November 18-21 Sponsorship Deck
JOIN us TM Welcome to SommCon, a four-day educational conference for wine industry professionals crafted and hosted by some of the greatest minds and palates in our industry. SommCon TM is a leading conference and exposition for education and training of wine professsionals and serious enthusiasts. Held November 18-21, 2015, in San Diego, CA, the four-day sommelier conference brings together industry professionals of all levels to discuss, develop, and lead the conversation on the business of wine. SommCon TM s education is built by some of the brightest palates in the business for trade professionals and serious enthusiasts who have a passion for wine and spirits and an unyielding thirst for knowledge. Attendees will learn and taste their way through keynote sessions and educational classes, complete with a trade tasting and expo, power networking with Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine and some of the businesses heaviest hitters. We welcome your involvement in creating a world-class center for education, networing and mentorship for the the most influential wine professionals influencing today s marketplace, and look forward to working with you to build your company s sponsorship and exhibitorial experience. Michelle Metter & Ken Loyst SommCon TM USA Event Producers
GREAT MINDS think alike Every aspect of SommCon TM is highly vetted by our leadership team consisting of Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, Hoteliers, Certified Specialists of Wine, Wine Educators, Distributors, the market s leading Retailers and more. This means that the education we offer to our attendees has been passed through the scrutiny of those who walk in our attendees shoes. The SommCon TM goal is to deliver world-class education, networking and mentorship that helps to shape the future and broaden the palates of professionals in our industry. This year, SommCon TM is pleased to be joined by the talented team from The Tasting Panel Magazine and The SOMM Journal. In addition to a featured presence in each issue of the publications from June - November, publisher Meridith May and the editorial team will be present during the conference leading a variety of panel discussions and round table discussions.
TEAM SommCon Molly Brooks-Thornton Sommelier, Cicerone Mindy Hewitson CWE, DWS Lisa Redwine Advanced Sommelier TM Amy Christine Master of Wine Brian Donegan Advanced Sommelier Eric Entrikin Master Sommelier Patrick Farrell Master of Wine David Glancy Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein Master Sommelier Mary Gorman Master of Wine Bonnie Graves Sommelier Jeff Josenhans Jörn Kleinhans CSW Geoff Labitzke Master of Wine Ira Noraf Sommelier, CWE Joshua Orr Advanced Sommelier Eddie Osterland Master Sommelier Steve Pagano Hotelier Lindsay Pomeroy CWE, WSET, FWS Joseph Spellman Master Sommelier CSW, FWS, Certified Sommelier Rebekah Turpin Tami Wong Certified Sommelier Certified Sommelier, Cicerone Jennifer Roberts Certified Sommelier Jesse Rodriguez Advanced Sommelier, Eric Runyon Portfolio Manager, Southern Wine & Spirits Adam Sensney CMS Level 1 Certificate Amorim Cork America
THE buzz
THE attendees An aspiring wine professional seeking certifications and designations such as sommelier, certified specialist of wine, and others will spend hundreds of hours studying for his or her initial exam, and many Master Sommelier and Master of Wine candidates will have over a thousand hours invested by the time they receive their coveted pin. SommCon TM is an industry educational summit for those on their way to prestigious designations, front-of-house staff looking to broaden their professional know-how, or self-professed vinofiles with an amateur obsession. Up to 300 professionals will join SommCon TM this year. Participants at SommCon TM include: Masters of Wine Master Sommeliers Certified Wine Educators Associates Institute of Wine and Spirits Advanced Sommeliers WSET Advanced Introductory and Certified Sommeliers Certified Specialists of Wine Certified Specialists of Spirits Certified Cicerones Certified Beer Servers Wine & Beverage Directors Wine & Spirit Educators Culinary Institution Educators Wine & Spirit Writers and Journalists On & Off Premise Wine Sales Professionals Winery Staff Restaurateurs Hoteliers Food & Beverage Professionals (FOH/BOH) Wine & Spirit Retailers
THE education Built by some of the greatest minds in the wine and spirits industry, SommCon TM s educational series blends theory with in-depth tastings designed to broaden your palate and shape your future. While this year s content is under development, the following is an example of SommCon TM s approach to delivering a robust conference to meet the needs of wine pro s from across the country. Sample Tracks include: Sales & Retail Going Global (Spain, Baja, South America, etc.) Stateside (Napa, Sonoma, Washington, etc.) Varietal Spotlights What s Trending Spirits Beer Writing for Wine Master Sommelier Speed Blind Tasting So you want to be a Somm, Panel Discussions Master to Master Panel Discussions Vino en Espanol
