The first major UK event dedicated to exploring the impact of AI-driven technology on the drinks industry will take place on Monday 17 June at King’s College London. The event, which runs from 1 to 5.30 pm with a networking lunch beforehand, will bring together an impressive line-up of experts to discuss how generative AI is transforming the creation, marketing, and retailing of wines and spirits.
Among the key speakers at this highly anticipated event are leading acadmics and industry figures, who will share insights on how AI is shaping the future of the drinks sector. The event will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the role AI is playing in the evolution of this dynamic industry.
Experts from Oxford, London, and beyond to lead discussions
Professor Charles Spence, head of the Crossmodal Research Laboratory at Oxford University, will be one of the prominent speakers addressing the influence of AI on drinks. With his extensive expertise in the intersection of sensory science and technology, Professor Spence will offer valuable insights into how AI is being used to enhance the consumer experience in the drinks industry.
Joining him is Professor Barry Smith, co-director of the Centre for the Study of the Senses at the University of London, who will bring his deep knowledge of the sensory experience of drinks to the discussion. Together, these experts will explore how AI technologies can shape and improve the sensory aspects of wine and spirits, from flavour profiling to packaging design.
Professor Oguz A. Acar, professor of Marketing & Innovation at King’s Business School, will also be speaking at the event. His current research, which sits at the intersection of generative AI, organizations, and education, will shed light on how AI is revolutionizing business models within the drinks industry, particularly in marketing and consumer engagement.
Industry figures offer real-world insights
The event will also feature influential figures from the world of wine and spirits. Chris Hoel, former French Laundry sommelier and founder of Harper’s Club, will provide expert insight into how AI is shaping the sommelier profession and the fine dining experience. Rob Hollands, CEO of Metacask, will discuss the role of digital ownership in the drinks market, offering a glimpse into the future of collectibles and rare bottles.
Nick Martin, co-founder and CEO of Wine Owners, a platform that offers digital solutions for the global drinks market, will discuss how AI is improving the management and trading of fine wines. Additionally, Richard Bampfield MW, a renowned wine consultant who works with leading businesses, including major retailer Lidl, will share his perspective on how AI is influencing wine consultancy and retail strategies.
The future of drinks discovery through AI technology
The event will also feature Pam Dillon and Andrew Sussman from Preferabli, a company that provides B2B2C product discovery and recommendation software for the wine, spirits, and food industries. Preferabli’s software helps businesses in sectors such as specialty retail, hospitality, and consumer platforms to discover and recommend products based on AI-driven algorithms. Dillon and Sussman will discuss how AI is improving the product discovery process and the implications for the future of retail and consumer engagement in the drinks industry.
This groundbreaking event promises to offer valuable insights into how generative AI is reshaping the drinks industry, from production to marketing and retailing. It will provide a platform for industry professionals to explore the possibilities of AI technology and how it can be leveraged to enhance the consumer experience, drive innovation, and create new opportunities within the sector.