National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) Year in Review 

The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) plays a central role in supporting the independent beer and beverage distribution industry. Through advocacy, leadership development, education, and industry-wide collaboration, NBWA helps distributors navigate change while continuing to serve their communities and customers. 

As a dedicated NBWA partner, Descartes participated throughout the past year in key events, educational sessions, webinars and sponsorships focused on helping beverage distributors improve efficiency, optimize operations and deliver consistent service in an increasingly complex market. 
 

This Year in Review highlights the initiatives, events, and insights that defined our partnership with the National Beer Wholesalers Association in 2025.

One of the most pressing challenges facing beverage distributors today is balancing driver shortages with growing delivery demands. In a webinar partnered with NBWA, Descartes brought together leaders from Silver Eagle Distributors, Mitchell Distributing and Pepin Distributing to share how they are tackling this issue head-on. 

The discussion focused on how modern route planning, optimization and real-time execution software are helping distributors boost productivity without adding headcount. Speakers shared real-world examples of how better data, improved visibility and stronger communication across teams helps optimize resources and retain drivers, while maintaining service levels. 

The conversation reinforced how critical technology has become necessary in keeping delivery teams efficient, aligned, and customer-focused, even as labor constraints persist. 

Watch the recording to hear directly from distributors about how they are overcoming today’s toughest delivery challenges and turning labor constraints into opportunities through smarter orchestration, greater visibility and data-driven decision making. 

The NBWA Annual Convention is always a highlight for the beverage distribution industry, and 2025 delivered a powerful mix of innovation, education and connection. 

It brought together distributors, suppliers, and partners from across the country to explore new ideas and practical solutions. Descartes participated throughout the convention, engaging with distributors and helping spotlight the ways optimized routing and connected workflows can strengthen operations.

Technology took center stage at the BIECC Innovation Showcase, where vendors shared rapid demonstrations of technology reshaping beverage distribution. 

Descartes presented how unified route planning, daily execution and communication tools help distributors modernize their operations. The presentation emphasized the importance of clean data, real-time visibility, and connected workflows in improving routing accuracy, reducing unnecessary miles, and strengthening coordination between sales and delivery teams.

Descartes also joined leaders from Silver Eagle, Mitchell Distributing and Pepin Distributing for an educational seminar focused on smarter fleet and route management. The discussion highlighted how increased visibility, performance analytics, and efficient routing can transform daily operations, especially when teams are operating with limited resources. 
 

Distributors shared how they leverage Descartes solutions to improve planning, execution and communication across their organizations. Attendees walked away with practical ideas they could apply to their own operations to make distribution more predictable, efficient and resilient. 

The convention concluded with Making Moves, a powerful event hosted by BREW (Building Relationships and Empowering Women) and the Alliance for Women in Beer. As the only event centered specifically on women in beer, Making Moves brought together established industry pioneers, rising talent and supportive allies for an afternoon filled with inspiration, education and meaningful connection.  

The program focused on leadership development, inclusivity, and building high-performing teams. Attendees heard insights from leading voices in the beverage industry and engaged in conversations about accelerating career growth, expanding leadership opportunities and strengthening representation across beer and beverage distribution.

Descartes was proud to sponsor the Welcome and Registration Desk at the NBWA Next Generation Success in Leadership Conference. This event brings rising industry leaders together to learn, connect and develop the skills they will need to guide the beverage distribution industry forward.  

More than 200 emerging leaders attended sessions covering leadership development, workforce strategy, operational efficiency, market trends, and long-term business planning. Speakers offered practical perspectives on navigating change, strengthening teams, and preparing for the future.

Earlier in the year, distributors from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. to talk directly with lawmakers about issues that matter most to the industry. The Legislative Conference, hosted by NBWA, is the premier advocacy event for beer and beverage distribution. The conference provides distributors the opportunity to bring key issues directly to lawmakers and explain the essential role they play in both local economies and national supply chains. 

Attendees learned strategic skills on how to communicate effectively with elected officials and how to advocate for policies that support responsible alcohol regulation and the strength of the independent distribution system. Meetings on Capitol Hill helped reinforce the economic and community impact of the 3,000 independent beer distributors and the 135,000 Americans they employ. 

Held within the Legislative Conference, the BREW Leadership Forum offered additional leadership development workshops, featuring expert speakers, interactive sessions, and candid conversations about the skills today’s leaders need to inspire teams and drive innovation. 

From innovation showcases and leadership development to advocacy and operational education, 2025 was a year of meaningful engagement and collaboration between the National Beer Wholesalers Association and Descartes. These efforts helped strengthen the distributor community through shared insights, modern technology, and a commitment to operational excellence. 
 

As the industry continues to evolve, Descartes remains dedicated to supporting NBWA members with the expertise, tools and partnership they need to navigate new challenges and build stronger, more resilient operations. We look forward to another year of empowering beverage distributors across the country.