The Liquor Marketing Group (LMG) 2023 National Conference kicked off in Waikiki, Hawaii on Monday night, with more than 400 members and suppliers, all wearing special Hawaiian shirts, in attendance.

The conference was officially opened by Chairman Wayne Bayfield and CEO Gavin Saunders.

In opening the conference, Bayfield said: “Welcome everybody, 14 years ago we were in Hawaii and we can reflect on the changes in that time, but also what has remained consistent, and that is that LMG is totally about its members. That hasn’t changed, and won’t.

“I would like to welcome the new members, I am sure you’re going to enjoy yourselves and welcome to the LMG family. It’s this connection and members working together that makes us a great group. We all should feel proud of what we have achieved and the advancements we have made over the last number of years.

“I’m confident that we are delivering performance progress that we will look back on in 14 years and be very proud of what this group has achieved. Have a great conference and enjoy everything we have to say over the next few days.”

Saunders added: “It’s is outstanding to have 430 delegates here. We are a business of sociability  and we all, on a daily basis, work hard and we will talk a lot about work, but it’s great to take the opportunity to reconnect and have some fun.

“I love that I work for a membership-based group and that all our members are our asset, thank you all for taking the time to come here, and thank you to everyone at the LMG team who has worked hard to put this conference together.”

With business sessions and group updates coming over the course of the week, it promises to be and exciting conference and it certainly got off to a great start, as you will see from the pictures below.

Andy Young

Andy joined Intermedia as Editor of The Shout in 2015, writing news on a daily basis and also writing features for National Liquor News. Now Managing Editor of both The Shout and Bars and Clubs.