Dear NBWA Member:Have you registered to be a part of NBWA’s 2018 Legislative Conference? It will be here in a few short weeks, April 22 – 25!

Here are five reasons why YOU need to be in Washington, D.C., this spring:

1. Congressional Relationships: It’s important to build and maintain relationships with Congress as a investment for future policy decisions that can impact your business.

2. Beer Category Health: As the beer industry is facing volume challenges, industry leaders will dive into data and explore what can help turn the tide.

3. Emerging Issues: From e-commerce to marijuana, new policy debates could impact the beer industry and today’s effective regulatory system.

4. New Education Sessions: Distributor members are invited to attend four educations session about lobbying; reporter relationships; growing your business; and trade practice regulations.

5. Next Generation Development: NBWA’s Next Generation Group will learn about the industry and build relationships.

And don’t forget the receptions each evening with plenty of cold beer!

Be sure to register yourself and others from your company today! We look forward to seeing you in Washington.

Cheers!

P.S. Be sure to consult this year’s new & improved schedule when making your travel plans.

2018

NBW

A LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

April 22 - 25, 2018 • Washington, D.C.

#NBWADC

Jim Matesich NBWA Chairman of the Board

Craig PurserNBWA President & CEO

Issues Impacting the Beer Distribution IndustryIndependent beer distributors face a wide range of developing issues. Among the topics that will be discussed during NBWA’s 2018 Legislative Conference are:

Aluminum and Steel TariffsMore than 100 members of Congress wrote to

the White House expressing concerns that new tariffs on aluminum and steel would have unintended consequences.

Tariffs amount to hidden taxes which will be paid by American consumers. An increase in cost of goods sold negatively impacts all tiers of the beer industry in the United States – including brewers, distributors and retailers – and could negatively impact men and women across the country whose jobs depend on a vibrant and competitive industry.

Federal Taxes: Permanency and ParityNBWA is advocating for permanence and parity to

preserve specific measures included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law in late 2017.

Changes made to the estate tax will help family businesses invest in the future.

The bill included a 20% deduction for pass-through business owners, including trust shareholders, significant estate tax relief, improved business expensing allowances, the preservation of LIFO accounting, the individual rate reductions and various other provisions.

Infrastructure and Transportation Funding

Congress and the White House are positioned to consider a wide infrastructure package that would include funding to improve roads, bridges and other transportation needs across the country. These investments would directly impact beer distributors whose fleets use hundreds of miles of roadways in every congressional district to deliver beer and generate commerce in local communities. Additionally, infrastructure projects would generate more American jobs and add more disposable income to the pockets of hardworking men and women.

Funding the Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)As the primary federal regulator of the licensed

beverage industry, the TTB’s role is critical in supporting the regulatory structure of the three-tier system. The agency enforces trade practices, labeling and advertising rules. In 2017, NBWA helped garner over 240

signatures from members of Congress to the Secretary of Treasury recognizing the important role of the TTB in tax collection and regulatory oversight.

Ensuring the Independence of Beer Distributors and Jobs

During its review of the Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller merger, the Department of Justice affirmed the role that an independent distribution system plays in supporting marketplace competition and consumer choice. It is incumbent upon regulators and policymakers to ensure that the American marketplace for beer remains an open marketplace, driven by consumer choice.

Next Generation Group LuncheonMonday, April 2312:30 – 2:00 p.m.

Second-generation reporter Judy Kurtz will speak at the Next Generation Group luncheon. Following in the footsteps of her father, renowned media critic Howie Kurtz, Kurtz is the “In the Know”

columnist for The Hill newspaper where she covers Congress, politics and the D.C. social scene. She will discuss today’s headlines, changes in journalism and work/life balance.

Next Generation Group Social HourTuesday, April 245:00 – 6:00 p.m.

NBWA’s Next Generation leaders also will connect over a cold beer before the 6th Annual Cheers event. This is a great opportunity to network and build relationships.

