WSWA Women's Leadership Council Concludes Successful Conference
News related to:Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America · 2 min read
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has concluded its 2026 Women's Leadership Council (WLC) Conference in Washington, D.C., bringing together 58 current and emerging women leaders from 15 WSWA member companies for two days of leadership development, business education, networking, and connection. The conference focused on providing attendees with practical tools to navigate an evolving industry and lead with confidence. Sessions explored artificial intelligence, resilience and grit, industry data, financial acumen, adaptability, and advocacy, while creating opportunities for attendees to reconnect and build relationships with peers from across the country.
The session moved beyond the basics of artificial intelligence by giving participants an opportunity to apply AI tools to their own work and explore practical applications for decision-making, communication, executive visibility, time management, and difficult conversations.
Each year, the WLC Advisory Board selects a women-focused philanthropic organization for attendees to support through a service activity. This year's partner was I Support the Girls. The day ended with a networking reception and small-group dinners that helped attendees build connections beyond the classroom sessions.
The generals explored how resilience, perseverance, and clarity of purpose can be developed and used to navigate uncertainty and build high-performing teams.
The conference also featured a SipSource® data presentation led by SipSource Director Eric Schmidt, who translated the latest beverage alcohol market data into practical insights. The discussion examined consumer demand and on- and off-premise activity, helping attendees better understand the trends and pressures shaping their businesses.
Financial resilience was another key focus, with Joe Stephens, CFP® of Associated Financial Planners, leading "Finding Your Financial Grit." The session addressed financial confidence, career interruptions, compensation gaps, and strategies for building greater financial security and flexibility.
The conference concluded with "The Power Pivot," led by author and public policy expert Ashley Davis, who explored how emotional intelligence, grit, grace, and courage can help leaders adapt to change and turn uncertainty into opportunities for growth.
In addition to leadership and business development, WLC continued its longstanding commitment to philanthropy by giving back to I Support the Girls, a nonprofit organization that provides essential items and resources to women and girls experiencing homelessness and hardship.
The 2026 conference was made possible by the generous support of Masava, Provi, VIP, Wine & Spirits Shoppers Association, and Frederick Wildman.
As the beverage alcohol industry continues to evolve, WSWA's WLC remains committed to educating, elevating, and empowering women leaders across the wholesale tier. Through its annual conference, mentorship program, leadership development opportunities, networking, and philanthropy, WLC gives women a platform to strengthen their leadership skills, exchange ideas, and help shape the future of the industry.