. This intimate, interactive event blends structured programming with plenty of time for meaningful peer-to-peer conversations.
While federal affairs will be part of the agenda, the Leadership Summit looks more broadly at the evolving beverage alcohol landscape—highlighting new opportunities for revenue growth and long-term success. By convening key decision-makers, it creates space for candid dialogue about today’s challenges and tomorrow’s possibilities.
Panel discussions will feature perspectives on market dynamics and revenue strategies you can use to move your business forward, while breakout sessions will help you dig deeper, exchange ideas, and start applying what you’ve learned.
How Can I Participate?
- Register. We have limited space and want to ensure that we can accommodate all participants.
- Secure your hotel room at Eaton DC, the official Hill Climb hotel.
Schedule
- 10:45am – 11:15am | Arrival, Coffee and Mingling (30 minutes)
- 11:15am – 11:30am | Welcome to Washington (15 minutes)
- Marc Sorini, Vice President of Government Affairs, Brewers Association
- Bart Watson, President & CEO, Brewers Association (BA)
- 11:30am – 12:00pm | Opening Fireside Chat (30 minutes)
- Congressional Leader
- 12:00pm – 12:30pm | Government Affairs Update (30 minutes)
- Michael Mohr-Ramirez, Manager of Federal Affairs, BA
- Marc Sorini, Vice President of Government Affairs, BA
- 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Lunch + Networking (1 hour)
- 1:30pm – 2:15pm | Roundtable: State of the Food & Beverage Industry (45 minutes)
- Andrew Heritage, Chief Economist, Beer Institute
- Chad Moutray, Senior Vice President, Industry Research & Knowledge, and Chief Economist, National Restaurant Association
- Bart Watson, President & CEO, BA
- 2:15pm – 2:35pm | Breakout Discussion: Industry Opportunities (20 minutes)
- 2:35pm – 2:45pm | Share Takeaways (10 minutes) – Round Robin
- 2:45pm – 3:00pm | BREAK (15 minutes)
- 3:00pm – 3:45pm | Panel: Approaches to Growth (45 minutes)
- Peter Skrbek, CEO, Deschutes Brewery
- Sonya White, Chief Financial and Business Operations Officer, pFriem Family Brewers
- Mike Wehr, Chief Operating Officer, Big Grove Brewery
- 3:45pm – 4:05pm | Breakout Discussion: Revenue Strategies (20 minutes)
- 4:05pm – 4:15pm | Share Takeaways (10 minutes) – Round Robin
- 4:15pm – 4:30pm | Hill Climb Housekeeping Announcements & Closing Statements (15 minutes)
- Michael Mohr-Ramirez, Manager of Federal Affairs, BA
- Marc Sorini, Vice President of Government Affairs, BA
- 4:30pm – 5:00pm | Depart (on own) for Hill Climb Welcome Reception
- 6:00pm – 8:00pm | Welcome Reception @ Henceforth DC
Sponsor the Leadership Summit
We have a variety of opportunities to reach brewery leadership during this first-ever event that leads directly into the Hill Climb programming in the evening. Through these opportunities, you will gain key visibility and network with the decision makers that represent our professional beverage producing membership. Get in touch to explore your options!
Resource Hub