In this conversation, Sid Patel, CEO of Bartender Spirits Awards and Beverage Trade Network, sits down with Steven Minor, Corporate Beverage Director at Starwood Hotels, to discuss what suppliers need to understand when pitching beverage programs to large hotel groups.

Steven shares insights on national distribution, supplier presentations, hotel venue requirements, brand alignment, sustainability, product quality, and beverage trends. He explains why brands need to understand different hotel concepts and tailor their approach rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

The conversation also explores what buyers expect in a 15-minute supplier pitch, why national distribution can be critical for securing multi-property placements, and which beverage categories are performing strongly across hotel properties.