Structured, private networking with retailers and investors.
At BevNET Live LA 2026 (Dec. 6–8 at the Marina Del Rey Marriott Hotel), the exclusive 1:1 meeting program returns to bridge the gap between emerging brands and industry power players. In a landscape where retail cycles are tightening and capital is more selective, these structured sessions are designed to move beyond the hallway “elevator pitch” and into the actionable conversations that drive growth.
What It Is
1:1 meetings give attendees 10-minute, pre-scheduled conversations with retail and investment leaders who understand the challenges of building and scaling beverage brands. Meetings are curated and subject to approval by each host to ensure they’re productive on both ends.
How It Works
- Who: Open exclusively to registered BevNET Live attendees.
- What: 10-minute, pre-scheduled, private conversations between brands and meeting hosts.
- When: Meetings run throughout Dec. 7 + 8 at BevNET Live LA 2026 in a designated area.
- How: Attendees request meetings with specific hosts; requests are reviewed and approved by hosts to ensure the best matches.
Meeting Hosts (with more to come!)
The list of confirmed 1:1 meeting hosts includes:
- Sami Kieffer, Category Merchant, Whole Foods Market
- Candice Ternus, Category Merchant, Whole Foods Market
- Samantha Fletcher, Senior Category Merchant, Whole Foods Market
- Austin Hinkle, Category Manager for Coffee, Tea, and Energy Drinks, INFRA (Independent Natural Food Retailers Association)
- Stephen Jabour, Chief Sales and Operating Officer, Spec’s
Additional meeting hosts will be announced soon.
To participate, you must register for BevNET Live. Early registration pricing is available through October 23.
Register for BevNET Live LA 2026 >>
Interested in hosting meetings? Contact our team to learn more about participating as a host and helping shape this high-impact experience.
About BevNET Live
BevNET Live is the beverage industry’s premier event, bringing together brands, distributors, retailers, investors, and service providers to explore what’s ahead for the industry. Featuring top-tier speakers and the fan-favorite New Beverage Showdown, each event draws hundreds of brands from across the country.