Craft Beer Professionals

Craft beer is all about friendship and fun, and that can ironically make it harder for folks who are dealing with anxiety, depression, or suicidality to open up about their struggles. Because craft beer is in the business of selling a good time, the industry can be resistant to acknowledging that some of its members are struggling. Some of beer’s favorite spaces and events, such as taprooms and festivals, can be uniquely aggravating to individuals dealing with anxiety in particular.In this talk, journalist David Nilsen will talk about how the industry can better support its workers who are struggling and provide mentally safer spaces for customers and employees alike.David Nilsen is a full-time beer writer and educator living near Dayton, Ohio. He’s an Advanced Cicerone© and an award-winning member of the North American Guild of Beer Writers and the British Guild of Beer Writers. He’s also the host of the Bean to Barstool podcast, the author of Pairing Beer & Chocolate, and the co-founder and editor of Final Gravity.Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

In an industry built on authenticity and community connection, most teams resist AI because they worry it will dilute the brand’s voice or sound generic. Used strategically, AI can protect creative energy, support consistency, and make marketing more sustainable without replacing personality.This session explores how breweries can use AI as a calibration tool that supports brand tone, improves operational communication, and helps repurpose existing conversations and knowledge into usable marketing and training material. We will walk through how AI can bridge the gap between operations and marketing, support seasonal storytelling, accelerate employee onboarding, and create content frameworks that still feel like the people behind the beer.The session includes a live example build showing how to turn raw ideas or taproom dialogue into platform ready content while keeping voice intact. No technical background required. The focus is on structure and intention rather than automation.Participants will leave with prompt techniques, best practices for brand consistency, and methods for using AI without outsourcing identity.AI should not replace your voice. It should protect it so you have the energy to keep using it.Madeline McMahon is a fractional marketing strategist and founder of Madeline Fleehart Consulting specializing in sustainable visibility for small teams in the food and beverage sector. Their background includes organic storytelling, CRM architecture, and process design with a focus on strengthening consistency without adding complexity. Madeline has led AI education sessions for the Virginia Brewers Conference, Pink Boots Society, SCORE, and regional startups with an emphasis on practical use of AI by non technical teams. Their approach integrates narrative thinking with light touch tools to improve alignment across operations and marketing. They believe successful brewery marketing is intentional, repeatable, and grounded in lived brand experience rather than produced through automation.Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

It’s hard out there for a brewery. With follower reach at an all time low and Meta no longer recommending alcohol pages, we need to flip the script. We need profitable & owned channel marketing programs!Bring your scalpel and your bunsen burner. In this session we will dissect the most profitable App Marketing programs. We will look at proven ways to drive repeat visits, real life tactics to sell through aging beer more quickly and how to stack recurring monthly revenue for the slower times.No “pie-in-the-sky” or fluffy marketing ideas allowed. Just real-world examples, numbers & best practices. So you can skip the guesswork and start implementing proven programs right away.This session is for micro to mid-size brewery owners, GMs, marketing managers and head janitors (because let’s face it, you do all these jobs anyways). Whether your goal is to grow weekday traffic, launch a paid membership, or turn first-time guests into lifelong fans, you’ll leave with a clear action plan tailored to your brewery.Ross Stensrud accidentally graduated from UCSD while studying lacrosse and spending plenty of time at O’Brien’s. After a brief stint designing pool cleaners (yes, really) in an effort to justify the cost of his degree, he pivoted and began recruiting smart friends to help build app marketing tech for local businesses—starting with music, then golf, and now craft beer with TapWyse. He lives in Carlsbad with his wife Laurel and their two boys, Roscoe (11) and Mason (9). When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him biking down PCH or shuttling his kids to basketball, golf, music, and skateboarding.Thank you to Cascade Floors + Harvest Hosts for helping keep our community and content 100% free and accessible to all Craft Beer Professionals.Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling tanks, taplists, payroll, a stuck mash, and three “quick questions” before your coffee kicks in? You’re not alone. Ball Theory for Brewers is a simple, fun way to sort out which parts of your job are glass balls (don’t drop these!) and which ones are rubber balls (let them bounce). This session breaks down brewery chaos into something you can actually manage. You’ll leave with a prioritization system that helps you protect safety, quality, and your people—while letting go of the tasks, expectations, and “fires” that aren’t worth the stress. Because good beer shouldn’t come at the cost of burnout.Jennifer Goetsch is the Vice President at Alpha Beverage Operations, a brewery equipment manufacturer serving craft producers across the industry. With more than a decade of experience in commercial operations, customer experience, and leadership development, Jenn is known for helping teams bring clarity to complex, fast-moving environments.Her work focuses on building sustainable, high-performing teams and practical systems that support people without burning them out. Jenn brings a people-first perspective to leadership, using simple frameworks—like the Ball Theory—to help leaders prioritize what truly matters while letting go of what doesn’t.Outside of work, Jenn is a fitness coach, mom, and advocate for sustainable leadership in the craft beer industry. Her sessions are honest, relatable, and designed to leave attendees with tools they can actually use the next day.Thank you to Cascade Floors + Harvest Hosts for helping keep our community and content 100% free and accessible to all Craft Beer Professionals.Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

As breweries look for new ways to grow, many are exploring opportunities beyond their local audience. Travelers are actively seeking out breweries as part of their journeys, creating an opportunity to connect with new faces and drive additional taproom revenue.In this session, we’ll share insights from working with hundreds of brewery partners across the country to highlight how breweries are using Harvest Hosts as a marketing and visibility tool to attract travelers and turn those visits into real sales. We’ll explore how RV travelers discover breweries, what influences their decisions to stop, and why welcoming travelers on-site often leads to increased foot traffic and word-of-mouth.Rather than focusing on big operational changes or new marketing campaigns, this session centers on practical, approachable ways breweries are using Harvest Hosts to support growth. Attendees will learn what hosting looks like in practice, how it fits into existing operations, and how breweries are generating incremental taproom revenue while staying focused on making great beer and running a smooth taproom.Thank you to Cascade Floors + Harvest Hosts for helping keep our community and content 100% free and accessible to all Craft Beer Professionals.Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

With more high-quality beer available than ever before, great beer alone is no longer enough to stand out. Guests may come for the beer, but they return for how they are treated. This session explores the critical role hospitality plays in shaping guest perception, driving repeat visits, and turning casual visitors into loyal brand advocates. Designed specifically for breweries and taprooms, the talk reframes hospitality as a core business strategy—one that influences reviews, word-of-mouth, and long-term growth. Attendees will leave with practical insights into how intentional service, staff engagement, and guest experience design can become a brewery’s most powerful competitive advantage.Taylor is a 25 year hospitality industry professional beginning with a summer job cooking breakfast at a small-town diner where he grew up, and ending as the Executive Chef of Drakes Brewing Company, bringing the simple philosophy that brewery food can be better than it needs to be. Now, as a Solutions Consultant at GoTab, he leverages that lifetime of firsthand experience with the day-to-day realities of hospitality and the challenges operators face at every level. His deep operational background and culinary training help hospitality teams learn to focus on customer sequence, reduce friction, and improve customer experience and profitability. Driven by a passion for creating great guest experiences, Taylor works closely with brewery taprooms, beer gardens, and hospitality operators to remove operational noise and let teams focus on what matters most—the customer.Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

