Brand Battle
WSWA is turning up the volume for the 10th annual Brand Battle—and we’re bringing the excitement to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas! After another wildly successful battle in 2025, we’re thrilled to announce the 2026 Brand Battle, a milestone celebration of a decade of discovering the industry’s hottest new brands.
Brand Battle, for new and emerging beverage brands, will once again bring together the best of the best, in a highly attended, Shark Tank style format. A panel of top wholesaler and retailer judges will offer game-changing insights and real-time feedback as these brands fight for the crown.
To participate in Brand Battle, you need to meet entry criteria, apply to be considered and, if chosen, commit to one of the participation levels at Access LIVE detailed below.
Enter to compete live, on stage on Tuesday, February 3, 2026!
“Winning the 2025 WSWA Brand Battle was an incredible milestone for Amante 1530! The experience gave us unparalleled exposure and the chance to showcase our product alongside so many other amazing brands and to present in front of some of the industry's most respected professionals. The connections we made and the recognition we received have been game-changing for our growth. What an honor to take home the victory and share our story with the industry!”
"What a fun process! Any emerging brand out there needs to experience this. The amount of people you get to meet within the community of your spirit is worth more than you can imagine.”
“Participation in the WSWA Brand Battle was a BIG DEAL for us! We were thrilled at the opportunity to share our story and take center stage among such wonderful people and innovative brands. What an experience…. the exposure was unbelievable and the feedback so insightful."
“We were thrilled to participate in the 2024 Brand Battle! The event provided us with fantastic exposure to new distributors and the opportunity to connect with other competitors and learn their brand stories. In the months following we have been able to expand our distribution footprint with wonderful partners. Brand Battle was a significant milestone in the NightOwl journey.”
Exhibiting Requirement Options
To participate in Brand Battle, you need to meet entry criteria, apply to be considered and, if chosen, commit to one of the exhibition options detailed here.
Option 1: Full Exhibitor
Includes one (1) 10 x 10 booth, (2) complimentary passes to Access LIVE, (1) complimentary Taste table at the TASTE event. The cost starts at $4000. *Must stay in one of WSWA contracted hotels to receive this discounted rate and complimentary badges.
Option 2: Brand Battle Package
Includes one (1) 10 x 5 booth in the Innovation Pavilion, (1) complimentary pass to Access LIVE, (1) complimentary Taste table at the TASTE event. Cost $2500. *Must stay in one of WSWA contracted hotels to receive this discounted rate and complimentary badge.
- Any wine, spirit, low-alc/no-alc, or hard seltzer brand new-to-market or emerging in the U.S. may enter. Product must have been recently introduced in the U.S. in 2023 or later or have limited distribution (less than 5 states).
- All new product launches since 2023 are welcome to submit an entry. Widely distributed products launched since 2023 are welcome to submit an entry. Widely distributed products launched before 2023 are not eligible.
- Company must have a TTB license, and the product must have a Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval (COLA).
- All product entries must be listed on a completed registration form, and a 2-3 minute video submission must be received by dates noted in application. Failure to submit any of these items properly may result in disqualification.
- All entrees submitted accurately and on time, will be reviewed and considered.
- All selected finalists must exhibit at Access LIVE 2026 OR purchase a Brand Battle package (options and pricing listed below) no later than December 15, 2025. This ensures all finalists can compliantly promote and sample their product at Brand Battle in Las Vegas.
- All selected finalists must be present at Access LIVE for Brand Battle.
- Presenter(s) must be 21 years old or older.
November 19, 2025: Brand Battle Applications Due
December 10, 2025: Finalists Notified
December 15, 2025: Deadline for all finalists to have confirmed their place in Brand Battle & indicate how they are participating at Access LIVE
January 5, 2026: Contenders and Judges to be announced
February 3, 2026 @ 8:30 am: Brand Battle Championship
- Raise your brand's profile, prestige, and credibility with industry decision-makers and influencers.
- Opportunity to showcase your product to top wholesaler & retailer decision-makers from across the country and receive valuable feedback.
- All finalists will receive digital images to promote their participation in this event.
- Establish confidence that your product has what it takes to excel in a dynamic marketplace.
- Learn how to improve your marketing, product and pitch.
- Gain insider insight into what makes brands successful.
- We work with our media partners to highlight the finalists and champion.
- Champion will receive benefits in 2026, as well as at Access LIVE in 2027.
- All finalists are invited to an exclusive reception at Access LIVE that includes industry media, and wholesalers.
The following details criteria the Selection Committee will evaluate when reviewing all applicants and determining Brand Battle finalists.
- Review the entry form and product description.
- Watch the entry video to determine if the presentation is dynamic and the story and/or product compelling. 2-3 minute entry video can be anything from a highly produced asset to a simple selfie-style video recording of your brand story.
- Selection Committee will choose the Brand Battle finalists based on information provided in the entry form and video.
- 2026 Access LIVE exhibitors will receive priority consideration to enter the battle.
- All entrants will be notified whether or not they are chosen to move forward as a finalist.
As a chosen finalist &/or winner of Brand Battle, you will receive many benefits in addition to the bragging rights that your product was declared the“Brand Battle Champion.” Being a winner will give the industry confidence that your brand is a rising star positioned for success in the industry!
Brand Battle Finalists receive:
- Complimentary TASTE Table
- Finalist Digital Assets to use to promote participation in advance of event
- Promotion on WSWA’s website, in email marketing, and on social media
- Recognition in Las Vegas on show floor and at TASTE
- Opportunities to meet with industry media
- $500 discount on 2027 Exhibit Booth in Dallas, TX!
Brand Battle Champion receives:
- 1 (one) complimentary 10”x10” Exhibit Booth at the 2027 Access LIVE ($4,000 value).
- Brand Battle Champion Award, presented on the Main Stage at Access LIVE 2026.
- Brand Battle Champion digital award file for use in marketing collateral.
- Invitation to sit on the WSWA Access Craft advisory board.
- Additional exposure to industry experts and media!