Wine Business Monthly Acquires WITS, The Wine Industry Technology Symposium

Wine Business Monthly Acquires WITS, The Wine Industry Technology Symposium

by | Jun 25, 2015 | 2015 Event, Blog, Event

Wine Business Monthly Acquires WITS,

The Wine Industry Technology Symposium

11th Annual Wine Industry Technology Symposium Taking Place Today Developed for Wine Business Leaders, Marketers, Innovators in 2005

 

(NAPA, Calif.) – The Wine Communications Group’s Wine Business Monthly announced the acquisition of WITS, the Wine Industry Technology Symposium® today in Napa, CA. WITS® was founded in 2005 and is conducting its 11th Annual symposium today and Friday.

Eric Jorgensen, President of Wine Communications Group, said, “We have always had a strong interest in how the wine industry uses technology. Smoke and Lesley have done a remarkable job over the past decade of bringing the industry together around this important topic. We welcome both of them and everyone involved with WITS to the Wine Communications Group family”

“The Wine Industry Technology Symposium has been responsible for raising the level of dialogue and thinking around technology in the wine industry. I am proud of our efforts at bringing the industry together around these important topics and of playing our small part in improving wine business practices. Most importantly, I’m grateful to the many people who have played a role in making WITS a success over the years. It would never have been possible without Kathy and Waunice at the Wine Symposium Group, our Winery CIOs and Advisory Board and all the great sponsors going back to the beginning. I have many friends as a result of WITS who have enriched my life in so many ways,” said J. Smoke Wallin, founder and co-chairman of WITS.

WITS Promo PHoto

“I have long admired Eric’s team and vision for the Wine Communications Group. WITS will be a perfect fit to their strategic vision, which gives WITS a long-term platform upon which to thrive. This was our most important criteria in a partner for WITS,” said Lesley Berglund, co-chairman of WITS and co-founder and chairman of the Wine Industry Sales Education (WISE) Academy.

The transaction is expected to close in July and terms were not disclosed.

About Wine Communications Group:

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Wine Communications Group, Inc. is the leading information and services provider for the global wine industry.
Publishers of winebusiness.com, the leading web site for the trade, and two of the industry’s leading print publications, Wine Business Monthly and Wines & Vines, we are dedicated to meeting the wine industry’s needs for information, analysis, resources and tools. Wine Communications Group, Inc has put together a suite of products that bring to the industry practical information, cutting edge research, recruiting tools, daily news services and a comprehensive directory.

 

About WITS:

wits logo

The Wine Industry Technology Symposium® (WITS) is the focal point for thought leadership in the strategic and tactical use of technology in the global wine industry. WITS was created in 2005 by a group of wine industry and technology professionals to advance innovation and to address the unique information technology and service needs of the wine industry. The 11th annual WITS is June 25 – 26, 2015 in Napa, California. To learn more, join WITS on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn

 

For more information, go to www.WineIndustryTechnologySymposium.com

Wine and Tech Innovators Gathering this week in Napa

Wine and Tech Innovators Gathering this week in Napa

by | Jun 22, 2015 | 2015 Event

Wine and Tech Innovators Gathering this week in Napa

11th Annual Wine Industry Technology Symposium

Developed for Wine Business Leaders, Marketers, Innovators

 WITS collage 2015

(NAPA, Calif.) – Technology leaders in both marketing and wine including Brad Rosen of DRYNC, Joe Rosenberg of Google, Paul Mabray of VinTank a W20 Company, Michael Pavone of quench, Brian Rosen of Rosen Retail for Adult Beverage, Josh Saunders of Uncorkd and Max Kalehoff of Social Code are set to engage and inspire attendees with the latest information and ideas this week at the 11th Annual Wine Industry Technology Symposium (WITS) set for June 25-26, 2015 at the Napa Valley Marriott in Napa, California.

Brad Rosen, CEO of DRYNC shared, “The biggest game changer is consumer expectation. The convenience of mobile technology in particular has set a new bar – MAGIC. If your experience is not magical, it is essentially useless in the eyes of the consumer. Immediate access to products at a competitive price and personalized service are table stakes. Consumers have no tolerance for the mediocre, little patience, and high expectations for special treatment. Like never before, you need to know each individual customer and cater to their needs… now.”

“While the information shared at WITS is the foundation of the program, the incredible tech-related experts from both inside and outside the wine business drive the event, ignite the sharing of ideas and really fire up the pace! This year we have a rich, multi-layered program of inspirational keynote presentations and idea-sparking round table discussions with experts on the first day, as well as the more in-depth breakout sessions on day number two,” said Lesley Berglund, co-chairman of WITS and co-founder and chairman of the Wine Industry Sales Education (WISE) Academy.