THE schedule Below is a sample of the SommCon TM Schedule of Events. Changes and additions will be made as content continues to develop. November 18-20, 2015 Educational Sessions Career Planning & Development Regional Exploration Varietals & Vineyards Technology Service Spirits Certifications WSET Networking Sommelier Challenge Wine & Spirits Competition Keynotes and Roundtable Discussion Dinner with the Masters Educational Series Date The Masters Speed Tasting Young Leader s Summit and Reception A celebration of young industry professionals who are passionate about expanding their knowledge of the trade November 20, 2015 SommCon TM Trade Tasting November 21, 2015 The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival s Grand Tasting Event
PRESENTING SPONSOR $25,000 TWO Official sponsor of one Keynote address (presenter and topic to be selected by management) Opportunity for welcome remarks in advance of the Keynote presented by an executive in the company Ability to have company collateral displayed during the Keynote Company branding included with all mention of the Keynote If sponsoring brand is a winery, importer, distributor or wine region, wines from that group may be provided by the sponsor and poured during the lunch If sponsoring brand is a winery, importer, distributor or wine region, customized content in the way of a panel discussion or talk will be included at the end of the Keynote to continue through lunch Top Level inclusion in all appropriate advertising, marketing, social media and promotion of SommCon TM of SommCon TM 2015 Sponsorship of one e-blast to SommCon TM attendees Full page advertisement in the SommCon TM Program Directory Rotating banner ad on the SommCon TM website Ability to conduct ONE post-show mailing to attendees through third-party mail house Logo inclusion in SommCon TM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel SommCon TM Trade Tasting 20 x 20 exhibit space including two 8 ft tables, two chairs, pipe and drape during SommCon TM Trade Tasting on Friday, November 20 Insert into the Registration Gift Bags Ten (10) Full-Conference Passes 100 VIP Guest Invitations SommCon TM will provide VIP guest invitations for sponsor to use to invite customers and key accounts at a special discounted rate Reserved table at Keynote Lunch Host of two Round Table discussions Ability to purchase an additional conference pass to company staff at 25% off Six (6) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
SOMMCON TRADE TASTING PRESENTING SPONSOR TM $25,000 ONE When the conference educational sessions end, the tasting continues during the SommCon TM Trade Tasting featuring wineries, breweries, a spotlight on premium spirits, lunch for attendees and more. Up to 1,000 trade and consumer attendees are anticipated. As presenting sponsor, your sponsorship includes: Wine Glass Sponsorship Company name and logo on SommCon TM tasting glasses Logo etched on each wine glass Color logo on Wine Glass Station signage Color logo on exit signage Your company s branding and décor during Trade Tasting, to include: Branded Signage Distribution of literature or promotional item (provided by sponsor and subject to approval by SommCon TM management) Place cards at food/beverage station with company branding Floor Decals throughout Exhibit Hall Top Level inclusion in all appropriate advertising, marketing, social media and promotion of SommCon TM Full page ad in the SommCon TM Program Directory Rotating banner ad on the SommCon TM website of SommCon TM 2015 Ability to conduct ONE post-show mailing to attendees through third-party mail house Logo inclusion in SommCon TM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel SommCon TM Trade Tasting 20 x 20 presence on the SommCon TM Trade Tasting floor with classroom seating for 20 and mini tasting sessions on Friday, November 20 One (1) piece of literature insert into each Registration Gift Bag Ten (10) Full-Conference Passes 100 VIP Guest Invitations SommCon TM will provide VIP guest invitations for sponsor to use to invite customers and key accounts at a special discounted rate Host of two Round Table discussions Ability to purchase an additional conference pass to company staff at 25% off Six (6) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
