Advertise on podcast: Craft Beer Professionals

Every brewery talks about loyalty. Most invest in rewards programs, email campaigns, discounts, or promotions. But the strongest loyalty is created long before a guest scans a QR code.In this session, we’ll explore how intentional hospitality turns casual visitors into loyal guests who return more often, spend more, bring people with them, and actively recommend the brewery to others.Drawing from my experience leading hospitality teams at Avery Brewing Company, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, and other craft hospitality operations, I’ll share the framework behind what I call Contagious Loyalty: the idea that genuine human connection can become one of a brewery’s most effective growth strategies.We’ll look at the highest-impact moments in the guest journey, how to coach teams toward authentic interaction rather than scripted service, and how to build a culture where hospitality influences revenue, reputation, retention, and team engagement.This is not a session about expensive technology or complicated loyalty programs. These are practical tools operators can begin using on their next shift, regardless of the size of their brewery, team, or marketing budget.Attendees will leave with a clear framework for evaluating their current guest experience, identifying opportunities for greater connection, and turning hospitality into something guests feel, talk about, and come back for.Ray Decker is the founder of Carvalicious Hospitality, a craft hospitality consulting practice built around one outcome: Contagious Loyalty. He grew up in his family’s restaurant, spent four years as a United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper, and has spent his career opening and leading craft hospitality operations across Colorado and Vermont.At Avery Brewing Co., the team he built created a hospitality culture that made Avery synonymous with exceptional guest experience in Boulder. Most recently, as Head of Hospitality at Lawson’s Finest Liquids, his work rebuilt the hospitality leadership structure and helped produce an 84% increase in loyalty-member sales in a single quarter.Ray consults and speaks on one conviction: when guests feel a genuine connection to a place, loyalty does not have to be earned through programs. It spreads on its own.Join us in person for CBP Connects TampaDecember 7-9, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

CBP Connects Tampa is happening December 7-9. The weather should be great and it's your opportunity to connect with peers from across the country.Join us for a conversation with some of our event speakers and partners to hear what you can expect, why you should attend, and how it can help you reach your goals.14 interactive sessions, 3 nightly receptions (BarrieHaus, Coppertail, Common Dialect), a trade show, and countless opportunities to connect with industry decision makers.This conversation features:-Brian Detweiler (3rd Planet Brewing)-Christie Jackson (Transport Jackson)-Greg Berbusse (Bay 13 Brewery)-Kary Shumway (Beer Business Finance)-Khris Johnson (Green Bench Brewing)Join us in person for CBP Connects TampaDecember 7-9, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

In our "What's Going on in..." series we partner with State Guilds to spotlight their current successes, challenges, and trends. There is so much we can learn from one another and we hope these conversations can provide you with valuable insights applicable to your state.Next up: OregonThis conversation features: Brett Thomas (Sunriver Brewing)Jason Barbee (Level Beer)Lisa Allen (Heater Allen Lager Beers)Travis Darney (Side A Brewing) Join us in person for CBP Connects TampaDecember 7-9, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

The craft beer industry is facing difficult times. Having weathered the COVID pandemic, breweries are now operating in a market where alcohol beverage consumption in the U.S. is declining to historic lows. On top of that, the hemp beverage market, which has been providing a lifeline and stabilizing revenues, is under threat of extinction. How are breweries dealing with these difficult economic circumstances? Hear from a panel of owners as to how they are weathering the storm and transforming their businesses to survive and thrive.Jeffrey O’Brien is a partner at Husch Blackwell and leads the firm’s Alcohol Beverage practice. For nearly 25 years, he has worked with breweries, wineries, distilleries, and other beverage companies on everything from acquisitions and growth plans to licensing, distribution, and regulatory issues. Jeff works closely with producers across the country and regularly advises businesses on emerging issues affecting the beverage industry, including the rapidly changing hemp beverage market.Joining Jeff are Zack Ward, Founder and COO of OMNI Brewing Company; Daniel Paul Wellendorf, Co-Owner and Head of Marketing at Modist Brewing Co.; and Kevin Hilliard, Co-Founder of Insight Brewing. Drawing on their experiences leading some of Minnesota's most recognized craft breweries, the panelists will discuss how breweries are responding to shifting consumer trends, competitive pressures, and economic challenges while identifying new opportunities for resilience and growth.Join us in person for CBP Connects TampaDecember 7-9, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

While ChatGPT can string words together, it doesn't know your business's quirks, local HR rules, or your team's culture. From brewing protocols to employee handbooks, generic AI documents lack the real-world context your business desperately needs to ensure its success.Join a panel of industry experts for a practical look at successful documentation. We will discuss the importance of human-centric SOPs and HR policies, share strategies for capturing institutional knowledge, and define where AI can safely assist versus where it poses a risk to your beer, culture, and compliance. Great breweries are built by great people, not algorithms.This conversation features: Betsy Lay (Lady Justice Brewing)Jon Hyman (Wickens Herza Panzer)Laura Lodge (StartABrewery.com)Ren Navarro (B. Diversity Group) Join us in person for CBP Connects TampaDecember 7-9, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