Paul Mabray of VinTank, A W20 Company said, “Technology and the ‘internet of things’ allows us to bypass traditional market research, which many times becomes stale by the time it’s complete, and opens up opportunities around location-based marketing, identifying influencers and our customer’s interests. Now we can learn in real time who our target audience is, what they’re talking about and interested in online, and actually pivot in the middle of campaigns, if necessary. We’re able to reach our ‘true market’ instead of guessing about a broader audience.”

“The Wine Industry Technology Symposium has always kept pace with the rapidly evolving technology of the day. It’s transformational as we produce this event year after year, to reveal the hottest trends emerging at the crossroads of wine and technology from marketing and consumer interaction to wine production and vineyard management,” said J. Smoke Wallin, founder and co-chairman of WITS.

To really use hand-on technology to take things to the next level, “Multi-rotor small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (sUAVs), commonly known as drones, provide the opportunity for exceptional high-definition aerial still photography and videography. The resulting imagery can be used by winery owners in developing marketing campaigns, while vineyard owners find aerial imagery useful in identifying problem spots and leveraging the additional perspective for general vineyard maintenance,” shared Jim Brammer of Soaring Vistas Media.

Registration is now open, attendees can view the entire two-day program and register at www.wineindustrytechnologysymposium.com.

About WITS:

The Wine Industry Technology Symposium® (WITS) is the focal point for thought leadership in the strategic and tactical use of technology in the global wine industry. WITS was created in 2005 by a group of wine industry and technology professionals to advance innovation and to address the unique information technology and service needs of the wine industry. The 11th annual WITS will be held June 25 – 26, 2015 in Napa, California. To learn more, join WITS on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn

For more information, go to www.WineIndustryTechnologySymposium.com or contact Waunice Orchid of the Wine Industry Symposium Group at 707-666-2525 or waunice@winesymposium.com.

 

Here is a selection of wineries attending #WITS2015 … Don’t miss out!

Benziger Family Winery,

Mondavi and Family,

Cakebread Cellars,

Caymus Vineyards,

Chateau Montelena Winery,

Clos Du Val Winery,

Constellation Brands,

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant,

Dawns Dream Winery,

Delicato Family Vineyards,

Domaine Carneros,

Duckhorn Vineyards,

eProvenance,

Folio Fine Wine Partners,

Francis Ford Coppola Presents,

Grgich Hill Estates,

Gundlach Bundschu,

J.Lohr Vineyards & Wines,

Jackson Family Wines,

Jamieson Ranch Vineyards,

Kistler Vineyards,

Le Mulet Rouge Vineyards,

Martin Ray Winery,

Mendocino Wine Company,

Opus One Winery,

Pahlmeyer,

Precept Wine,

Ridge Wine,

Robert Young Estate Winery,

Rodney Strong Vineyards,

Scheid Vineyards,

Signorello Estate,

The Hess Collection,

The Other Guys,

Treasury Wine Estates,

Tres Sabores Winery,

Trinchero Family Estates,

USA & Yalumba Wine Company,

Vintage Wine Estates,

Wente Family Estates

My YPO Graduation Remarks – Giving Thanks

My YPO Graduation Remarks – Giving Thanks

by | Jun 14, 2015 | 2015 Event, Blog, Inspiration

YPO Graduation - J Smoke Wallin

Last week, I chose to graduate a bit early from YPO “Young Presidents Organization” into WPO “World Presidents Organization” its sister organization for the over 49 crowd.  While I will remain active in WPO and the Food & Beverage Network and Deal Network in particular, the past twelve years in YPO have enriched my life greatly and its a good moment to reflect on that. Also I’d like to give special thanks to Todd Maurer for his remarks introducing me.  These are my remarks giving thanks at the graduation ceremony.

Todd Maurer giving remarks on Smoke Wallin at YPO graduation 2015

YPO GRADUATION – J. Smoke Wallin

Thanks Todd, I really appreciate your kind words!  Speaking of giving thanks, today is the anniversary of DDay 1944.

In 2003 when I joined YPO and “Forum Unplugged” my kids were 13, 11, 8 and 3, today they are 26, 24, 21 and 16… wow nothing like kids to express the passing of time.

Since then I’ve been blessed with a lifetimes worth of experiences professionally and personally as a direct result of YPO.   This was not an accident.  It did not just happen to me.  You see, I don’t believe in doing things part way.  Either you commit or you do not.  When I joined YPO I made a commitment to give and get as much as I possibly could.

