Skip to Main Content

2016 Agenda

    View the 2016 Women of the Vine Global Symposium Program Guide - Click Here:

                                            Women of the Vine Global Symposium

                                          The Meritage Resort and Spa

                                                                                                           875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, 94558                                             

                                                                                                                  Monday, April 4, 2016                   

    2:00PM

    6:00PM

    Early Registration Opens

    2:00PM

    4:30PM

    Spritz & Splash

    At the Pool

    4:30PM

    6:30PM
    Welcome Meet & Greet
    Mules, Magnums, Martinis & Drams
    Vineyard Terrace

     

                                                   Tuesday, April 5, 2016

    7:00 AM

    8:30AM

    Registration Open

    7:00AM

    8:30AM

    Continental Breakfast

    8:30AM

    9:00AM
    Welcome and Introduction
    Meritage Ballroom
    Deborah Brenner, Founder & President, Women of the Vine Alliance
    Introduction of the Advisory Board

    9:00AM

    10:30AM

    General Session

    Meritage Ballroom

    Keynote Speaker

    Lynda Spillane 
    Public Speaking Coach & Speechwriter for Heads of State, Presidents, 
    CEOs and Executives, The Persuasive Word Inc.

    "Brilliant Women, Excellent Speakers"

    10:30AM

    10:45AM

    Break

    10:45AM

    12:00PM

    General Session

    Meritage Ballroom

    Finding The Time: Balancing Work, Relationships And Life

    Moderator: Alison Jerden, Senior Director of Human Resources for Domestic Sales and Distributors, E. & J. Gallo Winery
    Panelists:
    Barb Egenhofer, Senior Vice President Human Resources, Wine & Spirits Division,Constellation Brands, Inc.
    Jennifer DePaola, Vice President Human Resources & Chief Diversity Officer, Young’s Market Company
    Rachel Seder, Sr. Director, Talent Acquisition/Diversity & Inclusion, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.
    Kelly Gamble, Vice President, Human Resources, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
    Lorraine Luke, Vice President Human Resources, Republic National Distributing Co.

    12:00PM

    1:15PM

    Networking Lunch

    1:30PM

    2:30PM
    General Session
    Meritage Ballroom
    Keynote Speaker
    Stephanie Gallo
    Vice President of Marketing, E. J. Gallo Winery
    “Cultivating Boldness for Personal Growth and Professional Gain”

    2:30PM

    2:45PM

    Break

    2:45PM

    4:00PM

    General Session

    Meritage Ballroom

    Spirited Women: Taking The Lead

    Moderator: Susan Kostrzewa, Executive Editor,Wine Enthusiast Magazine
    Panelists:
    Cristina Mariani-May,Co-Chief Executive Officer, Banfi Vintners
    Sandra LeDrew,  Wine & Spirits Industry Executive
    Victoria MacRae-Samuels, Vice President of Operations, Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc.
    Clarice Turner, Senior Vice President GM Americas Business, Starbucks
    Susan McCollum, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Major Brands Premium

    4:00PM

    4:15PM

    Break

    4:15PM

    5:30PM

    Break Out Session #1

    Speak Up: Unlock Your Confidence to Stand Out

    Moderator: Leslie Sbrocco, Wine Educator, Author, Consultant, Speaker, LJS Productions
    Panelists:
    Maeve Pesquera, Director of Wine, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

    Vanessa Kay, Senior Vice President  Veuve Clicquot, Krug and Ruinart USA, Moët Hennessy USA
    Marilisa Allegrini, Chief Executive Officer, Allegrini Estates
    Nikki Mason Bazzo, Account Executive, American Wine and Spirits

    4:15PM

    5:30PM

    Break Out Session #2

    The Future Of Wine: Preparing The Next Generation 

    Moderator: Guy Noel Stout, M.S.,CWE, Corporate National Accounts On Premise, Glazer's

    Panelists:
    Margo Van Staaveren, Winemaker, Chateau St. Jean
    Laure Colombo, Winemaker, Vins Jean-Luc Colombo
    Alison Crowe, Winemaker, Picket Fence, Garnet Vineyards
    Gina Gallo, Senior Director of Winemaking, E. & J. Gallo Winery
    Chrissy Wittmann, Director of Winemaking, General Manager, Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards

    4:15PM

    5:30PM

    Break Out Session #3

    Navigating the Career Jungle

    Moderator: Josh Wand, Founder & Motivator in Chief, Force Brands (FoodForce/ BevForce)
    Panelists:
    Helen Mackey, Vice President, Darden Enterprise Beverage Strategy and Innovation, Darden
    Mary Barranco, Vice President, National Training Director, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.
    Dr. Liz Thach, MW, Distinguished Professor of Wine & Management, Sonoma State University
    Colleen Brennan, Vice President, National Accounts On Premise, Rodney Strong Wine Estates
    Meridith May, Publisher/Editorial Director, The Tasting Panel Magazine, The SOMM Journal, The Clever Root

    4:15PM

    5:30PM

    Break Out Session #4

    Choose to be a Mentor – Changing Your Organization Begins with You

    Moderator: Sue Gannon, Vice President, Human Resources, Americas and Global Marketing, Beam Suntory
    Panelists:
    Melissa Devore, Vice President, Wine Buying, Total Wine & More
    Anita Cook-Motard, CSW, GPE, Director of Strategic On Premise Accounts, Glazer’s
    Jaclyn Nelson, Merchandising Buyer, Wine & Spirits, Target Corporation

    Sommer Walker CSS, National Accounts Bacardi USA
    Rita Seguin, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Diageo North America

    4:15PM

    5:30PM

    Break Out Session #5

    Beyond the Social Network: 12 Habits of Highly Effective Digital and Social Marketers

    Moderator: Terry Wheatley, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing,Vintage Wine Estates
    Panelists:
    Karena Breslin, Vice President, Digital Marketing, Constellation Brands, Inc.
    Simeen Mohsen,Vice President, Strategy & Integration, Vintages by Harlequin
    Ashley Ceraolo, Vice President of Marketing, Digital & Social Media, California Pizza Kitchen
    Cynthia Lohr, Owner, Trade and Brand Advocate, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
     

    4:15PM

    5:30PM

    Break Out Session #6

    Negotiating Tips: Make it a Win/Win

    Moderator: Cathy Huyghe, Hungry for Wine (author), Forbes.com (columnist), Enolytics (co-founder)
    Panelists:
    Rachael Ellas, Northwest Region Vice President, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
    Tina Boyle, Beer, Wine & Spirits Buyer, Costco
    Kristen R. Decker, President, Global Wine Company, Inc.
    Rebecca Jensen Running, Vice President National Accounts, Infinium Spirits
     

     

     

    Dinner on Own

    9:00PM

    11:00PM

    Bubbles & Fries®

    After Hours Party
    The Meritage Wine Cave

     

                                                     Wednesday, April 6, 2016

    7:00 AM

    9:00AM

    Registration

    7:00AM

    9:00AM

    Continental Breakfast

    9:00AM

    9:15AM
    General Session
    Meritage Ballroom
    Opening Remarks by Deborah Brenner
    Welcome to Day Two
     

     

    9:15AM

     

    10:15AM
    General Session
    Meritage Ballroom
    Keynote Speaker
    Maggie Henriquez
    President and CEO, House of Krug
    “Opening Doors: 30 Years and Counting”

    10:15AM

    10:30AM

    Break

    10:30AM

    12:00PM
     
    General Session
    Meritage Ballroom
     “Unsung Heroines”
    Moderator: Eric Asimov, Chief Wine Critic, The New York Times
    Panelists:
    Karen King, Director of On Premise Development, Winebow
    Beth von Benz, Wine Consultant , MVB Consulting

    Gillian Ballance MS, Education Manager, Treasury Wine Estates

    12:00PM

    1:30PM

    Networking Lunch

     

    1:15PM

     

    2:00PM
    Book Signing & Meet the Authors
    Eric Asimov, Deborah Brenner, Alison Crowe, Susan Sokol Blosser, Dr. Liz Thach
    Copperfield's Bookstore in Pre-Function Area, Meritage Ballroom

                                          BREAK OUT SESSIONS FROM DAY 1 TO BE REPEATED ON DAY 2

    2:00PM

    3:15PM

    Break Out Session #1

    Speak Up: Unlock Your Confidence to Stand Out

    Moderator: Leslie Sbrocco, Wine Educator, Author, Consultant, Speaker, LJS Productions
    Panelists:
    Maeve Pesquera, Director of Wine, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
    Vanessa Kay, Senior Vice President  Veuve Clicquot, Krug and Ruinart USA, Moët Hennessy USA
    Marilisa Allegrini, Chief Executive Officer, Allegrini Estates
    Nikki Mason Bazzo, Account Executive, American Wine and Spirits