In today’s competitive market, simply producing high-quality beer is often no longer enough to secure sustained growth. Many forward-thinking breweries are strategically diversifying their product portfolios, expanding into high-growth categories such as hard cider, spirits, wine, RTDs, can cannabevs.While this expansion opens up exciting new revenue streams, it simultaneously introduces a new set of operational, financial, and regulatory challenges. The question for many producers is: where do we even begin?Industry experts Alex and Aaron with lead a discussion focused on demystifying the diversification process and will guide attendees through the critical considerations required when integrating an entirely new product line into an established brewery operation.The session with specifically focus on how production software, like Ollie and Ekos, can act as the cornerstone for a successful transition. We’ll focus on key areas such as streamlining procurement for new ingredients and packaging, adapting the production process, ensuring financial accuracy, and managing sales efficiency.Don’t let complexity slow your growth. Learn how to successfully expand your portfolio while maintaining efficiency and compliance.Alex was born & raised in North Carolina. He is an alumni of Grimsley High School and UNC-Wilmington, and currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a former swimmer and grilling enthusiast. His first craft beer was Natty Green’s Freedom IPA, and North Carolina beer holds a special place in his heart. Alex has spent 9 years with Next Glass, and currently is a Solutions Consultant supporting the Producer Solutions team. While coming from outside of industry initially, Alex brings valuable experience after thousands of conversations with brewery owners around the world.Aaron Keefner is happily approaching his 14th year in the craft beer industry, having started out in marketing with Goose Island in early 2012. He eventually moved to an operations role in wholesale support in order to gain experience on both the production/operations side, as well as the knowledge already obtained via marketing/sales. After 5.5 years he found himself at Revolution Brewing running their specialty beer program, including their celebrated Deep Wood barrel-aged program, as well as spearheading the rollout of their small batch program. In 2019 he assumed the role of Executive Director of Brewery Operations with More Brewing Company helping them expand and open their production facility in Huntley, IL and planning of a 3rd facility in Bartlett, IL. With his leadership, More was able to weather the storm of the pandemic and grow 600% in a span of just under 3 years. At the end of 2022, Aaron assumed his current role as a Solutions Consultant with Next Glass, serving as a product expert on Ollie & Ekos, ERP/CRM softwares for beverage production.Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

What makes a good lager?How do we make a good lager?Join us as we explore the various methods used to craft high-quality lager, breaking down the classic techniques to help you choose the best approach for your best beer.Nathaniel Ferguson is one of the owners of Escarpment Laboratories, A yeast manufacturer in Guelph, Canada, where they focus on teaching about yeast fermentation. Additionally, Nathan has been a professor at Niagara College for over 10 years, teaching in the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Program.Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

Brewhouse design decisions have long-term consequences. Layout, drainage, flooring, access, and workflow choices made early can either support efficient operations or create daily friction that is expensive to fix later. In this session, we’ll bring together an architect, a flooring specialist, and experienced brewery operators to walk through real-world brewhouse design dos, don’ts, and practical recommendations. The focus is not on theory or perfect builds, but on what actually works once the tanks are full, the floors are wet, and the brew team is trying to get through a long day safely and efficiently.This conversation features:Chris Klein (Cascade Floors)Curtis Holmes (Alaskan Brewing)Dustin Hauck (Hauck Architecture)Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

As breweries grow, the role of the owner or senior leader shifts. You’re no longer just managing people, you’re managing the people who manage people. And that comes with a whole new set of challenges. This session focuses on how to support, coach, and hold your managers accountable in a way that builds trust, creates consistency, and takes some weight off your shoulders.You’ll hear from brewery owners and leadership experts on how they set clear expectations, create simple systems for communication and feedback, and identifying what great management actually looks like inside a brewery. Join us to walk away with practical ways to develop stronger leaders, address issues earlier, and build a management layer that helps your business run better day to day.This conversation features:Bailey Borzecki (Golden Hour Consulting)Clay Keel (Keel Farms Agrarian Ale and Cider)Jake Keyes (Skydance Brewing)Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

We can’t wait to share beers and see you in person in Philadelphia. We kick off CBC Week with our Welcome Party on April 20 at Yards Brewing Company.RSVP: https://craftbeerprofessionals.org/philly-rsvp/In this conversation, we will be joined by several of our event partners to discuss how to best plan for CBC, the importance of in-person events, and how to make it a success. Don't miss tips by a couple Philly locals and strategies to make the most of the conference.This conversation features:Dana Martin (Yards Brewing Company)David Poimboeuf (WHC Lab)Evan Blum (BrewedAt)Pulkit K. Agrawal (Beer30 by the 5th Ingredient)Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies:https://cbpconnects.com/

Self-distribution gives breweries the opportunity to take control of their growth, margins, and brand experience. It also comes with unique challenges. BrewMan has helped Breweries across the globe self-distribute successfully. In this presentation we will share a practical, insight-driven advice designed to help breweries build and run an effective self-distribution operation with confidence.This session explores the key elements of successful self-distribution, from optimizing customer data and to setting up smart delivery routes. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how to balance sales, logistics, and compliance while maintaining consistent service and product quality.BrewMan shares real-world experience and proven strategies to help breweries improve efficiency, avoid common pitfalls, and develop a distribution model that supports long-term growth. The presentation focuses on actionable ideas, whether you are launching self-distribution for the first time or refining an established approach.Ideal for brewery owners, managers, and sales teams, this session provides the knowledge and practical tools needed to make self-distribution a sustainable and profitable part of your business. Attendees will leave with a clearer roadmap for strengthening their distribution strategy and expanding their market reach.James Gardner is the CEO of Premier Systems Ltd, the developer of BrewMan brewery management software used by hundreds of breweries worldwide. With a strong background in brewery technology and operations, James is very hands-on and works closely with brewers to help them streamline production, distribution, stock control, and business management through practical software solutions.Premier Systems has been providing specialist business software for the brewing industry for decades, with BrewMan offering integrated tools for inventory management, TTB reporting, CRM, and distribution planning.James is passionate about helping breweries operate more efficiently and grow sustainably, combining industry knowledge with technology to support brewers of all sizes.Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