NETWORKING RECEPTION SPONSOR $8,000 TWO PRESENTING SEMINAR SPONSOR $5,000 FOUR The day is done, time to unwind and have some fun! Your brand will be the exclusive networking reception sponsor on one day of SommCon TM to include: Your company s exclusive branding and décor during the Reception, to include: Branded Signage Distribution of literature or promotional item (provided by sponsor and subject to approval by SommCon TM management) If a winery, opportunity to pour during the reception Place cards at food/beverage station with company branding SommCon Trade Tasting 8 x 10 exhibit booth at SommCon TM Trade Tasting on Friday, November 20 One (1) piece of literature insert into each Registration Gift Bag Two (2) Full-Conference Passes Additional full conference passes available to company personnel at 25% discount (limit: 3) Option to host one table during round table discussions Four (4) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event website of SommCon 2015 Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink Social media inclusion Logo recognition in SommCon TM e-broadcast distributed to over 10,000 people Exclusive e-broadcast to SommCon TM list, featuring brand s educational track Logo inclusion in SommCon TM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel Sponsorship Integration Sponsor of an entire educational seminar 1-2 minute introduction, to be presented by brand representative and prior to a designated session, subject to approval by SommCon TM management Sponsor recognition signage Branding / Logo inclusion on promotional materials for seminar and within seminar s Event Signage Distribution of literature and promotional items (provided by sponsor and subject to approval by SommCon TM management) Opportunity to provide a brand host in each room SommCon TM Trade Tasting 8 x 10 exhibit space during SommCon TM TradeShow Tasting on Friday, November 20 Pre-Convention exclusive broadcast to all attendees (sent by SommCon TM management, content from sponsor) Two (2) Full-Conference Passes Two (2) tickets to SommCon TM Trade Tasting on Friday, November 20 Four (4) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink Social media inclusion Logo recognition in SommCon TM e-broadcast distributed to over 10,000 people Exclusive e-broadcast to SommCon TM list, featuring brand s educational seminar Logo inclusion in SommCon TM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel
SOCIAL MEDIA LOUNGE $5,000 ONE BAG SPONSOR $5,000 ONE Be the exclusive sponsor of the social media lounge located in close proximity to the SommCon educational sessions. Here you will provide a gathering spot for wine professionals as they check in, tweet, post, and share all of the conference s latest news. The program includes: Your company s exclusive branding of the Social Media Lounge One networking table located within the lounge Lounge to include phone and device charging station, seating, and SommCon Step & Repeat SommCon Trade Tasting 8 x 10 exhibit booth at SommConTrade Tasting on Friday, November 20 One (1) piece of literature insert into each Registration Gift Bag Two (2) Full-Conference Passes Additional full conference passes available to company personnel at 25% discount (limit: 3) Option to host one table during round table discussions Four (4) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event website of SommCon 2015 Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink Social media inclusion Logo recognition in SommCon e-broadcast distributed to over 10,000 people Exclusive e-broadcast to SommCon list, featuring brand s Social Media Lounge Logo inclusion in SommCon ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel Your company s exclusive branding of the event bag distributed to all attendees at registration Company 1-color company logo featured on the bag s exterior SommCon TM Trade Tasting One (1) piece of literature insert into each Registration Gift Bag Two (2) Full-Conference Passes Additional full conference passes available to company personnel at 25% discount (limit: 3) Option to host one table during round table discussions Four (4) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event website of SommCon TM 2015 Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink Social media inclusion Logo recognition in SommCon TM e-broadcast distributed to over 10,000 people Logo inclusion in SommCon TM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel
WATER SPONSOR / WATER BOTTLE & STATION SPONSOR $3,500 ONE YOUNG LEADER S SUMMIT SPONSOR $3,500 TWO Your company s exclusive branding and décor at all refillable water stations, including: Branded Signage Logo on refillable water bottles given to each attendee SommCon TM Trade Tasting One (1) piece of literature insert into each Registration Gift Bag One (1) Full-Conference Pass Two (2) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event website of SommCon TM 2015 Your company s branding and décor during Summit, to include: Branded Signage Distribution of literature or promotional item (provided by sponsor and subject to approval by SommCon TM management) If a winery, opportunity to pour during the break Place cards at food/beverage station with company branding Logo on Signage recognizing Young Leader s Summit Scholarship recipients SommCon TM Trade Tasting 8 x 10 exhibit booth at SommCon TM Trade Tasting on Friday, November 20 One (1) piece of literature insert into each Registration Gift Bag One (1) Full-Conference Pass Host and moderate Young Leader s Round Table on one morning of SommCon TM during breakfast Round Table Sessions Co-Host Young Leader s Reception open to all attendees Two (2) Trade Entry Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Post-event electronic broadcast out to Young Leader s Summit attendees Logo on Young Leader s Summit page on the SommCon TM website of SommCon TM 2015 associated with the Young Leader s Summit
