Join Systech as we host experts from the University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management (HRSM) for an important discussion about anti-counterfeiting approaches. According to the US Patent and Trademark Office, counterfeiting is the largest criminal enterprise in the world—with domestic and international sales of counterfeit and pirated goods totaling between an estimated $1.7 trillion and $4.5 trillion each year. This is a cross-cutting issue, and no industry is immune.
Our December webinar will focus on counterfeiting in the wine industry as one example of how to prevent the supply chain threats many brands face. The consequences of fake products—especially when consumers are ingesting them—go well beyond the financial. Brands lose their reputation (and revenues) when customers are exposed to physical harm from hazardous ingredients in counterfeit products.
Speakers:
Karen Edwards, JD
Interim Associate Dean
College of HRSM, University of South Carolina
Karen Edwards is a faculty member in the Department of Retailing at the University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sports Management, where she also serves as interim associate dean of academic programs. Her research involves legal issues affecting retailers, brands, and service providers, investigating topics such as counterfeit products, accessibility of retail environments, and digital marketing. Edwards serves on the Loss Prevention Foundation's board of directors and is a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, South Carolina Women in Higher Education, American Collegiate Retailing Association, and American MENSA.
Dr. Sandy Strick
Associate Prof. & Director of the Wine and Beverage Institute, School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
College of HRSM, University of South Carolina
Sandy Strick, Ph.D. is a faculty member in the School of Hospitality and Tourism at the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sports Management, where she founded USC’s Wine and Beverage Institute, and serves as its director. Strick has developed several courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, such as Introduction to Wine and Spirits, Advanced Wine, International Business of Beverage Management, and Teaching Pedagogy. She is a member of the Society of Wine Educators, is a Certified Wine Educator, and has WSET 2 and entry-level Sommelier credentials.
