Liquor associations offer an abundance of business opportunities and positive exposure for your business. In addition to the industry members of the liquor trade association, you will have opportunities to meet and get to know other members of the organizations for liquor stores, including business leaders that support the liquor organization.

Affiliation with liquor and spirits professional organizations provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests while you support the industry. Membership in a liquor industry association often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional liquor associations offer even more chances to network with local business leaders in your community. Approach your membership in a liquor trade association from a variety of perspectives.

1. Expand your network through liquor professional organizations

2. Support the industry by participating in liquor trade associations

3. Stay informed with liquor organization publications

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Develop business contacts in liquor professional organizations

Liquor trade associations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At liquor trade association events, as well as through various committees in which you can participate, you will have numerous occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support and work within the liquor industry. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: The Kentucky Distillers’ Association represents all things bourbon and whiskey through trade shows, educational opportunities and events. You’ll meet a slew of professionals in the Wine and Spirits Wholesale Association.

Demonstrate your interest by joining liquor associations

If you want to do business with liquor professionals, you will want to show your support while building relationships with national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in a liquor organization with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is a liquor trade association representing producers and marketers in the industry. The American Beverage Institute joins the spirits industry with the restaurant professionals on issues that affect the dining-out arenas of trade.

Keep your company in the loop with liquor trade association publications

While you may not have time to participate in a trade group or volunteer on a committee, you can take advantage of membership in liquor organizations through the myriad publications they put out. By keeping up with the reports and news in the industry, you can pick and choose which events will be most beneficial for you to attend while keeping updated on changes or news that affects liquor associations industry-wide.

I recommend: In addition to events and conventions, the Beer Institute provides a library of resources that impact the industry. The National Restaurant Association provides a lot of opportunities to receive industry updates that affect the liquor and spirits professional organizations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join a committee in a liquor industry association to develop closer relationships with others who could provide sources of business for your company.