Today is the day over 800 of the finest beverage industry professionals will gather in Marina del Rey, Calif., for the spectacle that is BevNET Live. Didn’t make it to the Golden State? Tune into the free livestream here (or find it via BevNET.com and our LinkedIn page). Okay, on with highlights from today’s agenda… The day kicks off with the 27th edition of the New Beverage Showdown where a field of semifinalists will pitch their way to a chance of winning an industry awareness package and bragging rights. Gut health is at the top of the agenda, both in terms of beverage industry trends and the day’s discussions. Poppi co-founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth take to the main stage to dole out some sage advice, later followed by former HealthAde CEO Chris Lansing accompanied by Manna Tree’s Steve Young and FirstBev’s Bob Nakasone to share insight into the kombucha company’s “closing kick.” Plenty more trend-sights (get it, trend insights) are on the way before lunch rolls around with Döhler Ventures’ Dr. Sebastian Dreher breaking down the past decade in investment and later some on-trend entrepreneurs (read: Parch’s Ila Byrne, Pretty Tasty’s Scarlett Leung and Recoup’s Susan Buckwalter Hartman) sharing on the ground lessons from their recent growth trajectories. Stick around for distribution to-do’s from the masterminds over at UNFI, a timely discussion on the beverage investment landscape’s future featuring Barrel Ventures, InvestBev and Bluestein Ventures. We will finish out the day with an array of insight into various brand’s growth from finding the right audience to a case study on Generous Brand’s massive cold chain gains as well as strategic sourcing insights and the future for hemp-based Cannabevs in 2026. Sponsored workshops and 1:1 meetings with mentors, retailers and investors will take place over the course of the next two days as well. 📅 Check out today’s full agenda here. 📺 Tune into the free livestream here for all access and exclusive content during the next two days! | 
