by Smoke | 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
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(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 familyâ€
“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.
“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:
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:
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
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by Smoke | 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
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(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.â€
“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.â€
“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,â€Â 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
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by Smoke | Jun 14, 2015 | 2015 Event, Blog, Inspiration
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. Â I know this because I dined at their homes, visited their businesses, attended their events and engaged with them in business. Â 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
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. Â 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
YPO Forum Unplugged
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.â€
– 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.
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by Smoke | May 13, 2015 | 2015 Event, Blog
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-Â Dr. Liz Thach, Professor of Wine Business & Management, Sonoma State University & Â 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 -Â 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 -Â 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.
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by Smoke | Mar 31, 2015 | 2015 Event, BITS Happenings, WITS Happenings
March 31, 2015Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Contact: Lisa Adams Walter lisa@winesymposium.com
(NAPA, Calif.) —The 11th Annual Wine Industry Technology Symposium (WITS®), the premier event showcasing the strategic use of information technology and services for the wine industry, has been set for June 25-26, 2015 at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel. www.wineindustrytechnologysymposium.com
Executives from wineries, breweries, distributors, retailers and restaurants gather annually at WITS, the only annual conference designed exclusively to foster education and debate around technology solutions for the wine and beverage industry. The 2015 WITS program will include:
- Educational Tracks – Sessions on Technology Leadership, Small Business, Consumer Direct, Trade Sales & Marketing and Vineyard & Winery Operations
- Speed Dating – WITS created “speed dating†for winery and brewery CIOs and technology companies. This will provide opportunities for quality one-on-one time with key decision makers and thought leaders.
- Plus Beer, with BITS – WITS has united leaders in the craft brewing industry to add the Beer Industry Technology Symposium (BITS™) track that runs concurrent with WITS.
“The rapid proliferation of craft brands in wine, spirits and beer is creating unique challenges for all industry participants,†said J. Smoke Wallin, WITS Co-Chair. “WITS is the only place where winery, brewery, distillery, retailer and distributor leaders can sit side by side for a day of learning and discussion to tackle these challenges with CIOs and technology leaders from across the industry,†he added.
The WITS Steering Committee, comprised of technology and business leaders across the wine, beverage and technology industries, is currently finalizing panel topics and keynote speakers. Past speakers have included the CEOs, CIOs and other leaders from Amazon, Facebook, Groupon, Gartner Group, garyvaynerchuk.com, FedEx Office, Nielsen and 1800-Flowers, as well as experts from IBM, Oracle, Cornell University, UC Davis, Sonoma State University and many others.
Attendees and sponsors are encouraged to register early, as space is limited and expected to sell out quickly. Registration will open May 1, 2015. For more information visit www.wineindustrytechnologysymposium.com.
About The Wine Industry Technology Symposium (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 services needs of the wine industry. The 11th annual WITS is June 25-26, 2015 in Napa, CA. For the 2nd year, WITS also includes the Beer Industry Technology Symposium™ (BITS™) track. Join WITS on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more.
For more information, contact Lisa Adams Walter of the Wine Industry Symposium Group at 707-666-2525 or lisa@winesymposium.com.
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by Smoke | May 1, 2014 | 2014 Event
I’m very pleased to announce the initial keynote lineup at this Summer’s WITS and BITS – please see below and registration is now open for the combined event here – Smoke
 Â
10th Annual Wine & Beer Industry Technology Symposium to Unite Thought Leaders at Strategic Summit for Wine and Beer Brands
Hot Tech Topics to include Innovation, Breakthrough Marketing,
Keg Supply Chain Evolution, Data Security Breach, Internet Impact
(NAPA, Calif.) — Wine Industry Technology Symposium (WITS) in collaboration with Beer Industry Technology Symposium (BITS) has announced the Keynote Speakers for the 10th annual event set for June 30 – July 1, 2014 in Napa, California. An action packed series of keynotes will cover a wide range of topics affecting the wine and craft beer industries including: mobile e-commerce, data breach and security, breakthrough marketing, supply chain innovation, leading edge hospitality systems, new on-premise kegs and product tracking. Panels of leading restaurant and grocery operators will also provide valuable insight as they discuss their first-hand experience with wine and beer consumers.
“Every year we have worked hard to up the ante in terms of the quality of keynote speakers and breakout sessions. This year, our board has truly taken the program to a new level for the 10th annual WITS event,†said J. Smoke Wallin, founder and co-chairman of WITS and BITS. “Our new high-impact, rapid fire keynote addresses allow us to pack significantly more content into the event with the sole purpose of creating thought-provoking discussions that will deliver immediate take home value to all of our winery and craft brewery attendees.â€
“Upon reflection over the past ten years, and considering the vast evolution of technology in the wine, and now beer, industries, I am very pleased with the dynamic program we have set for 2014. I look forward to welcoming both wine and beer industry leaders, as well as many of today’s leading technology innovators, to our 10th Annual event,†added Lesley Berglund, co-chairman of WITS & BITS and co-founder and chairman of the Wine Industry Sales Education (WISE) Academy.
The Initial Keynote Lineup Includes:
- “Ben Franklin: America’s 1st CMO Would Still Be A Pro in 2014â€
o  Drew Neisser, CEO and Founder of Renegade
- “ROI of Digital Marketing: Myths, Facts & Measurement”
- Karena Breslin, Vice President of Digital Marketing at Constellation Brands Inc.