    2:00PM

    3:15PM

    Break Out Session #2

    The Future Of Wine: Preparing The Next Generation 

    Moderator: Guy Noel Stout, M.S., CWE, Corporate National Accounts On Premise, Glazer's

    Panelists:
    Margo Van Staaveren, Winemaker, Chateau St. Jean
    Laure Colombo, Winemaker, Vins Jean-Luc Colombo
    Alison Crowe, Winemaker, Picket Fence, Garnet Vineyards
    Gina Gallo, Senior Director of Winemaking, E. & J. Gallo Winery

    Chrissy Wittmann, Director of Winemaking, General Manager, Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards

    2:00PM

    3:15PM

    Break Out Session #3

    Navigating the Career Jungle

    Moderator: Josh Wand, Founder & Motivator in Chief, BevForce
    Panelists:
    Helen Mackey, Vice President, Darden Enterprise Beverage Strategy and Innovation, Darden
    Mary Barranco, Vice President, National Training Director, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.
    Colleen Brennan, Vice President, National Accounts On Premise, Rodney Strong Wine Estates
    Tammy LaNasa, Director of National Accounts, Fetzer Vineyards
    Meridith May, Publisher/Editorial Director, The Tasting Panel Magazine, The SOMM Journal, The Clever Root

    2:00PM

    3:15PM

    Break Out Session #4

    Choose to be a Mentor – Changing Your Organization Begins with You

    Moderator: Sue Gannon, Vice President, Human Resources, Americas and Global Marketing, Beam Suntory
    Panelists:
    Melissa Devore, Vice President of Wine Buying, Total Wine & More
    Anita Cook-Motard, CSW, GPE, Director of Strategic On Premise Accounts, Glazer’s
    Jaclyn Nelson, Merchandising Buyer, Wine & Spirits, Target Corporation

    Sommer Walker CSS, National Accounts Bacardi USA
    Rita Seguin, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Diageo North America

    2:00PM

    3:15PM

    Break Out Session #5

    Beyond the Social Network: 12 Habits of Highly Effective Digital and Social Marketers

    Moderator: Terry Wheatley, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing,Vintage Wine Estates
    Panelists:
    Karena Breslin, Vice President, Digital Marketing, Constellation Brands, Inc.
    Simeen Mohsen,Vice President, Strategy & Integration, Vintages by Harlequin
    Ashley Ceraolo, Vice President of Marketing, Digital & Social Meida, California Pizza Kitchen
    Cynthia Lohr, Owner, Trade and Brand Advocate, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wine
     

    2:00PM

    3:15PM

    Break Out Session #6

    Negotiating Tips: Make it a Win/Win

    Moderator: Cathy Huyghe, Hungry for Wine (author), Forbes.com (columnist), Enolytics (co-founder)
    Panelists:
    Rachael Ellas, Northwest Region Vice President, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
    Tina Boyle, Beer, Wine & Spirits Buyer, Costco
    Kristen R. Decker, President, Global Wine Company, Inc.
    Rebecca Jensen Running, Vice President National Accounts, Infinium Spirits
     

    3:15PM

    4:00PM

    Break - Prosecco and Popsicles!

    4:00PM

    5:15PM

    General Session

    Family Ties: Taking the Reins

    Meritage Ballroom

    How successful families handle business, interpersonal and intergenerational relations?

    Moderator: Susan Sokol Blosser, Founder, Sokol Blosser Vineyards, OR
    Panelists
    Carolyn Wente, Chief Executive Officer, Wente Vineyards
    Roberta Morrell, Sr. Consultant, Morrell & Co.
    Violet Grgich, Proprietor, Vice President, Operations, Grgich Hills Estate
    Donna Morris, Proprietor, Winderlea Vineyard
     

    5:15PM

    5:45PM
    General Session
    Meritage Ballroom
    Deborah Brenner &
    Women of the Vine Advisory Board
    Closing remarks

     

    6:00PM

     

     

    9:30PM

     
    Passport: Sip Around the World
    Vineyard Terrace