With craft brewers facing an overwhelming amount of uncertainty, the 2025 Craft Brewers Conference comes at a good time for those interested in tapping into winning strategies.
While I encourage you to be in the room for Brewers Association (BA) CEO Bart Watson’s state of the industry speech at 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday, April 30, there are several other seminars (and parties) worth your time.
Here are some of the seminars on my radar.
Reverse Engineering Success: Consumer Trends Behind Growing Brands
When: 1:15-2:15 p.m. ET Tuesday, April 29
Where: Sagamore Ballroom 4, Level 2
In 2025, everyone is seeking a success story. BA staff economist Matt Gacioch will share a few of the strategies that generated growth last year, including case studies from Strangebird Brewery, Boring Rose Brewing Co., Lady Justice Brewing and DESTIHL.
Gacioch is flying solo for this presentation and, as with any economist, expect a healthy dose of data.
And if you missed Gacioch’s recent appearance on the Brewbound Podcast, give it a listen.
Seat at the Table: State and Federal Issues Your Brewery Needs to Know
When: 11 a.m. to noon ET Tuesday, April 29
Where: Sagamore Ballroom 6, Level 2
If you’re struggling to get a handle on federal affairs (and who isn’t these days), then you’ll want to be in attendance for BA VP of government affairs Marc Sorini’s run down of the latest issues.
Sorini will obviously cover the two Ts (tariffs and trade policy), while also covering other legislative and regulatory issues that brewers need to know on both the federal and state levels.
Sorini’s taking the presentation solo – less than a week’s notice wasn’t quite enough to get Samuel Beaver, the BA’s new federal government affairs manager, up to speed for one of the biggest presentations of the year.
Keeping Your Flagship Brands Alive
When: 2:45-3:45 p.m. ET Tuesday, April 29
Where: Sagamore Ballroom 6, Level 2
Crafting with Spirit: Keeping Your Brand Fresh in a Hyper Competitive Market
When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. ET Wednesday, April 30
Where: Sagamore Ballroom 4, Level 2
If you’re wondering how to keep your brand fresh and relevant, keep this pair of conversations on your radar.
On Tuesday, Sierra Nevada chief commercial officer Ellie Preslar and chief brewer Brian Grossman will share how to keep flagship brands vibrant, including “the single most important thing to keep” both those core items and your “brewery image thriving.”
Then on Wednesday, Rhinegeist creative director Mike Gertz will explain how the Cincinnati craft brewery maintains a fresh and consistent brand identity while managing its masterbrand.
In a marketplace with little margin for error, talks like these offer critical advice for weathering marketplace storms.
Read More: Brewbound’s Guide to the 2025 Craft Brewers Conference
Craft Brewers Conference Heads to Indianapolis Amid Industry Headwinds, Organizational Changes at the Brewers Association
Brewbound Podcast: Brewers Association Staff Economist Matt Gacioch on Craft Brewers’ ‘Realistic’ Mindsets, Industry Trends, Headwinds & CBC