Persuading people in the wine industry about the power and benefits of big data can be challenging enough.

(It’s why about 80% of my time is spent doing exactly that.)

Now. Try adding blockchain to the conversation, and we are suddenly at a whole new level of challenge.

I’m the first to say that I’ve got things to learn on this front. Fortunately, on Monday at the London Wine Fair, school will be in session. Specifically in the Innovation Zone, at the workshop called “How to Use Big Data and Blockchain Technology in Your Business.”

I’ll be presenting Enolytics alongside Jonathan Harclerode, chief executive of Bottlebooks, Jon Pollinger, CEO of TaTaTu, and Richard Siddle, session organizer, moderator and editor-in-chief of The-Buyer.net.

If he’s true to form, as I expect he will be, Richard won’t be letting any of us off easy. That is, he’ll be holding us accountable – Jonathan, to explain the best ways to use data throughout the supply chain; Jon, to demonstrate the practical uses of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies for the wine industry; and me, to illustrate applications of big data around consumer behavior and insights.

We won’t be the first or the only ones to engage this question. At last December’s wine2wine conference in Verona, for example, Paul Mabray moderated a session that featured Paul Howard speaking about blockchain for wine.

It was barely five months ago, and already I feel like there are new things to say. The subject is that dynamic.

It’s why these sessions are so important, IMO. One builds on another. Each pushes the envelope a bit further. And every time there are questions. Questions of clarification. Questions about How do I…? Questions where the answers need to address what all of this technology means to the people in the audience in particular, and to the wine business in general.

That’s what I’ll be listening for, and looking to learn. It’s what I’m committed to bringing home, sharing with you, and making real for our clients.

Please stay tuned, and stay in touch. As always, I welcome your questions and suggestions and comments.

Thank you for reading, and for your interest --

Cathy