Tequila drinkers: This article is written for craft tequila brands, but it affects what you can buy. When small brands solve their distribution and retail problems, more of their bottles reach your local store, your favorite bar and your doorstep. Know someone who runs a craft tequila brand? Send this their way.
Running a craft tequila brand has never been harder.
Distribution is in upheaval. RNDC exited California, sold its business in dozens of states, and filed for Chapter 11. Distributors are trimming portfolios. Shelf space is tight. Every bottle sold takes more work than it should.
Most craft brands are solving these problems on their own, if at all.
That's why we created the Craft Tequila Conference.
What It Is
The Craft Tequila Conference runs February 21–23, 2027, in Las Vegas. It brings together 200 people who make and sell craft tequila for a living, in one room for two days.
There's one track, so everyone hears the same thing. There are no consumer tickets, no expo hall and no tasting stations.
It's a working conference for craft tequila brands, built around the problems you deal with every week.
Who Should Attend
Founders and owners building craft brands
Operators running the day-to-day business
Sales, marketing and distribution leads
Master distillers and blenders who make craft tequila
We built the invite list by hand from about 250 craft brands we know and write about. We didn't buy a list or use a trade directory.
Every attendee is reviewed. If you're not the right fit, we refund you in full, immediately.
What's on the Agenda
Our national study of U.S. tequila drinkers: the state of craft tequila, key trends and 2027 predictions
How to get the most from distributor relationships in the new reality
When to move into chain retail, and how to succeed once you're there
How to support independent retail today
New agave and production trends
How to use data and AI to save time and avoid costly assumptions
What bartenders want from craft tequila now
Craft tequila opportunities outside the U.S.
A hands-on workshop on how to stand out in a crowded market
How to earn media coverage, and when to pay for PR
Social media trends, and how to measure ROI against other marketing
How to get more from events, tastings and experiential marketing
How to grow DTC sales, and what online retailers need from you in 2027
Is there a topic you'd like covered? Email [email protected].
Why Nothing Is Recorded
Speakers and founders will talk about real numbers, real mistakes and real opportunities. They'll do that more openly if they know it won't end up online.
What About Sponsors?
A small number of vetted sponsors get a few clearly labeled minutes each to explain what they do. That's the only thing for sale.
Nobody can buy a panel seat or a speaking slot.
What's Included
Tickets are $895. There's one price, with no early-bird or flash-sale pricing, and a limit of five seats per company.
Every session, both days
The full American tequila consumer research presentation, a study that cost us about $15,000 to produce
Lunch on Monday and Tuesday
A Monday evening reception with drinks and heavy appetizers
Contact info for every attendee
Priority registration for next year's conference
A conference hotel rate of $139/night plus tax
The hotel is new and sits in Symphony Park, near Downtown Las Vegas, about 15 minutes from the airport. We'll be the only event on the property.
