Craft Beer Professionals

Breweries are increasingly under pressure to adopt sustainable practices, including using recyclable packaging. However, navigating the complex landscape of packaging materials, recycling processes, and conflicting manufacturer claims can be daunting. In this presentation, we will demystify the recyclability of popular packaging solutions such as plastic rings, paperboard carriers, and aluminum cans. We'll explore how these materials are processed at local recycling facilities, highlight common misconceptions about their environmental impact, and identify gaps between manufacturer claims and municipal capabilities.Additionally, we’ll dive into current state legislation shaping recycling standards and its implications for breweries. By providing clarity on which packaging solutions truly support a circular economy, this session equips breweries with the knowledge to make informed decisions aligned with sustainability goals and customer expectations. Whether you're a small craft brewery or a large-scale operation, this presentation will offer actionable insights to improve your packaging strategy and stay ahead in an evolving regulatory environment.Jeff Watkins is the founder of Proper Pack, an innovative company launched in 2019 to provide breweries with eco-friendly, curbside-recyclable packaging solutions. With over eight years of experience as a packaging engineer, Jeff has worked extensively with diverse materials and manufacturing processes, gaining deep insights into the intersection of sustainability and functionality in packaging design. Recently earning an MBA, Jeff combines technical expertise with business acumen to help breweries align their packaging strategies with both environmental goals and market demands. A passionate advocate for sustainable practices, Jeff brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities in beer packaging, offering practical solutions for a more circular economy.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.orgJoin us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: cbpconnects.com

The craft beer industry is constantly changing and competition is fierce everywhere you turn. Breweries are opening and closing everyday, so how does one stand out from the crowd? Today, we discuss a number of everyday activities that can be done to help maximize growth in a strategic fashion. We can't just rely on making good beer anymore. We'll explore topics such as "knowing your why" and then explore the business side. These items include ordering efficiently and understanding landed costs, ingredient utilization/efficiency, maximizing batch yield/equipment utilization, packaging splits/sales, and understanding profitability through your COGS.Alex Labonge 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 and recently became a father. His first craft beer was Natty Green’s Freedom IPA, and North Carolina beer holds a special place in his heart. Alex has spent 8 years with Next Glass, and currently is a Solutions Consultant supporting the Brewery Solutions team. While coming from outside of industry initially, Alex brings valuable experience after thousands of conversations with brewery owners around the world.Harrison Hickok was born & raised in New England and currently lives in Wilmington, NC. He spent 8 years working for breweries between Connecticut and Philadelphia and held many roles, including Assistant Brewer, Shift Lead, Assistant Barrel Master, Brand Ambassador, and Cellarmen. Harrison has held a number of roles with Next Glass, and is currently an Account Executive with the Brewery Solutions team. His first craft beer ever was the Dogfish Head Aprihop.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.orgJoin us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: https://cbpconnects.com

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that is resistant to rusting and corrosion. It is also known as rustles steel or corrosion-resistant steel. It contains at minimum of 10.5 % chromium and usually nickel, and may also contain other elements, such as carbon, to obtain the desired properties. Stainless steel's resistance to corrosion results from the chromium, which forms a passive film that can protect the material and self-heal in the presence of oxygen.The biological cleanability of stainless steel is superior to both aluminum and copper, and comparable to glass. Its cleanability, strength, and corrosion resistance have prompted the use of stainless steel in pharmaceutical and food processing plants. This is the reason why stainless steel is the ideal material for all brewing equipment.Passivation is coating a material so that it becomes "passive", that is, less readily affected or corroded by the environment. During passivation an outer layer of shield material is created as a micro-coating, created by chemical reaction with the base material, or allowed to build by spontaneous oxidation in the air. As a technique, passivation is the use of a light coat of a protective material, such as metal oxide, to create a protective shield against corrosion.What happens during the passivation? What methods of passivation are available and what are the advantages and disadvantages? What tests are possible to ensure a solid passivation layer? These questions and more will be answered in the presentation.Oliver is the Technical Director of the Brewing Division and consultant for Zee Loeffler. He studied at the University of Munich, graduating with a Dipl.-Ing. degree in Brewing Science at the Berlin Institute of Technology where he received his second Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering. He spent 7 years at the VLB (Research and Teaching Institute for Brewing in Berlin) as a Project Manager followed by 7 years at the Berlin Institute of Technology as an Assistant Professor. He is in his current position for 12 years. He is a current member of the MBAA Higher Education Committee and the Vice-President of the MBAA-District Mid-South.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.orgJoin us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: cbpconnects.com

