Based on significant evaluation and discussion, the American Society for Enology and Viticulture’s (ASEV) Board of Directors has elected to discontinue the trade show portion of their popular June Annual Meeting, effective 2009. There are no plans for trade shows following the 2008 meeting in Portland, Oregon.

“This action offers us added flexibility and positions us to be more responsive to the needs of our members, exhibitors and the evolving directions of the wine industry,” said Board President Pat Howe.

Without the space requirements of an exhibit floor, the ASEV Board says significantly different site options can be considered for its annual meeting. Additionally, the Board can now allocate more resources to the development of completely new program formats and explore more dynamic ways for suppliers to interact with the wine and grape community.

As part of its strategic planning process, the ASEV is already in the process of developing a host of new opportunities to further the interaction between suppliers and members, while better integrating suppliers’ knowledge into many aspects of ASEV annual meeting activities. The popular Supplier Showcase Seminars introduced last year are one example of how industry members and suppliers can combine their technical knowledge to the advantage of the industry.

The Board is also addressing new member services to both enhance member benefits and replace the trade show. The introduction of subscription-based, on-demand web videos of symposia and one-day seminars focusing on current hot topics are not only examples of new revenue sources, but more importantly offer ways to further the Society’s core value of widely disseminating research information.

“The Board is confident that this strategic decision will ultimately enrich the ASEV by providing more value and relevance to its members,” Howe said.

The American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) is a non-profit professional society dedicated to the interests of enologists, viticulturists, and others in the fields of wine and grape research and production throughout the world. Membership includes professionals from wineries, vineyards, academic institutions and organizations. More information on the ASEV, its programs and annual meeting can be found on-line at: www.asev.org.