If you're an established Brewery Owner, Operator, or Investor and find yourself asking either "How do we get profitable?" or "How profitable can we get?" you'll find exactly those answers in this session.With a wide range of different brewery types and sizes, true apples-to-apples comparisons are rare, and many owners end up flying blind, running the business with a finger to the wind. Instead, in this session we’ll use our Brewery Benchmarks Model, built on data from our work with 285+ breweries across the country, to give clarity on the most important financial benchmarks brewery owners need to know.By the end of the session, you’ll know how you compare to your peers, where your biggest profit opportunities are, and how to avoid the mistakes most common to your model. Our goal is to help eliminate the guesswork, so you can make confident decisions and run a profitable business, regardless of size, age, or market conditions.Chris Farmand got his start in 2010 helping a new brewery build its back-office systems, a firsthand look at how complex running a brewery can be. That experience led him to found Small Batch Standard. He’s worked with more than 200 breweries, helping them uncover profit through outsourced accounting, tax compliance, and benchmark consulting. Chris holds a BS in Business Finance from the University of Florida and an MBA from the University of North Florida, and is an active member of both the AICPA and FICPA.Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame is proud to announce its 2026 group of inductees. This highly anticipated event will celebrate the trailblazers, innovators, and visionaries who have made significant contributions to the craft beer movement in the United States.The American Craft Beer Hall of Fame was established to recognize and celebrate those who have significantly contributed to the evolution of craft beer in the United States. From brewers to advocates, to educators and entrepreneurs, the Hall of Fame honors individuals and organizations whose dedication and innovations have shaped the American craft beer landscape through the decades. For more information, please visit the Hall's website: https://www.americancraftbeerhalloffame.com/

In our “What’s Going on in…” series, we partner with State Guilds to spotlight current successes, challenges, and trends in their beer communities. There’s so much we can learn from each other, and these conversations are designed to give you valuable insights that can be applied in your own state.Next up: ArizonaThis conversation features:Andrew Bauman (Arizona Craft Brewers Guild)Mitch Penney (Parry's Pizzeria and Taphouse)Ryan Whitten (8-Bit Aleworks)Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

Join us for a live conversation with Maddison Violet, co owner of Ve Oh Lay Acres Winery and Farm in Canada’s Okanagan region. We will explore her journey from barback to opening a multimillion dollar winery, the tasting room experience her team has built, and how their non alcoholic wine line is driving new growth. Maddison will also share the strategies she uses to grow both personally and professionally. This conversation looks beyond the beer bubble to bring a fresh perspective from a different but closely related corner of the beverage world.Maddison Violet is a winemaker and beverage entrepreneur captivated by the intersection of thoughtful craft, hospitality, and innovation. With experience ranging from harvests in New Zealand and Australia to building Ve Oh Lay Acres Winery and Farm in the Okanagan, she has carved a path that blends unforgettable drinks with building dynamic brands people connect with.She has been recognized as a IWSC WSET Future 50 Under 40, Business Elites Top 40 Under 40, Penticton Top 40 Under 40, and Kelowna Women in Business Woman of the Year finalist. Her journey spans from starting as a barback at 21, to opening a multimillion dollar winery by 29, to now pioneering Muse, Canada’s most innovative non alcoholic wine brand with a functional beverage spinoff.Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

More butts in seats, stronger loyalty, and a clearer picture of who your guests really are. What started as the Charlottesville Ale Trail has evolved into a passport program that helps beer trails move beyond simple maps and into measurable taproom traffic. In this conversation, we’ll walk through how to set up and sustain a passport program that breweries want to participate in and guests are excited to use. We’ll cover engagement tactics, the data you can collect along the way, and how these programs can support economic impact stories and grant applications.Todd Wickersty is the Executive Director of the Charlottesville Ale Trail and co-founder of LoyalBrew, a digital passport platform designed for food and beverage trails. He helped launch the Charlottesville Ale Trail in 2018 and continues to lead its growth and community partnerships eight years later. During the pandemic, Todd and his business partner created a digital passport for the Ale Trail to help local breweries stay connected with visitors. That innovation evolved into LoyalBrew, now used by tourism organizations and beverage trails across the country to inspire exploration and support small businesses.Join us in person for CBP Connects ChicagoJune 15-17, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

Marty Nachel has been a familiar name in craft beer for decades as a writer, judge, educator, and someone who has logged visits to more than six hundred breweries. He just released The Beer Story Project, a collection of memories and moments from more than a hundred people who have lived through the rise of American craft beer. The book captures the personalities, crossroads, and behind the scenes stories that helped shape the industry we work in today. In our conversation, we will dig into why he put this project together.Marty Nachel has spent nearly four decades shaping how we understand beer. He is a certified judge, award winning writer, and respected educator whose career includes judging at the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, and international competitions across three continents. Marty has authored several influential books including Beer for Dummies, Homebrewing for Dummies, and The Beer Story Project. He has also taught craft beer courses, trained industry teams, and founded the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

When brewing, you follow a scientific process. You know what yeast characteristics will yield what flavor profiles, and how to intervene if fermentation isn’t progressing properly. Why should the people side of your business be any different? This session will serve as a crash course in evidence-based, repeatable best practices for selecting employees with the right traits, skills, attitudes, and competencies to help you meet your business objectives.We’ll cover how to:• Find the perfect recipe: discuss how to determine which combination of knowledge, skills, abilities, and attributes are most important in your key roles.• Gather your equipment: review various selection methods (interviewing, assessments, etc.), and learn the strengths, limitations, and appropriate uses of each• Take measurements: Investigate various methods and metrics for measuring and quantifying the impact of your selection strategy to your operational budget.As a measurement strategist, Whitney Martin’s passion and expertise lies in the field of surveys and assessments. A self-professed “data nerd,” Whitney has a Master’s degree in the area of Human Resources Measurement and Evaluation and has conducted extensive research on the predictive validity of various hiring assessment strategies.Thanks to over a decade functioning as a “vendor-agnostic” consultant, Whitney provides a unique perspective on the broad landscape of the testing and assessment industry, and employee selection strategies, in general. She is a firm believer that there are no one-size-fits-all “best” products, and that tools and vendors should be selected based on their ability to solve a specific problem. She spends much of her time studying the available tools in the marketplace, scrutinizing the science, and analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, and appropriate uses for each.Whitney has been a highly rated speaker at several National HR Conferences and has authored articles on assessments for several books and publications, including Harvard Business Review. She is a member of the Society for Industrial & Organizational Psychology (SIOP) and has two decades of experience working in the assessment industry.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

Pilot Project was created to support talented brewers in an industry with exceptionally high barriers to entry. Modeled after the music industry, Pilot helps launch and scale start up breweries by supporting recipe development, production scaling, business operations, marketing, distribution, and more. In this live conversation, Pilot Project co-founder Dan Abel will share how this model came to life, how it continues to evolve, and how he is working to change the structure of the brewing industry while offering insight into what’s next for both Pilot and beer more broadly.Since its inception, Pilot Project has helped launch 20 beverage brands, including nationally recognized names like women founded Luna Bay Hard Kombucha and ROVM Hard Kombucha, Black owned Funkytown Brewery, travel inspired Brewer’s Kitchen, Indian led Azadi Brewing, Donna’s Pickle Beer, and others. Pilot has also supported Mash Gang’s expansion to the US from the UK and helped bring Mexico City based Cerveceria Paracaidista stateside. Today, Pilot operates breweries and tasting rooms in Chicago and Milwaukee, including a 70,000 square foot Milwaukee facility acquired following an $8M expansion focused seed round, plus a newly opened second Chicago location in Wrigleyville. Most recently, Pilot’s non alcoholic brand Years announced a partnership with John Mulaney.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

