Jack Daniel’s and Uncle Nearest are set to host the second edition of the ‘Spirits on the Rise’ Summit, a collaborative initiative by the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative, uniting the renowned Tennessee whiskey brands. Scheduled for April 15-16 in Tennessee, this summit aims to build upon the success of the previous year by offering a platform for enhanced networking, insightful panel discussions, and valuable opportunities for BIPOC entrepreneurs in the spirits industry.
Commencing on April 15 at the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg and continuing on the 16th at the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, this event seeks to surpass the achievements of its inaugural session in 2023. As remarked by Katharine Jerkens, Chief Business Officer of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the positive energy and enthusiasm displayed by attendees during the inaugural event set the stage for an even more dynamic experience this year.
The summit’s agenda includes a diverse range of workshops and panel discussions encompassing critical topics such as revenue growth management, distributor management, public relations, funding, route-to-market strategies, and shopper marketing. Drawing parallels with the preceding year, the summit will culminate in the emerging brands fair, providing a unique platform for founders to showcase their offerings. Noteworthy success stories from the 2023 fair include Mission Craft Cocktails and Blackleaf Organic Vodka, both selected to participate in the NJAI Business Incubation Program.
Jamie Butler, Global Brand Director for Jack Daniel’s, expressed excitement about the return of the Spirits on the Rise Summit in 2024. He highlighted the event’s continued commitment to the overarching goal of the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative – fostering diversity within the spirits industry while offering invaluable support and mentorship to BIPOC entrepreneurs in their business endeavors.
Spirits brands that are predominantly BIPOC-owned or operated are invited to express their interest in attending the summit. Submissions will be accepted until March 1 or until the event reaches its capacity.
The inaugural Spirits on the Rise summit in 2023 witnessed participation from over 50 emerging brands, with executives from prominent industry players such as Brown-Forman, Uncle Nearest, Hyatt Hotels, ReserveBar, and Breakthru Beverage Group. Key personnel from financial institutions such as JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Collective Equity Partners, and others also contributed to the summit’s success.
Established with the aim of diversifying the current and future leaders of the spirits industry, the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative continues to make significant strides in promoting inclusivity within the sector.
