Craft Beer Professionals

In a world where the landscape of beer festivals is rapidly changing, "Crafting Connections" explores the necessity for evolution in these beloved events. Beyond the traditional focus on beer, this seminar delves into the broader spectrum of beverages and experiences that are reshaping the festival scene. From innovative additions like cideries and distilleries to the incorporation of live music on grand stages, attendees will gain insights into the shifting dynamics of beer festivals. Moreover, the seminar addresses the critical issue of connecting brewers directly with consumers, highlighting the importance of guild-run events in fostering meaningful interactions and authentic experiences. Join us as we navigate the impending changes and reimagine the future of beer festivals and beyond. This conversation features: -Eric Fouch (Thornapple Brewing, Beer City Brewers Guild) -Jeremiah Zimmerman (President of the Beer City Brewers Guild) Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

As everyone in the brewing industry knows, yeast is the engine that drives a brewery. In this presentation, John Giarratano of Inland Island Yeast Laboratories will dive into practical knowledge and standard practices for the introduction and management of yeast in a brewery. From pitch rate to multi-generational yeast health, John will discuss practices that every brewer can take back work and improve beer quality and brewery performance. John Giarratano founded Inland Island back in 2014 and continues to lead the company in customer service and innovation. John’s previous career in pharmaceutical GMP manufacturing and bio fuels introduced him to the world of yeast propagation, and he saw the need for a local yeast lab in Colorado. What started as selling vials of yeast to homebrewing shops quickly blossomed into an industry leading yeast laboratory supplying breweries large and small from coast to coast and beyond. Many breweries are too small to have their own labs, so John’s team provides them with the quality control and care that they would not have access to otherwise. John’s proud of the niche he and his team have carved in the industry and believes that yeast is the single most important ingredient in beer! In his spare time John volunteers his time with the Master Brewers Association of the Americas and strives to educate the brewing community and public alike on yeast management and brewing practices. John also enjoys snowboarding, gardening and spending time with his wife and two daughters. Start A Brewery is a collaboration amongst a fun group of craft beer industry veterans who are often invited to speak at beer business / brewing education programs. Each has offered to share their knowledge and experience to support the craft beer community as a whole by helping fledgling breweries in planning. Conceived and coordinated by Candace L. Moon, The Craft Beer Attorney, and Laura Lodge of Customized Craft Beer Programs, StartABrewery.com is provided as a free educational resource for those dreaming of opening a brewery, those who are taking steps to make their dream a reality, and those who are opening their brewery doors and living it. Learn more at StartABrewery.com Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

Join us for an insightful Q&A session with Roger Kissling, VP of Sales and Client Management for Iron Heart Canning. Iron Heart's new Technical Support and Services Program is run by Mark VanGlad. Mark brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked for Iron Heart since 2017 in various capacities, making him a trusted authority in the field. During this session, Roger will delve into the creation of the Technical Services and Support program, shedding light on the industry need it addresses, particularly within the craft beer sector. Discover who stands to benefit most from this program and how it promises to revolutionize canning operations. Mark VanGlad has been with Iron Heart Canning since 2017 and in the beer industry for the last 14 years. He has owned and operated his own brewery, specialized in brewery equipment sales, and then was the packaging manager at large regional brewery in Western NY. Since he's been with Iron Heart, Mark has worked in every division and has a few million seams under his belt.

The latest Craft Beer Professionals survey shows "benefits" as a top concern of staff, yet the majority of breweries offer no health benefits at all to staff. And it's no surprise: traditional health insurance often doesn't impress staff even as it drains profit from the operation. Benefits shouldn't be "take it or leave it" and owners shouldn't have to choose between "too much or nothing at all." Don't let a mismatch or a misunderstanding about benefits hamper your brewery. In this presentation, we'll delve into what staff really value, and share a variety of free or very low-cost ways you can offer benefits that align to their priorities to increase their satisfaction and reduce turnover. Jonathan Nystrom has spent a career crossing industry boundaries to bring solutions from one domain to another. Most of that time was spent in legal technology, compliance, IT, and professional services working across the United States and the globe. Jonathan loved and enjoyed craft beer at every opportunity. He has spent a lot of time talking with brewery staff and listening to their concerns. Last year, Jonathan joined up with Benefits for Brewers to expand the options available to breweries as they seek to recruit, retain and delight the best staff. He splits time between the Washington, DC suburbs and the Delaware beaches; His beloved Saint Bernards, Simon and Mabel, often accompany him to breweries. This conversation also includes: Greg Fleehart (Old Rappahannock Brewing) Madeline McMahon (Madeline Fleehart Consulting) Huge thanks to ABS Commercial, Beer Law Center, and Wipfli for all your support on our Spring Virtual Conference. Join us in-person for CBP Connects in 2024 Half workshop, half networking Portland, ME | June 10-12, 2024 Learn more at www.CBPConnects.com

