An eventful week in Tempe
KrugerHenry and the Evergreen software team headed to Tempe, Arizona for the 2026 NALCP conference, which celebrated its 21st birthday. Evergreen was proud to be a title sponsor, and we're grateful to NALCP for the chance to support this community.
For the first time, we brought the full Evergreen team and several firm colleagues, a mix of NALCP veterans and first-time attendees. Here's a look at the sessions we led, the fun we had, and what we're taking away from this year's event.
Kicking things off at the NALCP Open
This year's conference started on a high note as over twenty teams comprised of conference attendees took the to green for NALCP's "Grass Clippings" event. The KrugerHenry team (Designated Drivers) and the Evergreen team (Par-tee Animals) took to the fairway to test themselves in a number of quirky challenges presented at the holes. While our teams didn't walk away with the trophy, there was but plenty of fun and photos to commemorate the moment.
Panel 1 - AI's Role in License & Compliance
On day two of the conference, Evergreen's Jeff Forster moderated AI 201: Alcohol Intelligence — Applied AI in Licensing & Compliance. The panel looked at how AI is actually showing up in licensing and compliance work: the tasks it speeds up, the shortcuts it enables, and the new risks it introduces.
The conversation covered how teams are using AI on the job today, the mandates and policies starting to emerge, and the practical guardrails that keep AI-assisted work compliant. The panel also dug into ethics and risk, and what operators should prepare for as AI becomes a normal part of everyday compliance work.
Conference attendees share their perspectives
During the session, Jeff ran a live audience poll where hundreds of attendees cast their vote on a range of AI-related questions. The results paint a clear picture: AI is already part of the workday, but it hasn't fully reached license renewal work.
| Poll question | What attendees said |
|---|---|
| I've been told to use AI in my work | 59% yes |
| I have used a chatbot to perform a work task | 60% yes |
| I use a chatbot for license-related tasks | 52% not yet; 21% weekly or daily |
| I use an AI agent for license-related tasks | 68% not yet; 17% weekly or daily |
| I'm excited to use AI in my licensing work | 81% yes or somewhat |
| In 5 years, AI will eliminate a meaningful part of my job | 56% no, 22% maybe, 22% yes |
The takeaway: AI as an assistant, not a replacement
Overwhelmingly, the survey showed that attendees and panelists are using AI in their day-to-day work. Participants noted using AI for researching, drafting emails, statute and regulation lookups, form preparation, renewals, and spreadsheet analysis. While AI tools are becoming more ubiquitous in the workplace, panelists emphasized the importance of human oversight, especially in a field where client privilege, data privacy, and regulatory compliance is of the utmost importance. Looking ahead, most see AI as a tool that will enhance their jobs rather than replace them. Enthusiasm is high, with 85% saying they've already found at least a few good ways to use it.
Panel 2 - Emerging Tech 501: What the Tech?!
Following Jeff's session, KrugerHenry Partner Erin Mosley from North Carolina took the stage as a panelist for Emerging Tech 501: What the Tech?! The discussion explored how emerging technologies are reshaping compliance in retail alcohol, including digital ID verification, scanning and biometric tools, self-pour and automated dispensing systems, and broader agency modernization.
Erin was joined on stage by regulators from three other states, offering a diverse look at how these tools are being adopted in practice, where they create new compliance opportunities and challenges, and what operators should be ready for as technology keeps evolving.
Our takeaways from NALCP 2026
- New connections. Each year we love meeting new members who we look forward to staying connected with in the years ahead.
- Stronger relationships. Community is at the center of NALCP. This conference reminds us how much we value in-person conversation with the clients, counsel, and regulators that we work so closely with year-round.
- A clearer view of the landscape. From AI policy to digital ID and agency modernization, we came away with a sharper understanding of where liquor licensing regulation is headed and how we can help our clients stay ahead of it.
We want to give a heartfelt thank you to NALCP for another well-run and successful conference. We're proud to have been a title sponsor this year, and we can't wait for 2027 in Oklahoma!
We'd also like to thank our incredible NALCP 2026 team: Kaitlynd Kruger, Tom Henry, Erin Mosley, David McPeak, Sam Bertoline, Mila Darling, Ashley Wooten, Jeff Forster, Andy Yochum, Corey Rocchio, and Claire Butterfield.