About Access LIVE

WSWA's Access LIVE — formerly the WSWA Annual Convention & Exposition — is the premier gathering for the wine and spirits industry, bringing together leaders and decision-makers from across all three tiers for meaningful connection, discovery and business growth. Over two and a half dynamic days, attendees build relationships, exchange ideas, gain insights into the trends shaping the industry, and discover new products, services and opportunities. With curated networking, thought-provoking education, immersive experiences and unparalleled access to industry leaders, Access LIVE is where the business of beverage alcohol comes together — and where connections turn into opportunity and always leave a mark.

Can't Miss Benefits of Attending Access LIVE

A Front Seat for What's Next

Access LIVE is where what’s next in wine and spirits takes center stage — and where every connection has the potential to make an impact. Get up close with the brands, ideas, innovations and experiences shaping the future of the industry, from buzzworthy new-to-market products to emerging trends changing the way consumers discover, shop and enjoy beverage alcohol. Connect with the visionaries driving the industry forward, discover new opportunities, and exchange ideas with the people who can help turn them into reality. Because at Access LIVE, every conversation can spark an idea, every discovery can open a door, and every connection leaves a mark.

Smart Event Format

Access LIVE is two and a half days of concise and impactful events and sessions allowing you to connect with the entire industry – there is no longer a three-night mandatory stay!

No more walking to suites on sleeping floor rooms! Access LIVE is located in ONE central, convenient meeting area with HQ Suites and Main Street Suites. All meeting locations will be known in advance. Be sure to regularly check out the interactive floorplan for real-time updates on who is exhibiting and where they are located!

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Content that Moves the Industry Forward

At Access LIVE, the ideas shaping the future of wine and spirits take center stage. With programming across the Main and LIVE Stages, the HUB and HQ Exchange, there’s always something worth seeing, hearing and experiencing. From provocative panels and fireside conversations to TED-style talks, live demonstrations and immersive tasting experiences, you’ll hear directly from the leaders, innovators and changemakers driving the industry forward.

Come for the insights. Stay for the conversations. Leave with fresh perspectives, new ideas and actionable strategies you can put to work. Because every conversation has the power to spark something new!

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Receptions Every Evening

At Access LIVE, some of the most meaningful moments happen beyond the sessions and show floor. Our receptions bring together leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across all three tiers in settings designed to spark conversation, build relationships and create new opportunities. From exclusive, invite-only gatherings to high-energy signature events, every reception offers a chance to connect with the people shaping the future of wine and spirits.

Raise a glass, exchange ideas, meet new partners and strengthen existing relationships. Because sometimes the most important connection starts with a conversation — and every connection leaves a mark.

Activations Designed to Make an Impact

Access LIVE goes beyond the traditional show floor with interactive experiences designed to help you connect, create and grow. From building your brand and creating content to gaining practical insights and connecting with industry experts, every activation is built with a purpose — giving you experiences, tools and connections you can take with you long after the event.

The Hub is where ideas become experiences and brands come to life. Explore the Digital Content Lab, Brand Building Bar and Mixology Workshops — each designed to help brands create compelling content, develop their story, craft signature cocktails and tap into expert industry advice. Walk away with tangible assets, fresh ideas and valuable connections that can make an impact long after Access LIVE.

HQ Exchange is where learning gets hands-on. This flexible, interactive education space brings together workshops, demonstrations, tastings and engaging learning experiences throughout the event. Connect directly with industry experts, explore emerging trends and discover practical solutions you can put to work — all in an environment designed to encourage conversation, collaboration and professional growth.

At Access LIVE, the experience doesn’t stop when the session ends. It’s what you do with the ideas, connections and inspiration that makes the difference.

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Recognizing Industry Excellence

Access LIVE is also a stage for celebrating excellence across all three tiers of the industry. Each year, we honor the people and brands making the biggest impact with prestigious awards, including the Lifetime Leadership Award, the Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O. Award, the Moment Maker Award and the Hot, New, Now! Award.

These recognitions shine a spotlight on trailblazers, innovators, and leaders whose vision and dedication continue to shape the future of wine and spirits. Don’t miss the chance to be inspired by their stories—and celebrate the best of the best with your peers.

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Who Should Attend Access LIVE?

Distributors attend Access LIVE to meet with existing portfolio partners and search for exciting new products and services. No other event in the U.S. has a higher concentration of wholesalers than Access LIVE. Gain insights from distributors as they share their unique expertise in the Hub and on the LIVE Stage.

Suppliers may attend or exhibit at Access LIVE. Showcase and pour your product for distributors, media, retailers and more! Sponsor events to enhance your exposure to all attendees!

Not ready to exhibit, but want to attend? Access LIVE is the perfect place to gain insights from educational sessions, engage with solutions providers that can take your business to the next level, and network with the industry’s finest.

Retailers, both on- and off-premise, are invited to attend WSWA’s Access LIVE free. There are so many benefits from attending this industry-wide show, you will not want to miss out! Benefits to retailers include:

Learn about industry trends and what to expect in the future!
Find hot, new products not currently sold in your market
Sample Best in Show, award-winning products
Experience networking opportunities galore with industry influencers and decision makers
Join in on impactful discussions involving all 3 tiers!

Are you a wine and spirits importer or exporter looking to build relationships with leading U.S. distributors? Access LIVE is the place to expand your network and uncover new opportunities to bring brands to market and grow your business.

Does your company bring innovative solutions to the wine and spirits industry from technology to material enhancements to logistics? Access LIVE provides companies like yours, connection points into the wine and spirits industry. Exhibit or attend to make valuable connections and gain new leads.

Experience the most influential wine and spirits event in the U.S., where industry leaders and rising stars come together to explore the future of the beverage alcohol business. Report on industry hot topics, interview heavy hitters, and gain unparalleled access to tomorrow’s trends.