National Beer Wholesalers Association - NBWA 2026
Event Date
October 11–14, 2026
Location
Orlando, FL
Expected Exhibitors
175
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe NBWA Annual Convention & Product Showcase is the flagship event of the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the centerpiece gathering for the U.S. beer and beverage distribution industry. The 89th edition takes place October 11–14, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Save the date for the 89th Annual Convention and Product Showcase in Orlando on October 11-14, 2026.
The convention brings together distributors, suppliers, vendors and retail leaders for a week of networking, education and product discovery. Nearly two thousand distributors, suppliers, vendors and retail leaders gather as the future of beverages comes to life. Attendees can expect an announced roster of speakers, consumer-trend insights and extensive networking opportunities designed for beer and beverage professionals.
At the heart of the event is the Product Showcase, where distributor decision-makers connect directly with hundreds of vendors. More than 1,700 distributor decision-makers and industry partners gather to network, collaborate, and shape the future of the industry. With education seminars, general sessions and signature networking receptions, it is positioned as a must-attend event for anyone in beer distribution.
Show Highlights
Key features of the 2026 convention include:
- Product Showcase — Over 175 top vendors on the 22,500-sq-ft showcase floor, featuring new beverages and game-changing technology during Monday's Product Showcase. Exhibits range from traditional beer, wine and spirits to innovative offerings in the non-alcohol, energy and functional spaces, plus demos of cutting-edge technology built specifically for beer and beverage distributors.
- Education Seminars — A seminar program with expert-led sessions across three time slots, organized into modules on team leadership, future technology, business revenue and operational efficiency.
- General Sessions — Opening and daily general sessions featuring industry insights and speakers.
- BIECC Innovation Showcase — A rapid-fire series of product demos from leading vendors serving beer and beverage distributors, included with convention registration, featuring live technology demonstrations, expert panels and networking.
- Making Moves — The fifth annual BREW and Alliance for Women in Beer event, centered on the theme Built for the Ride Ahead: Confidence. Capability. Connections. It is the only event made for and by women across all three tiers of the beer industry.
- Networking receptions — including a Welcome Reception, supplier hospitalities and the Making Moves reception.
Attendance
The convention draws a large, industry-focused audience. The event reports approximately 1,800 attendees, 175+ vendors and 19 education seminars. Its audience includes more than 1,700 distributor decision-makers and industry partners, along with suppliers, vendors and retail leaders.
Registration
Registration is handled through NBWA's online event registration system, with tiered pricing that rewards registering more employees. NBWA member registration is offered in tiers: 1 & 2 registrants at $749 each, 3 & 4 registrants at $649 each, and 5+ registrants at $549 each.
Cancellation and refund terms are as follows. All requests for refunds must be made in writing to rbryson@nbwa.org. A 100% refund is made on registration cancellations received in writing by September 21, 2026. A $100 administrative fee per person is charged on cancellations received in writing September 22 – October 5, 2026, and no refunds are made after October 5, 2026.
Questions can be directed to NBWA's Meetings and Membership Coordinator. Exhibitors reserve booth space by contacting the show's exhibit team directly.
History
NBWA was established in the aftermath of Prohibition and has grown into one of the industry's most influential trade associations. Founded in 1938 in the aftermath of Prohibition, NBWA represents nearly 5,000 licensed, independent beer distributors and their approximately 142,000 employees, who have operations in every state and congressional district across the United States. The Alexandria, Va.-based NBWA hosted its first convention in New York with seven founders in attendance.
The Annual Convention has been held for decades, with the 2026 edition marking the 89th installment. The 89th Annual Convention & Product Showcase takes place October 11-14, 2026, in Orlando, FL. The prior year's convention was held in Las Vegas. The association is led by longtime president and CEO Craig Purser.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: August 3, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 NBWA Annual Convention?
The 89th NBWA Annual Convention & Product Showcase takes place October 11-14, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. The host venue is the Hyatt Regency Orlando at 9801 International Drive.
Who should attend the NBWA Annual Convention?
The event is designed for beer and beverage professionals, including distributors, suppliers, vendors and retail leaders. It draws nearly 2,000 attendees and more than 1,700 distributor decision-makers and industry partners.
How much does registration cost and how do I register?
NBWA members register online through the association's event registration system using tiered pricing: $749 each for 1-2 registrants, $649 each for 3-4 registrants, and $549 each for 5 or more registrants. Registering more employees from the same company lowers the per-person cost.
What happens at the Product Showcase?
The Product Showcase features over 175 vendors on a 22,500-square-foot floor, where attendees explore new beverages and distributor technology. Offerings range from traditional beer, wine and spirits to non-alcohol, energy and functional products, plus live technology demos.
Where should I stay and how do I get there?
The Hyatt Regency Orlando is the official convention hotel, with a room-block rate of $301 per night plus taxes and a booking cut-off of September 25, 2026. The hotel is about 12 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO), roughly a 15-20 minute drive by car or rideshare.
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