North Coast Wine Industry Expo Expands to Meet Exhibitor Demand
Industry Trade Show Now Second Largest in North America
April 23rd, 2013, Healdsburg, CA - The Wine Industry Network (WIN) today announced that they will expand the 2013 North Coast Wine Industry Expo in its second year to accommodate an additional 120 booths making it the second largest wine industry trade show in North America. The Expo will, once again, be held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa on Thursday, December 5, 2013.
This expansion is in direct response to last year’s sold out show and its resulting waiting list that has continued to grow since last December. The new floor plan will now include the Hall of Flowers as well as Grace Pavilion. In addition, the educational sessions will relocate to a new larger facility adjacent to the Hall of Flowers.
“In our first year, booths sold out almost immediately and we knew we needed to find a way to accommodate the growing interest,” said George Christie, Wine Industry Network President. “With over 300 suppliers exhibiting this December, the Expo is becoming a wine industry trade event that every North Coast Winery and Vineyard should plan on attending” adds Christie. “Whether you’re in the vineyard, cellar, tasting room or business office…there’s going to be something here for you”.
The inaugural event in 2012 attracted more than 2,000 attendees and attendance is expected to increase significantly in 2013. “It takes time to establish an event like this, but given last year’s success, we’re expecting a packed house in December,” added Christie. “Traditionally, that’s a time when vineyard and winery principals are busy planning for the upcoming year; this show is going make that planning process easier than ever.”
Registration is now open for the 2013 Show and booths are expected to sell out quickly For more information, visit www.wineindustryexpo.com.
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About the Wine Industry Network (WIN):
Based in Healdsburg, California, WineIndustryNetwork.com is the wine industry’s most comprehensive business resource website operating as an on-line trade show and created specifically to help industry professionals locate and connect more easily with the industry’s best suppliers and service professionals. WIN also produces The North Coast Wine Industry Expo, based in Santa Rosa, California, and its online blog, the Wine Industry Advisor (www.wineindustrynetwork.com/blog/).
First Wine Industry Expo and Conference Draws Over 2,000 Attendees
North Coast Region Welcomes New Trade Event
Healdsburg, Calif., December13th, 2012 – The Wine Industry Network today confirmed that their first annual North Coast Wine Industry Expo conference and trade show was a great success. The show took place last week at the Sonoma County Fairground’s Grace Pavilion and featured over 200 exhibiting wine industry suppliers and service providers. Attendance to the first year event surpassed expectations with more than two thousand registered attendees representing industry personnel throughout Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Lake and Marin counties and beyond.
“We knew going in that the region was ready for a show of our own, but truthfully, this was much more successful than we could have imagined” said George Christie, President of the Wine Industry Network.
In addition to the trade show, the event hosted four sold-out conference sessions presented by some of the most experienced members of the wine and grape industry. Interactive panel discussions focused on everything ranging from vineyard operations to marketing and sales. The reaction to the speakers, topics and information presented was extremely enthusiastic and plans for expanding the educational sessions at next year’s event is already underway.
“The feedback we’ve received from our exhibitors and attendees has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Christie. “We already have a waiting list of suppliers that have expressed an interest in being a part of the Expo next year. Unfortunately we weren’t able to accommodate all of the suppliers that wanted in to this inaugural event, so next year…we’re making more room!”
Next year’s show will take place again in December, the week after Thanksgiving. “This is a show that will only get bigger and better. We’re committed to making the North Coast Wine Industry Expo the best show in North America,” said Christie.
For suppliers interested in exhibiting at the 2013 Expo, join the Expo waiting list: http://www.wineindustryexpo.com/waitlist.php.
Founder and President of Wine Industry Network Will Continue to Operate WIN
Santa Rosa, CA – Robert Merletti, Owner and Chairman of Vineyard & Winery Management, has announced that George Christie, Founder and President of Wine Industry Network, will join Vineyard & Winery Management as Chief Executive Officer. In addition to his new role, Christie will continue to operate Wine Industry Network and will explore opportunities in which the two businesses can work together.
