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Chicago's Wine, Spirits & Culinary Experience
CLINK & SIP Festival: Where Every Sip Empowers
Celebrate five years of culture, connection, and diverse excellence in wine, spirits, beer, food, and hospitality.
September 20, 2026 | 3–8 PM
Morgan MFG
401 N. Morgan St. Chicago, IL 60642
21+
CLINK & SIP Festival is the signature annual event of the Sip & Empower Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting diverse entrepreneurs in wine, spirits, food, and hospitality.
The Sip & Empower Foundation
We're a Chicago 501(c)(3) removing the cost barriers that keep diverse makers
out of the rooms where distribution deals get made. CLINK & SIP is our largest
fundraiser — and one of the ways we do it.
Meet the founders
The Women Behind CLINK & SIP
Joyce Dawkins
Co-founder of the Sip & Empower Foundation and founder of She ROCKS It, Joyce creates platforms that celebrate, connect, and empower women and entrepreneurs.
Chrishon Lampley
Co-founder of the Sip & Empower Foundation and founder of Love Cork Screw, Chrishon is a nationally recognized wine entrepreneur committed to expanding opportunities for diverse founders in wine and hospitality.
Together, Joyce and Chrishon created CLINK & SIP Festival to celebrate diverse makers while building meaningful connections and opportunities.
MEET THE 2026 CLINK & SIP MAKERS
Meet the diverse founders and brands shaping the future of wine, spirits, beer, and nonalcoholic beverages. More participants will be announced as we get closer to the festival.
Our Festival Partners
CLINK & SIP Festival is made possible through the support of organizations and partners committed to culture, connection, and diverse entrepreneurship.
Meet the CLINK & SIP Festival Team
Meet the talented professionals helping bring the CLINK & SIP Festival experience to life.
Plan Your CLINK & SIP Weekend
The Emily Hotel
A boutique Fulton Market hotel located near Morgan MFG.
The Emily Hotel
A boutique Fulton Market hotel located near Morgan MFG.
The Westin Chicago River North
A downtown Chicago hotel near the Riverwalk with convenient access to Fulton Market.
The Westin Chicago River North
A downtown Chicago hotel near the Riverwalk with convenient access to Fulton Market.
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop
A West Loop hotel located near Fulton Market, restaurants, and public transportation.
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop
A West Loop hotel located near Fulton Market, restaurants, and public transportation.
Partner With CLINK & SIP Festival
Connect your brand with an anticipated 1,500 guests while helping the Sip & Empower Foundation expand opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs in wine, spirits, food, and hospitality. CLINK Festival partnerships offer meaningful brand visibility, custom activations, VIP access, digital promotion, and measurable community impact. We welcome the opportunity to create a partnership that supports your company's goals while advancing our mission.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
$50,000
- Title Recognition
- Top-Tier Brand Placement
- VIP Speaking Opportunity
- Custom Branded Activation
- 20 VIP All-Access Passes
- Social Media & Email Features
- Media Coverage & Press Exposure
PLATINUM SPONSOR
$25,000
- Brand Recognition
- Custom Branded Activation
- 15 VIP All-Access Passes
- Onstage Mention & Acknowledgement
- Social Media Spotlight
- Recognition in Press Materials
GOLD SPONSOR
$10,000
- Logo Placement
- Brand Activation Opportunity
- 10 VIP All-Access Passes
- Social Media Highlights
- Mention in Press Release
SILVER SPONSOR
$5,000
- Logo Placement
- Brand Activation Opportunity
- 5 VIP All-Access Passes
- Social Media Feature
YEAR-ROUND IMPACT
$5,000
- Funds 10–20 First Pour Fund micro-grants, or one full Hospitality Scholars award
- Named recognition on the Programs page for the full program year
- Recognition in grant award notifications to recipients
- Year-end impact summary you can use in your own reporting
- Recognition in Foundation press materials
- 2 VIP passes to CLINK & SIP Festival
Additional Information
Your 2026 CLINK & SIP Experience
Wine, Spirits and More: Discover premium wines, spirits, craft beer, and nonalcoholic beverages from diverse makers across the country.
Food and Flavor: Enjoy inspired bites and culinary creations from celebrated Chicago chefs and restaurants.
Connection and Culture: Meet founders, connect with fellow beverage lovers, and celebrate the people shaping the future of wine, spirits, food, and hospitality.
More to Experience: Enjoy live music, educational panels, a beer garden, a cigar lounge, and engaging festival experiences throughout Morgan MFG.
Come for the beverages. Stay for the conversations. Leave inspired.