- “Engaging The Connected Consumers In The Era of Mobile + Digital”
o  Tim Schulz, Google Strategic Partnership Lead
- “Confronting the Inevitable? Data Breach Offense, Defense and Playbook†– Panel
o  John Nicholson, Strategic Negotiator – Strategic Global Sourcing, INFOSYS
o  Gal Shpantzer, Contributing Analyst, Securosis
o  Tom Resau, VP W2 Communications
- “Breakthrough Marketing – Case Studies on Digital Marketingâ€
o  Terry Wheatley, Founder, Canopy Management & Wine Sisterhood
- “Trending Now: Progressive Tech Trends for Enterprising Businessesâ€
o  Sandy Tungare, Founder & CEO Vistaar
- “If Digital Marketing had a Crystal Ballâ€
o  Aliza Sherman, MediaEgg
- “Tech Trends: Predicting Future Technology and ROI by distinguishing between Fads and Trendsâ€
o  Rob Grimes, Founder, CEO and Chairman, Constratech
- “The Internet of Things and the Nexus of Forcesâ€
o  Joseph Farrugia, Domain Lead, Partner, Oracle Enterprise Applications and BI, Gartner Group
- “Applying Technology Innovation to Revolutionize Old School Industriesâ€
o  Steve Hershberger, CEO, SteadyServ Technologies, Brewery Founder, Social Media Founder
- “Grocery And On-Premise Innovators On Technological Transformationsâ€
o  Randall Friedman, Restaurant & Food Group Publisher
o  Eduardo Dingler, Corporate Beverage Director, Morimoto Restaurants
Early bird pricing to attend WITS ends May 30, 2014. Attendees can register at www.wineindustrytechnologysymposium.com and at www.beertechnologysymposium.com beginning May 1.
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 services needs of the wine industry. The 10th annual WITS is June 30 & July 1 in Napa, CA. This year, the newly formed Beer Industry Technology Symposium (BITS) will be held in conjunction with WITS. To learn more, join WITS on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn
About BITS:
The Beer Industry Technology Symposium™ (BITS™) was created to address the unique information technology and services needs of the Beer industry. BITS is dedicated to bringing the world’s leading breweries, distributors and retailers together with the leading technology experts to foster learning and discussion. Expert panels and keynotes discuss leading edge case studies involving consumer direct marketing and sales, operations, financial management, trade sales and distribution, brewing and input management. Join BITS on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn
For more information, contact Kathy Archer of the Wine Industry Symposium Group at 707-261-8719 or kathy@winesymposium.com. For sponsorship and registration, contact Waunice Orchid of the Wine Industry Symposium Group at 707-261-8716 or waunice@winesymposium.com.
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by Smoke | Jul 13, 2013 | 2013 Event, E-commerce, eskye, General Technology, Software, Supply Chain, Technology, WITS Happenings
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone attending WITS on Monday and Tuesday at the Napa Valley Marriott! Â Here is our final announcement re the event…
9th Annual Wine Industry Technology Symposiumâ„¢ – Witsâ„¢ Set To Deliver Action Packed Agenda Next WeekÂ
There is Still Time To Sign Up Today For 9th Annual WITSâ„¢ Â
Beginning Monday, July 15 and 16 @ Napa Valley MarriottÂ
Leading Technology Innovators Demonstrate Latest Products and Services During Sold Out ShowcaseÂ
Napa, CA— July 11, 2013— Wine Industry Technology Symposium (WITS) today announced its final agenda and speakers for the 9th annual event to be held July 15 & 16 in Napa, CA.  Keynotes bring elite leadership, social media and the transformative cloud to the wine industry.
If Technology is the making, modification, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems, and methods of organization, in order to solve a problem, improve a preexisting solution to a problem, achieve a goal, handle an applied input/output relation or perform a specific function, WITS mission is the creation of a safe environment to challenge assumptions in order to elevate the wine industry’s strategic use of technology to achieve superior results.
Over the years, WITS has done exactly this, by hosting the Chief Information Officer CIO Forum, providing thought provoking keynote speakers, delivering hands on break out sessions, profiling a technology showcase while fostering extensive networking opportunities for all attendees. This 9th conference promises to be the best ever! If you are involved in using, choosing or creating technology for your wine related business, you really don’t want to miss this once a year opportunity.
3 Keynotes & A Tribute
- Jonathan Good, Senior SMR Solutions at Oracle will speak on “Developing a Social Relationship Management Strategy for Wine †building on his experience as founder of HelloSocialMedia.com – a social media and marketing agency that focused on the creation and execution of social media programs, including blogging, community development, Internet marketing, design and web development.
- Miles Ward, Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services will speak about Big Data for Real World Businesses showing tools, techniques and clear ROI for analysis in the cloud. Miles helped NASA live-stream the Mars Rover landing, developed the online Obama For America 2012 presidential campaign, and has helped thousands of companies make the leap to the cloud.
- Award-winning serial entrepreneur and successful luxury hotel owner, author, speaker, and former U.S. Army Green Beret Larry Broughton shares his insights on transforming ordinary teams into extraordinary ones.
“I’m very pleased to have Larry Broughton, Jonathan Good and Miles Ward join us on our Keynote program.†said J. Smoke Wallin, founder and co-chairman of WITS. He continued, “I have had the privileged of interacting with each of our speakers and know they will each deliver inspirational and thought provoking discussions that will deliver real take home value to all our winery attendees.â€
Attendees can 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 services needs of the wine industry.  The 9th annual WITS is July 15 & 16 in Napa, CA. Join WITS on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more.
For more information, contact Waunice Orchid of the Wine Industry Symposium Group at 707-261-8716 or waunice@swgnapa.com
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