The highlight of every Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) for me is Brewers Association (BA) chief economist Bart Watson’s “State of the Industry” presentation. Watson gives a data-filled pulse check on the health of the industry, insights on where the business is heading and some much needed real talk on the future now that growth isn’t a given.
Watson’s talk will come on the heels of this week’s release of the top 50 craft breweries by volume, so his talk will provide a picture of the industry at large.
His talk takes place in Venetian Ballroom F & G at 9:30 a.m. PT Tuesday, April 23.
Brewing with Climate-Friendly Regenerative Ingredients
When: 10-11 a.m. PT, Wednesday, April 24
Where: Venetian Ballroom E
Watson will be making the rounds, so if you miss him here, you can catch him on an all-star industry panel titled “Brewing with Climate-Friendly Regenerative Ingredients.” He’ll be joined by heavy-hitters Brooklyn Brewery brewmaster Garrett Oliver, Patagonia GM Paul Lightfoot, Topa Topa co-founder and CEO Jack Dyer and Whole Foods global principal category merchant for beer Mary Guiver.
General Session I: Fawn Weaver Keynote Speech & Fireside Chat with Beny Ashburn
When: 9:30-11 a.m. PT, Monday, April 22
Where: Venetian Ballroom F & G
Make sure you drop into the Day One general session for Uncle Nearest Distillery CEO Fawn Weaver’s keynote speech and fireside chat with Crowns & Hops Brewing co-founder and CEO Beny Ashburn.
Yes, a spirits executive is keynoting CBC. But there’s a lot to learn from Weaver, a well-respected leader who has built a billion dollar business in five years, wrote a New York Times best-selling book and is investing $50 million in up-and-coming minority-owned, -founded and -led brands via the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund.
Ashburn is a familiar voice in the craft brewing industry, but here’s a refresher.
Monday’s general session will also provide an opportunity to hear from Right Proper Brewing co-owner Leah Cheston, who is starting her tenure as chairwoman of the BA’s board of directors. Cheston is the first pub brewer representative and only the second woman to hold that title, so she’ll bring a fresh perspective as a small brewery during a time when many small breweries are limping through business downturns while others have closed or are going through bankruptcies.
Legal and Government Affairs Developments: Risks and Opportunities
When: 1-2 p.m. PT, Monday, April 22
Where: Venetian Ballroom B
Beyond the general sessions, the “Legal and Government Affairs Developments” discussion is on my radar. BA general counsel Marc Sorini and senior director of federal affairs Katie Marisic will guide us through the federal issues to watch as the Department of Justice’s review of competition in the industry and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau’s (TTB) possible changes to labeling and advertising requirements are in play. Also expect an overview of state issues, including the spirits industry’s encroachment on the cold box.
That’ll Move the Chains: Helping Craft Breweries Understand the World of On-Premise Chains
When: 3-4 p.m. PT, Wednesday, April 24
Where: Galileo 1001
Wrapping up on the business track, I recommend hitting the on-premise chain discussion. Getting into the minds of chain buyers is one of the most important – and challenging – parts of the business. SPB Hospitality’s (aka Old Chicago) Matt Poffel will share what he’s looking for, how he’s planning and what he uses to inform his decision making during a roundtable discussion featuring BeerBoard’s John Boyle, Deschutes’ Greg Owens and New Belgium/Bell’s Mary Russell. Owens and Russell will offer tips and tricks for navigating relationships with buyers, while Boyle will provide data on trends.
National Black Brewers Association CBC Tap Takeover
When: 6-10 p.m. PT, Tuesday, April 23
Where: Beer Zombies Brewery (831 W. Bonanza Road)
This one is outside the walls of the Venetian, and we should all make our way out of the conference hotel at some point. So I’m recommending the National Black Brewers Association’s tap takeover at Beer Zombies. Weathered Souls’ Marcus Baskerville will take part in a fireside chat with Beer Zombies owner Chris Jacobs and there will be beers from 10 Black-owned breweries on tap. RSVP here.
Finally, if you’re making the trip, stop by and say hey to the Brewbound booth (1989). Jess, Zoe and I will be recording future episodes of the Brewbound Podcast.
Read More: Brewbound’s Guide to the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference
Brewers Association Hopes to Turn Craft’s Luck at CBC in Las Vegas
Jess’ CBC Picks: Innovation, Annual Business Plans and Beer Education
Zoe’s CBC Picks: Hard Cider, Brand Extensions and Business Smarts
Craft Brewers Conference Primer: A Pre-Conference Reading List
Brewbound Podcast: The Brewers Association’s Dr. J on Thrive, CBC and Vegas Musts