Five Takeaways from the Fall Craft Beer Professionals Virtual Conference

I couldn’t be more thankful for the overpouring positivity and support from the Craft Beer Professionals Virtual Conference. If you are unfamiliar with our community, we are a network of 10K+ dedicated to the growth and betterment of craft beer across the United States. We are a forum for discussion between members working in the Craft Beer industry, and we’d love to have you join the conversation.

The conference was spread over three days and consisted of 50+ speakers and topics ranging the complete spectrum of what goes in to make our industry successful.

One of my initial takeaways from our conference was that it would take me at least three more days to properly digest the wisdom of all those who presented. You can watch, re-watch, and enjoy the complete conference playlist here. It is an impossible feat to pinpoint the most valuable talks, but I’ll try anyway.

Here are five of my takeaways from the event

1. DTC (Direct to Consumer) is an extremely hot topic. Whether or not it’s something your brewery is considering, it’s worth learning about. Take the time to watch this 3 part series (101, 201, 301).

2. Garrett Oliver’s Michael Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling is helping the lead the charge for positive change in our industry. Everyone should see to Garrett speak and hear the value in his words. Marcus Baskerville of Weathered Souls Brewing Company and their Black is Beautiful initiative are also helping pave the way for a more equitable craft beer. Listen to Marcus discuss Black is Beautiful from creation to impact.

3. Everyone loves a good conversation. We hosted 3 panel conversations  (25 Years in Craft Beer, The State of Distribution, Women in Craft Beer) and each provide wonderful insight from industry leaders.

4. Passion is contagious. Energy and enthusiasm can take even traditionally less exciting topics and make them enjoyable. (Pandemic Marketing and Brewing Without Spending a Penny on New Equipment) have received great engagement and are worth a watch.

5. Craft beer is constantly evolving. From discussions on consumer styles (Consumer Style Preferences Over the Years via Untappd) to changing ingredients (Water, Malt, Hops, Yeast…& the Kitchen Sink) to the role of state guilds in the current industry landscape (The Only Constant is Change: Pandemic Effects on State Brewers Guilds), every aspect of the industry we know and love could change. It is our responsibility to band together as a community to help make it even stronger.