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Bart Watson: If You’re Trying to Ride Out This Wave, ‘You Should Probably Reconsider’

Bart Watson: If You’re Trying to Ride Out This Wave, ‘You Should Probably Reconsider’

Anyone looking for an answer to when craft’s current era of compounding hurdles and declines will come to an end received a reality check Wednesday during Brewers Association (BA) president and CEO Bart Watson’s state of the industry address, held at the start of Day 2 of the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Indianapolis.

Additional Content

Justin’s CBC Picks 2025: Case Studies in Success, Staying Relevant and State and Federal Affairs

Justin’s CBC Picks 2025: Case Studies in Success, Staying Relevant and State and Federal Affairs

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.

Jess’s CBC Picks: Adopting a Consumer-First Mindset and Telling Your Story Authentically

Jess’s CBC Picks: Adopting a Consumer-First Mindset and Telling Your Story Authentically

Something that’s stuck with me from classes taken en route to a master’s degree in integrated marketing communication is that your brand isn’t what you say it is – it’s what your consumers say it is. I’ve identified a few seminars that will help you differentiate yourself in a crowded market by becoming consumer-centric in your portfolio strategy and finding ways to tell your story in your own authentic voice.

A Round With … BA Board Treasurer Audra Gaiziunas, Part 1

A Round With … BA Board Treasurer Audra Gaiziunas, Part 1

Audra Gaiziunas wears so many hats she could open a Lids. She is the CFO and co-owner of Asheville’s DSSOLVR, founder of Brewed for Her Ledger management consulting firm and treasurer of the Brewers Association’s (BA) board of directors. There is almost no one better to feature in our pre-Craft Brewers Conference edition of A Round With …, the Brewbound Insider-exclusive Q&A with industry leaders.

Brewbound Podcast: Brewers Association Staff Economist Matt Gacioch on Craft Brewers’ ‘Realistic’ Mindsets, Industry Trends, Headwinds & CBC

Brewbound Podcast: Brewers Association Staff Economist Matt Gacioch on Craft Brewers’ ‘Realistic’ Mindsets, Industry Trends, Headwinds & CBC

When Brewers Association (BA) staff economist Matt Gacioch is asked whether craft brewers are optimistic or pessimistic, his response is “brewers are realistic.” “They are understanding that this is a new environment that they are operating in,” Gacioch said during the latest edition of the Brewbound Podcast.

CBC 2025 Pre-Conference Reading List

CBC 2025 Pre-Conference Reading List

Headed to Indianapolis for the 2025 Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) and looking for some light reading? We got you. Ahead of the Brewers Association’s (BA) big event, we’ve put together a list of some of the trade group’s biggest stories from the past few months that will help you prepare for the week.

Bart Watson: Differentiation Vital for Craft to Return to Growth

Bart Watson: Differentiation Vital for Craft to Return to Growth

For craft breweries to return to growth, they have to do more than just make great beer, Brewers Association (BA) chief economist and VP of strategy Bart Watson said during his state of the industry address Tuesday on Day 2 of the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Las Vegas.

CBC Keynote: Uncle Nearest’s Fawn Weaver On Why Staying Small Wasn’t an Option

CBC Keynote: Uncle Nearest’s Fawn Weaver On Why Staying Small Wasn’t an Option

Uncle Nearest Distillery founder and CEO Fawn Weaver disregarded the advice of the spirits industry’s old heads on the way to building a billion-dollar brand, she shared during her fireside chat with Crowns and Hops Brewing co-founder and CEO Beny Ashburn on the opening day of the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Las Vegas.

A Round With … Brewers Association CEO Bob Pease on CBC, Craft Slowdown, Trade Group’s Transition

A Round With … Brewers Association CEO Bob Pease on CBC, Craft Slowdown, Trade Group’s Transition

Ahead of the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference (CBC), which officially kicks off today (Monday, April 22), Brewers Association (BA) president and CEO Bob Pease shared his thoughts on the largest gathering of craft brewers, the turbulent times the trade group’s members are facing, the organization’s own changes and conversations he and Dr. J Jackson-Beckham have taken part in regards to the 2023 event.

Justin’s CBC Picks: State of the Industry, Fawn Weaver, Government Affairs and Chain Buyers

Justin’s CBC Picks: State of the Industry, Fawn Weaver, Government Affairs and Chain Buyers

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.

Zoe’s CBC Picks: Hard Cider, Brand Extensions and Business Smarts

Zoe’s CBC Picks: Hard Cider, Brand Extensions and Business Smarts

The Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) was the first industry event I ever attended, so I see it as the unofficial start to a new year. It’s also a great pulse check on how the industry – and all the folks you catch up with – have changed and evolved since the last CBC.