Arrival

Opening Remarks

Entrepreneurship: The Pivot from Corporate to Creator

• Bill Shufelt (Athletic Beer)
• Melanie Masarin (Ghia)
• Nicholas Guillant (Opius)
• Lawrence Bremer (St Buena Vida)

In this conversation, we will talk to executives who left corporate careers to launch non-alcoholic ventures. They'll unpack when they saw the shift coming, why they chose to bet on it and how they feel about it now. From how they approached raising capital, finding a distributor and securing retail placements this is an honest look at the risks they decided to take and the operational realities of the first steps these brands took to build their foundation.

Raising Capital

• Taylor Foxman (Industry Collective)
• Brian Rosen (InvestBev)

Raising capital can be one of the most exhilarating, and humbling, parts of the entrepreneurial journey. In this candid fireside chat, we'll unpack what it really takes to secure funding in today's landscape. From crafting a compelling narrative and building investor relationships to navigating rejection and negotiating terms, this conversation goes beyond pitch decks and valuations. Whether you're preparing for your first raise or scaling toward your next round, this discussion will offer practical insights, honest reflections, and a clearer roadmap for funding your growth.

Unglamorous Aspects of Selling

• Laura Taylor (Mingle Mocktails)

In this candid conversation, we'll unpack the hard decisions founders face once the funds hit: how to secure distribution, educate retailers on shelf sets for impact, how to merchandise to drive pull through and meet retailer expectations. This discussion gets into the unglamorous mechanics of building a beverage brand.

The Evolution of the Wine Occasion

• Rachel Martin (Oceano Wines)
• Dante Catena (Catena/EdeM)

This panel explores the rapid advancement in quality across NA wine, from improved de-alcoholization techniques to better base wines and terroir-driven expressions. What defines quality in NA wine? What are the benchmarks? Beyond NA wine, the conversation expands to other elevated options claiming space in the wine occasion — including sparkling teas and wine alternatives. Join leading producers, sommeliers, and category builders as they discuss innovation, regulation, standards, and the future of the alcohol-free wine experience.

Lunch & Networking

Sandwiches served alongside Opius cocktails. A chance to connect with speakers and fellow attendees.

Female Founders Experience

• Anna Baskin (Hightail)
• Emily Onkey (Aplos)

What does it really take to build and scale a brand as a female founder today? In this candid conversation, trailblazing entrepreneurs share the realities behind the highlight reel — navigating bias to build resilience. This panel dives into the lessons learned, risks taken, and pivots made along the way. Expect honest insights, tactical advice, and real talk on leadership, growth, and staying true to your vision in competitive industries.

Event Ends