FYI
Retailer Attendees: Second Annual BDLive! Conference Another Success
O
nce again, nearly 40 beverage alcohol retailers from around the country convened in New Orleans at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel for the
second annual BDLive! Conference, held on January 26. The BDLive! Conference is the only event of its kind solely dedicated to the concerns of the off-premise bever- age alcohol retailer. And by the conclusion of the day's activities, it was clear that the presentations, the network- ing and the exchange of ideas among the retailer atten- dees as well as the speakers all combined for a positive experience for everyone. For example, Cedric Martin, owner of Martin Wine Cellar, in Metarie, LA, noted, "I appreciate that the Conference was in New Orleans
again, but no matter where it is next year, I'll be there. Like last year, it was filled with great ideas and the speak- ers were top-notch." And, in a follow-up email message, Frank Ball, executive director, Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, said, "I just wanted to contact you and give you and your staff a 'pat on the back' for a real- ly informative and worthwhile seminar for off-premise folks. Your staff was amazing, the programs remarkable, the venue awesome and I will certainly attend next year." The event began with an evening cocktail reception the night before the opening of the Conference. These few hours gave retailers a chance to relax and meet one another as well as some of the next day's presenters.
PHOTOS BY RICH SCHMITT PHOTOGRAPHY
Darryl Rosen (right), Conference moderater, poses a question to the interactive Retailer Panel, which includes, from left, Danny Brager, from Nielsen; Brad Rider, vice president, United Package Liquors, Indianapolis, IN; Mark Notarius, owner, Premium Wine & Spirits, Williamsville, NY; and Cedric Martin, owner, Martin Wine Cellar, Metarie, LA.
Meeting at the opening reception are, from left, Jack Bondon, Jr., supervisor, Berbiglia Wine & Spirits, Kansas City, MO; his wife Melissa; Tony Bongiovanni, associate publisher,
; and David Jabour, president, Twin Liquors, Austin, TX.
Relaxing during the opening night reception are, from left, Bob Kreston, president, of Kreston Wine & Spirits, Wilmington, DE; and David Marberger and Chuck Ferrar, owners of Bay Ridge Wine and Spirits, Annapolis, MD.
6 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • March/April 2012
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