It’s two weeks until BevNET Live kicks off in Manhattan, so it’s time for the Big Reveal: the nine outstanding judges for BevNET Live’s signature competition, the New Beverage Showdown.

With specialists in retailing, distribution, marketing, finance, and media on board, this group is ready to keep contestants on their collective toes.

The New Beverage Showdown semifinal round is currently scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, concluding at 9:30 a.m. The group of six finalists will be announced later that day at the start of the afternoon session of BevNET Live, and they will present during the day on May 15.

Semifinal Round Judges:

Darren Rovell, Sports Business Reporter & Business Correspondent, ESPN

Bill Tencza, Senior Category Manager, Quik Chek

Janica Lane, Managing Director, Piper Jaffray 

Mathis Martines, Senior Category Manager-Grocery, Kroger

John Craven, Founder & CEO, BevNET

Final Round Judges:

Greg Fleishman, Co-Founder & CEO, Purely Righteous Brands

G. Scott Uzzell, President, Venturing & Emerging Brands Unit at The Coca-Cola Company

Jesse Itzler, Founder, 100 Mile Group

Laura McCord, Sr. Director, Retail Growth Solutions, KeHE Distributors

John Craven, Founder & CEO, BevNET

Sponsored by the Venturing & Emerging Brands (VEB) group at the Coca-Cola Co., Inc., the New Beverage Showdown identifies the most innovative and scalable new beverage brand from a slate of 20 entrepreneurs, offers advice and guidance from the judging panel, and awards a $10,000 in cash and prizes to the winning company.

Learn more and get full details on New Beverage Showdown 7.

And if you haven’t yet registered for BevNET Live, NOW is your chance to grab one of the few remaining seats. Sign up TODAY!