Denise Wallhermfechtel

Nestled in the Soulard neighborhood for more than 160 years, it was only fitting that Denise Wallhermfechtel and her team decided to showcase Anheuser-Busch’s historic headquarters and its hometown to the company’s wholesalers at the Summer Spectacular.

More than 3,000 attendees were feted for their efforts in serving as an integral part of the foundation and success of the company. Working closely with Explore St. Louis and area hotels, Wallhermfechtel, Director of Corporate Events at Anheuser-Busch, helped lay out the welcome mat to provide the necessary space and experiences to make it all happen.

With the Arch and bright red Budweiser brewhouse neon sign serving as a skyline backdrop, the wholesalers and special guests were immersed in all things St. Louis. From the initial reception at the St. Louis Brewery — an up-close-and-personal selfies with the Clydesdales and many fun attractions throughout the campus – the attendees were later treated to a concert at the Convention Center. Throughout the two-day convention, the attendees experienced this fare river city’s amenities including Ballpark Village, the Union Station entertainment district, restaurants galore and the active nightlife.

Taking center stage, of course, was the beer and all of A-B’s products.

“Our entire group was able to spend time together in our immersion area at the Convention Center,” Wallhermfechtel said. “There, our guests were able to enjoy our products, taste some new ones and see how our marketing teams are bringing products to life, along with some long- overdue camaraderie.”

“This was the first time getting together in person with our wholesalers after the past couple years of virtual meetings,” she said, “so we thought the best place in the world would be to bring them home to our headquarters. And the response has been phenomenal. Our wholesalers and employees always enjoy being back here in our home town.”

The event was one of several meetings in St. Louis this year to showcase the major investments the company has made with its facilities, including the completion of the new production facility for EverGrain, which turns saved grains into barely protein for food products and a $50 million project that expands Anheuser-Busch’s ability to produce more flavors and types of drinks in St. Louis.

“As a St. Louisan, this was a very proud moment for me for so many reasons,” Wallhermfechtel said. “First of all, most of my family is from this area, so we have so many fond memories and history here and then being an Anheuser-Busch employee has made me even more proud of what we do here in St. Louis. It’s a great place to live and work because our town is truly a community where people care about their neighbors.  You also cannot beat the amazing attractions we have – like the St. Louis Brewery, the Zoo and Union Station, for example – as well as incredible sports teams to cheer on anytime of the year – and rich culinary scene with some of the best restaurants in the country.”

So, why not St. Louis?