As we move into 2025, the taproom experience is being shaped by an ever-evolving landscape of guest preferences, expectations, and behaviors. Craft beer alone won’t keep guests coming back—today's successful taprooms are those that create a seamless fusion of exceptional beverages, a welcoming atmosphere, and an engaging staff. To stay ahead of the curve, it's critical to understand how the taproom audience is changing and what they truly desire from their visits. This session will provide insights into emerging trends, actionable strategies, and new approaches to creating memorable and profitable experiences that keep guests coming through the door.Attendees will:Discover data-backed insights into the shifting expectations of taproom guests and what will keep them loyal in 2025.Learn innovative strategies for adapting to new consumer demands, from beer styles to non-beer offerings, and everything in between.Walk away with actionable tactics to enhance customer experiences, increase profitability, and stand out in a competitive market.We are excited to be joined by:Elise Strupp (Eagle Park Brewing & Distilling)Justin Wiener (MadTree Brewing)Michele Hanson (Tradition Brewing Company)Tom Paynter (No Label Brewing Company)Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

They’re new, novel for many, and sales are booming. Hemp-derived THC drinks are changing store shelves and consumer purchase behaviors. This segment represents some of the highest potential for compound annual growth rate across all forms of cannabis and cannabis-adjacent products in coming years. Most importantly, those sales increasingly occur in common places people are already shopping: bottle shops, liquor stores, and other chain retail.The total hemp-derived THC market grew around +20% in 2024, with much driven by increased availability of beverages. And with no sign of waning interest from consumers across large swaths of the country, it’s vital to understand what’s next.Bryan Roth (Director of Insights, Sightlines)Bryan Roth leads consumer and market analysis for Sightlines. He develops frameworks and ideas that allow for decision-makers to thrive in beer and other alcohol categories. With over 10 years as a beverage-alcohol analyst, his work helps make ambiguous trends and emerging consumer behaviors more tangible, relevant, and actionable.Kate Bernot (Lead Analyst, Sightlines)Kate Bernot uses her reporting background to develop content for Sightlines subscribers, as well as leads panel discussions and industry roundtables about the future of beer and other alcohol categories. With more than 10 years of work across mass media, trade, and insights services, she’s routinely cited as the beer and beverage alcohol industry’s most prolific and impactful analyst.Stay up to date with CBP: craftbeerprofessionals.org

One of the most important legal contracts in the early life of a brewery is the lease. In this presentation, attendees will gain an overview of the negotiation process for a brewery lease, starting with the letter of intent all the way through to execution. The discussion will include the types of commercial leases, key provisions (both generally and specific to a brewery business), and practical tips for negotiation and dealing with disputes (in particular, disputes as to noises or odors). You will learn about "gross" vs. "triple net" leases, CAM charges, how to deal with payment for utilities, and dealing with issues such as HVAC repair and replacement. Other topics of discussion will include what protections can be included in the event that the brewery goes out of business to protect any guarantors, dealing with complaints from neighboring tenants, what’s reasonable in terms of rent abatement in the early months of the lease term as well as tenant improvement allowances. In the later years of the lease, issues such as options to renew or purchase and/or rights of first refusal may be relevant, and, in the event that your brewery decides to relocate at the end of its lease, how to deal with termination issues including removal of equipment.Primarily a business attorney with a focus on corporate transactions, Jeffrey O'Brien regularly oversees mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and private securities offerings. He also frequently handles ancillary real estate deals, including commercial leasing, land acquisition, loan documentation, purchase and sale of residential and commercial property, and resolution of title matters, and is a Minnesota State Bar Association Board Certified Real Property Specialist. While Jeffrey supports clients in a variety of industries, he has built a strong niche practice in the hospitality realm, often representing restaurants, bars, and breweries. After cannabis was partially legalized in Minnesota in 2023, he began representing businesses in the burgeoning industrial hemp and cannabis industries as well and has become a leading attorney in the Minnesota cannabis world. Jeffrey is licensed to practice in the States of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota & Wisconsin.Stay up to date with CBP: craftbeerprofessionals.org

Kate, Judy & Mike with their business partners spearheaded The South Baltimore Brewery District, a grassroots and self-funded initiative between Pickett Brewing, Wico Street Beer Co., Checkerspot Brewing, and M8 Beer Co.The breweries eye a future that amplifies collaboration in the craft alcohol community beyond Baltimore to the entire state of Maryland. After developing a joint marketing and social media strategy that includes “district days,” quarterly neighborhood clean-ups, as well as smaller events and partnerships, the four breweries are ready to take their vision a step further. In spring of 2024 they received a grant through the Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Promotion Fund (MAMPF) to expand on their concept. According to Maryland’s Department of Commerce website, Senate Bill 698 established MAMPF in 2022 to use a portion of alcohol taxes to expand craft alcohol in the state, attract new visitors, create special events to promote alcohol manufacturers, support the expansion of minority ownership and participation, as well as developing incentives to promote the state’s agricultural products in production of craft alcohol.The South Baltimore Brewery District will use the grant funding to host a 10-day long event in April 2025 that will build momentum for the spirit of collaboration beyond their borders. “Craft x Craft: A Celebration of Craft Beer and Collaboration” will be hosted at the district breweries but will highlight breweries, wineries, and distilleries throughout Maryland. Craft x Craft will aim to attract industry professionals, as well as craft beer lovers, home-brewers, breweries-in-planning, history buffs, and small business supporters through events with various focus areas, and of course, collaboration beers.This conversation features: Judy Neff (Checkerspot Brewing) Kate Conway (Pickett Brewing) Mike Richardson (Wico Street Beer Co)Learn more at: https://sobobrewdistrict.com/Stay up to date with CBP: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/kgRIXUf/cbp

