On Day 1 of the Alcohol Beverage Importers and Distributors (ABID) Conference, Stephen Fahy, Senior Buyer at The Wine Library, welcomed an international audience of importers and distributors to New York City. The ABID Conference is really a launching pad, says Fahy, for growing your business and developing new relationships within the industry.

With that in mind, every aspect of the ABID Conference has been designed with the needs of small- and mid-sized wine, beer and liquor importers and distributors in mind. The goal is simple: help importers and distributors grow their bottom line. The two-day business conference track includes plenty of time for networking and catching up with industry colleagues, as well as a mix of different sessions that include talks, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions.

In addition, as Fahy noted, ABID is now running in parallel with the USA Trade Tasting, enabling participants of the ABID business conference to sample first-hand new and emerging brands within the wine and spirits industry.

In 2018, the USA Trade Tasting had more than 100 exhibitors from all over the world, making it a vibrant platform for doing business. Every year since its inaugural year in 2016, the USA Trade Tasting has grown in size and scope, and it now includes products from all over the world. This year’s show includes products from Europe, Asia, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Finally, Fahy outlined the run of show for the two-day ABID Conference. Morning and afternoon sessions will include guest speakers covering an aspect of the industry – everything from how to get started as an importer or distributor, to learning how to maximize social media for the marketing of new brands and products. In between these sessions, participants will have plenty of time to explore the tasting floor of the USA Trade Tasting and learn about new trends.

By the end of the two-day event, participants will have plenty of actionable insights on how to grow their bottom line. Whether it’s becoming smarter about logistics or learning how to get the right products in front of the right buyers, participants will walk away from the ABID Conference with everything they need to boost their sales, streamline their operations and respond to new industry challenges.