REFRESHMENT BREAK SPONSOR $3,500 TWO SOMMCON TM ELITE $2,000 - $5,000 LUNCH / DINNER TWO Your company s exclusive branding and décor during the break, to include: Branded Signage Distribution of literature or promotional item If a winery, opportunity to pour during the break Place cards at food/beverage station with company branding SommCon TM Trade Tasting One (1) piece of literature insert into each attendee registration bag One (1) Full-Conference Pass Two (2) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event website of SommCon TM 2015 Host the series most elite sommeliers and wine professionals in attendance at this year s SommCon TM in a lunch or dinner at on of San Diego s most talked about restaurants. For up to twenty sommeliers. Your company s exclusive branding and décor during the lunch or dinner, to include: Branded Signage Distribution of literature or promotional item (provided by sponsor and subject to approval by SommCon TM management) If a winery, opportunity to pour and present wines SommCon TM Trade Tasting One (1) piece of literature insert into each attendee registration bag Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event website of SommCon TM 2015
ROOM HOST $1,500 EIGHT SOMMCON CONNECT $1,000 TM TEN Here is your opportunity to serve as proctor in one of the Seminar Rooms at SommCon TM, to include: One (1) Day of room sponsorship Introduction of Presenters Distribution of literature or promotional item (provided by sponsor and subject to approval by SommCon TM management) SommCon TM Trade Tasting 8 x 10 exhibit booth at SommCon TM Trade Tasting on Friday, November 20 Table Top displays located in the foyer of the SommCon TM educational sessions will allow for prime networking throughout the day when sessions break. This is your chance to share your product, services, or wines to attendees prior to the SommCon TM trade tasting on Friday. Table Tops open all day Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning. One six-foot table and two chairs November 19 & 20 Table Top signage One 8 x 10 table at the SommCon TM trade tasting November 20 Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event website ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION SPONSOR $500 per table TEN Connect & Network Host and moderate one table during the Breakfast Round Table sessions on Thursday and Friday Logo on Round Table Signage
ONE PROGRAM DIRECTORY Add $5,000 VIP SUITE add $2,500 SIX As the main SommCon TM resource for attendees, the Program Directory is distributed to all attendees and includes complete information regarding schedules, sessions, speakers and exhibitors. Adding this opportunity to your sponsorship package will include: Color logo on front cover of printed Program Directory Five (5) General Admission Full Conference Passes Back page color ad in printed Program Directory This is an opportunity for your company and brand to host targeted sales meetings or exclusive education session with your customers within a private VIP room. With one four-hour window of your choice, the VIP Suite is set classroom-style for 33 individuals and includes tables and chairs. Your set up and materials must be approved by SommCon TM management. One (1) General Admission Full Conference Pass VIP Suite Availability Wednesday, November 18 8:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 5:00pm Thursday, November 19 8:00am - 12:00pm - Friday, November 20 8:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 5:00pm LANYARD SPONSOR Add $3,000 ONE All exhibitors, speakers and attendees will receive their credentials on a SommCon TM badge and lanyard. Adding this opportunity to your sponsorship package will include: One logo featured on SommCon TM laynards One (1) General Admission Full Conference Pass
