U.S. Drinks Conference to Spotlight Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing will be a major subject of interest at the U.S. Drinks Conference set for Oct. 12 through Oct. 13 in New York.

Gary Vaynerchuk, whose daily videos at Wine Library TV are viewed by over 90,000 visitors daily, will speak about how social media is being used to connect with a new generation of wine, spirit and beer consumers, followed by a panel discussion that will explore the topic in further detail.

“Our panelists represent the diversity of voices shaping the conversation that is happening online 24/7,” said moderator Steve Raye, managing partner of Avon, Conn.-based Brand Action Team, which is one of the conference organizers. The panel will consist of Tyler Colman, aka Dr. Vino, author of the book “Wine Politics” and an influential blogger on the wine industry; Colleen Graham, editor of the Cocktails page at About.com; and Christian McMahon, chief marketing officer at Heineken USA.

This in-depth focus is long overdue, according to conference organizers. “There’s a lot of misunderstanding of social media marketing and how to balance the investment in those tools with traditional marketing methods,” said Mike Ginley, president of Westport, Conn.-based Next Level Marketing. Added John Beaudette, president of Manhasset, N.Y.-based beer, wine and spirits importer and distributor MHW, Ltd., “We get asked questions about social media marketing every day, and I think these sessions will provide the insights conference attendees need to really capitalize on these tools.”

A full agenda, roster of speakers and registration and hotel information is available at www.USDrinksConference.com.