b'National Government AffairsConference More than 200 beverage industry employees, partners and panelists met in Charleston, SC, to discuss the state of politics, improve skills, network and strategize for 2026.TOP ROWFood Ingredient Safety Coalition Executive DirectorDan Colegrove (middle) shares insights into coalition building with fellow panelists. American Beverages Maia Jack (left) and Amy Brink (right) conduct a Q&A on science and ingredient safety. 2ND ROWAmerican Beverages Sean Krispinsky (middle left) holds up an example of association bylaws duringa discussion on governance and compliancealongside (left to right) American Beverages David Thorp, Georgia Beverage Association President& CEO Kevin Perry and EPDM Roofing Association Executive Director Ellen Breipohl Thorp. American Beverages Mikayla Moreau (right) presentsthe Beverage Champion Award to Arizona Beverage Associations Michael Gardner for his work during the 2025 legislative session. 3RD ROWNational Grocers Association Group Vice Presidentof Government Relations & Political Affairs Stephanie Johnson (middle right) provides detail on how SNAP waivers will impact the market in 2026. (Left to right) American Beverages Franklin Davis, Advance Strategies Partner Marc Short, Birdseye Strategies Founder Noam Lee and Targeted Victory Chief Communications Officer Matt Gorman discuss the state of politics and elections one year ahead ofthe 2026 midterms. 4TH ROWSouth Carolina Beverage Association PresidentJay Hicks kicks off the conference by welcoming attendees to The Palmetto State. World Wildlife Fund Senior Vice President of Policyand Government Affairs Alejandro Prez (right) gives background on recently passed extended producer responsibility laws in Maryland and Washington. BOTTOM ROW(Left to right) PepsiCos Brigitte Schmidt Gwyn, The Coca-Cola Companys Lauren Sayeski and Keurig Dr Peppers Peter DePasquale discuss challenges and opportunities to come in the year ahead. Illinois Beverage Associations Madeline Norris(middle right) shares tips on effectively engagingwith local lawmakers on industry issues.American Beverage 2025 Annual Review|17'