Starting or maintaining a kitchen in your brewery is challenging...and that's an understatement. But a lot of the data is showing that adding or maintaining food options ( beside a small bag of pretzels) is key to longevity and profitability. But many brewers are finding that instead of being in the brewery business, they are now in the hospitality business and they never thought they would have a restaurant or Kitchen. We talk with Alexis & Scott from JBH Advisory about all the things that someone should be looking into before opening their kitchen. Staff, equipment, layout, menu, and more. The good news is that running a restaurant is a well worn business model and there are lot of lessons learned. The bad news, learning those lessons while operating your business can be extremely costly and end up costing you the business if you are not careful.Dan Klasen, Founder of Beverage Federation. Years of experience now in craft beverage space, Dan has been helping breweries with their buying decisions. Dan will be asking our experts the questions he has been getting for years on when and how should I open up a kitchen in my brewery.Scott Swiger, VP of business development and Brian Berger, principal at JBH Advisory Group. With 40 years of restaurant and food service experience between the two of them, they have been helping owners stand up kitchens for years.The JBH Advisory Group is comprised of seasoned professionals with a deep and unique understanding of the hospitality, contract services and support services sectors. Their team experience is broad, ranging from hospital food & nutrition to restaurant transactional due diligence; from restaurant concept development to environmental services. Their specialists in their areas of expertise, including skills such as cost management, labor analysis, operational efficiencies and service excellence.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

In a rapidly changing craft beer landscape, many breweries are rediscovering what made this industry thrive in the first place: connection, creativity, and community. This session explores how breweries are adapting to tighter margins, shifting consumer habits, and increased competition by leaning into collaboration rather than competition.Drawing from Brew Ninja’s behind-the-scenes perspective working with breweries across North America, we’ll look at real examples of how teams are partnering with other producers, diversifying their offerings, and re-imagining their taprooms.Brew Ninja is the complete, affordable and easy to use brewery management software. With Brew Ninja your team gets time back to focus on what they do best.Brewers are on top of production schedules and inventory, ensuring you never run dry or overproduce. Sales teams have real time access to accurate inventory, meaning they can close deals faster without endless back and forth. Owners see margins and profitability with just a few clicks, and your whole team communicates seamlessly.Bronwyn Lloyd, Brew Ninja’s Onboarding & Marketing Specialist, has worked with breweries across North America for the past three years — helping teams improve operational efficiency through better access to information and simpler workflows, while learning firsthand from the brewers shaping the future of the craft beer industry.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.orgRegister for The Brewery Profit Workshop by Small Batch Standard: https://luma.com/SBSprofitworkshop

Every brewery has them — the late arrivals, the heated arguments, the performance dips that make you wonder what to do next. In this session, we’ll walk through common “oh no” employee situations and show you how to address them in a fair, consistent way. You’ll also learn simple documentation practices that protect your business from costly legal headaches, without adding piles of paperwork.Bailey Borzecki is the founder of Golden Hour Consulting, an Austin-based firm specializing in leadership development and HR strategy for craft beverage and hospitality brands. With 15 years in the industry, including HR and leadership roles at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and Boston Beer Company, Bailey has guided breweries through growth, culture shifts, and organizational change. Bailey is one half of a beer power couple and would love for you to ask her about her other half, the Buffalo Bills or her golden retriever, Murphy.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

Your brewery has a story to tell; actually, it probably has quite a few of them. Those stories are what hook potential fans and help them and your established followers buy into what makes your brewery unique, but how do you get those stories in front of the people who will connect to them? Maintaining a list of news outlets and reporters to send your press releases about new beers, upcoming events, and other timely news pieces is an important part of your media strategy, but it shouldn’t be the only part. Many writers who cover craft beer and the artisan food and beverage world don’t necessarily cover these news pieces, but might want to dive into the deeper stories of what your brewery is all about. But how do you identify what those stories are, and how do you build relationships with these writers?In this talk, North American Guild of Beer Writers and British Guild of Beer Writers award-winner David Nilsen will talk about what catches his attention when seeking out stories, how breweries can identify the stories that already exist within their company, and how they can communicate these stories to writers efficiently and effectively.David Nilsen (he/him) is a full-time beer writer and educator living near Dayton, Ohio. He's an Advanced Cicerone© and an award-winning member of the North American Guild of Beer Writers and British Guild of Beer Writers. He hosts the Bean to Barstool podcast, and is the author of the book Pairing Beer & Chocolate. He’s the co-founder and editor of Final Gravity, a print zine telling personal, human-centered stories from the world of beer. You can find him online at davidnilsenbeer.com and on Bluesky and Instagram as @davidnilsenbeer.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

Navigating wage-and-hour laws can sometimes feel like running a brewery during Oktoberfest—busy, complex, and full of moving parts. With local, state, and federal rules often foaming over into each other, it’s easy for even the most diligent employers to find themselves with a compliance hangover.As your business grows, whether you’re just tapping your first keg or you’ve been pouring for years, wage-and-hour issues can sneak up like an unexpected aftertaste. Compensation structures, pay practices, and employee policies that once seemed straightforward can become muddled, especially when expansion brings new faces and new challenges. What starts as a small spill can quickly turn into a bigger mess, affecting more employees and opening the door to costly claims.This session will highlight five common wage-and-hour mistakes that can leave employers feeling flat and offer practical ways to keep your operations crisp and compliant. We’ll cover timekeeping best practices, how to handle bonuses and commissions for hourly staff, the tricky business of classifying employees, managing work hours and breaks, and the use of independent contractors and temporary help.Along the way, we’ll share real-life examples and tips for keeping your workforce happy and your business out of hot water—so you can focus on brewing success, not legal headaches.After being exposed to Fair Labor Standards Act cases while clerking for a federal appellate court, A.J. began his legal career with a focus on developing an expertise in wage-and-hour compliance and litigation. That has led A.J. to a practice that spans the laws and courts of the country but centers on California’s uniquely challenging compliance and litigation landscape.A.J. takes a creative, pragmatic, and business-first approach to managing the defense of complex wage-and-hour class and collective actions, working with clients not only to identify the best path to an efficient and effective resolution but also to adjust problematic practices and policies in a way that accomplishes the client’s business goals while mitigating the risk of future claims. As a member of Husch Blackwell’s Food Systems industry unit, A.J. regularly advises food and beverage producers on employment law compliance.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

