DRINKS ProfessionalsNetwork
A monthly roundtable where distillers, brand owners, distributors, importers, buyers, brokers and the professionals who serve them trade intelligence, solve each other's problems and open doors, on a global industry basis. Free to join. Participation is priceless.
Senior-level networking that actually works
Each session opens with introductions and a lead-off topic. After that, participants steer: questions, challenges, deals, war stories and introductions.
Relationships that last
Members have built brands, formed partnerships and made lifelong professional connections around this table.
Market intelligence, first-hand
Hear what distribution, consumption, bulk pricing and regulation look like this month from the people living it.
Leads and introductions
Ask the room. Introductions to co-packers, export partners, distributors, investors and buyers follow every session.
Global, focused on the US market
Participants join from across the US and abroad. Spirits, wine and beer professionals all have a seat.
Problems solved in the room
Control states, DtC shipping, airport retail, export routes, private label: someone at the table has been there.
Recorded, noted, followed up
Sessions are recorded, summarized with calls to action, and archived below so nothing said goes to waste.
Born from a proven model, built for the drinks business
Lead sharing and peer networking have long been the lifeblood of commercial real estate. Real Professionals Network built its reputation as the networking organization for that industry, with curated, conflict-free groups where professionals share leads and make introductions.
Michael Shoer helped develop the original concept as an advisor to RPN's founder. When the pandemic took handshakes off the table, that work led to the launch of the DRINKS Professionals Network in March 2020: a way for diverse industry participants to establish meaningful business relationships without geographic boundaries.
Six and a half years later the roundtable is still meeting on the first Friday of every month, and many of the faces from the earliest sessions are still at the table.
- ConceptMichael Shoer advises the founder of Real Professionals Network on its peer-networking model.
- March 2020DRINKS Professionals Network launches on Zoom as handshakes disappear.
- 2021DRINKS TANK video episodes and monthly roundtable recordings begin.
- 2022–2025First Friday roundtables continue monthly, from craft distilleries to Kentucky, live.
- October 2026Relaunch for year seven: one registration covers every month, plus published session notes.
Veterans of the roundtable
Thank you to the participants whose experience and candor make every session worthwhile. A few of the regulars you will meet:
Monthly meeting notes
Summary, key takeaways, calls to action and a redacted transcript for every roundtable. Participant and company names are removed from published notes so the room can stay candid.
Roundtable recordings, 2020 to 2026
Every recorded roundtable and DRINKS TANK episode. Pick a year, or open the full playlist on YouTube.
Two ways to take a seat
There is no fee to join. All we ask is meaningful participation.
Register for the roundtable
One Zoom registration covers every First Friday. You'll get the join link and calendar reminders.
Register on ZoomJoin the DPN list
Get monthly reminders, session notes and invitations. Members can also endorse colleagues, who are invited automatically.
Join the listQuestions? Text (502) 754-3480 or call (678) 578-7204 · Book a call with Michael