Sponsorship Deck

November 18 - 21

JOIN usWelcome to SommCon , a four-day educational conference for wine industry professionals crafted and hosted by some of the greatest minds and palates in our industry.

SommConTM is a leading conference and exposition for education and training of wine professsionals and serious enthusiasts. Held November 18 - 21, 2015, in San Diego, CA, the four-day sommelier conference brings together industry professionals of all levels to discuss, develop, and lead the conversation on the business of wine. SommConTM ’s education is built by some of the brightest palates in the business for trade professionals and serious enthusiasts who have a passion for wine and spirits and an unyielding thirst for knowledge. Attendees will learn and taste their way through keynote sessions and educational classes, complete with a trade tasting and expo, power networking with Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine and some of the businesses heaviest hitters.

We welcome your involvement in creating a world-class center for education, networing and mentorship for the the most influential wine professionals influencing today’s marketplace, and look forward to working with you to build your company’s sponsorship and exhibitorial experience.

Michelle Metter & Ken Loyst SommConTM USA Event Producers

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Every aspect of SommConTM is highly vetted by our leadership team consisting of Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, Hoteliers, Certified Specialists of Wine, Wine Educators, Distributors, the market’s leading Retailers and more. This means that the education we offer to our attendees has been passed through the scrutiny of those who walk in our attendees’ shoes. The SommConTM goal is to deliver world-class education, networking and mentorship that helps to shape the future and broaden the palates of professionals in our industry.

This year, SommConTM is pleased to be joined by the talented team from The Tasting Panel Magazine and The SOMM Journal. In addition to a featured presence in each issue of the publications from June - November, publisher Meridith May and the editorial team will be present during the conference leading a variety of panel discussions and round table discussions.

GREAT MINDS think alike

TEAM SommCon

Molly Brooks-ThorntonSommelier, Cicerone

Brian DoneganAdvanced Sommelier

Amy ChristineMaster of Wine

Bonnie GravesSommelier

Jeff JosenhansCertified Sommelier, Cicerone

Jörn KleinhansCSW

Lisa RedwineAdvanced Sommelier

Adam Sensney Joseph SpellmanMaster Sommelier

Eric EntrikinMaster Sommelier

David GlancyMaster Sommelier

Mary GormanMaster of Wine

Joshua OrrAdvanced Sommelier

Steve PaganoHotelier

Lindsay PomeroyCWE, WSET, FWS

Rebekah TurpinCSW, FWS, Certified Sommelier

Patrick FarrellMaster of Wine

Geoff LabitzkeMaster of Wine

Jesse RodriguezAdvanced Sommelier,

Eric RunyonPortfolio Manager,

Southern Wine & SpiritsCMS Level 1 CertificateAmorim Cork America

Evan GoldsteinMaster Sommelier

Jennifer RobertsCertified Sommelier

Tami WongCertified Sommelier

Eddie OsterlandMaster Sommelier

Ira NorafSommelier, CWE

Mindy HewitsonCWE, DWS

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buzzTHE

THE attendeesAn aspiring wine professional seeking certifications and designations such as sommelier, certified specialist of wine, and others will spend hundreds of hours studying for his or her initial exam, and many Master Sommelier and Master of Wine candidates will have over a thousand hours invested by the time they receive their coveted pin.

SommConTM is an industry educational summit for those on their way to prestigious designations, front-of-house staff looking to broaden their professional know-how, or self-professed vinofiles with an amateur obsession. Up to 300 professionals will join SommConTM this year.

Participants at SommConTM include:• Masters of Wine• Master Sommeliers• Certified Wine Educators• Associates Institute of Wine and Spirits• Advanced Sommeliers• WSET Advanced• Introductory and Certified Sommeliers• Certified Specialists of Wine• Certified Specialists of Spirits• Certified Cicerones• Certified Beer Servers• Wine & Beverage Directors• Wine & Spirit Educators• Culinary Institution Educators• Wine & Spirit Writers and Journalists• On & Off Premise Wine Sales Professionals• Winery Staff• Restaurateurs• Hoteliers• Food & Beverage Professionals (FOH/BOH)• Wine & Spirit Retailers

Built by some of the greatest minds in the wine and spirits industry, SommConTM ’s educational series blends theory with in-depth tastings designed to broaden your palate and shape your future. While this year’s content is under development, the following is an example of SommConTM ’s approach to delivering a robust conference to meet the needs of wine pro’s from across the country.

