“2016: Beyond the Horizon:” Consumer Media Expert Anne-Marie Schaffer to Deliver Keynote Address at 2013 Direct to Consumer Wine Symposium

NAPA, Calif. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- As a billion people join the online community via mobile devices in the next few years, how will trends in media consumption and new technologies change our businesses and our lives? Keynote speaker and consumer media expert Anne-Marie Schaffer will draw a map of what's new and next, and how these trends and ideas could affect DTC wine marketing, at the Direct to Consumer Wine Symposium on January 24, 2013 at the South San Francisco Conference Center.

Anne-Marie Schaffer is executive vice president and managing director of PHD West in Los Angeles, an innovative media and communications agency (www.phdww.com). Their book, 2016: Beyond the Horizon, explores what is driving technological innovation and predicts what we should expect to see in three areas: infrastructure, interface and internet. The book, published in 2011, paints a picture of marketing in 2016, and provides a springboard for a thought-provoking keynote session. Anne-Marie is an award-winning media director who has worked across a wide array of clients that include Gap, ATT/Cingular, NBC Universal, Princess Cruise Lines, Toyota and the Ritz Carlton.

“Anne-Marie will help us think outside the box with an exciting, blue-sky discussion about the near future of communications, social networks, and digital technology,” Brian Baker, 2011 Chairman, and V.P. of Sales and Marketing at Chateau Montelena winery.

Early Registration Pricing Ends December 23

Registration remains the same price as last year, $375 per person, and $395 after December 23, 2012. The Wednesday Evening Social Mixer ($75 per person) allows attendees to network with other wine industry executives and suppliers at the conference hotel. To register, visit http://www.dtcwinesymposium.com/registration.html

Video Contest Entries Due December 15

For the second year, the DTC Wine Symposium will highlight and award outstanding achievement in winery video production in two categories: best winery marketing video, and best viral video. The competition is open to all wineries and wine event marketing companies, and winners receive complimentary registration to the 2013 event. For details see http://www.dtcwinesymposium.com/video_contest_entry.php

About the Direct to Consumer Wine Symposium

The DTC Wine Symposium is presented by and a fundraiser for Free the Grapes! and Coalition for Free Trade. These two organizations have worked successfully with local winery associations and industry representatives to increase the number of legal direct shipping states from 17 to 39, which represent 89.5% of US wine consumption.