Henry David Thoreau said “True friendship can afford true knowledge. It does not depend on darkness and ignorance.”  This is YPO.

From Australia to India to the UK to cities throughout the US, YPO members have been welcoming and helpful to my family and me.  I know this because I dined at their homes, visited their businesses, attended their events and engaged with them in business.  I know the last 12 years of my life have been greatly enhanced by this commitment.

I will express my gratitude by sharing a couple of stories and mention a few people.

First, I met my wife Anitra on a YPO trip and that changed my life forever.  Thanks Darling.

YPO George HW Bush Event - Smoke & Anitra 2004

YPO George HW Bush Event – Smoke & Anitra 2004

I could stop there, but I won’t.

I joined Forum Unplugged and have had 12 years of deep relationships, friendships and confidences with 22 Forum mates.  They include:

  • Scott Webber
  • Don Palmer
  • Brent Eckhart
  • Mark Jackson
  • Bill McCarthy
  • Allen Furrer
  • Dan Horner
  • Chris Hilger
  • Richard Horn
  • Mike Bosway
  • Matthew Claymon
  • Gregg Schorr
  • Nelson Reyes
  • Jim Rapp
  • Brian Acton
  • Kent Morris
  • Todd Maurer
  • Anthony Brown
  • John Ryan
  • Bryan Brenner
  • Dave Foellinger
  • Dan Filby
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YPO Forum Unplugged

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Aspen_-_YPO

These are some of the finest individuals I’ve ever come to know and I am grateful for all they have done for me in my journey.

Some of our very best friends today are members we met through YPO including Bryan and Lara Sperber in Phoenix and Lesley Berglund in Napa

Through Networks, I’ve expanded my industry network tenfold.  Engagement in networks has been the single most important business and professional development aspect of YPO for me.  Fortunately, I’m excited to be able to continue through WPO as I Chair the 2016 Food & Beverage Roundtable in Napa, CA.

Looking back, I’ve lived so much life over the past 12 years it’s hard to summarize in a couple of minutes.   I’m not alone when I say it has come with great successes and great loss.  I’ve lost partners, friends and employees to both accidents and suicide.  I’ve had incredible business ups and downs and started numerous new ones along the way.  Throughout all of it, I’ve had YPO people to help me be better or simply to be there when I have needed it most.

To all of us, but especially those newer members… I’d like to remind you of some things that did not exist when I joined:

  • starting in my industry – there are 1,000s of new breweries, wineries and spirits brands available today that did not exist
  • There was no iPod or iPhone or iPad
  • There was no Facebook or Twitter
  • No AirBnB or Uber
  • no Freedom Tower
  • no Lucas Oil Stadium

All of these things that are now a part of the world and our every day lives.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

– A. Einstein

Looking forward, what will the next 12 years bring?  I spend a lot of time thinking about what’s next in brands, but I won’t try and answer that question here.  There is one thing that I do know…. I am confident many YPO people will be involved in changing both the world and my life for the better.

Thanks for everything you have given me.

Giving Memorial Day Thanks – “Build Me A Son”

Giving Memorial Day Thanks – “Build Me A Son”

by | May 23, 2015 | 2015 Event, Blog, Inspiration, Leadership

Giving Thanks - Memorial Day 2015

On this Memorial Day weekend I am thinking about all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Freedom. The world we live in is a dangerous one, fraught with men with evil intentions. But for the sacrifice of a brave few, those men would have their way on all. We can see it in places near and far, from the evil men who brutally tortured and killed a YPO family in Washington DC (Savvas Savopoulos) to the evil being inflicted on whole countries in the Middle East. Left unchecked evil prevails. We live in a the greatest country, a place where an individual, no matter if they were born into poverty and extreme disadvantage can do and be anything they set out to achieve. A country where the world’s people, seek out more than any other, to take refuge from evil, to build a better life for their family, to live free. We are all privileged and I give thanks to those who have made it possible.

This poem, by General Douglas MacArthur, commander of the Allied Forces in the Pacific during the great struggle against evil in World War II, has hung on my wall for 26 years. I can think of no better message to all of my children (sons and daughters) than that contained herein.MacArthur on Time

“Build me a son, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

Build me a son whose wishes will not take the place of deeds; a son who will know Thee-and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.

Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

After all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, and the meekness of true strength. Then, I, his father, will dare to whisper, ‘I have not lived in vain.’”