Payment processing shouldn’t be a mystery. This session offers a straightforward look at merchant services for taprooms of all sizes. Whether you’re launching your first location or reevaluating your current setup, you’ll learn what to consider when choosing a payment partner that fits your business goals.We’ll cover the basics of how merchant services work, compliant pricing programs, and the importance of clear, transparent fees. You’ll also explore omni-channel solutions that connect your taproom, web store, and events, and understand what quality service and support should look like when you need it most.You’ll leave with practical tools to make informed decisions that save money, reduce stress, and keep your taproom running smoothly.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

Tim Hohl founded Coin Toss Brewing in Oregon City, Oregon in March 2015 and ran it for almost nine years before selling in February 2024. The decision to sell started informally in May 2022 — a mix of burnout, financial pressure, and changing market conditions. After hiring a broker later that year, interest was slow. Tim also reached out directly to other brewery owners in the Northwest and had conversations with wholesale partners and a few loyal customers who wanted to keep the brand going. None of those discussions went anywhere. In late 2023, a serious buyer showed up. After weeks of negotiating, they shook hands before Thanksgiving and closed the deal three months later.What We'll Talk About:Why I decided to sell: When the idea first came up and what pushed me to actually do it. The real reasons: running low on cash, staffing problems after COVID, customers drinking less and spending differently, and just feeling stretched too thin.Getting ready to sell: What I wish I'd known going in. When to tell people (and when not to). Why selling to friends or regular customers gets complicated fast. Keeping expectations realistic without burning bridges.-The negotiation process: The emotional roller coaster of actually making a deal. What I learned about trust, timing, and when to walk away. How things change once it gets serious.Letting go: What it felt like the day it became real. The mix of relief, pride, and loss. How I made peace with it.What comes next: Figuring out who you are when you're not "the brewery owner" anymore. Staying connected to the community without being in it the same way. What success looks like now.Lessons for other owners: The practical stuff and the emotional stuff. What I'd do differently. What I'm glad I did.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

The process of taking a new product from concept to reality is one of the most difficult in the beer industry. With questions of type, scale, promotion, production, delivery, and sales in constant tension with each other, it can create a paralysis that can cripple the potential of even the most promising innovation. Moreover, in an industry built upon a foundation of new product creation and novel flavors, failing to master the art of true Release Management can be a fatal flaw for otherwise successful organizations. In this seminar, attendees will learn how to manage a product release like the Project that it is. Processes for obtaining approvals and buy-in from disparate departments, creating a timeline, coordinating actions in multiple silos for maximum effect, and following through for success will all be explained and demonstrated in detail.With more than a decade of sales, retail management, and business analytic experience in the craft beverage industry, Aaron MJ Gore loves the opportunities that he has every day to make a difference for small business owners across the country. He is the Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for Beer30, one of the drinks industry's leading software providers, is a co-founder of the Court Shoes Only charitable collaboration beer, and serves as the Vice-President of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame. He is an Advanced Cicerone, Certified Pommelier, Certified Cheese Scholar, WSET Level 2 Spirits Certified, and is (AF)(NA) Beer Certified. Additionally, he is an active industry advocate, public speaker, beer and cider educator, and the father of two daughters who are the true passion of his life.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

Join Matt Giffen, Founder and CEO of Bench Brewing, as he shares how sustainability has been part of their story since day one. Since opening in 2018, Bench has focused on “craft beverages with a conscience,” putting real action behind that idea. They’ve created a zero wastewater footprint with a closed-loop system that reuses every drop to water their hops and support nearby farms, repurposed spent grains, added solar panels and EV chargers, and earned both carbon neutral and BCorp certifications. Matt will talk about what it takes to build a brewery that puts the planet first, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how those same ideas can work in any business.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

Breweries are being bombarded with promises about what AI can do—automate your marketing, write your contracts, even predict your next big seller. But in a highly regulated and deeply human business like craft beer, not all automation is worth the risk.In this session, alcohol law attorney John Szymankiewicz and fractional marketing strategist Madeline McMahon will walk attendees through real-world examples of how AI tools like ChatGPT, NotebookLM, and Prompt Cowboy can enhance—but not replace—your existing systems.From AI-generated marketing strategies that miss the mark on brand voice, to contract templates that ignore state-specific compliance requirements, attendees will learn where AI helps and where human judgment still matters. We’ll explore prompt engineering, compare AI- vs. human-reviewed content, and highlight simple ways small teams can experiment with these tools while avoiding common pitfalls.This session is designed for brewery owners, taproom managers, and in-house marketing leads who are curious about AI but don’t want to be burned by generic outputs. Whether you're using AI today or just trying to decide if it’s worth your time, this session will equip you with smarter questions to ask—and clearer boundaries to draw.Let’s cut through the hype and show you how to work with AI, not for it.Madeline McMahon, Fractional Marketing Strategist and founder of Madeline Fleehart Consulting, drives small business growth with practical, results-focused marketing strategies. The "#beerpaysthebills" hashtag captures a lively spirit rooted in the craft beer scene, even as today’s projects extend across various industries. By leveraging tools like ChatGPT, Madeline simplifies content creation, streamlines workflows, helps business owners set clear marketing performance indicators, and evaluates return on investment to ensure every effort counts. As an attorney at Beer Law Center, John Szymankiewicz ’s practice centers on the craft beverage industry. Handling everything from business formation to TTB/ABC, to trademark, and buying/selling an alcohol business, John works with clients to help them achieve their personal and business goals. John authored the book Beer Law: What Brewers Need to Know and is a Certified BJCP Judge, holds Level II Certifications in Wine and Beer from WSET, and is the country’s only alcohol attorney who is also a Certified Cicerone. John is based in Raleigh and practices in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

This presentation will provide an overview of how to prepare for visits from Immigration and ICE officers, in light of increased ICE investigations, workplace raids, and community visits associated with immigration applications.Kathleen A. Spero has a long-standing interest in immigration and foreign relations. She graduated from San Diego State University magna cum laude with a dual major in Political Science and International Security and Conflict Resolution in 1999. She received her Master of Pacific and International Affairs, cum laude, from the University of California, San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (formerly the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies) in 2001. After earning her Master’s degree, Kathleen joined the International Rescue Committee, an international refugee assistance and resettlement agency, as a Program Specialist in the company’s headquarters. While at IRC, Kathleen discovered her interest in immigration law, decided to attend law school, and received her J.D. Degree, cum laude, from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California, in May 2008. For the Spring 2023 semester, Kathleen served as an instructor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, teaching a course on Immigration Law.Since her graduation from law school, Kathleen has dedicated her career to immigration law. She has held positions with Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy; the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program; and Malitzlaw. In addition to her work with Jacobs & Schlesinger, Kathleen has volunteered with Casa Cornelia, the Immigration Justice Project, UURise immigration legal services, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.Kathleen has worked for Jacobs & Schlesinger since 2016, where she focuses on providing legal assistance and counseling to families, businesses, and individuals seeking to navigate the complex immigration laws of the United States. She primarily handles employment-based cases, investor visas, family-based petitions, and naturalization cases.Kathleen is admitted to the State Bar of California and is licensed to practice law before the Supreme Court of California and the Department of Homeland Security nationwide.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