Paul BegalaDisruption is the name of the game

in the political arena these days. From daily news headlines to the upcoming midterm elections, it’s anyone’s guess what happens when the music stops.

Former Clinton-Gore strategist Paul Begala has been offering analysis of politics and policy for years, having co-hosted CNN’s Crossfire and MSNBC’s Equal Time. Currently, he appears on CNN shows including The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.

Begala will speak on Monday, April 23.

U.S. Senator Cory Gardner Having grown up in a family-

owned business, Sen. Cory Gardner is a longtime friend to small business owners like beer distributors. After working at his family’s farm implement dealership, he served in the Colorado House of Representatives and eventually ran for Congress in 2010. In 2014, he was

elected to the U.S. Senate, where he has risen quickly through the ranks. He currently chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which coordinates and manages senatorial campaigns. He also is engaged in a wide range of policy issues, including energy, transportation and the discussion around marijuana regulation.

Gardner will speak on Tuesday, April 24.

House Republican Whip Steve Scalise

Rep. Steve Scalise made national headlines when he was shot during an early-morning baseball practice ahead of the annual congressional baseball game in June 2017. Fifteen weeks later, he returned to Capitol Hill and told his colleagues, “I’m definitely a living example that miracles really do happen.”

Since his days in the state legislature, Scalise has understood beer distributor issues and fought for policy proposals that help small, family businesses thrive. He has been an advocate of comprehensive tax reform and other initiatives that help businesses plan and grow. In addition to speaking about policy proposals, he also will share his inspirational story of surviving the shooting on the baseball field. As a reminder of his positive attitude and fortitude, he has said, “While some people might focus on a tragic event and an evil act, to me, all I remember are the thousands of acts of kindness and love and warmth that came out of this.”

Scalise will speak the morning of Wednesday, April 25.

Conference HighlightsQUESTIONS?

Call the Meetings Department at 800-300-6417 or email info@nbwa.org.

RegisterOnline:www.nbwa.org/DC18

Evening ReceptionsLeaders from the Beer

Institute and the Brewers Association will be co-hosting receptions in support of NBWA’s 2018 Legislative Conference. We look forward to chatting with each other over a cold beer at these receptions:

Sunday, April 22, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.Beers with Brewers Reception Co-hosted by the Brewers Association and NBWA

Monday, April 23, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.Toast to Washington Reception Co-hosted by the Beer Institute and NBWA

Tuesday, April 24, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.Cheers: A Celebration of Beer & Food In its sixth year, Cheers will be held at the District Pier at the District Wharf. This central gathering place allows a one-of-a-kind experience and offers views of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial.

Distributor Member MeetingTuesday, April 248:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Several complex policy issues for the way we do business and the way alcohol is regulated across the country are on the horizon. From the expansion of e-commerce to the legalization of marijuana, how can independent beer distributors evolve and grow in today’s changing landscape? Join NBWA’s elected leaders and several special guests for candid conversation about industry developments and policy issues behind closed doors. Distributors, bring your questions to this important meeting!

RegisterOnline:www.nbwa.org/DC18

Registration Form 2018 NBWA LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCEApril 22-25, 2018Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

I PLAN ON ATTENDING THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:SUNDAY❏ Beer with Brewers

Reception

MONDAY❏ Breakfast❏ Education Session: Be

Your Best Advocate ❏ Education Session: Media

Matters - Using Reporters to Tell Your Story

❏ Education Session: Using Data to Grow Your Business

❏ Education Session: Keeping it Legal - Understanding Trade Practice Regulation

❏ Luncheon ❏ Next Generation Group

Lunch (By Invitation Only)

❏ Toast to Washington Reception

TUESDAY❏ Breakfast❏ Distributor Member

Meeting (Distributor Members Only)

❏ Luncheon

❏ Next Generation Group Social Hour (By Invitation Only)

❏ Cheers Event

WEDNESDAY❏ Contenental Breakfast

Please complete a separate form for each person registering.

