Dogfish Head Founder Sam Calagione to Headline New England Craft Brew Summit

PORTLAND, Maine – The New England Craft Brew Summit, the largest B2B conference for the craft brewing industry on the East Coast, will return to Portland on Friday, March 7, 2025, for its ninth year. 

The event will feature Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and board member of Boston Beer Company, as the keynote speaker. 

This year’s theme, “The Fermentation of Change: Redefining Craft Beer’s Future,” reflects a period of profound transformation in the craft brewing industry and the Summit’s commitment to providing brewers with tools and strategies to navigate these changes. According to the Brewers Association, the national beer industry experienced a slight 2% decline in production in 2024. In contrast, Maine’s craft beer sector continues to grow, ranking second in the U.S. for breweries per capita and seeing net positive growth with more openings than closures. 

“Craft brewing is undergoing tremendous change, and the Summit is designed to provide actionable insights and foster connections that help brewers face these challenges head-on,” said Sarah Bryan, Executive Director of the Maine Brewers’ Guild. “Sam Calagione’s leadership and innovation in the industry make him the perfect speaker to inspire attendees and set the tone for a day of learning and collaboration.” 

Calagione founded Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in 1995, introducing a bold approach to brewing that emphasized innovation and artistry. A Maine-trained brewer, he spent summers on Pratts Island in Southport, Maine, where the name “Dogfish Head” originated, and still returns there each year with his wife, Mariah. 

Over the past 30 years, Dogfish Head has grown into a nationally recognized brand, pioneering beer-wine hybrids, craft distilling, and non-alcoholic beverages. Calagione’s keynote will reflect on Dogfish Head’s journey, focusing on commerce, creativity, and community—the “3Cs” that have guided the company’s growth. 

"Dogfish Head Maine is the spiritual home of our Dogfish Head brand, even though our physical home is in coastal Delaware.” said Calagione. “The New England Craft Brew Summit is such a great opportunity for our industry to come together and share ideas. The craft beer community has always thrived on collaboration and creativity, and this summit gives us the space to explore new ways to adapt and innovate. I’m looking forward to connecting with brewers from across New England and diving into conversations that will help shape the future of craft beer.? Together we are heavy!” 

The Summit, presented by Allen Insurance and Financial, has become a cornerstone event for the New England brewing community, drawing more than 500 brewers, brewery owners, and industry professionals each year. Sessions will address topics such as technical brewing advancements, sustainability, hospitality strategies, and business leadership. 

Registration and Details 

• Event: 2025 New England Craft Brew Summit  

• Date: Friday, March 7, 2025 

• Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm  

• Location: Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland Maine 

• Audience: 500+ Brewers, brewery owners, professional services firms and companies that serve the craft beer industry 

• Registration: Now open. Visit the Maine Brewers' Guild website to learn more.

• Sponsors: Presented by Allen Insurance and Financial, with premier sponsorship from Mainebiz. Limited sponsorship and booth opportunities are still available. For more information, visit the Maine Brewers' Guild website to learn more. 

About the New England Brew Summit 

Hosted by the Maine Brewers’ Guild, the New England Brew Summit is a gathering for brewers, brewery owners and all those who currently work with brewers around New England. This premier B2B event will feature live talks and panel discussions from brewers and owners blended with practical advice from professional service providers on a wide range of topics currently impacting the craft beer industry. 

About Maine Brewers’ Guild 

Maine Brewers’ Guild is a nonprofit, 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the craft beer industry in Maine. Since 1986, Maine has been at the forefront of the craft beer movement. As of January 1, 2024, Maine is home to over 152 breweries and is consistently recognized as one of the best destinations in the USA for beer tourists.