A MAJOR global distilled spirits industry conference is being held in Edinburgh this year, set to attract speakers and delegates from across the world to discuss advances in this growing sector.
The Worldwide Distilled Spirits Conference (WDSC) 2020 – with the theme ‘The spirit of diversity, knowledge and innovation’ – is being held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) from 25 to 28 May. It will reflect the expansion of the spirits industry, in Scotland and more widely, in recent years.
Its keynote speakers are set to be a major draw with Ulrich Adam, director general of Brussels-headquartered trade organisation spiritsEUROPE, opening the conference. Jean-Christophe Coutures, chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of global drinks company Pernod Ricard and owner of such well-known brands as The Glenlivet and Ballantine’s, will conclude proceedings.
The last WDSC was held in Glasgow in 2017 and this is the first time the event has been held in Edinburgh since 2008. This is the seventh WDSC hosted by the Scottish section of the Institute of Brewing & Distilling and will be the biggest ever since the event began almost 40 years ago, with about 500 people expected to to attend. The event is truly global in nature with the 2017 conference drawing attendees from almost 30 countries.
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As well as taking part in the conference, most of speakers and delegates will stay in Edinburgh, with many visiting the attractions of the city and surrounding areas, giving a boost to the local economy.
WDSC 2020 will bring together academic, business, trade, government and media experts to share knowledge and learn about the latest innovations across all aspects of distilling. It is also a chance to showcase Scotland’s successful and increasingly diverse spirits industry which comprises not just world-renowned Scotch whisky, but also gin, vodka and, more recently, rum.
The conference will include thought-provoking presentations, posters and an extensive trade exhibition. It has attracted over 140abstract submissions, the highest ever for a WDSC and 50 per cent more than Glasgow three years ago.
Joe Arciero, chair of WDSC 2020 organising committee and sourcing director at Chivas Brothers, said: “This year’s conference – the biggest in the long history of the WDSC – is shaping up to be an event not to be missed for anyone with a thirst for knowledge about the spirits industry.
“It showcases Scotland’s expertise in distilled spirits and attracts speakers and delegates from across the globe who want to share their knowledge, discuss the latest innovations and look forward to future developments.”
For more information visit: https://wdsc2020.com/