Sample Tracks include:• Sales & Retail• Going Global (Spain, Baja, South America, etc.)• Stateside (Napa, Sonoma, Washington, etc.)• Varietal Spotlights• What’s Trending• Spirits• Beer• Writing for Wine• Master Sommelier “Speed” Blind Tasting• So you want to be a Somm, Panel Discussions• Master to Master Panel Discussions• Vino en Espanol

educationTHE

THE scheduleBelow is a sample of the SommConTM Schedule of Events. Changes and additions will be made as content continues to develop.

November 18 - 20, 2015• Educational Sessions

- Career Planning & Development - Regional Exploration - Varietals & Vineyards - Technology - Service - Spirits

• Certifications - WSET

• Networking• Sommelier Challenge Wine & Spirits Competition• Keynotes and Roundtable Discussion• Dinner with the Masters Educational Series• Date The Masters Speed Tasting• Young Leader’s Summit and Reception

- A celebration of young industry professionals who are passionate about expanding their knowledge of the trade

November 20, 2015• SommConTM Trade Tasting

November 21, 2015• The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival’s Grand Tasting Event

Sponsorship Presence• Official sponsor of one Keynote address (presenter and topic to be selected by

management)• Opportunity for welcome remarks in advance of the Keynote presented by an

executive in the company• Ability to have company collateral displayed during the Keynote• Company branding included with all mention of the Keynote• If sponsoring brand is a winery, importer, distributor or wine region, wines

from that group may be provided by the sponsor and poured during the lunch• If sponsoring brand is a winery, importer, distributor or wine region,

customized content in the way of a panel discussion or talk will be included at the end of the Keynote to continue through lunch

SommConTM Trade Tasting• 20’ x 20’ exhibit space including two 8 ft tables, two chairs, pipe and drape

during SommConTM Trade Tasting on Friday, November 20• Insert into the Registration Gift Bags Connect and Network• Ten (10) Full-Conference Passes• 100 VIP Guest Invitations

- SommConTM will provide VIP guest invitations for sponsor to use to invite customers and key accounts at a special discounted rate

• Reserved table at Keynote Lunch• Host of two Round Table discussions• Ability to purchase an additional conference pass to company staff at 25% off• Six (6) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San Diego

Bay Wine & Food Festival

PRESENTING SPONSOR $25,000TWO

Available

Marketing and Public Relations• Top Level inclusion in all appropriate advertising, marketing, social media and

promotion of SommConTM • Inclusion as a sponsor in all applicable advertising, marketing and promotion

of SommConTM 2015• Sponsorship of one e-blast to SommConTM attendees• Full page advertisement in the SommConTM Program Directory • Rotating banner ad on the SommConTM website• Ability to conduct ONE post-show mailing to attendees through third-party

mail house• Logo inclusion in SommConTM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel

$25,000

Marketing and Public Relations• Top Level inclusion in all appropriate advertising, marketing, social media and

promotion of SommConTM • Full page ad in the SommConTM Program Directory • Rotating banner ad on the SommConTM website• Inclusion as a sponsor in all applicable advertising, marketing and promotion

of SommConTM 2015• Ability to conduct ONE post-show mailing to attendees through

third-party mail house• Logo inclusion in SommConTM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel

ONEAvailable

SOMMCON TRADE TASTING PRESENTING SPONSOR

Sponsorship Presence• Wine Glass Sponsorship

- Company name and logo on SommConTM tasting glasses - Logo etched on each wine glass - Color logo on Wine Glass Station signage - Color logo on exit signage