As CEO, Christie will oversee all aspects of the Vineyard & Winery Management business, including its online presence, print publication, advertising and circulation, wine competitions, trade shows andconferences. He will also work closely with Editor-in-Chief Tina Caputo on editorial content. Christie’s experience in managing sales, marketing and business development functions in the wine industry will provide V&WM with the knowledge, experience and leadership necessary to expand its established publishing, event management and wine competition businesses.
Merletti, who will continue to take an active role in the strategic direction of V&WM, welcomes the addition of Christie’s expertise and talent and sees this as a mutually beneficial business opportunity as the two businesses work closely together. “The way to market and support suppliers today is very different than it was in the past. There is no one with a better understanding of this than George,” said Merletti. “He’s a wine industry veteran, a proven leader and marketing expert who will advance the growth of Vineyard & Winery Management.”
While this is not a merger of V&WM and WIN, the alliance is a positive for industry suppliers, who will benefit from added exposure and expertise both in print and online.
“Vineyard & Winery Management is a lot like many of the wineries I’ve worked with over the years,” Christie stated. “They’re family owned, committed to their customers and not afraid to make the changes necessary to ensure they’ll be here for another 40 years. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Vineyard & Winery Management’s expertise in producing industry events will provide valuable resources that will ensure the success of Wine Industry Network’s first trade show, the North Coast Wine Industry Expo, to be held Dec. 5 in Santa Rosa, Calif.
About Vineyard & Winery Management
Based in Santa Rosa, Calif., Vineyard & Winery Management is an independently owned and operated multimedia company that produces wine industry trade publications, conferences, trade shows and wine competitions. The family-owned company publishes Vineyard & Winery Management magazine, which has the highest circulation of any North American wine trade publication, and the Winedex (Wine Industry Index) buyer’s guide. V&WM’s conferences and trade shows include Wineries Unlimited, the Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, and Winery DIY (formerly Wine Sales Summit), and its wine competitions include the Grand Harvest Awards, International Eastern Wine Competition, NextGen Wine Competition for Millennial Wine Drinkers, International Women's Wine Competition, West Coast Wine Competition, and U.S. National Wine Competition. See www.vwm-online.com for more information.
About Wine Industry Network
The Wine Industry Network (WIN) is a comprehensive Internet marketplace and resource site specifically created to help wine industry professionals more effectively and efficiently locate and connect with suppliers. WIN is dedicated to the business of wine and to providing information crucial to the success of the entire wine industry. www.WineIndustryNetwork.com
New Wine Industry Trade Event to Focus on North Coast
WineIndustryNetwork.com Announces Regional Trade Show & Conference
Healdsburg, CA, July 24th, 2012 – The Wine Industry Network (WIN) today announced the launch of a new trade event, the North Coast Wine Industry Expo, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, CA.
“Over the last two years we’ve been approached countless times by vineyard and winery owners and local associations, about the need for a regional trade show,” says George Christie, President of WIN. “We believe that this area is absolutely ready to support an event of this caliber… the North Coast deserves a show of its own. Based on the overwhelming interest we’ve already received, we’re expecting the event to sell out…an amazing accomplishment for the first year.”
The North Coast Expo will include a one-day trade show featuring 200 of the industry’s best suppliers along with panel discussions focusing on Sales, Marketing, Production and Vineyard operations. The theme for the show is “2013…Plan for Success”. Topics will focus on latest trends in the industry and exhibitors will be showcasing new products and services that will become available in the upcoming year.
December is typically the slowest time of the year for winery and vineyard operations. The grapes have been harvested, most wines have gone through fermentation, and visitors to the area slow down. It’s a time when decision makers plan for the upcoming year. The show’s number one objective is to help make the planning process that much easier.
“Timing for the event is perfect for winery and vineyard operation looking for a leg up in 2013,” says Christie. “Our goal is to give industry buyers the chance to see what’s new to the market and in some cases, take advantage of special pricing from suppliers looking to finish off the year strong with sales in December. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
Booth applications are now being accepted and can be accessed at www.wineindustryexpo.com or by calling 707-433-2557 ext 100. Conference topics and speakers will be announced on August 15th.