Join us as we dive into the essentials of dust collection in breweries and distilleries, including when it’s needed, how to implement it, and the latest advancements in the field. We’ll cover common questions about benefits, implementation options, and maintenance, while also exploring the new dust collection models recently introduced by ABM Equipment. Join us to learn more and ask your own questions!This webinar will explore the vital role of dust collection in breweries and distilleries, covering why cities and states increasingly require these systems, their importance in preventing fire and explosion hazards, and the best methods for controlling dust. Topics include system maintenance, filter cleaning and replacement, reducing dust during grain milling, and preventing accumulation in hard-to-reach areas. We’ll also discuss compliance with OSHA and NFPA standards, calculating airflow requirements, measuring efficiency, and the costs of installation and upkeep. Additionally, we’ll examine system designs, lead times, retrofitting options, and common mistakes to avoid, ensuring your brewery or distillery remains safe, efficient, and compliant.Getting his start in the food industry, Alex Zielinski has a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering and 7 years’ experience designing grain handling systems for the brewing and distilling spaces. Alex has worked with numerous breweries and distilleries for small, large, fresh, and spent grain handling systems. Alex and his team have implemented fully-automated mechanical and pneumatic systems to accurately weigh and convey many types of bulk dry goods and have developed a number of their own proprietary solutions.Want to learn more? https://abmequipment.com/tag/brewery-distillery/Stay up to date with CBP: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/kgRIXUf/cbp

Experiential tourism is on the rise, and breweries have a unique opportunity to become must-visit destinations for travelers. This session dives into how breweries can attract new customers, build lasting relationships, and create memorable guest experiences with the help of Harvest Hosts.Join Harvest Hosts employees as they share insider tips and real-world success stories from breweries already leveraging the program. Learn how Harvest Hosts connects breweries with RV travelers who are eager to support small businesses and explore local craft beer scenes.We’ll discuss actionable steps to make your brewery a destination of choice, simple hosting strategies that fit seamlessly into your operations, and the powerful role of word-of-mouth marketing in growing your customer base. Whether you're looking to diversify revenue, attract loyal customers, or create an unforgettable experience, this session will provide valuable insights to help you succeed in 2024.Ali Lindsey, Senior Business Development Manager | Ali joined the Harvest Hosts team with a rich background in sales, business development, and hospitality. Her passion lies in nurturing growing companies and coaching, particularly in expanding Harvest Hosts' Host network. Originally from the suburbs of Manhasset, NY, Ali made a beeline for the Rocky Mountains immediately after college graduation and has resided in Frisco, CO ever since. Finding solace in the great outdoors alongside her husband, Daric, and their daughters, Susie and Jojo, fuels her motivation and contributes to her success in leading the Host Recruitment team.Ashley Fox, Manager - Host Marketing | Ashley Fox is the Host Marketing Manager at Harvest Hosts where her passion for supporting small businesses and travel converges. Through strategic techniques and meaningful partnerships, Ashley works to educate small businesses how 5,600+ breweries, distilleries, wineries, farms, and other unique locations are increasing revenue by partnering with Harvest Hosts. Since joining the team in 2022, Ashley has helped expand the small business network by more than 70%. Ashley is proud to be a part of a company that has helped drive more than $150M+ to farms, wineries, breweries, distilleries, museums, golf courses, and other small businesses across North America. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys hiking, visiting local breweries, and exploring new destinations alongside her husband and their beloved dog.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/Join us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: https://tickets.beertrail.com/e/cbp-connects-charlotte

Buzzwords like "biotransformation" and "thiolized" are thrown around a lot in modern hop forward brewing techniques and products, but what is actually happening during fermentation that makes these aromatic compounds shine? The goal is to get the most terpenes and thiols possible out of your hops, and by learning about the complex mechanisms responsible we can harness the power of yeast to maximize your beers potential.Kyle Somers (he/him) is the Technical Sales Manager for California and the Western US for the Lallemand Brewing division, and the current President of the Northern California district of the Master Brewers Association. He holds an International Brewing Diploma from Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago and Doemens Academy in Munich, and has ten years of hands-on production brewing experience prior to joining the Lallemand team in 2019, including stints with Firestone Walker, Lagunitas, and Hen House Brewing. He currently lives in Santa Rosa with his wife Kristin and his dog Simcoe. His favorite beer styles are hop forward modern lagers, and when he isn’t hanging around a brewery you can find him backpacking through the Sierras.Stay up to date with CBP:http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/Join us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now:https://tickets.beertrail.com/e/cbp-connects-charlotte