Diversifying the Talent Pool

Wine writer Kathleen Wilcox perhaps said it best in a recent article: “At this point, the fact that the wine industry needs a fresh perspective is old news. The only growth segment in the industry is the 60+ segment and, for the second year in a row, overall consumption declined… The 59 and under set is simply no longer connecting with the world of wine.”

Central to this issue is the makeup of the workforce in wine. We have seen the topic covered at just about every event in every industry, yet many businesses are still reporting a struggle to find and attract a diverse talent pool — one that represents the diversity of the marketplace that we are trying to connect with.

This session will get even more granular on the topic, offering real-world case studies from those within and beyond the wine industry who are creating meaningful change in their businesses on this front.

Topics addressed will include:

• What skills outside of wine may translate well to your business so that you can expand your talent search?
• How do you make your company a place people want to work?
• Sustainability beyond the vineyard – what programs are you offering your employees to promote sustainability in your human resources?
• Marks that matter – what certifications can you pursue for your business that benefit the industry as a whole?
• And more

Moderators:
Lorez Bailey, North Bay Business Journal, California

Speakers:
Ikimi Dubose-Woodson, The Roots Fund, New York
Dwight Phyall, Total Wine & More, Maryland