Wine Industry Network Continues Rapid Growth
WIN expands direct marketing network to 300+ supplier members
Healdsburg, Calif., May 31, 2012 – The Wine Industry Network (WIN), today announced that their supplier membership surpassed the three hundred member mark and has increased monthly since launching just over two years ago. This milestone is a major validation of WIN’s direct marketing model and continues to confirm that there is shift in the way that wine industry buyers now research new products and services.
“It’s no secret that people in every industry are relying on the internet more than ever to make better informed buying decisions,” said George Christie, President of WIN. “Our goal is to provide the best marketing platform possible so that the suppliers we represent can take full advantage of that trend.”
WIN’s supplier members continue to benefit from the expanding creative suite of direct marketing services that include targeted email campaigns, video marketing & production services, social media marketing,the most comprehensive directory of industry supplies and services, and a database of over 25,000 wine industry subscribers.
“While we’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished, we never stop trying to improve. Technology is in a constant state of change and that’s a mindset we’ve embraced here at WIN,” said Christie. “Our mission is to provide more value to the suppliers we support and find better ways to help winery and vineyard owners make the best informed buying decisions possible.”
Christie credits the early success of WIN to their focused approach to supporting their members and expects to be closing in on five hundred by this time next year. “Our goal is not to sell subscriptions or advertising, it is to sell the industry suppliers we represent. That’s what makes this different…and we’re just getting started.”
Wine Industry Network Launches WIN Media Services
WineIndustryNetwork.com Expands to Offer Full Service Video Marketing & Production
Healdsburg, Calif., July 27, 2011 – The Wine Industry Network (WIN), today announced that it would expand their current offering of marketing services to provide complete video marketing and production tailored to meeting the needs of wine industry suppliers, service providers, wineries and winery associations.
Since launching in 2009, WIN has earned a reputation for providing creative new direct marketing services to wine industry suppliers. “Over the past two years we have developed a wide range of marketing services for our members,” said WIN President/Founder George Christie. “Nearly every supplier we work with has expressed a desire for marketing videos to help promote their products. WIN Media is in direct response to these requests,” explained Christie.
The production team that is now WIN Media has produced more than 150 wine industry videos over the past four years and has garnered two prestigious Telly Awards. As video on the internet continues to grow at a tremendous rate, large and small businesses in every area of the wine industry are embracing this medium. It has proven to be one of the most effective ways to communicate a brand message, and more importantly, the personalities behind those brands.
“Providing video marketing & production is the natural evolution for the Wine Industry Network,” said Christie. “We are already in the business of creating first class marketing content for our clients and our video team is committed to producing top quality promotional videos as another way to execute on their strategic marketing goals.”
WIN’s extensive experience within the industry and ability to produce the highest quality videos at an affordable price offer an exceptional opportunity. WIN Media will offer a number of affordable video packages to industry suppliers, service professionals, wineries, industry trade associations, publications and other closely related businesses.
Nick Young Joins Wine Industry Network as Membership Operations Manager
WineIndustryNetwork.com Expands Membership Services
Healdsburg, Calif., April 18, 2011 – George Christie, President of The Wine Industry Network (WIN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Young as their new Membership Operations Manager and will be key support for the rapidly expanding industry resource and marketing platform. “Nick has extensive experience with membership retention and customer management. His technical knowledge and proven track record in direct marketing, web design and management will add value to our organization and push our level of customer service over the top,” said George Christie.
Young brings with him a versatile background in marketing, database management and design. He has spent his past five years working as Information Services Director for the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce, an organization that has experienced tremendous growth and success in recent years. His contributions to the chamber have been numerous including the migration to digital communications, maintenance of database systems, and implementation and maintenance of social networking channels. Additionally, Young is a local Healdsburg native with a rich wine industry heritage as the grandson of Robert Young, renowned winegrower and industry icon.
Young’s ability to build and maintain customer relationships along with his versatility and resourcefulness were the deciding factors for Christie. “His entrepreneurial spirit was a big plus for me,” says Christie. “I’m looking forward to Nick bringing his strong interpersonal skills, fresh perspective, and energy to WIN.”