Who's ready to go swimming? Tip pooling is becoming increasingly prevalent in taprooms, and motivating and engaging staff members requires a nuanced approach. In this conversation, we will learn why our panelists chose the tip pool model, the challenges they've faced, and how it has been a "win" for their team. We will explore the strategies they've used to boost staff morale, foster teamwork, and ultimately create more successful taproom experiences for both guests and staff. Moderator: Andrew Coplon (Craft Beer Professionals/Secret Hopper) Panelists: Bobbi Gabler (Skydance Brewing) Brad Barrett (Gravity Taproom) Kim Collins (Guardian Brewing Company) Linus De Paoli (3 Gatos Brewery) Huge thanks to ABS Commercial, Beer Law Center, and Wipfli for all your support on our Spring Virtual Conference. Join us in-person for CBP Connects in 2024 Half workshop, half networking Portland, ME | June 10-12, 2024 Learn more at www.CBPConnects.com

It's no longer enough to use "good beer good atmosphere" as your marketing strategy. Craft breweries face a unique challenge as they grow - how to authentically convey their story and preserve their identity amidst expansion. This panel discussion will dive into the art of developing a genuine message that resonates with both loyal patrons and new audiences. We explore practical strategies for effectively communicating your brewery's narrative and ensure that it remains a compelling and integral part of your brand. As your brewery evolves, maintaining authenticity becomes paramount. We discuss real-world examples and case studies, providing insights into how successful craft breweries have navigated this journey. From defining your core values to crafting a consistent message across various touchpoints, we cover the essential elements that contribute to preserving your brewery's identity. Discover the power of storytelling in the context of craft brewing as a tool that goes beyond marketing and leaves a lasting impression. Learn how to adapt your message without compromising authenticity, fostering a connection that goes beyond the beer itself. Whether you're a seasoned craft brewer or a newcomer in the industry, this presentation offers actionable steps to ensure your brewery's story remains genuine and compelling as you continue to grow. Moderator: Bryant Vander Weerd (Full Pour Media) Panelists: Devin Quinn (Dogfish Head), Lauren Kayl (WeldWerks Brewing), Paul Verdu (Lake Louie Brewing) Huge thanks to ABS Commercial, Beer Law Center, and Wipfli for all your support on our Spring Virtual Conference. Join us in-person for CBP Connects in 2024 Half workshop, half networking Portland, ME | June 10-12, 2024 Learn more at www.CBPConnects.com

As everyone in the brewing business knows, entropy increases in the brewery. It’s going to break. It’s not a matter of If – it’s a matter of When. And then there’s troubleshooting for that off-flavor or other issue with the beer….is it your equipment? Join our team of craft beer industry veterans as they share their best practices and investigative troubleshooting strategies in the brewery to ensure sparkling clean, well-maintained equipment that consistently makes and packages great beer. Between them, they have close to 100 years of brewing, managing breweries, installing breweries, advising breweries, packaging, installing bottling/canning lines, and being ultimately answerable to beer quality and operations for breweries in the US and beyond. Bring your questions and be prepared for some fun stories and actionable advice. This team has seen a lot. Moderator: Laura Lodge (Start A Brewery) Panelists: Chris Leach (AROL) Dana Johnson (Craft Brewing at Diversey – A Solenis Company) Jon Carpenter (Openso Consulting) Mitch Steele (New Realm Brewing Co.) Creative Brewery Maintenance Presentation: https://www.brewersassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CollabHour_CreativeBreweryMaintenance_Presentation.pdf World Brewing Congress Brewery Systems Maintenance Course: https://www.mbaa.com/education/courses/Pages/Brewery-Maintenance-Systems-Course.aspx Huge thanks to ABS Commercial, Beer Law Center, and Wipfli for all your support on our Spring Virtual Conference. Join us in-person for CBP Connects in 2024 Half workshop, half networking Portland, ME | June 10-12, 2024 Learn more at www.CBPConnects.com

