200 Emerging Beer Industry Leaders Gather for NBWA’s 14th Annual Next Generation Conference

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The future of beer and beverage distribution shone brightly at the National Beer Wholesalers Association's (NBWA) 14th Annual Next Generation Success in Leadership Conference, where 200 rising industry leaders gathered to strengthen managerial skills, exchange best practices and explore trends shaping the industry.

"As the beer distribution industry continues to evolve, the next generation of family and emerging leaders play a critical role in navigating change and positioning NBWA member companies for long-term success," said NBWA Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kim McKinnish. "NBWA's Next Generation Group is an essential industry resource that prepares leaders to think differently, embrace innovation and advocate for the independent beer distribution system that serves Americans well."

Conference sessions addressed timely issues facing the next generation of beer distribution leaders, including:

• Succession planning and governance for multigenerational businesses
• Beverage market trends among younger legal-drinking-age consumers and the growing 60-plus demographic
• The federal policymaking landscape and potential implications of the 2026 midterm elections
• Strategies for maximizing business valuations and positioning their companies for long-term success

The conference also emphasized connections among distributors working across different brands, markets and roles. During the annual "Next Gen Games," attendees participated in friendly competition and assembled music kits for children in the San Diego area.

"One of the most rewarding parts of being involved in Next Gen is seeing the connections formed between people who share a passion for this industry," said Next Generation Group Chair Nick Bland. "Whether you're from a family-owned business that's been around for generations or are just beginning your career in distribution, there's so much we can learn from each other. That sense of community is what makes Next Gen so valuable."

Several emerging distributor leaders took the stage to share best practices that have helped their companies adapt to change and succeed in the market.

• Drew Steber (Gulf Distributing Company) showed how distributors can turn data into action
• Susie O'Dell and Emily Murello (Del Papa Distributing Company) highlighted strategies for succession planning and leadership development
• Christopher Shiner (Heimark Distributing, LLC) explained how to build a roadmap for warehouse automation
• Tyler Denny (Fahr Beverage, Inc.) and Jack Evans (Yahnis Company, Inc.) discussed how distributors can implement AI into their operations

Headline speakers included JB Ryan, Senior Director of Chain Sales for Molson Coors Beverage Company's West Region; Mark Bowden, Founder of TRUTHPLANE and world-renowned body language expert; Jenn Litz-Kirk, Director of Content and Executive Editor of Beer Business Daily; and Wes Verno, Consultant at Verno Consulting.

The 2027 NBWA Next Generation Conference will be held Nov. 9-11 in Boston. It will be the group's 15th event - a milestone reflecting its continued importance for developing leaders and shaping the industry's future.

"There's a reason an NBWA Chair and so many prominent industry leaders have come through this program: Next Gen gives distributors tools to win at every stage of their careers, with peer-to-peer learning across brands and markets that they can't find anywhere else," said McKinnish.

Learn more about NBWA's Next Generation Group.

###