About Access LIVE
Access LIVE — formerly the WSWA Annual Convention & Exposition — is the premier event for the wine and spirits industry, designed for access, discovery, and business growth. For two and a half dynamic days, all three tiers of the industry come together to spark meaningful conversations, connect with top decision-makers and peers, explore emerging trends, and discover innovative products and services. From curated networking opportunities to impactful educational sessions, Access LIVE is where business gets done — all under one roof.
What's New & Different?
- Access LIVE will be 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 will have ONE central, convenient meeting area with HQ Suites and Main Street Suites. All meeting locations will be known in advance. View the 2025 Interactive Floorplan.
- Interactive zones located throughout the space, including the HUB, HQ Connect, and pop-up experiences built for brand activation and engagement.
- The Hub will feature a digital content lab, a brand building bar, and mixology workshops for brands to curate content, design cocktails and walk away with tangible assets and industry advice.
- Educational opportunities will take place on the Main and LIVE Stage, with speakers, panels, and TED-style talks about hot topics in the wine and spirits industry.
- Take advantage health and wellness activities at Access LIVE. Bring your own reusable water bottle and fill it up at water stations throughout the space. Sign up to participate in the first ever Access LIVE Steps Challenge. Will you walk the most steps during the event? Stop by various other wellness activities throughout the show.
- Access LIVE is going green! There will be no registration bags, more digital signage, less swag, hydration stations for reusable water bottles, and more!
- Awards recognizing excellence in all three tiers will be presented, including the Lifetime Leadership Award, Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O Award, and the Access Craft Hot, New, Now! Supplier Award.
- More meal options than ever before. There will be breakfast at the Main Stage sessions on February 4 and 5 as well as lunch in Access HQ, the Exhibit Hall, both days the hall is open.
Who Should Attend?
Wholesalers
Retailers
Suppliers
Industry Service & Solutions Providers
Industry Partners
Media
Access LIVE by the Numbers
Access LIVE offers the HIGHEST concentration of American distributor decision-makers of any industry event.
Nearly 25% of attendees are distributors.
67% of distributor attendees are Vice President or C-Suite level executives.
Access LIVE attendees distribute more than 80% of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States.
All 50 states and DC are represented at Access LIVE.
The U.S. wine & spirits wholesale market is worth over $69 billion.
With more than 400+ exhibiting spaces available, Access LIVE will bring together hundreds of established and up-and-coming brands and thousands of unique products.
2,500+ attendees.
Since 1943, WSWA has hosted the premier event for the American wine and spirits industry.
Who Attends 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!
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.