• Your company’s branding and décor during Trade Tasting, to include: - Branded Signage - Distribution of literature or promotional item (provided by sponsor

and subject to approval by SommConTM management) - Place cards at food/beverage station with company branding

• Floor Decals throughout Exhibit Hall

SommConTM Trade Tasting• 20’ x 20’ presence on the SommConTM Trade Tasting floor with classroom

seating for 20 and mini tasting sessions on Friday, November 20• One (1) piece of literature insert into each Registration Gift Bag

Connect and Network• Ten (10) Full-Conference Passes• 100 VIP Guest Invitations

- SommConTM will provide VIP guest invitations for sponsor to use to invite customers and key accounts at a special discounted rate

• Host of two Round Table discussions • Ability to purchase an additional conference pass to company staff at 25% off• Six (6) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San Diego

Bay Wine & Food Festival

When the conference educational sessions end, the tasting continues during the SommConTM Trade Tasting featuring wineries, breweries, a spotlight on premium spirits, lunch for attendees and more. Up to 1,000 trade and consumer attendees are anticipated. As presenting sponsor, your sponsorship includes:

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NETWORKINGRECEPTION SPONSOR $8,000

TWOAvailable

The day is done, time to unwind and have some fun! Your brand will be the exclusive networking reception sponsor on one day of SommConTM to include:

Sponsorship Presence• Your company’s exclusive branding and décor during the Reception, to include:

- Branded Signage - Distribution of literature or promotional item (provided by sponsor

and subject to approval by SommConTM management) - If a winery, opportunity to pour during the reception - Place cards at food/beverage station with company branding

SommCon Trade Tasting• 8’ x 10’ exhibit booth at SommConTM Trade Tasting on Friday, November 20• One (1) piece of literature insert into each Registration Gift Bag

Connect and Network• Two (2) Full-Conference Passes• Additional full conference passes available to company personnel at 25%

discount (limit: 3)• Option to host one table during round table discussions• Four (4) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San

Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Marketing and Public Relations• Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event

website• Inclusion as a sponsor in all applicable advertising, marketing and promotion

of SommCon 2015• Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink• Social media inclusion • Logo recognition in SommConTM e-broadcast distributed to over 10,000 people• Exclusive e-broadcast to SommConTM list, featuring brand’s educational track• Logo inclusion in SommConTM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel

PRESENTING SEMINAR SPONSOR

Sponsorship Integration• Sponsor of an entire educational seminar• 1-2 minute introduction, to be presented by brand representative and prior to a

designated session, subject to approval by SommConTM management• Sponsor recognition signage • Branding / Logo inclusion on promotional materials for seminar and within

seminar’s Event Signage• Distribution of literature and promotional items (provided by sponsor and

subject to approval by SommConTM management)• Opportunity to provide a brand host in each room

SommConTM Trade Tasting• 8’ x 10’ exhibit space during SommConTM TradeShow Tasting on Friday,

November 20• Pre-Convention exclusive broadcast to all attendees (sent by SommConTM

management, content from sponsor)

Connect and Network• Two (2) Full-Conference Passes• Two (2) tickets to SommConTM Trade Tasting on Friday, November 20• Four (4) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San

Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Marketing and Public Relations• Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink• Social media inclusion • Logo recognition in SommConTM e-broadcast distributed to over 10,000 people• Exclusive e-broadcast to SommConTM list, featuring brand’s educational seminar• Logo inclusion in SommConTM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel

$5,000 FOURAvailable

SOCIAL MEDIA LOUNGE $5,000

Be the exclusive sponsor of the social media lounge located in close proximity to the SommCon educational sessions. Here you will provide a gathering spot for wine professionals as they check in, tweet, post, and share all of the conference’s latest news. The program includes:

Sponsorship Presence• Your company’s exclusive branding of the Social Media Lounge• One networking table located within the lounge• Lounge to include phone and device charging station, seating, and SommCon

Step & Repeat

SommCon Trade Tasting• 8’ x 10’ exhibit booth at SommConTrade Tasting on Friday, November 20• One (1) piece of literature insert into each Registration Gift Bag