“The Wine Industry Network is breaking new ground in the industry,” said Nick Young. “Their model is extremely exciting and innovative and is a perfect fit for my interest and experience. I am eager to be a part of such a dedicated group of people.”
About the Wine Industry Network:
The Wine Industry Network is a comprehensive business-to-business (B2B) Internet marketplace and resource site specifically created to help wine industry professionals more effectively and efficiently locate and connect with suppliers and service providers, regardless of region or category of interest.WIN is dedicated to the business of wine and to providing information crucial to the success of the entire wine industry.
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Thick, heavy directories were once a mainstay for B-to-B marketers trying to reach peers and prospects within their sector. They all had at least one such well-worn book on their desks.
The winery and vineyard business in the United States—going back well more than 100 years in many regions—is no exception. It's a business organized around small, geographic pockets, which puts a heavy marketing burden on the suppliers who are trying to sell equipment and professional services to those firms.
The best way to reach such a diverse audience today, of course, isn't with a tome that becomes outdated even before the ink dries but rather online.
The Wine Industry Network (WIN) is an online marketplace that launched last October to help foster a sense of community in the industry. "In the old print directories, there just wasn't enough information to make an informed buying decision," says George Christie, a long-time wine industry marketer who founded the site. "Now, they can have the whole market in front of them in one place."
About 175 wine industry suppliers—everyone from what Christie calls the "bottle, barrel and cork guys" to attorneys and accountants providing professional services—now have profiles listed at wineindustrynetwork.com. Some of them are small companies with few marketing resources and less marketing acumen. Others are big corporations, but looking for a venue where they can appeal to a focused customer niche.
The WIN has four categories: winemaking and production; vineyards; professional services and operations; and sales and marketing. Visitors to the Web site sign up for e-newsletters distributed every other week that are aimed at their specific categories. The newsletters contain the logos and information from suppliers that fit the particular category. As of June, the WIN had about 17,000 of the sector suppliers' B-to-B customer targets signed up, including 12,000 alone in the winemaking and vineyard categories.
Vino by the Numbers: The Metrics of B-to-B Networking
Suppliers pay monthly dues to be listed on the site, ranging from $45 per month for a basic membership to $90 per month to be highlighted in multiple product search categories.
Christie said the WIN builds its subscriber and member lists not only through direct site visits but also by signing up wine industry members at trade shows, via social media and even by phone. Ultimately, Christie knows the top thing B-to-B suppliers in his sector are looking for is proof of return on investment, which he is more than happy to provide by making site metrics and reports available to them.
Information on monthly reports includes:
Christie said many people advised him against providing too much information about the site's effectiveness, but "to me, one of the benefits of the Internet is you can provide transparency. With print marketing, you often don't know who is seeing you."
Top-Shelf Ideas: Tips on B-to-B Community Building
Christie offered some thoughts on what you should keep in mind if considering creating your own niche B-to-B networking community.
1. Online, even small guys can look big. Smaller suppliers can achieve a greater reach online and be listed in close proximity to larger competitors
2. Big guys can look small too. In sectors like the wine industry, Christie says, big companies can benefit from looking like smaller, more intimate operations ready to make their customers feel like part of the family.
3. Social media is often free but has indirect costs: Leaping into places like Facebook and LinkedIn is free upfront, but the indirect cost comes in the ability to maintain and frequently update your social media presence.
4. Have realistic expectations. The WIN, for example, is a B-to-B marketplace focused on a defined sector, so monthly clicks are not going to number into the thousands. "If 30 to 50 people have clicked on your logo in a given month, then you are doing fine. The people who need to see you are seeing you."
Wine Industry Network Expands Social Media Marketing Services
WineIndustryNetwork.com Continues Strategic Growth of Online Wine Business Community
Healdsburg, Calif., June 7, 2010 – The Wine Industry Network (WIN), the fastest growing and most cutting edge B2B marketplace and online resource for the wine industry today announced the expansion of their direct marketing services to include a more comprehensive social media marketing platform for industry buyers and suppliers.
