The DISCUS Annual conference is the premier industry event for America’s spirits industry leaders, decision makers and supply chain partners. Spirits executives, trade leaders, distilling experts, and industry stakeholders will share their ideas to drive innovation and chart the future of our sector. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear the latest on mission-critical policies, connect with spirits business executives at networking events, learn from industry thought leaders and walk away with tangible insights to boost your business.

COVID-19 UPDATES

Due to the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19 and out of the greatest care for the health and safety of our partners, attendees, exhibitors, staff and community, the DISCUS Annual Conference is planning a hybrid event, comprising both an in-person conference and a virtual conference. This is subject to change, and the most recent updates will be posted here.

Plans for the in-person conference are underway, and we are confident we will deliver a dynamic, enriching and memorable experience. The conference will comprise two and a half days of content along with a tradeshow. Virtual elements will include live and pre-recorded content and a virtual tradeshow. Attendees at the virtual conference will be able to interact with exhibitors and network with their fellow participants.

A hybrid conference will allow people who, for a variety of reasons, will not be able to join the in-person conference in Austin to participate online. We are introducing the virtual component as an integral part of the conference, but it will have more limited content than the in-person conference.

Registration fees will be reduced to make the virtual conference widely accessible. Virtual session attendees will be able to join online presentations at scheduled times to pose questions and interact with speakers. The recorded virtual sessions will be available on-demand following the conference. In-person attendees will have access to the virtual conference as well.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have a question not listed below, please contact us.

Why does the DISCUS Annual Conference have both a live and virtual component?

The conference is currently scheduled to be a hybrid event (meaning there will be both an in-person conference and a virtual conference) because some people may not be able to travel due to the pandemic or its economic impact. Making the conference more accessible helps DISCUS achieve its underlying mission to unite and advance the industry.

Given COVID-19, why not go fully virtual?

At this point, we are hopeful the in-person conference will take place as planned. However, if circumstances dictate, we will be ready to transition to a virtual format. The good news is that this has little impact on the work currently underway to develop the program. We are actively working with the Fairmont to ensure proper cleaning measures, social distancing and hygiene protocols are followed, along with ensuring masks and hand sanitizer are available for all attendees.

The virtual conference is for people who are certain that they will not be able to travel to Austin. If travel restrictions arise later, changing from in-person to fully virtual will be possible. While we cannot fully replicate the richness, chance encounters and energizing atmosphere of an in person conference, should we go fully virtual, we will do everything we can to make the experience just as rewarding for participants.

What does hybrid mean?

The DISCUS Annual Conference will be an in-person event with virtual components. This year’s event will be held at the Fairmont in Austin, TX from October 6-8, 2021. If you are registered for the live conference, you will be able to access virtual content after the conference.

Will attendees be able to register for both the in-person conference and the virtual conference?

Attendees who register for the in-person conference will automatically be able to access all virtual content post conference. No additional fees will be charged.

How will the virtual content differ from the in-person content?

The virtual conference will be more limited in terms of content, meaning it will have fewer sessions, but virtual attendees will have access to all exhibitors and virtual networking events.

What if there is a COVID outbreak again and no in-person event?

DISCUS is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely in partnership with Fairmont and the city of Austin. If an in-person event is not feasible, DISCUS will pivot to provide the virtual program and exhibit floor in October.

What if I sign up for the live conference but I have to cancel last minute?

As a courtesy this year, all attendees will be automatically enrolled in Inability To Attend Insurance when you register. You will receive a 100% refund of your registration fees, if you are unable to attend the conference due to a reason covered under the policy.

When will registration open?

Registration will go live in April.

Who can I contact with more questions?

For further questions, please contact DISCUS directly at Conference@Distilledspirits.Org