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES DIRECTIONAL FLOOR DECALS $5,000 ONE Floor Decals are highly visible to attendees and are a great way to place your company logo continuously in their path, whether they are walking to or from a session or event. These decals will be placed throughout the SommCon TM venue in high traffic areas. YOU ARE HERE MAPS $5,000 ONE Company logo featured within SommCon TM directional floor decals, placed in heavy traffic areas within SommCon TM venue Company logo in top banner of You Are Here Maps, placed in signage units throughout SommCon TM venue Company exhibit booth call out with logo on Maps Two (2) Full-Conference Passes Two (2) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival of SommCon TM 2015 Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink Social media inclusion Logo recognition in SommCon TM e-broadcast distributed to over 10,000 people Logo inclusion in SommCon TM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel Two (2) Full-Conference Passes Two (2) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival of SommCon TM 2015 Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink Social media inclusion Logo recognition in SommCon TM e-broadcast distributed to over 10,000 people Logo inclusion in SommCon TM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel WEBSITE HOMEPAGE AD $2,500 Your company s banner ad will be featured within the rotating banners on SommCon TM s website homepage. Banners rotate approximately every six seconds and will be linked to your company s website. Banner Ad Specifications 1610 w x 600 h pixels 72 dpi, minimum Accepted file types:.jpg,.png
SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE $2,000 per unit THREE PROGRAM DIRECTORY ADVERTISING pricing below Every morning, the Schedule At-A-Glance signage units are changed out to feature the upcoming day s schedule of events. Each free-standing unit will be placed in prominent locations throughout the SommCon TM venue. Company logo in top banner of the Schedule At-A-Glance unit(s), placed in heavy traffic areas within SommCon TM venue Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink Social media inclusion WEBSITE BANNER AD $500 The Program Directory serves as the on-hand guide to the 2015 SommCon San Diego and is distributed to all attendees. It includes a wealth of information including session and educational track schedules, key-not speakers, exhibitor locations, and event maps. As an advertisor within the Program Directory, your company / brand has the opportunity to reach attendees countless times throughout the four-day schedule and after SommCon TM has concluded. Advertising Deadline: September 30, 2015 Ad Placement Inside front or back cover Inside first or last page Cost NOT AVAILABLE NOT AVAILABLE Full-page $1,000 Half-page $650 TM Your company s banner ad will be locked into the internal webpages of SommCon TM s website. Banners rotate approximately every six seconds. Banner Ad Specifications 1400 w x 200 h pixels 72 dpi, minimum Accepted file types:.jpg,.png
CONTACT us Michelle Metter, Producer SommCon TM 2015 metter@fastforwardevents.com 619-312-1212 ext. 101 Ken Loyst, Producer SommCon TM 2015 loyst@fastforwardevents.com 619-312-1212 ext. 102 Jesse Rodriguez, Director SommCon TM 2015 jesse@kaizenwine.com 858-997-5111 Michelle Metter and Ken Loyst are the creators of Fast Forward, an award-winning event management and marketing agency established in 2004 specializing in the creation of world-class productions for the wine, spirit and culinary industries. Metter and Loyst co-founded the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, now one of the largest luxury wine and culinary classics in the country drawing 10,000 affluent enthusiasts to the city each year. Believing that education fundamentally changes an individual s access to the future they want, Metter and Loyst created Fast Forward Futures, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the educational pursuits of students and professionals with studies in the culinary, enology, hospitality and event industries. Both Metter and Loyst hold a level two WSET certificate, serve on the American Institute of Wine & Food Board of Directors and the Chaine des Rotisseurs Board of Directors. Both are members of the International Association of Exhibition Executives Public Events Council. They have logged countless hours in the production of international and national conferences and almost an equal amount of time talking about wine. SommCon, among other productions at Fast Forward, are the marking of where the duo s passion has met their purpose. Jesse Rodriguez currently holds the position of sommelier at Studio Restaurant at Montage Laguna Beach, an award-winning hotel and resort in Orange County, CA. After 11 years and many attempts, in July of 2014 Studio received the prestigious Wine Spectator Grand Award. He is an advanced sommelier by the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers, is credentialed as a Certified Wine Educator by the Society of Wine Educators, and he has completed the Diploma level through The Wine and Spirits Educational Trust (WSET). Images in this deck reflect events during the 2014 San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. Individuals pictured here have not necessarily lent their endorsement to SommCon TM 2015.