Overview and Experience:
The Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) is one of the most important events in the craft brewing industry, attracting brewers, beer professionals, and industry insiders from around the world. Held annually in different cities across the United States, CBC is more than just a beer festival—it’s a comprehensive conference that includes educational seminars, workshops, networking opportunities, and the massive BrewExpo America, a trade show that showcases the latest innovations in brewing equipment, technology, and ingredients.
While CBC is primarily aimed at brewing professionals, beer enthusiasts are also welcome to attend, and the event offers plenty of opportunities to sample some of the best beers from around the country. The conference typically lasts for several days, with a packed schedule of educational sessions, tastings, and networking events.
Each year, CBC is hosted in a different city, giving attendees the chance to explore some of the best beer scenes in the country. Whether it’s Denver, Portland, or Nashville, the host city plays an important role in shaping the overall experience of the event.
The Beer Experience:
One of the highlights of the Craft Brewers Conference is the opportunity to taste a wide range of beers from breweries across the United States. The event attracts both established breweries and up-and-coming craft brewers, offering a diverse selection of styles and flavors.
While CBC isn’t a traditional beer festival, many of the events and seminars include beer tastings, giving attendees the chance to sample innovative new brews and learn more about the brewing process. Some of the beer styles you can expect to encounter at CBC include:
Hazy IPAs: These juicy, fruit-forward IPAs have taken the craft beer world by storm, and CBC is the perfect place to sample some of the best examples of the style.
Barrel-aged Stouts: Rich, complex stouts aged in bourbon or whiskey barrels are a staple at CBC. These beers often have deep flavors of vanilla, oak, and dark chocolate.
Sours and Wild Ales: CBC showcases some of the most innovative sour and wild ales in the industry. Look out for beers brewed with fruit, spices, and wild yeast strains for a truly unique tasting experience.
Pilsners and Lagers: While IPAs and stouts often dominate the craft beer scene, there’s been a resurgence of interest in classic lagers and pilsners. CBC is a great place to discover well-crafted, easy-drinking lagers that highlight the subtle nuances of malt and hops.In addition to the beer tastings, CBC also includes a variety of educational seminars that cover everything from brewing techniques and trends to marketing strategies and sustainability practices. These sessions are led by industry experts and provide valuable insights for both brewers and beer enthusiasts.
The Food Experience:
While CBC isn’t as focused on food as some of the other beer festivals, the host cities are always home to excellent dining options. Whether you’re attending CBC in Denver, Portland, or another city, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants, food trucks, and breweries offering delicious food to pair with your beers.
In addition, many of the events and receptions at CBC include food, with options ranging from small bites and appetizers to full meals. Since CBC is a gathering of beer professionals, there’s a strong emphasis on beer and food pairings, and you’ll have the chance to sample dishes that complement the beers being served.
Why Craft Brewers Conference is Unique:
The Craft Brewers Conference stands out from other beer festivals because of its focus on education and industry innovation. While many beer festivals are primarily about drinking and socializing, CBC is designed to help brewers and beer professionals improve their craft, expand their knowledge, and grow their businesses. The conference includes a wide range of seminars, workshops, and panel discussions, covering everything from brewing science to business strategy.
The BrewExpo America trade show is another unique feature of CBC. As the largest brewing trade show in North America, it offers attendees the chance to see the latest equipment, technology, and ingredients being used in the industry. Whether you’re a professional brewer or just curious about the brewing process, the trade show is a fascinating glimpse into the future of craft brewing.
Pro Tips for First-Time Attendees:
Plan your schedule: With so many seminars, workshops, and events happening throughout the conference, it’s important to plan your schedule in advance. Review the agenda and prioritize the sessions you’re most interested in.
Network with industry professionals: CBC is a great opportunity to meet brewers, distributors, and other industry insiders. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation and exchange ideas—networking is a big part of the CBC experience.
Explore the host city: Each year, CBC is hosted in a different city, and it’s worth taking some time to explore the local beer scene. Whether it’s Denver, Portland, or Nashville, you’ll find plenty of great breweries, beer bars, and restaurants to check out.The Craft Brewers Conference is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the brewing industry or passionate about craft beer. With its focus on education, innovation, and networking, CBC offers a unique and valuable experience for both professionals and enthusiasts. Whether you’re attending to learn more about brewing, discover new beers, or connect with industry leaders, CBC is an unforgettable event that showcases the best of the craft beer world.