The craft beer community thrives on passion and collaboration, yet many breweries lack the resources to address workplace harassment effectively. This interactive series, hosted by WeVow with support from industry partners, brings together legal experts and seasoned leaders to provide practical tools you can use immediately.Join us to:Learn from specialists who understand the unique culture of craft breweriesMove beyond theory with actionable strategies for building safer, compliant workplacesConnect with peers to share successes and challenges, strengthening industry-wide supportReduce legal and financial risk through clear policies and proactive leadershipCore topics include:Building a Foundation of Trust: Creating and communicating harassment policies employees believe in.Leadership in Action: Empowering managers and owners as advocates for a safe workplace.Policy to Practice: Navigating compliance, documentation, and fair investigations.Fostering an Inclusive Culture: Integrating respect and empowerment into hiring, training, and operations.The panelists for this conversation are both senior executives from HR technology companies with strong backgrounds in creating safe workplaces:Opal Wagnac, Strategic Advisor, Human Capital ManagementBill Blake, Co-owner of Rising Storm Brewing Co in Rochester, NYScott Fletcher, President of WeVowLet's move forward together: https://wevow.comStay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

Most brewery leaders step into leadership because they’re good at what they do. They care. They work hard. And they want the people around them to succeed. But at some point, that’s not enough. Passion doesn’t automatically translate to progress, and well-meaning effort doesn’t always grow a healthy team.This session offers a practical look at what it means to lead people on purpose. We’ll explore a proven framework for developing your team members on purpose - including the necessary steps and stages, as well as what kind of support they need from you at each step.It’s not about adding more to your plate. It’s about getting clearer on what leadership actually requires if your goal is to build people, not just fill roles. If you’ve ever felt stuck between being the go-to person and wanting others to step up, this session will give you language, clarity, and a way forward.Chris Ediger is the founder of Craft Leadership, where he works with breweries to strengthen the people side of the business. Craft works alongside owners, managers, GMs, and shift leads to help them lead with more clarity, coach with more purpose, and build teams that actually work. The approach comes from years spent inside breweries of all shapes and sizes - on the floor with production crews, behind the bar with taproom staff, and in the room with leadership teams making hard calls. With simple tools and honest conversation, Craft helps leaders handle the everyday tension of running a brewery: managing people, keeping standards high, and still walking out the door with something left to give.Learn more about the Craft Leader Certification: https://craftleadership.co/certificationStay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

Listen to this presentation to learn more about technologies breweries are implementing to cut costs, increase efficiencies and cut waste.It also covers a bit on what to look for when planning an improvement projects, what a basic business case looks like and some "pro tips" for how to run these projects (without revealing too much: start small, and build on proven success).Sharing from years of experience in the industry, and also a process consultant - Magnus covers areas such as business systems, production optimization technologies, energy management, sustainability initiatives and waste reduction.Magnus Valmot is the CEO of PLAATO Technoloigies. He is an engineer, has a leadership background from the Norwegian armed forces and has worked for more than a decade to build technology solutions for more efficient operations.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

Tired of long lead times, big minimums, and confusing label costs? In this 30-minute session, Andrew Johnston will break down the most common bottlenecks breweries and brands face with label printing—and show exactly how Craft Brew Prints is changing the game. From 48-hour turnaround and no MOQs to a streamlined online ordering portal and premium materials, you’ll see how Craft Brew Prints helps businesses launch faster, cut waste, and save money. Andrew will also share real customer stories, practical solutions, and a clear path to making your next label order stress-free. Whether you’re looking for a backup supplier or a better long-term partner, this session will show you how labels can finally be simple.Andrew Johnston is a sales leader who helps breweries, food brands, and packaging companies take the pain out of label printing. He’s passionate about tackling the biggest challenges businesses face with labels—long lead times, high minimums, and hidden costs—by making the process faster, simpler, and more reliable.Known for his hands-on service, quick turnaround, and flexible approach, Andrew has built lasting relationships with both local and national brands. His focus is always on helping businesses launch products on time, reduce waste, and keep packaging costs under control.Based near Cincinnati, Andrew is closely connected to the craft beer community and values the creativity and hard work that goes into every product he supports. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching his daughter’s soccer team, spending time with his family, and getting outdoors whenever possible.Reach out to Andrew to learn more at [email protected] up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

Breweries are finding inventive ways to grow—even in a tough market. From new beverage lines to taproom makeovers, this fast-paced session highlights real-world strategies breweries are using to boost revenue and stay relevant. You’ll also learn how creative financing can help bring these ideas to life without crushing your cash flow. Stick around for a Q&A to swap ideas and ask questions.Rick Wehner launched Brewery Finance in 2005 and has since supported over 1,500 breweries—from startups to established operations—with targeted equipment financing and working capital. Based in Colorado, Rick specializes in understanding how breweries operate and how to help them grow using quick and non-traditional finance options.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

In today’s competitive craft beer market, saving money can boost your bottom line faster than chasing every new trend. This session will share five quick, practical strategies you can use right now to cut costs without cutting corners. You’ll learn how to tap into your network to find trusted vendor recommendations, leverage your state guild’s discounts and preferred partners, and re-negotiate with your current suppliers for better deals. We’ll explore how to contract strategically—locking in pricing where it makes sense without overextending yourself—and how to boost buying power through industry co-operatives, whether by joining one or creating your own. Attendees will walk away with cost-saving tactics they can implement immediately, even with a packed schedule.James Stutsman knows this industry and the headwinds brewers are facing. His experience includes nearly 15 years in the industry with stints as Director of Marketing and Sales for Kansas City Bier Company and Marketing Manager for Deschutes. Then he co-founded and served as head brewer for City Barrel Brewing Company where he helped build distribution, open two restaurants and win a GABF medal for Hazy/Juicy IPA in the process. Now he works for the Independent Brewers Alliance and helps brewers navigate the time-sucking maze of sourcing and negotiating with vendors.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

Oxygen is both a friend and a foe in the beer-making process. Used wisely, it sets the stage for strong fermentation. Used incorrectly—or introduced at the wrong time—it can compromise the flavor, shelf life, and quality of your beer.This session examines the real-world impact of using pure oxygen versus compressed air in the fermentation process, offering insights brewers can apply to improve product consistency and efficiency.This conversation features:Darren Yates (Quality Beverage Concepts)Gary Fogg (Maintenance Manager, Four Peaks Brewing Company. Tempe, Arizona)John Longuil (President, Novair USA)Darren Yates is passionate about developing quality concepts and solutions for the hospitality industry.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