In this presentation we will follow the brewing process and discuss each point where mechanical separation (centrifugation) can be used. From decanters for trub removal/wort recovery in the brew house to using decanters or sedicanters for heavy fermenter bottoms dewatering for beer recovery to disc separators for clarification of final product before packaging. We will highlight the pros and cons at each step, which systems are idea for different size breweries, and discuss how these systems are implemented. We'll touch on hygienic design, cleanability, service and maintenance, and some general process data to tie the whole thing together. Christian Pettit is the Flottweg regional sales/industry manager for brewing and distilling. He has 21 years experience as a service technician, process engineer and sales engineer with the company and has worked across all industries in his tenure with them. He has been a craft beer enthusiast since 1995 and thoroughly enjoys all aspects of the industry. His favorite brewery industry events are CBC, anything CBP related, and Dark Lord Day \m/ Join us in person for CBP Connects Tampa December 7-9, 2026 Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

This session covers three cost saving benefits nitrogen can bring to your brewery. You'll learn how onsite generated nitrogen can replace CO2 in processes like tank purging, beer transfers, and packaging line pressure, cutting your CO2 costs directly. We'll also cover where nitrogen can't replace CO2, like carbonation, and why that matters. This same shift reduces your carbon footprint and builds more self-sufficiency by reducing dependence on outside gas suppliers.Join us in person for CBP Connects TampaDecember 7-9, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

Having a good label for your beer is critical. The label identifies you as the producer and showcases your style to consumers, while also informing them as to what they are about to enjoy. However, that means there are a lot of rules and procedures that breweries need to follow when drafting their labels, imposed by both state and federal agencies. Get ahead of your compliance needs by hearing Alex Koral, regulatory general counsel for Sovos ShipCompliant, discuss the basics and not-so-basics of beer label regulations.Including:-COLAs for breweries-What must and what cannot be on a beer label-Considerations for NA beer-An overview of state brand registration requirementsBased in Boulder, Colorado, Alex Koral is Regulatory General Counsel for Sovos ShipCompliant, where he serves as lead legal researcher for beverage alcohol regulation and has become a leading expert on interstate distribution of alcohol. He has spoken on the topic at many industry events including the Craft Beer Professionals Virtual Conferences, Craft Brewers Conference, American Craft Spirits Association Convention, as well as meetings for the National Council of State Liquor Administrators and the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association. Alex has been in the beverage alcohol arena since 2015, after receiving his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School. Join us in person for CBP Connects TampaDecember 7-9, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

Bryan Pietrzak spent over 20 years as a machinist and welder while drumming in a touring rock band for nearly two decades. In 2025, he brought both worlds together as co-founder and brewmaster of Twelvenote Brew Co. in Bridgeport, CT, a brewery built around the twelve notes of the musical scale where every beer gets its own personality and story. In this live CBP conversation, Bryan shares how music shapes everything from recipe development to branding to the taproom experience, what two decades in the trades taught him about craftsmanship behind the kettle, and the realities of opening a brewery in today's market. Join us in person for CBP Connects Tampa December 7-9, 2026 Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

Word-of-mouth often ranks among the most effective marketing tactics. And it makes sense. In the age of AI, ads, and the internet there’s a lot to distract us. From creating a positive experience worth sharing to being a catalyst for conversation, merchandise has the opportunity to break through the noise of “marketing” and help you tell your brand story in a way that is memorable while providing another source of revenue. You'll learn how to strategically use merchandise as both a storytelling tool and revenue driver—integrating it into your current marketing to spark conversation and build brand awareness. Leah Keggi is a marketing professional specializing in brand strategy and business development. With more than a decade of experience in brand and trade marketing, she has worked cross functionally with sales, operations, and finance teams to build stronger brands while driving measurable business results. Her work focuses on closing the gap between brand marketing and the end consumer, helping businesses create more intentional, effective connections with their audience. She regularly shares insights, ideas, and resources on brand strategy and creative marketing through her writing. Leah is also the author of The Merch Blueprint, a practical guide for business owners, marketers, and creatives looking to use merchandise as a strategic tool. The book outlines four core types of merchandise, retail, uniforms, promotional items, and incentive pieces, and shows how each can be used to grow brand affinity, extend reach, and strengthen customer relationships. Join us in person for CBP Connects TampaDecember 7-9, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

AI is already part of brewery marketing, from content planning to social posts, but using it the wrong way can weaken your brand and erode trust. In this conversation, we’ll dig into where AI actually helps, where it hurts, and how breweries can use it without losing their voice. We’ll look at real examples of AI in copy, visuals, and scheduling, explore how different generations recognize and respond to AI driven content, and pull in real world perspectives from the Craft Beer Professionals community so the conversation stays grounded in what’s actually happening in taprooms and marketing teams today. BrewedAt is a Local Beverage Events & Marketing company specializing in Social Media Marketing, Event Marketing, Experiential Events, and B2B & B2C Advertising Campaigns — all with a focus on connecting brands with the next generation of drinkers. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the current beverage landscape and Gen-Z consumers, using the BrewedAt brand to create fresh, memorable experiences that engage new audiences. Join us in person for CBP Connects TampaDecember 7-9, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

