Craft Beverage Expo Draws 1,300 Attendees to Launch Event in San Jose, Calif.
May 8, 2014
More than 1,300 attendees, who are members of the artisan wine, craft beer, craft spiritsand craft cider industries, gathered May 6-8 in San Jose, Calif., for the inaugural Craft Beverage Expo.
“The turnout was simply incredible - the educational sessions were thought-provoking, and the networking events had great energy” said Kellie Shevlin, executive director of Craft Beverage Expo.
She added, “These folks work very hard at their craft and as small business owners it's challenging for them to get away for educational and networking purposes. We’re so proud and pleased they chose our event not only for connecting with like-minded people, but also for finding sustainable competitive advantages.”
Several luminaries from the craft beverage sector were on hand to speak to the theme for this year’s event, “Get Here. Get Noticed.”
Some of the speakers included Stephen Hindy, co-founder, chairman and president, The Brooklyn Brewery; Ken Grossman, founder, Sierra Nevada Brewing; Ralph Erenzo, distiller and co-founder, Tuthilltown Spirits; and Leslie P. Berglund, co-founder and chairman, WISE Academy.
“Kellie Shevlin did exactly what she set out to do in creating this event, and VP International was proud to be her partner in that effort,” said Vinnie Polito, managing director of VP International.
Besides the attendees, there were 160 exhibitors on the showfloor, offering products and services tailored to the size and scope of their craft- and artisan-scale operations.
There also were several sponsors and associations on hand - O-I, SGS International LLC, Topi, The Engine is Red, Ardagh Group, Stoel Rives and GreatVines.
Next year’s show will take place May 6-8, but will move to Santa Clara, Calif.
“Building on the momentum of this year, we decided to stay close to the South Bay to strengthen our relationships,” Shevlin said. “Northern California has both a thriving craft industry and the forward-thinking, hands-on attitude that really speaks to our audience.”
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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