Opening General Session: 24 Hours Inside the President's Bunker, 9/11/01: The White House with Crisis Leadership and Decision-Making Expert, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Darling
On September 11th, 2001, Lieutenant Colonel Darling was working in the White House Military Office and was initially tasked to coordinate airlift assets for the President’s evacuation to an undisclosed site. However, he was quickly recruited to provide his military expertise and became a liaison between the Vice President, National Security Advisor and the Pentagon. During the next 24 hours he received real time information from numerous government agencies and worked directly with the National Command Authority to respond to the terrorist attacks. Lieutenant Colonel Darling witnessed firsthand the enormity of the crisis leadership decisions that were made that day on behalf of all Americans. This presentation is designed to ensure we, as a nation, never forget the events of 9/11/01, and to inspire all leaders to take the necessary steps within their power to protect and safeguard their employees, their organizations, and their communities.
Tariffs & Trade: Where Are We?
Tariffs and trade have been a fixture of the news cycle for some time. But as administrations and policies shift, agencies and businesses must follow suit. While this is true for any sector, the agricultural underpinnings of alcohol and the international nature of its profile make the sector disproportionately exposed to these changes. In this session, experts will discuss the nuts and bolts of tariffs, how they are applied, and what impact those changes may have on private sector entities as well as the agencies charged with their oversight.
Navigating Today’s Economic Landscape
Tariffs, inflation, a change in consumer preferences, AI, and evolving regulations are some of today’s beverage alcohol market conditions. How are control systems and the beverage industry surviving these challenges? What makes this lived experience different than the challenges previously faced? Hear what industry partners are discovering and how a control system handled an unexpected legislative decision that impacted its bottom line.
Morning General Session: The Changing Retail Environment with Phil Lempert, the Supermarket Guru
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AI and Predictive Analytics
Artificial Intelligence continues to make inroads beyond Generative AI and Natural Language processing. In particular, new AI solutions leverage language model architectures to provide pretrained time series forecasting models. In this session, we will examine the potential of harnessing AI technologies for forecasting, inventory planning, and operational analysis. We will include a discussion of how AI models can be trained on state-controlled data and what outcomes they may deliver, both from a decision-making and resource-efficiency perspective, while ensuring data privacy and security
Striking the Balance Between Public Health Messaging and Enjoyment
It is a delicate balance working in the beverage alcohol space while attempting to address policies and practices that at times can seem at odds with one another. In this session, our panel will explore the “dual mandate” that control jurisdictions have and discuss innovative communications strategies for elevating responsibility messaging and promoting effective ways to change consumption behavior.
The Critical Role of Alcohol Law Enforcement in Public Safety
The landscape of alcohol law enforcement stands as a beacon of public safety, navigating through the complexities that the regulation, sale, and consumption of alcohol present in our communities. This session aims to highlight the pivotal role that alcohol law enforcement plays in maintaining public safety, emphasizing the nuanced challenges and responsibilities that officers face in this crucial area. In an era where alcohol remains a central figure in social gatherings, celebrations, and daily life, the enforcement of alcohol-related laws is more critical than ever. This session also examines the complexities of alcohol law enforcement, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted relationship between alcohol regulation and community safety.
Where Did All the Sales Go?
After more than 30 years of steady growth, the beverage alcohol industry is entering a period of decline, driven by disruptive forces beyond traditional competition. This session will examine the current state of the market across both Open and Control States, with a focus on the three major segments—Spirits, Wine, and Beer. Industry trade associations representing each segment will share their perspectives on the challenges ahead and how they see the future taking shape
History of Our ABC System
As the country looks to celebrate its 250th year, the Prohibition era remains a powerful period in the history of the nation that continues to make its mark on the states of the union as its end brought about the ABC system. This session will highlight the history of the ABC System, from Rockefeller’s commissioning of the report that became Toward Liquor Control to the creation of NABCA and the three-tier system and the privatization of the system in Washington state. Experts will discuss how foundational policies shaped today’s alcohol landscape and industry dynamics, and attendees will gain a clearer perspective on the rationale behind the structures to maintain the balance between public health and safety and alcohol access and availability.
Priming Your Legislators to Understand the Value of the Control Model
In today’s rapidly evolving alcohol regulatory environment, ensuring that legislators understand the critical benefits of the control model is more important than ever. This session is designed to empower administrators with practical strategies and communication tools to advocate for the enduring advantages of the control model. Participants will explore how to effectively convey the significant contributions of the control model, including increased public safety, stable revenue generation, and enhanced regulatory compliance. Our expert speakers will guide attendees through the nuances of legislative communication, offering insights on how to engage with legislators, present data-driven arguments, and collaborate with stakeholders to highlight the value of the control model. This session will combine panel discussions and case studies, equipping attendees with practical skills and knowledge to positively influence legislative perspectives and policy outcomes. Whether you are new to legislative advocacy or seeking to refine your existing skills, this session will provide valuable insights into making a compelling case for the control model. This session is ideal for state control agency staff, compliance officers, policy makers, and anyone involved in regulatory affairs or government relations within the beverage alcohol sector. Key Takeaways: 1. Understanding key legislative concerns and how to address them regarding the control model. 2. Techniques for effective communication and persuasion with legislative bodies. 3. Best practices for using data and real-world examples to support the control model's benefits. 4. Strategies for building and maintaining relationships with legislators and stakeholders.
Closing General Session: Hemp THC Beverages: Regulations and How Control States Can Better Regulate These Products
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