More than 725 spirits industry leaders and supply chain partners gathered last week in San Diego for the sold-out annual conference hosted by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) in collaboration with Women of the Vine & Spirits Global CONNECT.

The conference, held March 4-6, brought together leaders and speakers from inside and outside of the spirits sector to network, share ideas and drive innovation in the marketplace. Featured speakers Guy Fieri and Dan Butkus of Santo Spirits kicked off the conference with a lively session on supporting the spirit of hospitality.

Other session topics covered courageous leadership, DEI integration, innovation and more. The conference also featured a trade show and tasting floor with representation from spirits producers and brand owners around the country.

During the conference, DISCUS launched the Cocktail Party, a fictional political party with the goal of unifying adult consumers around key issues facing the distilled spirits industry. The party’s nominee, “Cher A. Spirit,” was also in attendance to meet attendees and take photos with supporters.

Women of the Vine & Spirits announced the launch of 86 Harassment, an industry-wide initiative supported by DISCUS, with a dedicated website and resources to address sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries.

Devil’s Cask was named the grand winner of DISCUS’ Innovation Showcase Competition sponsored by The Spearhead Group, and a number of distinguished industry leaders were honored at a special award dinner held on the flight deck of the USS Midway, a historic U.S. naval aircraft carrier and museum.

Award winners included:

DISCUS Lifetime Achievement Award 2024: Jim Bareuther, Former Chief Operating Officer at Brown-Forman

DISCUS Impact Award for Emerging Leaders: Arielle Pierre, Associate Manager of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (IDE) at Moët Hennessy USA

DISCUS Dave Pickerell Memorial Craft Member of the Year 2024: Brooke Glover, CEO and Co-Founder of Swilled Dog

DISCUS DEI Leadership Award 2024:Hillary Wirtz, Senior Director Culture & Inclusion, Breakthru Beverage

DISCUS Top Shelf Award 2024: Senator Bill Dodd (D-CA)