🍻 Brewbound's Guide to CBC

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The 2024 Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) and BrewExpo America will take place from April 21-24 in Las Vegas, Nevada, hosted by the Brewers Association (BA). 

CBC is one of the BA’s biggest remaining events after several recent changes to its events calendar. The trade group has placed Homebrew Con, its annual gathering of homebrewers, on hiatus, instead offering some homebrew-centric festivities to the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) this fall. And in 2022, the BA canceled SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience, citing “a variety of factors, including rising operational costs.” 

Ahead of next week’s event, we’ve dedicated today’s coverage to all things CBC to help Insiders attending the conference prepare and make the most of the event. Keep reading for Justin, Jess and Zoe’s seminar picks, our Brewbound pre-CBC reading list, and a Brewbound Podcast interview with Dr. J.

Insiders can read more, including details on the keynote address and featured discussions from both CBC and THRIVE.

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 craft brewing, 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.

Insiders can read more about Justin's picks, as well as a party tip.

After missing Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in 2023, I’m so excited for this year’s event to reconnect with industry friends and learn more about what will impact craft beer in 2024.

Here are the seminars I’m most looking forward to:

• Innovation: What Does It Mean and How Can It Help Your Business
• Being a Strong Business Partner: Best Practices for Building Your Annual Business Plan
• Engaging Brewery Staff and Customers Through Beer Education

Insiders can read more about Jess' picks.

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.

One marker of how the Brewers Association (BA) and CBC itself has morphed since last year’s conference in Nashville, is the inclusion of multiple hard cider conversations in this year’s Las Vegas event.

As frequent listeners of the Brewbound Podcast (or really, anyone who has met me) will know, I am a big hard cider fan, and love that it’s being included more in craft conversations.

Insiders can read Zoe's picks here.

Brewers Association (BA) director of social impact Dr. J Jackson-Beckham previews the THRIVE pre-conference workshop, which takes place Sunday, April 21, ahead of this year’s Craft Brewers Conference (CBC). 

Dr. J discusses the increased focus on wellness during this year’s conference and how those elements are threaded throughout CBC. She also shares her CBC picks, as well as the Las Vegas destinations on her list beyond the conference. And she addresses how her new role will factor into holding the trade group accountable. 

Listen here and on all popular podcast platforms.

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Before you head to Las Vegas for the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference, we’ve put together a primer of Brewers Association (BA) stories (and one video) from the past six months to help you prepare. Consider this the CliffsNotes version. 

Stories include recent 2023 production data from the BA, list of the top 50 craft breweries, a review of the trade group’s 2023 annual report, a Q&A with board chairwoman Leah Cheston and much more. 

Follow this link to catch up on everything to read before you go.

Next week, the Brewbound Podcast On Location will be in LAS VEGAS for the Brewers Association’s Craft Brewers Conference.

The Brewbound team will be on the trade show floor (Booth 1989) in Sin City conducting interviews with industry leaders, starting Monday, April 22, through Wednesday, April 24. 

Interested in connecting? Email [email protected]. 

And make sure to catch Brewbound Podcast On Location interviews from the California Craft Brewers Conference now, with new episodes coming in the next few weeks.

At Brewbound Live in Marina del Rey, CA on December 11 + 12, beer and beverage-alcohol brands can participate in retailer one-to-ones. Leaders from Whole Foods Market will be available for private, pre-scheduled meetings. Brands will be selected at each retailers’ discretion.

As the world’s leader in natural and organic foods, with a vast network spanning over 500 stores, Whole Foods holds substantial influence in the market. These meetings present a unique opportunity for beer and beverage-alcohol brands aspiring to excel in retail channels focusing on natural and organic products. 

Participating brands can gain invaluable insights and strategic guidance tailored towards facilitating growth within these specialized retail environments.

You must be registered for Brewbound Live to be considered for a retailer meeting. Once you register for the event, you will receive an email with instructions for signing up.

Register for Brewbound Live Winter 2024.