Alcohol retailer national convention set March 1-3
Jeff Becker
The American Beverage Licensees, the national affiliate of the Montana Tavern Association and nearly 40 other state alcohol retail organizations, returns to the newly renovated Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas for its 7th Annual Convention March 1-3, 2009.
The convention’s theme, “Leveraging Your Strengths in Today’s Economy,” highlights the challenges that many alcohol beverage retailers face in light of the increased costs associated with running a business in today’s economic climate.
“The 2009 ABL Convention will celebrate the retail tier of the alcohol beverage industry and present ways in which retailers can run more efficient and profitable businesses without losing sight of the important role they play when it comes to best practices and responsibility,” said ABL Executive Director Harry Wiles.
The Monte Carlo Resort and Casino is offering its most affordable room rates ever for ABL convention guests. Rooms will be available on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday for $99 per night, and on the Friday and Saturday prior to the ABL convention for $149 per night when you make reservations using the ABL convention promotional code: XABL09. To make reservations, call the Monte Carlo toll free at (800) 311-8999.
In addition to affordable room rates, the Monte Carlo has added other incentives for convention attendees. Each guest using the XABL09 promotional code will receive a $15 per ticket discount to the Lance Burton show (based on availability); $10 slot free play and food court coupons.
The convention gets started Sunday, March 1 with the Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament.
Once again, the tournament is free and open to all and includes cash prizes as well as an open bar. Following the poker tournament, there will be an opening night reception featuring beer from around the world.
Monday, March 2, the convention kicks into high gear with a full day of events and speakers. Following a continental breakfast sponsored by McCormick Distilling’s 360° Vodka, the morning general session will feature presentations by John McDonnell, COO of Patron Spirits Company; Dr. Peter Cressy, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United State (DISCUS); Jeff Becker, President of the Beer Institute and Craig Wolf, President and CEO of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America.
Following the Annual MillerCoors luncheon, convention guests will hear from Rob Samuels of Maker’s Mark, as well as two “Secrets to Success” discussion panels.
Monday evening DISCUS will sponsor the ABL Top Shelf Award Banquet, which will include a reception, dinner and the presentation of the ABL Top Shelf Award. The 2009 award will be presented to Ralph Aguera, vice president of trade relations for Brown-Forman. This award is ABL’s highest honor and recognizes those members of the alcohol industry who have not only contributed to the industry, but have also dedicated themselves to helping the less fortunate.
The convention begins it final day on the morning of Tuesday, March 3, with a continental breakfast sponsored by Forty Creek Whisky featuring Forty Creek whisky maker John Hall. Tuesday morning’s General Session will feature an ABL government affairs presentation; Craig Purser, President of the National Beer Wholesalers Association; Darryl Rosen, former President of Sam’s Wines and Spirits; and Trey Zoeller, founder of McLain and Kyne Distillery.
Tuesday afternoon, Convention attendees can take advantage of complimentary shuttles from the Monte Carlo to the Night Club and Bar Trade Show exhibit hall. With attractions ranging from products tastings, giveaways, celebrities and countless products for retailers to check out, it is not to be missed.
ABL will close the 2009 Convention with the final night banquet. Prior to the Anheuser-Busch sponsored dinner, the Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year Awards will be presented in recognition of responsible and innovative retailers. This year’s winners will be invited to a private reception prior to the Final Night Banquet for pictures.
For more details and a registration form, please visit ABL’s home on the web at <www.ablusa.org>.
[i]Source: The Montana Tavern Times, February 2009, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.[/i]