Brandon McCraney at Olde Raleigh Distillery doesn't run a typical family distillery. He's partnered with Lionsgate on a John Wick-themed bourbon release, collaborated on a Scream 7 bottle, and keeps six taps of craft beer in his tasting room because he wants to have something for everyone. In this conversation, Brandon breaks down how he thinks about storytelling, experience, and community in a way that translates directly to the taproom world. He runs bottle club classes built around getting to know his customers, books events, and has figured out how to make every interaction feel personal at scale. We get into the parallels between brewing and distilling, what it actually looks like to run a family operation, and how chasing the right partnerships can open doors you didn't know existed. Join us for a conversation on what we can learn from our peers in the spirits world. Join us in person for CBP Connects TampaDecember 7-9, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

Last month, breweries added 26.3 taproom visits for every push message they sent. 332 breweries have launched their own app in the past two years. And we're spilling the beans on the best kept secret in beer. In this session, we will break down exactly what goes into a successful brewery app, including best practices and real world examples on how to: -Build your Audience -Boost Taproom Traffic -Grow Membership Revenue This session is a must for Brewery Owners, Marketers and GMs! All attendees will receive a free copy of the Brewery App Bible including simple marketing checklists you can follow based on the goals you have for your taproom. Ring the bell! Class is in session! Ross Stensrud accidentally graduated from UCSD while studying lacrosse and spending plenty of time at O’Brien’s. After a brief stint designing pool cleaners (yes, really) in an effort to justify the cost of his degree, he pivoted and began recruiting smart friends to help build app marketing tech for local businesses—starting with music, then golf, and now craft beer with TapWyse. He lives in Carlsbad with his wife Laurel and their two boys, Roscoe (11) and Mason (9). When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him biking down PCH or shuttling his kids to basketball, golf, music, and skateboarding. Join us in person for CBP Connects TampaDecember 7-9, 2026Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

Data is truly The 5th Ingredient in your beer. Yet too often, it’s treated as an afterthought. In a tightening market where cash is scarce, maximizing efficiency in your brewhouse has never been more critical. In this seminar, Aaron MJ Gore explores how to leverage the data you already have to get more beer out of every batch. By turning insight into action, you’ll learn practical ways to reduce waste, improve yields, and ultimately save both time and money. With more than a decade of sales, retail management, and business analytic experience in the craft beverage industry, Aaron MJ Gore loves the opportunities that he has every day to make a difference for small business owners across the country. He is the Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for Beer30, one of the drinks industry's leading software providers, is a co-founder of the Court Shoes Only charitable collaboration beer, and serves as the Vice-President of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame. He is an Advanced Cicerone, Certified Pommelier, Certified Cheese Scholar, WSET Level 2 Spirits Certified, and is (AF)(NA) Beer Certified. Additionally, he is an active industry advocate, public speaker, beer and cider educator, and the father of two daughters who are the true passion of his life. Join us in person for CBP Connects Tampa December 7-9, 2026 Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/

Brewing beer is easy. Four simple ingredients, and a process so straightforward that the earliest beers were brewed by accident when wet grains started to germinate and ferment. But brewing consistently high-quality beer is a different challenge, and the modern brewing process extends far beyond the simple equation of beer = water + malt + hops + yeast. Differentiating your product in a competitive market is a challenge that all brewers face. Doing all of this on a tight budget is a major challenge for many brewers today. While costs can be cut to an extent by purchasing cheaper ingredients, this comes at the risk of reducing product quality, consistency, or flavor. Through careful optimization of each step of the brewing process, you can improve yields and efficiency, allowing you to continue to use the high-quality ingredients that define your brand. In this presentation, you will discover the full range of tools available in the Brewer’s Toolkit. Learn how to use nutrients, enzymes, process aids, flavor additions, specific yeast strains and inactive specific yeast products to improve beer quality and brewing efficiency. Eric Abbott has a B.Sc. in Biochemistry, a M.Sc. in Botany, and 20 years of experience in the beverage industry. Since 2017, Eric has brought experience as a brewer, R&D scientist, and technical sales manager to the Lallemand Brewing technical team. As the main point of contact for brewing technical support and troubleshooting, Eric is keenly aware of the challenges that brewers face everyday. In collaboration with the Lallemand Brewing innovation team, Eric works to develop new products and resources to help brewers to improve product quality and increase brewing efficiency. Eric is a father of three daughters in the Montreal area, and he enjoys kayaking on the Rivière de Milles Iles, when it is not frozen. Join us in person for CBP Connects Tampa December 7-9, 2026 Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/