Connect and Network• Two (2) Full-Conference Passes• Additional full conference passes available to company personnel at 25%

discount (limit: 3)• Option to host one table during round table discussions• Four (4) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San

Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Marketing and Public Relations• Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event

website• Inclusion as a sponsor in all applicable advertising, marketing and promotion

of SommCon 2015• Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink• Social media inclusion • Logo recognition in SommCon e-broadcast distributed to over 10,000 people• Exclusive e-broadcast to SommCon list, featuring brand’s Social Media Lounge• Logo inclusion in SommCon ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel

ONEAvailable BAG SPONSOR $5,000 ONE

Available

Sponsorship Presence• Your company’s exclusive branding of the event bag distributed to all attendees

at registration • Company 1-color company logo featured on the bag’s exterior

SommConTM Trade Tasting• One (1) piece of literature insert into each Registration Gift Bag

Connect and Network• Two (2) Full-Conference Passes• Additional full conference passes available to company personnel at 25%

discount (limit: 3)• Option to host one table during round table discussions• Four (4) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San

Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Marketing and Public Relations• Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event

website• Inclusion as a sponsor in all applicable advertising, marketing and promotion

of SommConTM 2015• Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink• Social media inclusion • Logo recognition in SommConTM e-broadcast distributed to over 10,000 people• Logo inclusion in SommConTM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel

TWOAvailable

YOUNG LEADER’S SUMMIT SPONSOR $3,500

Sponsorship Presence• Your company’s branding and décor during Summit, to include:

- Branded Signage - Distribution of literature or promotional item (provided by sponsor and

subject to approval by SommConTM management) - If a winery, opportunity to pour during the break - Place cards at food/beverage station with company branding

• Logo on Signage recognizing Young Leader’s Summit Scholarship recipients

SommConTM Trade Tasting• 8’ x 10’ exhibit booth at SommConTM Trade Tasting on Friday, November 20• One (1) piece of literature insert into each Registration Gift Bag

Connect and Network• One (1) Full-Conference Pass• Host and moderate Young Leader’s Round Table on one morning of SommConTM

during breakfast Round Table Sessions• Co-Host Young Leader’s Reception open to all attendees• Two (2) Trade Entry Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San

Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Marketing and Public Relations• Post-event electronic broadcast out to Young Leader’s Summit attendees• Logo on Young Leader’s Summit page on the SommConTM website• Inclusion as a sponsor in all applicable advertising, marketing and promotion of

SommConTM 2015 associated with the Young Leader’s Summit

ONEAvailable

WATER SPONSOR / WATERBOTTLE & STATION SPONSOR $3,500

Sponsorship Presence• Your company’s exclusive branding and décor at all refillable water stations,

including: - Branded Signage - Logo on refillable water bottles given to each attendee

SommConTM Trade Tasting• One (1) piece of literature insert into each Registration Gift Bag

Connect and Network• One (1) Full-Conference Pass• Two (2) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San

Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Marketing and Public Relations• Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event

website• Inclusion as a sponsor in all applicable advertising, marketing and promotion

of SommConTM 2015

Sponsorship Presence• Your company’s exclusive branding and décor during the break, to include:

- Branded Signage - Distribution of literature or promotional item - If a winery, opportunity to pour during the break - Place cards at food/beverage station with company branding

SommConTM Trade Tasting• One (1) piece of literature insert into each attendee registration bag

Connect and Network• One (1) Full-Conference Pass• Two (2) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San

Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Marketing and Public Relations• Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event

website• Inclusion as a sponsor in all applicable advertising, marketing and promotion

of SommConTM 2015

REFRESHMENT BREAK SPONSOR $3,500

TWOAvailable $2,000 - $5,000SOMMCON ELITE

LUNCH / DINNER

Host the series’ most elite sommeliers and wine professionals in attendance at this year’s SommConTM in a lunch or dinner at on of San Diego’s most talked about restaurants. For up to twenty sommeliers.

