Episode 162: Melissa McCann of the Women's International Beer Summit

Host Ben Rice grabs a pint on his patio with Melissa McCann, the executive director of the Women's International Beer Summit, part of the newly-minted Women's Craft Fermentation Alliance. Over a glass of Crowns & Hops's Black Is Beautiful pecan pie stout, we discuss the creation of this endeavor, the challenges and successes of starting it during COVID, winning Athletic Brewing's Trailblazer award, Melissa's path from casual drinker to executive director, and becoming a 501(c)3. Plus! Incredible stories coming to this year's event (April 23 & 24, again digitally - get your tickets at www.wcfa.beer), what's new for this year, and what's in the future for this wonderful interactive event.Again, get your tickets at www.wcfa.beer for just $40 (sale ends March 15 - $50 after that). First 300 ticket buyers also get an interactive bonus box loaded with sensory and other goodies to pair with talks throughout the summit. Plus, check out details on the Women's International Beer Summit digital happy hour April 22!Find out more about the Women's International Beer Summit at the website that's been in this description twice already or follow them on IG @womensintlbeersummitBarley & Me can be found across social media @barleyandmepod. Email questions/comments/concerns/guest ideas/brewery ideas to [email protected] or [email protected] is also posting #Chugs4Charity videos semi-regularly on Instagram (@barleyandmepod), to help raise funds for various local and national charities with goals of making our world a better place. You can Venmo Ben ($comedianbenrice) or hit his PayPal (@barleyandmepod) and all money will go to support the NAACP, ACLU, Black Lives Matter, and other civil rights helpers. Charities will change with the times and as emergencies arise. But the point is: all donations will go to help those who need it.It's now been 9+ months since Brienne Allen's revelations about the beer industry's treatment of women and minorities. If you have stories about change (or lack thereof), please submit them (anonymously if you wish) and your story may be featured on a future episode. Simply go to https://forms.gle/2QNebCn7NHHjsEbg6Intro Music: “Functional Alcoholism” by Be Brave Bold Robot (@bebraveboldrobot)Interstitial Music: "JamRoc" by Breez (@breeztheartist)Logo by Jessica DiMesio (@alchemistqueen)