WSWA 73rd Annual Convention & Exposition

Las Vegas celebrates the business of beverage and welcomes the return of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Convention and Exposition to Caesars Palace bringing together the top talent in the wine and spirits industry. This year’s convention featured a series of exciting speakers and special events, including the introductory keynote speech by renowned journalist David Gregory; tasting competitions and events; hospitality suites; and more.
Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting with special guest: Christie Brinkley introducing her Bellissima Organic Prosecco.

 

Also on hand special guest Channing Tatum introducing Born and Bred Vodka. 

This year, WSWA recognized two industry giants: Tito Beveridge and Larry Ruvo. The WSWA Educational Foundation presented Tito Beveridge, founder of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, with the Sidney Frank Award, given annually to a person who has made exceptional industry contributions in addition to noteworthy philanthropy and community service. The award is named for Sidney Frank, a leading innovator who built a number of successful brands and an extraordinary philanthropist.

WSWA also presented the Lifetime Leadership Award to Larry Ruvo, senior managing director of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada and a 40-year veteran of the industry.

2016 Big Screen Achievement Awards is hosted by Liz Hernandez from Access Hollywood.

Here is a list of the winners:

Female Star of Tomorrow — Gina Rodriguez 

 

 

Male Star of Tomorrow — Stephen Arnell

Breakthrough Director of the Year — Nate Parker 

Comedy Stars of the Year — Zac Efron, Anna Kendrick & Adam Devine

Producer of the Year — Jason Blum

Cinema Icon Award — Susan Sarandon 

 

Rising Star of the Year — Jack Huston

CinemaCon Vanguard Award — Keanu Reeves  

Breakthrough Performer of the Year — Dave Franco

Award of Excellence in Acting — Bryce Dallas Howard 

 

Ensemble of the Universe Award — The Cast of INDEPENDENCE DAY: Resurgence

Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Maika Monroe, Jessie Usher, Sela Ward and Vivica A. Fox 

 

 

Male Star of the Year — Jesse Eisenberg 

 

Female Stars of the Year — Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Christina Applegate and Annie Mumolo

Grand Tasting

 

UNLVino’s Grand Tasting delighted guests with an unrivaled collection of premium beverages and a fresh entertainment lineup. Delectable cuisine from UNLV’s culinary students and celebrated Vegas restaurants. 

This years Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence honoree is: Jan Jones Blackhurst Executive Vice President – Government Relations and Corporate Responsibility Caesars Entertainment.

Sake Fever

 

Sakes, Craft Beer and Craft Spirits from Around the World

UNLVino re-introduces the popular Sake Fever with an exciting new twist, melding the best of the East and West at the Red Rock’ Hotel & Casino. The evening showcased Vegas’ mixology scene, an extensive selection of sakes, plus Japanese and American cuisine from some of the city’s favorite restaurants.  

This years Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence honoree is: Brian Massie, Corporate Executive Chef and Partner for Clique Hospitality.

BUBBLE-LICIOUS Kicked OFF 42nd ANNUAL UNLVINO AT THE VENETIAN ON THURSDAY, APRIL 14

Champagne, award-winning cuisine and entertainment by HUMAN NATURE took center stage to celebrate honoree Robert G. Goldstein during Bubble-Licious. 

The evening honored Robert G. Goldstein, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands, highlight cuisine from award-winning restaurants at The Venetian and Palazzo, and guests were treated to a performance by HUMAN NATURE. During the event, sommeliers from Southern Wine & Spirits and representatives from UNLV celebrated with its signature 21 Cork Salute with bottles of Dom Pérignon.  

Bubble-Licious recognized Goldstein with the Dom Pérignon Award of Excellence. This prestigious honor is given to those who have distinguished themselves and set an example through their inspirational leadership, character and work ethic in the hospitality industry. Joining Las Vegas Sands during the planning phases of The Venetian, Goldstein is responsible for shaping the property’s identity and attracting the top retailers, restauranteurs and leading leisure attractions. 

 

Vice President Joe Biden and Lady Gaga hosted UNLV Sexual Assault Rally "It's On US"

 

Part of the national "It's On Us Week of Action when students around the country will host events on their campuses to engage college students and all members of campus communities in preventing sexual assault and supporting survivors of sexual assault.

 

The Park Grand Opening Las Vegas

 

On Monday April 4th CEO Jim Murren, Governor Brian Sandoval, Clark County Commissioner Mary Beth Scow, and Southern Nevada Water Authority General Manager John J. Entsminger kicked off the Park’s debut with a news conference and ribbon cutting in Las Vegas.

 
The new park runs from the Las Vegas Strip to the new T-Mobile Arena and features a variety of restaurants: Bruxie, a waffle restaurant; Sake Rok, a Japanese restaurant; California Pizza Kitchen and the Beerhaus were guests can enjoy indoor as well as outdoor dining.
 

Another great feature at the park is the Bliss Dance, a 40-foot tall sculpture of a dancing woman created by Marco Cochrane located at the back of the Park toward the arena. The sculpture made its debut at Burning Man in Northern Nevada several years ago and was later located at Treasure Island in San Francisco.
 

The sculpture, will be lit at night. Also, visitors coming from the boulevard can walk through two walls of running water on their way into the Park.