9^th World Whiskies Conference packed with interest 

The 9^th World Whiskies Conference has a full programme of topics for delegates from around the world. Keynote speaker Mike Keyes, President North American Region, Brown Forman, will start the day, and Dr Nick Morgan, Diageo, is the guest Lunch Speaker. 

The one day global whiskies business summit takes place in New York at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, on Tuesday April 8, 2014 and includes these leading lights from the global industry: 

• Richard Paterson, Master Blender, Whyte and Mackay
• Bernie Lubbers, Brand Ambassador, Heaven Hill Distilleries
• Michael Payne, Executive Director, International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores
• Daniel Fisher, Senior Vice President, Spirits Portfolio, Astor Wines & Spirits
• Lawson Whiting, Senior Vice President, Chief Brands Officer, Brown Forman
• Meghan Labot, Vice President Strategy, Spring Design Partners, Inc
• Pramod Krishna, Director General, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies
• Frank Coleman, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Distilled Spirits Council
• Ralph Erenzo, Sales and Marketing, Hudson Whiskey / Tuthilltown
• David Blackmore, The Glenmorangie Company
• Alan Kropf, Director of Education, Anchor Brewers & Distillers
• David Gerzof Richard, Emerson College Professor of Digital Media & Marketing
• Ross Hendry, Director, International Sales, Corby
• David Ozgo, Chief Economist, Distilled Spirits Council 

“The global whiskies business continues to surge and the World Whiskies Conference offers a unique environment in which to learn from the best to harness growth and development of your own business,” says Damian Riley-Smith, Conference Director. 

Topics at the 2014 World Whiskies Conference are: 

• Growth trends in the U.S. whiskey market.  Deluxe Canadian whiskies, ultra-premium Bourbon, Irish whiskey. Fatigue with Scotch or growing the market?
• Panel Debate.  The impact of craft and its effects on the market; opportunity or threat to established brands
• Reaching out to luxury markets.  Can American and Canadian whiskies thrive in new markets abroad, and how? China and India; what has worked and what has not?
• Flavoured whisky.  With the massive uptake of flavoured whisky in North America, does this help the category or harm it?
• Travel retail.  Expensive marketing or essential profile? What are the criteria for entry and success? Is it worth the investment?
• Traditional marketing in a social media world.  How should traditional marketing methods mix with social media marketing?
• New product design.  How does good product design influence sales? What are the key elements of great design? Which designs have worked, and which not.
• Taste the difference.  Taste the difference between different priced whiskies. Why does one justify a higher price? Is it all about the flavor? Is it the age? How influential is the packaging?  

Delegate booking is available from www.worldwhiskiesconference.com and starts at $425.