Current economic conditions continue to challenge businesses of all sizes to look for new and innovative ways to reach potential customers. WIN is addressing this challenge by creating new sales channels for their supplier members with the launch of the WIN blog, a customized social networking platform that encourages dialog and provides relevant industry information, and by offering enhanced social media marketing services. These services extend the reach of their members while providing them with a cost-effective addition to traditional marketing. WIN also leverages existing social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and is strategically building the wine industry’s largest online business community, taking B2B marketing to a new level.
“Our primary objective is to help our members achieve the highest return on their marketing investment,” said Elizabeth Slater, Executive Vice President/Founder of Wine Industry Network. “The expansion of our social media platform provides access to more customers for our members and optimizes the WIN online presence on their behalf”.
“Social Marketing is rapidly changing the way brands communicate with their customers,” said George Christie, President/Founder of Wine Industry Network. “Our innovative approach and new social marketing platform helps our supplier members engage in more direct and meaningful conversations, which in turn is reinforcing their brand equity, their relationships, and their revenues.
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Media Contact: Tami Christie 707.433.2557 ext. 103 tami@wineindustrynetwork.com |
For Immediate Release
Wine Industry Network Continues to Gain Momentum
Unified Symposium Attendees and Exhibitors Realize Potential of Industry Resource Site
Healdsburg, Calif., February 10, 2010 – The Wine Industry Network (WIN), the fastest growing wine industry business to business network in North America, generated a tremendous response at the 2010 Unified Wine and Grape Symposium and significantly increased the number of registered users on the site.
WIN, launched this past October, is helping industry suppliers build their businesses in the challenging economic climate by blending technology with tradition. The scrappy start-up company that is the brain-child of industry veterans George Christie and Elizabeth Slater provides a more comprehensive resource with direct marketing features such as targeted email campaigns, social network marketing, and strategic industry alliances, all of which allow supplier members to target, track and measure sales and marketing efforts. By continuing to evolve the site and services to meet the needs of WIN members and users, the industry is quickly incorporating the WIN site in their business-to-business purchases & marketing programs. While the reception by suppliers has been very positive from the beginning, the overwhelming increase in new registered site users at the show was a welcomed affirmation.
“We were thrilled at the response from winery attendees and industry suppliers who took the time to visit our booth and learn more about WIN”, said Elizabeth Slater, Executive Vice President/Founder of Wine Industry Network. “Once they saw the services, resource information, and capabilities available on our site, they didn’t hesitate to sign up”.
“Our focus and commitment to excellent service, creative thinking, and bottom line results for our WIN members and industry users is what has generated this type of response”, said George Christie, President/Founder of the Wine Industry Network. “The people we spoke to at the show were able to see first-hand the value that WIN brings to the industry”.
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The North Bay Business Journal announces the launch of WIN!
September 28th, 2009
Wine marketers launch virtual ‘marketing co-op’
By Jeff Quackenbush, Business Journal Staff Reporter
HEALDSBURG – Two wine marketing consultants are launching a business-to-business Internet site they believe will give wineries, winegrape growers, suppliers and service providers a more informative, targeted virtual venue for finding each other.
George Christie of Christie Wine Consultants in Healdsburg and Elizabeth Slater of In Short Marketing in Windsor plan to launch Wine Industry Network on Oct. 5 with a starting database of information on about 700 “traditional” suppliers to the industry, such as vendors for bottles, barrels, corks, grapes, etc. In addition to details on the estimated 1,000 such suppliers in North America, they want to include service providers such as attorneys, associations and educational institutions.
“We think of this as more of a marketplace versus a directory,” said Mr. Christie, president of the venture. “A directory is where you get a phone number or a name. We want to drive leads to members.” They call this a “marketing cooperative” in which the suppliers are “members,” paying for market reach – $35 a month for one region or $90 monthly for the continent – rather than per transaction to attract small suppliers with slim margins. Trade associations and training institutions would have no-cost memberships. Accessing information on the site is free of charge.
“The scope of the supplier and production information provided has been a real need in the wine industry for a long time,” said Honore Comfort, executive director of the Sonoma County Wineries Association.The brokerage model was tried by St. Helena-based eVine, which ceased operations, and originally by Novato-based WineryExchange, which shifted to production of private and national brands. “We tend to be a conduit, rather than a broker,” Ms. Slater said.