– General Douglas MacArthur

 

As we all enjoy the holiday weekend, including the many who come to town for the Indy 500 Sunday, let’s all take a moment and reflect on these words. Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

With Gratitude,

Smoke

May 23, 2015

Savvas Savopoulos YPO Member

Savvas Savopoulos YPO Member

On my wall since 1989

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The Wallin Children May 2015

Wine and Tech Innovators Gathering this week in Napa

11th Annual Wine Industry Technology Symposium To Feature Thought Leaders at Strategic Wine Industry Summit

by | May 13, 2015 | 2015 Event, Blog

WITS collage 2015

Hot Tech Topics to Include: Explosive Growth of Mobile Apps, Home Alcohol Delivery, Next Gen Cloud Commerce, Security Breach Impact, Central Role of Big Data in Marketing

(NAPA, Calif.) – Wine Industry Technology Symposium (WITS) has announced the keynote speaker line-up for the 11th annual event set for June 25-26, 2015 at the Napa Valley Marriott in Napa, California. An action-packed series of keynotes, as well as focused round tables and in-depth breakout sessions, will cover a wide range of tech-related topics critical to the wine industry today including: mobile e-commerce, data breach and security, breakthrough marketing, supply chain innovation, leading edge hospitality systems, new on-premise kegs and product tracking.

“After more than a decade of great conferences, the Wine Industry Technology Symposium has grown and evolved along with the rapid evolution of tech integration in the wine business. This year’s high-impact keynote presentations reflect the dramatic changes in the wine business driven by the millennial generation of consumers and step changes in technology enabling new business models!” said J. Smoke Wallin, founder and co-chairman of WITS.

“Our 2015 program reflects the insight and direction inspired by the Winery Chief Information Officer (CIO) Forum which WITS has hosted for many years,” said Lesley Berglund, co-chairman of WITS and co-founder and chairman of the Wine Industry Sales Education (WISE) Academy.

The Keynote Lineup Includes:

  • What’s In Store, 2016: Game Changers – Laurie Rains, VP Retail Consulting and Analytics Group, Nielsen
  • Social Media & Legal Regulations - John Hinman, Rebecca Stamey-White & John Edwards – Partners, Hinman & Carmichael
  • Are You Ready for the Future? Exploring Futurist Technology & Its Impact on Wine- Dr. Liz Thach, Professor of Wine Business & Management, Sonoma State University &  Joe Rosenberg, Strategic Partner Manager, Emerging Business Development, Google
  • Art of the Possible – Unlocking Digital for the Wine Industry - Bob Pearson, President & Chief Innovation Officer / W2O Group & Paul Mabray, Group Director / W2O Group
  • The Pinterest for Wine? – Linking Wine Discovery With Purchases - Brad Rosen, CEO, DRYNC
  • Observations & Predictions: Dynamic Food & Beverage Trends - Michael Pavone, President & CEO, quench
  • Clarity in the Cloud - Inderjit Bains, Cloud Consulting Director, Oracle
  • Digital First: Why Marketers are Shifting to Data-Driven Advertising - Max Kalehoff, Chief Marketing Officer, SocialCode
  • How the Power of Information can Override Emotional Decision Making in Price and Promotion - Clay Wallin, Director of Sales, Vistaar
  • Bringing Together the Three-Tier System Into One Sales and Educational Funnel - Brian Rosen, Managing Director, Rosen Retail for Adult Beverage
  • How Technology Is Influencing and Winning Over Wine Consumers - Joshua Saunders, Founder & CEO, Uncorkd
  • Security Trends: Data Protection – It’s all about the Data - Richard Rice, Sr. Security Architect, WaveStrong

Registration is now open with early bird pricing available only through Friday, May 29, 2015. Attendees can view the entire two-day program and register at www.wineindustrytechnologysymposium.com.

About WITS:

The Wine Industry Technology Symposium® (WITS) is the focal point for thought leadership in the strategic and tactical use of technology in the global wine industry. WITS was created in 2005 by a group of wine industry and technology professionals to advance innovation and to address the unique information technology and service needs of the wine industry. The 11th annual WITS will be held June 25 – 26, 2015 in Napa, California. To learn more, join WITS on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn

For more information, contact Kathy Archer of the Wine Industry Symposium Group at 707-666-2525 or kathy@winesymposium.com. For sponsorship and registration, contact Waunice Orchid of the Wine Industry Symposium Group at 707-666-2525 or waunice@winesymposium.com.