Registrant name

Registrant title Nickname (for badge)

Spouse/guest name (if registering) Nickname (for badge)

Company name

Company mailing address

City State Zip code

Phone number

Email

Congressional district(s) in which your company is located

❏ Check here if you are disabled and require special services. Please attach a written description of needs.

REGISTRATION FEES:

❏ Beer Distributor Fee: $400 ❏ NBWA Associate Member Fee: $400 ❏ Spouse/Guest Fee: $400

IMPORTANT! Return completed registration form(s) with payment to the NBWA Lockbox at:

National Beer Wholesalers AssociationP.O. Box 79556Baltimore, MD 21279-0556

(Note: Full payment must accompany your registration form. Please make checks payable to the National Beer Wholesalers Association or include your MasterCard or Visa information on this form. All payments must be in U.S. currency.)

PAYMENT PROCESSING

Total Payment: $ ❏ Check Enclosed ❏ MasterCard/Visa ❏ Amex

Name (as it appears on your card)

Card number Expiration date (month/year) CVV#

Billing address

Hotel Reservations:★ The Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol

Hill is the official hotel for the 2018 NBWA Legislative Conference. The address is: 400 New Jersey Ave., NW Washington, D.C., 20001

★ Call the Hyatt Regency Reservations Department at (888) 421-1442 and identify yourself as an NBWA participant, or book your room online at www.nbwa.org/DC18. The room rate is $310 + tax per night.

★ NBWA encourages you to make hotel reservations early, as the hotel will sell out quickly. The last day to make reservations is Friday, March 30, 2018. Don’t delay. Once the block is sold, rooms and rates cannot be guaranteed.

Cancellation Policy:NBWA must receive written notice of cancellations by email no later than March 30, 2018, to issue a 100% refund. From March 31-April 13, 2018, a $100 per person administrative fee will be assessed for all cancellation notices received in writing. After April 13, 2018, no refunds will be issued. Please email mmoreland@nbwa.org for cancellation requests.

Schedule of EventsThe new schedule is designed to make the most out of your time in the nation’s capital and to reflect the congressional calendar.

Sunday, April 22

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Beer with Brewers Reception Co-hosted with the Brewers

Association

Monday, April 23

7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Registration Desk Open

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Education Session: Be Your Best Advocate

9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Education Session: Media Matters - Using Reporters to Tell Your Story

Education Session: Using Data to Grow Your Business

11:00 – 12:30 p.m. Education Session: Keeping it Legal - Understanding Trade Practice Regulation

12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Networking Lunch

12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Next Generation Group Luncheon Speaker: Judy Kurtz, The Hill By Invitation Only2:00 – 5:00 p.m. General Industry Session Speaker: Paul Begala, CNN Political

Strategist

6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Toast to Washington Reception Co-Hosted with Beer Institute

Tuesday, April 24

7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Registration Desk Open

7:00 – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast Buffet

8:00 – 11:30 a.m. Distributor Member Meeting Speaker: Sen. Cory Gardner Distributor Members Only11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. State Delegation Meetings Lunch Served2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Capitol Hill Visits

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Chairman’s Circle Reception By Invitation Only5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Next Generation Group Social Hour By Invitation Only6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Cheers: A Celebration of

Beer & Food

Wednesday, April 25

7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration Desk Open

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Legislative Briefing/Continental Breakfast

Speaker: House Republican Whip Steve Scalise

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Capitol Hill Visits

QUESTIONS?Call the Meetings

Department at 800-300-6417 or

email info@nbwa.org.

Register

Online:

www.nbwa

.org/DC18

NEW&Improved!

NATIONAL BEER WHOLESALERS ASSOCIATION1101 King Street, Suite 600Alexandria, Virginia 22314-2944www.nbwa.org

Register Today!2018 NBWA LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCEAPRIL 22 – 25, 2018Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol HillWashington, D.C.

Register

Online:www.nbwa.o

rg/DC18

★ VISIT WWW.NBWA.ORG/DC18 #NBWADC ★