For the membership fee, suppliers get a page on the site to add pricing and customer details, referrals, marketing collateral such as videos, pictures and digital presentations, as well as company and product news. The latter appear on the home page for the site as well as in weekly e-mail dispatches to those who specify they want information from particular types of suppliers in certain regions or states. Building on the rule of thumb of one wine club manager for every 200 to 300 members, the staff of Wine Industry Network, currently at five people, will grow to help members keep their information accurate and up to date, according to Ms. Slater. A test version of the site became active earlier this year to allow suppliers to test the service and add information. An undisclosed number of the suppliers represented on the site at press time have become members. The goal is to have 3,000 to 5,000 members in the next five years.
Ms. Slater and Mr. Christie, both partners in the Santa Rosa-based wine business consultancy The Octagon Group, came up with the marketplace concept in August 2007 as they discussed frequent calls from clients asking for information about vendors. The year-round virtual trade show concept came in early 2008 after Mr. Christie’s visit to the large annual Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento.
For more information, call 707-433-2557 or visit www.wineindustrynetwork.com.
WINE INDUSTRY NETWORK FAST FACTS
WHAT: The Wine Industry Network, WIN, is a comprehensive business-to-business (B2B) Internet marketplace that connects industry professionals effectively and efficiently with wine industry, suppliers, consultants and service professionals. Users may search both geographically and by category of interest. The site was created to provide information crucial to the success of the wine industry in an updated and easily accessible format.
WIN provides current and relevant information about suppliers and service professionals serving the North American and the global wine industry.
For Suppliers & Service Professionals, WIN is a more effective and efficient resource to reach potential customers, and to promote and sell their products and services.
WIN assists buyers to:
· identify & connect efficiently with industry suppliers
· gather information to manage their business successfully
For suppliers WIN:
· is an internet based marketplace and direct marketing agency committed to the business of wine and driving business to its members
· is the most targeted and measurable sales and marketing platform
· provides downloadable current winery listings and new winery alerts
WHO: Founded by industry experts George Christie and Elizabeth (E) Slater.
WHERE: Healdsburg, California
CORPORATE CONTACT: PO Box 924
Healdsburg, CA 95448
877.717.2946
CONTACT: Tami Christie
Voice: 707.953.9672
E-mail: Tami@WineIndustryNetwork.com
HOW : The Wine Industry Network is a supplier supported internet marketplace with the primary objective to find and connect the right buyer with the right supplier every time in a way that is easier than anything currently available. WIN is funded through supplier memberships that range in price from $35 to $90 per month depending on desired visibility. Additional advertising opportunities are available to members. Using the site’s tools and resources are free to both members and subscribers.
FEATURES: Members Products & Services : An environmentally-friendly, technologically-current and comprehensive Internet marketplace of products and services that is both fast and effective to use. Suppliers are easily accessible and can be sorted regionally, nationally and internationally as well as by category. Member presentations of their products and services are on dedicated individual web pages on WineIndustryNetwork.com. Members present product and company information to potential customers, including contact and key personnel, videos, photographs and pricing. New information can be added easily, immediately and frequently. Members have access to opt-in e-mail marketing and regular reports on site traffic, click-through rates and other web metrics.
Supplier Ratings & Referrals: Cumulative ratings are awarded suppliers and service professionals by the people who use their business. Those in the industry with first hand knowledge also may write referrals. Oversight of both referrals and ratings is strict, and enforced. Suppliers have an opportunity to respond to negative comments.
Educational Videos: Categorical listings of educational and informational videos on all facets of the wine and grape industries are available.
Business Tips & Tactics: A variety of topics vital to the industry including production, vineyard, operations, tasting room management and marketing may be easily downloaded and shared as PDF, word or excel files.
Supplier News: Users select the supplier news they want delivered to their inbox to keep them in touch with what’s new and essential to their business.
Wine Industry Associations & Educational Institutions: Individual web pages showing information, programs and curriculum is provided at no charge to associations and educational institutions.
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