Real Leaders and Inspiration: Takeaways From Entrepreneurship @ Cornell #ESHIP15

Real Leaders and Inspiration: Takeaways From Entrepreneurship @ Cornell #ESHIP15

by | Apr 24, 2015 | 2015 Event, Blog, Leadership, venture capital

Cornell ESHIP cover photo

I had the opportunity to participate in Entrepreneurship @ Cornell last week. Besides it being enjoyable to get back to campus after a 15-year hiatus, I left feeling inspired by the people I met. This included my fellow speakers, attendees, the faculty and most importantly the Cornell students. Anyone worried about the state of America today and the next generation of leaders need only spend a week like mine to gain a renewed sense of optimism. More than anything, the drive to create new enterprises to solve new and old problems with innovative approaches and the sense that “no one can stop me” I got from so many individuals was gratifying. Cornell seems to be doing a better job than most university systems in coordinating across the various schools to support and encourage entrepreneurship. As Director of Entrepreneurship @ Cornell, Zach Shulman said, “I have 13 bosses. I report to all 13 Deans and they all support our activities.” The ability to cut across schools as diverse as Agricultural, Business, Hotel, Engineering, Industrial & Labor Relations, Law and support would be entrepreneurs regardless of their chosen field is powerful.

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Jay Walker ‘77, a keynote and founder of Priceline.com and Walker Digital put the entrepreneurial bug in perspective by calling it a “disease”. Do you have it? If you do, you can’t get rid of it. He also made a great point that you don’t build a company with a group of people who ALL have the disease. That would not be successful. You need a team that can build processes, and get things done. That certainly fits my experience. As I said to some of the classes, we are glorifying the entrepreneur this week and it is a great thing. However, one does not build a business with all entrepreneurs. One builds a business with a team of people with complimentary skills and ability to execute. Every visionary who can articulate the future and see what no one else sees, needs someone pulling back asking the questions: that sounds great, but how do we DO that? What needs to be in place to make it work? What about these problems?   One must have a balance and the how do you actually do what is being proposed way of thinking is critical.

Jay Walker @Cornell IMG_5313 Mayor Svante Myrick twitter exchange

Jay went on to identify 10 ‘superforces’ – Jay Walker shares 10 ‘superforces’ of the business future. At the opening night banquet, the superstar Mayor of Ithaca, Svante Myrick addressed the group. Mayor Myrick is truly a remarkable leader. He called all entrepreneurs the “annoying” people without whom, nothing would change. When I commented to Jay Walker that I’d like to see Mayor Myrick in higher office, he said something with which I immediately agreed… “We need fresh leadership doing good things at the local level. Let him do that now.” In the excitement for how good I think he is and his potential on a larger stage, its easy to forget that we need a whole bunch of Svante Myricks doing exactly what he is doing locally in this country. The Mayor and I got into a little twitter exchange after his talk above.

Tech Entrepreneurship Roundtable Prgm image IMG_5281IMG_5320IMG_5284 Smoke at Cornell - Hosp Roundtable

Leading into the celebration, I had the privilege of participating on the CHR Technology Entrepreneurship Roundtable at the Cornell Hotel School. This roundtable was of the highest caliber and I really enjoyed learning from and debating the latest developments in hospitality and how technology is affecting everyone’s businesses.   There are several people I met through the roundtable with whom I will remain friends far into the future. I presented the case for why today is better than any other time for new brands to reach their audience, which led the group to a discussion of the asynchronistic nature of startup/new brands vs large established brands. This applies to hotels and to beverage brands. The bottom line is using today’s technology, a new brand can communicate with its core following or “Tribe” directly, something that in the past was nearly impossible or cost prohibitive to do. Larger established brands have a much harder time competing at that level and by their very definition, cannot micro market as easily.

I also really enjoyed sharing stories of our entrepreneurial journey on the CEN panel on Friday with Panelists:
Jamey Edwards ’96, MBA ’03, CEO, Emergent Medical Associates
Carl Forsythe MBA ’82, President & CEO, Globe Composite Solutions
Smoke Wallin ‘88, CEO, Taliera

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Jamey and Carl both brought great perspectives as we took turns telling stories and engaging with the audience.

The Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship hosted two panel/socials that promoted a group of entrepreneurs interacting with students. Both of these were a lot of fun as I enjoyed the panels and students!

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Finally, I’ve had a half dozen follow up calls and discussions with student entrepreneurs since last week. These folks are pushing ahead with their various new ventures and represent the future of our country. I am pleased that I can play a small role in giving them input/guidance on their respective journeys.

 

Cheers

Smoke

 

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