Sponsorship Presence • Your company’s exclusive branding and décor during the lunch or dinner, to

include: - Branded Signage - Distribution of literature or promotional item (provided by sponsor

and subject to approval by SommConTM management) - If a winery, opportunity to pour and present wines

SommConTM Trade Tasting• One (1) piece of literature insert into each attendee registration bag

Marketing and Public Relations• Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event

website• Inclusion as a sponsor in all applicable advertising, marketing and promotion

of SommConTM 2015

TWOAvailable

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Connect & Network• Host and moderate one table during the Breakfast Round Table sessions on

Thursday and Friday• Logo on Round Table Signage

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION SPONSOR $500 per table TEN

Available

TENAvailable

SOMMCON CONNECT $1,000

Table Top displays located in the foyer of the SommConTM educational sessions will allow for prime networking throughout the day when sessions break. This is your chance to share your product, services, or wines to attendees prior to the SommConTM trade tasting on Friday. Table Tops open all day Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning.

Sponsorship Presence • One six-foot table and two chairs November 19 & 20• Table Top signage• One 8 x 10 table at the SommConTM trade tasting November 20

Here is your opportunity to serve as proctor in one of the Seminar Rooms at SommConTM , to include:

Sponsorship Presence • One (1) Day of room sponsorship• Introduction of Presenters• Distribution of literature or promotional item (provided by sponsor and subject

to approval by SommConTM management)

SommConTM Trade Tasting• 8’ x 10’ exhibit booth at SommConTM Trade Tasting on Friday, November 20

Marketing and Public Relations• Logo and 50-word company description and contact information on the event

website

$1,500 EIGHTAvailableROOM HOST

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PROGRAM DIRECTORY Add $5,000 add $2,500

As the main SommConTM resource for attendees, the Program Directory is distributed to all attendees and includes complete information regarding schedules, sessions, speakers and exhibitors. Adding this opportunity to your sponsorship package will include:

Sponsorship Presence• Color logo on front cover of printed Program Directory

Connect and Network• Five (5) General Admission Full Conference Passes

Marketing and Public Relations• Back page color ad in printed Program Directory

ONEAvailable

LANYARD SPONSOR Add $3,000 ONEAvailable

All exhibitors, speakers and attendees will receive their credentials on a SommConTM badge and lanyard. Adding this opportunity to your sponsorship package will include:

Sponsorship Presence• One logo featured on SommConTM laynards

Connect and Network• One (1) General Admission Full Conference Pass

VIP SUITE SIXAvailable

This is an opportunity for your company and brand to host targeted sales meetings or exclusive education session with your customers within a private VIP room. With one four-hour window of your choice, the VIP Suite is set classroom-style for 33 individuals and includes tables and chairs. Your set up and materials must be approved by SommConTM management.

Connect and Network• One (1) General Admission Full Conference Pass

VIP Suite Availability

Wednesday, November 18 8:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Thursday, November 19 8:00am - 12:00pm ---------

Friday, November 20 8:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 5:00pm

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

$2,500WEBSITE HOMEPAGE AD

Your company’s banner ad will be featured within the rotating banners on SommConTM ’s website homepage. Banners rotate approximately every six seconds and will be linked to your company’s website.

Banner Ad Specifications• 1610 w x 600 h pixels• 72 dpi, minimum• Accepted file types: .JPG, .PNG

$5,000YOU ARE HERE MAPS ONEAvailable

Sponsorship Presence• Company logo in top banner of “You Are Here” Maps, placed in signage units

throughout SommConTM venue• Company exhibit booth call out with logo on Maps

Connect and Network• Two (2) Full-Conference Passes• Two (2) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San

Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Marketing and Public Relations• Inclusion as a sponsor in all applicable advertising, marketing and promotion

of SommConTM 2015• Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink• Social media inclusion • Logo recognition in SommConTM e-broadcast distributed to over 10,000 people• Logo inclusion in SommConTM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel

$5,000DIRECTIONAL FLOOR DECALS

ONEAvailable

Floor Decals are highly visible to attendees and are a great way to place your company logo continuously in their path, whether they are walking to or from a session or event. These decals will be placed throughout the SommConTM venue in high traffic areas.