The busy summer season often masks small inefficiencies that quietly drain time, money, and energy from your brewery. In this practical, no-fluff session, we’ll guide you through an essential “autumn reset” to identify and fix hidden inefficiencies before the holiday rush hits.Whether you’re managing your brewery with a whiteboard, spreadsheets, or brewery management software, this talk is for you. We’ll share actionable tips that anyone can use to improve access to key information so that your team can make smarter, faster decisions.Plus, we’ll introduce Brew Ninja’s 5-minute Brewery Health Check Survey to help you reflect on your current operations and pinpoint where small changes could deliver big results. No matter your current tools, these insights will help you reduce last-minute chaos, avoid costly mistakes, and boost your margins.If you’re ready to reclaim time and confidence ahead of the holiday rush, this talk is for you.” “Brew Ninja is the complete, affordable and easy to use brewery management software. With Brew Ninja your team gets time back to focus on what they do best.Brewers are on top of production schedules and inventory, ensuring you never run dry or overproduce. Sales teams have real time access to accurate inventory, meaning they can close deals faster without endless back and forth. Owners see margins and profitability with just a few clicks, and your whole team communicates seamlessly.Co-Founder and Sales Director, Matt Hon has worked with brewers across North America over the past 7 years to help them improve operational efficiency through better access to information, and simpler workflows.Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

This session will walk you through the key legal steps to build a business that’s ready for investment and eventually for sale. We will dive into the legal side of raising capital. From friends and family to private investors or venture capital. We will demystify the capital raising process – covering commonly used private placement exemptions like Regulation D (Rules 506(b) and 506(c)), basic compliance responsibilities, and the kinds of disclosures and filings that may be required to stay on the right side of the law. Next, we’ll look ahead to your exit strategy. Whether you are planning to retire, sell to a competitor, or transition the business to current owner, we will discuss what makes the business sellable, what buyers expect, how deals are structured, how businesses are valued, and the professionals who can help you do it right. This session is ideal for business owners who want to grow with intention, raise money the right way, and make choices that keep their options open for a successful exit. Megan Farley is a partner at Allen Stahl & Kilbourne, PLLC where she focuses her practice on business, nonprofit, alcoholic beverage law, intellectual property (trademark) law, and creditor rights.She regularly advises business clients on a range of matters from formation, contracts, commercial lease review and negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, applying for and maintaining trademark registration, and other business operational matters. Megan also assists craft beverage business clients with federal, state, and local ABC permitting, compliance, contracting, intellectual property licensing, and through the nuances of buying and selling ABC-permitted businesses.Megan has sat on the board of directors of the North Carolina Craft Beverage Museum and Invest Collegiate Imagine charter school. Her practical nonprofit experience helps her guide nonprofit clients through the unique challenges they face. In addition to advising nonprofit clients, Megan provides workshops for boards and facilitates strategic planning meetings to assist nonprofits in defining clear goals and strategies to further their missions.Alison Kinnear is a seasoned corporate and securities attorney with nearly 30 years of experience advising clients on complex business matters. Her practice focuses on business transactions, corporate governance, private placements, and compliance with state and federal securities laws.Alison’s work spans a wide range of legal areas, including corporate structuring and restructuring, governance, commercial contracts, and private placements under Regulation D, with deal sizes ranging from $500,000 to $50 million. She regularly handles partner buyouts, buy-sell agreements, and mergers and acquisitions involving transactions from $10,000 to $100 million. Her experience also includes business succession planning and overseeing legal due diligence for major transactions.In addition to her transactional work, Alison serves as outside counsel to startups and growing companies, providing both strategic input and practical legal guidance that supports their long-term success.Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

Making great beer doesn’t automatically mean you’re ready to lead people—but in most breweries, that’s exactly what happens. Talented brewers, servers, and production crew get promoted into leadership without ever being shown how to actually lead. The result? Frustration, burnout, and team dynamics that drag down quality, morale, and margins.In this session, you’ll learn three proven leadership tools that will help you coach, challenge, and develop your team—without losing the heart and vibe that make craft beer special. First, we’ll introduce the Support-Challenge Matrix, a simple framework for setting the right tone as a leader. You’ll learn how to be “high support, high challenge” and create a culture of empowerment instead of fear or entitlement.Then, we’ll walk through the 100X Leader Assessment to help you evaluate not just how well you’re performing, but how well you’re helping others perform. Finally, we’ll break down the Developing Others Square—a step-by-step model to train and grow your team with intention (and avoid the dreaded “Pit of Despair”).You’ll leave with practical tools you can use right away and an invitation to take the next step through the new Craft Leader Certification, a professional development path built specifically for leaders in the craft beer industry.Ryan Mayfield is a leadership coach who helps brewery professionals build healthy leaders, strong teams, and thriving cultures. Through Craft Leadership, he equips clients with practical tools to lead with confidence, improve communication, and reduce daily frustrations. Craft has supported top breweries like Other Half, Rhinegeist, and Creature Comforts in navigating leadership and team challenges. Based in Tulsa, Ryan lives with his wife, teenage son, and opinionated beagle, Rooster.Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

Say goodbye to boring spreadsheets and hello to a budgeting process that actually works. In this workshop, we’ll show you how to create a practical, profit-driven brewery budget using real numbers, easy tools, and a dash of fun. You’ll leave with a clear plan, the right templates, and the confidence to take control of your finances. Without falling asleep at the keyboard.Kary Shumway is the founder of Craft Brewery Financial Training.com and the Beer Business Finance Association which offer online resources for beer industry professionals. He has worked in the beer industry for more than 20 years as a certified public accountant and a chief financial officer for a beer distributor and a brewery.Craft Brewery Financial Training publishes a free weekly beer industry finance newsletter, offers online training courses on topics such as cash flow planning, financial forecasting, and brewery metrics.For more information visit www.CraftBreweryFinancialTraining.com.Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

2024 saw more brewery closings than openings. Uncertainty is growing around rising costs and tariffs. Production is down. Consumers are looking for more diverse offerings, including non-alcoholic. Industry associations are promising bright days ahead, while member breweries are not so sure.Tired promotions and liquid social posts aren’t going to save craft. Throwing more resources and budget at the problem doesn’t make it go away. Festivals and retail demos are drying up. It’s time to start thinking more strategically about sales growth, starting with your marketing plan. Owners and industry experts alike are placing their bets on one simple blueprint:Design your website to help drive organic searchCreate content to build community on social mediaSchedule email campaigns for broad calls-to-actionDevelop a branded mobile app for activating individual drinkersLeverage AI for operational efficiencyThe data is available to help brewery owners and managers take a more thoughtful, deliberate approach to business growth. We’ll discuss how to track marketing efforts using tools like Google Looker Studio and weekly dashboard reporting, as well as best practices for success in each channel. Presentation attendees have access to 10+ Guides with techniques to keep fans engaged and proven tools to fuel excitement around your unique story.We started Market Your Craft to help small-to-mid-sized producers quickly adapt to the changing Marketing landscape with storytelling. Because we believe every craft brand has an exciting story to share. Led by Scott Kolbe, we’re a team of dreamers and doers, passionate about all things beverage with the creds to match. We’ve created a series of Workshops and Guides to help define your brand story and inform your Marketing efforts. To learn more or to schedule a session with one of our storytelling experts, visit marketyourcraft.com.Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

