2009 Green Wine Summit to Explore ROI of Sustainability in Shifting Wine Market

Expert Panels, Tastings, Trade Show Exhibitors and Sponsors Supplying Green Services to Wine Industry Offer Insights and Opportunities

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Return on sustainability investment in a wine market shaped by a challenging economy and budget-minded consumers will be the focus of the second annual Green Wine Summit (GWS) to be held December 1st and 2nd 2009 in Santa Rosa, California. “Sustainability, with its environmentally sound, socially just and economically viable triple bottom line is driving an already green industry to greater heights of performance,” said GWS co-founder Lesley Berglund. “Sustainability matters and this year’s Summit offers new insights into the value of on-going ‘green’ brand investments.”

“For many companies, sustainable business practices are delivering positive short and long term economic benefits,” Berglund said. “This is where GWS will focus educational efforts in 2009. The Summit’s Green Showcase will be expanded to offer participants greater opportunities to learn about the newest innovations, and green goods and services.”

GWS provides organizations an unparalleled opportunity to connect directly with wine business decision-makers who are pro-active proponents of sustainability. The Summit runs from 1:30pm to 8:30pm on December 1st, with workshops, trade showcase, wine reception and VIP dinner; and from 7:15am to 6:30pm on December 2nd, featuring the general and breakout sessions, networking lunch, trade showcase and wine reception. Online registration for the 2009 Summit will open September 15, 2009, with individual registration fees of $100 for December 1 sessions, excluding VIP dinner, and $250 for December 2.

“In this economy, getting your services and products in front of the right decision-makers is difficult and time-consuming,” said Abdi Humphries, director of sponsorships. “Having a forum with pre-qualified attendees seeking green services is a great use of marketing dollars.”

Sponsorships are available by contacting Abdi Humphries at (707) 815-2201 or abdi.humphries@gmail.com. Experts seeking speaking and panel opportunities are encouraged to contact Kathy Archer at (707) 261-8714 kathy@winesymposium.com. For more information on the Green Wine Summit, visit www.greenwinesummit.com. Video interviews with industry experts in sustainability are available on the GWS Channel at www.empivot.com/greenwinesummit.