Sponsorship Presence• Company logo featured within SommConTM directional floor decals, placed in

heavy traffic areas within SommConTM venue

Connect and Network• Two (2) Full-Conference Passes• Two (2) Trade Entry tickets to the Grand Tasting Event as part of the San

Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Marketing and Public Relations• Inclusion as a sponsor in all applicable advertising, marketing and promotion

of SommConTM 2015• Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink• Social media inclusion • Logo recognition in SommConTM e-broadcast distributed to over 10,000 people• Logo inclusion in SommConTM ads within Somm Journal and Tasting Panel

$500

pricing below

WEBSITE BANNER AD

Your company’s banner ad will be locked into the internal webpages of SommConTM ’s website. Banners rotate approximately every six seconds.

Banner Ad Specifications• 1400 w x 200 h pixels• 72 dpi, minimum• Accepted file types: .JPG, .PNG

PROGRAM DIRECTORYADVERTISING

The Program Directory serves as the on-hand guide to the 2015 SommCon San Diego and is distributed to all attendees. It includes a wealth of information including session and educational track schedules, key-not speakers, exhibitor locations, and event maps. As an advertisor within the Program Directory, your company / brand has the opportunity to reach attendees countless times throughout the four-day schedule and after SommConTM has concluded.

Advertising Deadline: September 30, 2015

Ad Placement CostInside front or back cover NOT AVAILABLE

Inside first or last page NOT AVAILABLE

Full-page $1,000

Half-page $650

$2,000 per unitSCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE

THREEAvailable

Every morning, the “Schedule At-A-Glance” signage units are changed out to feature the upcoming day’s schedule of events. Each free-standing unit will be placed in prominent locations throughout the SommConTM venue.

Sponsorship Presence• Company logo in top banner of the “Schedule At-A-Glance” unit(s), placed in

heavy traffic areas within SommConTM venue

Marketing and Public Relations• Logo inclusion on event website with hyperlink• Social media inclusion

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pricing below

Michelle Metter, ProducerSommConTM 2015

metter@fastforwardevents.com619-312-1212 ext. 101

Ken Loyst, ProducerSommConTM 2015

loyst@fastforwardevents.com619-312-1212 ext. 102

Jesse Rodriguez, DirectorSommConTM 2015

jesse@kaizenwine.com858-997-5111

Images in this deck reflect events during the 2014 San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. Individuals pictured here have not necessarily lent their endorsement to SommConTM 2015.

usCONTACT

Michelle Metter and Ken Loyst are the creators of Fast Forward, an award-winning event management and marketing agency established in 2004 specializing in the creation of world-class productions for the wine, spirit and culinary industries. Metter and Loyst co-founded the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, now one of the largest luxury wine and culinary classics in the country drawing 10,000 affluent enthusiasts to the city each year.

Believing that education fundamentally changes an individual’s access to the future they want, Metter and Loyst created Fast Forward Futures, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the educational pursuits of students and professionals with studies in the culinary, enology, hospitality and event industries. Both Metter and Loyst hold a level two WSET certificate, serve on the American Institute of Wine & Food Board of Directors and the Chaine des Rotisseurs Board of Directors.

Both are members of the International Association of Exhibition Executives Public Events Council. They have logged countless hours in the production of international and national conferences and almost an equal amount of time talking about wine. SommCon, among other productions at Fast Forward, are the marking of where the duo’s passion has met their purpose.

Jesse Rodriguez currently holds the position of sommelier at Studio Restaurant at Montage Laguna Beach, an award-winning hotel and resort in Orange County, CA. After 11 years and many attempts, in July of 2014 Studio received the prestigious Wine Spectator Grand Award. He is an advanced sommelier by the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers, is credentialed as a Certified Wine Educator by the Society of Wine Educators, and he has completed the Diploma level through The Wine and Spirits Educational Trust (WSET).