We know that you know beer! But what if you’re adding additional product categories? This presentation aims to give you a solid understanding of the rules and regulations around the advertising and marketing of all your brands, alcoholic beer as well as non-alc, spirits and hemp-derived beverage products.Key Objectives:Know what is considered an advertisement and the “Golden Rule” to avoid most TTB/FTC concerns.Advertising alcoholic beverage brands and what rules/regulations you are required to follow, including social media and printUnderstand how the rules/regulations may or may not change if you are advertising a spirit, non-alc or hemp derived product?Understand where some companies selling only non-alc beer and/or hemp-derived products have more flexibility than you do as a producer of alcoholic beverages.How to get the influencers that you work with to understand all of this, or at least what they need to know to keep you from getting into troubleShana Metzger, Senior Counsel at Barnes Beverage Group, provides strategic counsel on the full spectrum of commercial operations, from crafting distribution, sales, and expansion strategies to negotiating complex agreements.Shana excels in drafting and managing distribution contracts, alternating proprietorships, and other key commercial arrangements, in both traditional and emerging beverage sectors. Beyond commercial work, she advises clients on labor and employment issues as well as intellectual property matters, ensuring comprehensive support for client businesses.Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

CBP Connects New Orleans is almost here, happening December 8–10. Join us for a conversation with some of our event speakers and partners to hear what you can expect, why you should attend, and how it can help you reach your goals.14 interactive sessions, 3 nightly receptions (Urban South, Parleaux, and Abita), a trade show, and countless opportunities to connect with industry decision makers.This conversations features:Dawn Kirchner (Full Circle Brewgarden)Derek Smith (Small Batch Standard)Hailey Thrash-Nelson (Brewery Branding)Jake Keyes (Skydance Brewing)Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

Breweries are under pressure—tight margins, unpredictable production, and old ways of managing inventory, compliance, and procurement that just aren’t cutting it anymore. In this session, we’ll explore how mid-sized breweries can reclaim efficiency and stay competitive using smarter systems, without needing an enterprise IT team.You’ll hear from Lawson’s Finest Liquids, a regional brewery navigating this transformation firsthand, alongside their technology partners. Together, we’ll break down how integrated solutions have driven automated compliance, smarter purchasing, and greater operational efficiency—while delivering measurable ROI.Through a panel discussion grounded in real brewery experiences, we will spotlight three high-impact areas where smarter tools are turning friction points into competitive advantages:Automating and backing up TTB and state excise reporting with live data Leveraging Material Requirements Planning (MRP) to improve purchasing decisions and reduce wasteBuilding a business case for moving off QuickBooks and other standalone solutions into more robust, scalable systemsWhether you’re trying to reduce reporting errors, tighten up inventory, or free up your team’s time, this session delivers practical strategies and actionable steps for brewing smarter without overwhelming your budget.This conversation features:Alyssa Sorrentino (Lawson’s Finest Liquids)Anthony Shibata (Wipfli LLP)Dane Koepke (Wipfli LLP)Fiona Gray (Lawson’s Finest Liquids)Randy Smith (Vicinity Software)Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

Every big decision comes with lessons, some you are glad you learned and others you wish you could have avoided. In this panel, brewery owners and managers share the moves they have made, from expansions to new revenue streams to tough calls that changed the direction of their business. Hear what worked, what did not, and what they would do differently so you can make smarter moves in your own business.This conversation features:-Ben Acord (Mucho Aloha Brewhouse)-Mike Garcia (Loose Screw Beer Co.)-Nicole Carrier (Throwback Brewery)-Tyler Forbes (Burzurk Brewing Co.)Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

CBP Connects New Orleans is almost here, happening December 8–10. Join us for a conversation with some of our event speakers and partners to hear what you can expect, why you should attend, and how it can help you reach your goals.14 interactive sessions, 3 nightly receptions (Urban South, Parleaux, and Abita), a trade show, and countless opportunities to connect with industry decision makers.This conversations features:Brittany Waiss (KettleHouse Brewing)Eric Jensen (Parleaux Beer Lab)Pulkit K. Agrawal (Beer30 by The 5th Ingredient)Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

We are experiencing an unprecedented talent crisis in the US. We are producing more jobs than we have workers to fill them, companies are now competing for talent across all industries – not just within their own. Engagement is at its lowest in almost 10 years and the expectations among Millennials and GenZ have created the long overdue awakening about what leaders need to do to build engaged and productive teams. See the compelling statistics and learn how, as a leader, you can realize the ROI of talent development and build a more productive and sustainable organization.Steve Hopkins leads Wipfli’s leadership consulting team within the Organizational Performance group, helping clients grow their people, culture, and organizations. With over a decade of experience in leadership development and executive coaching, Steve builds on a diverse career that includes managing global sales, leading business units, and teaching at the University of Kentucky. He is known for his eclectic background and passion for empowering leaders through frameworks, training, and tools. His consulting approach is thoughtful and thought-provoking, with a focus on enhancing employee performance, team cohesion, and organizational growth.Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

Business is consistent, staff is solid, cash flow is more than adequate, and I have a great idea/opportunity for another tap room….so should I do it?"This feels like the ultimate question for the brewing industry right now, since a significant number of closings seem to be happening on the heels of a major expansion. So what are the best metrics to use when weighing this question (or) any type of major expansion?We pulled together a panel of industry veterans with different backgrounds to see what their approach would be to this question.Dustin Hauck of Hauck Architecture looks at the industry through the lens of the budgets, building, infrastructure, and state/county/city regulations for 300+ breweries, and he’s got lists of considerations for you.Erik Fowler of the San Diego Brewers Guild has traveled the country as an industry educator with brewing roots, and he’s now representing the interests of a very strong American brewing region. He’s seen brewing & business approaches of every stripe.Kary Shumway of Beer Business Finance and Kary’s Financial Training has worked with many breweries facing this question, and he sees the world through spreadsheets with financial & growth metrics. Hard to argue with the numbers!Jeremy Carney of Central Coast Analytics IS data. It’s his jam. His mission is to empower breweries to make smarter, data-driven decisions, so be ready for guidance around how to collect, slice and dice what you know.Jon Carpenter of Opensō Consulting has lived it. He’s worked in the areas of engineering & design, NPD & operations, staffing/training, and construction/ installation/ startup of equipment, systems, brands, and facilities throughout his 19 years….so he has an opinion. Perhaps more than one.Our moderator, Laura Lodge of Start A Brewery & Customized Craft Beer Programs, has likewise walked many different paths within the industry, notably distribution, education, events, and startup consulting.Join us for a deep dive into the search for that Golden Ticket. After all, breweries & chocolate factories have a lot in common!Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/