Craft Beer Professionals partners with Craft Beer Advisory Services to complete an industry-level report on employee satisfaction trends. Join us for a presentation of the data, a look at trends, and insight into the state of employee satisfaction in our industry. Request the report: https://craftpeak-cooler-uploads.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/craft-beer-professionals/2024-CBP_CBAS-Employee-Satisfaction-Report.pdf Learn more about Craft Beer Advisory Services: https://craftbeeradvisoryservices.com/ Huge thanks to ABS Commercial, Beer Law Center, and Wipfli for all your support on our Spring Virtual Conference. Join us in-person for CBP Connects | Half workshop, half networking Portland, ME | June 10-12, 2024 Register now: cbpconnects-portland.eventbrite.com

In this presentation, we will provide highlights from a new book entitled Craft Breweries & Cities: Perspectives from the Field. Our goal in creating this book was to illustrate how craft breweries have helped to shape urban and community issues. It is a cross-section of research, case studies and examples of how breweries and local government have worked together to foster greater dialogue, opportunities, and understanding in communities across the country. We demonstrate how craft breweries are meaningful contributors and participants in addressing critical challenges that communities face. The book covers issues ranging from demographic and geographic trends to community, economic and workforce development to gentrification, land use, zoning, and regulations; from adaptive reuse to racial equity and sustainability; from crime to craft beer tourism. Several of our contributors will be presenting on their topics in this presentation. You will hear common themes, such as the importance of "place" as well as specific, important topics like race and equity, crime, and beer tourism. Our goal for this presentation is to provide you -- as craft beer professionals -- important considerations for building and sustaining relationships with your local government. Anyone that has started a brewery understands location is critical when it comes to regulations, permitting, attracting consumers, and thriving in that neighborhood. Whether you are considering starting a brewery, opening additional locations, or just want to hear about how others have faced and overcome these challenges, this session is for you. Grab the book: https://www.routledge.com/Craft-Breweries-and-Cities-Perspectives-from-the-Field/Wartell-Vasquez/p/book/9781032443140 Moderator: Julie Wartell (UC San Diego) Panelists: Dustin Hauck (Hauck Architecture) Gail Williams (BeerByBart) Josh Newton (University of California-San Diego) Neil Reid (University of Toledo OH) Omar Passons (City of San Jose CA) Steve Shapiro (BeerByBart) Huge thanks to ABS Commercial, Beer Law Center, and Wipfli for all your support on our Spring Virtual Conference. Join us in-person for CBP Connects in 2024 Half workshop, half networking Portland, ME | June 10-12, 2024 Learn more at www.CBPConnects.com

The growth in the non-alcoholic adult drinks category is a bit of a bright spot amidst recent trends in craft brewing. As more and more craft brewers consider bringing NA beers to market, compliance concerns come to the forefront. While NA beers contain scant or no alcohol, they still come with a variety of compliance concerns, not all of which may be intuitive or simple to grasp. This session will cover: -How is NA beer regulated by alcohol control boards, including licensing, taxes and distribution restrictions -How to properly label NA beer, including FDA requirements -How and if NA beer can be sold by alcohol retailers Please join Alex Koral of Sovos ShipCompliant and Shauna Barnes of Barnes Beverage Group for this review of the legal considerations impacting NA beers. Shauna Barnes is the founder of Barnes Beverage Group, a law firm specializing in providing external general counsel and regulatory counsel to beverage companies. Shauna has over a decade of experience counseling alcohol companies, specializing in creative distribution relationship management and risk-based advice in all aspects of the product life cycle. Before founding Barnes Beverage Group, Shauna founded the Alcohol & Beverage Practice at Kaleo Legal. Prior to that, she was General Counsel and a trusted member of the leadership team at Dogfish Head for nearly a decade. She found that position during her tenure as an attorney with McDermott Will & Emery focused on alcohol beverage clients and antitrust issues. She is a former Events Chair of the Rose Council of Wake Forest University School of Law and currently serves on the school's Law Board of Visitors. She regularly volunteers her time to the Delaware Brewer's Guild, assisting the members with alcohol-related challenges and legislative efforts. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Alex Koral is Regulatory General Counsel for Sovos ShipCompliant, where he serves as lead legal researcher for beverage alcohol regulation and has become a leading expert on interstate distribution of alcohol. He has spoken on the topic at many industry events including the Craft Beer Professionals Virtual Conferences, Craft Brewers Conference, American Craft Spirits Association Convention, as well as meetings for the National Council of State Liquor Administrators and the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association. Alex has been in the beverage alcohol arena since 2015, after receiving his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School. Huge thanks to ABS Commercial, Beer Law Center, and Wipfli for all your support on our Spring Virtual Conference. Join us in-person for CBP Connects in 2024 Half workshop, half networking Portland, ME | June 10-12, 2024 Learn more at www.CBPConnects.com