Craft Beer Professionals

Taprooms are operating more like restaurants than ever before, and to stay competitive, they need to adopt the best practices from forward-thinking restaurants - especially when it comes to using data to drive profitability. Even in a tough market, the most successful businesses are leveraging cost data, menu insights, and server performance metrics to improve margins and maximize revenue.Jim Taylor, founder of Benchmark Sixty, has helped hundreds of restaurants optimize productivity, margins, and employee retention, while Jeremy Carney, founder of Central Coast Analytics, develops world-class data solutions that give craft breweries instant access to critical business insights. Together, they’ll share what the best operators are doing right now to control costs, price smarter, and drive higher check sizes—so you can put these strategies to work in your taproom.Jim and Jeremy will give examples of how taprooms that don’t track and act on this data often deal with unexpected results, constant surprises, and inconsistent profitability and performance.And how by leveraging data, you can:Protect your margins by keeping costs under control and pricing profitably.Staff smarter by aligning labor with demand instead of guesswork.Increase revenue by optimizing your menu and improving server performance.This session will break down how to track the right numbers and take action on them immediately. Attendees will walk away with easy-to-implement strategies that can boost profitability right away, and live attendees will receive free resources to help put these ideas into action.Jeremy: As the Founder of Central Coast Analytics, Jeremy is revolutionizing how craft breweries interact with data. With 20 years of experience in analytics, he develops cutting-edge solutions that provide breweries and other industry partners with critical performance insights at their fingertips. His work enables clients to quickly see a holistic overview of their business and effortlessly drill in to uncover actionable insights. Jeremy's passion lies in helping breweries transform data from a headache into a strategic advantage, empowering breweries to make smarter, data-driven decisions.Jim: Jim Taylor is a restaurant industry leader with over 20 years of experience helping businesses optimize operations, improve margins, and drive profitability. As the Founder & CEO of Benchmark Sixty Restaurant Services, he has worked with hundreds of restaurants across North America and the UK, helping them turn data into profit by rethinking productivity, staffing, and financial strategy.Jim has also played a key role in the growth of a leading national restaurant brand and is now a partner at Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie in Vancouver. He recently published his first book, Bold Operations – Building the Foundation of Strategic Excellence in Restaurants.Passionate about transforming the hospitality industry, Jim challenges leaders to “see things differently” to create sustainable businesses, improve employee retention, and reduce financial stress. His mission is to redefine how restaurants measure success, making the industry a thriving place for both businesses and employees.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.orgJoin us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: https://cbpconnects.com/

Beverage tax surety bonds are essential instruments for businesses in the beverage industry to ensure compliance with state and federal tax regulations. This presentation will provide an in-depth understanding of beverage tax surety bonds, their purpose, and their significance in the industry. We will explore how these bonds function as a guarantee to state authorities that beverage producers, importers, and distributors will comply with tax obligations associated with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.Viewers will learn how surety bonds act as a financial safety net, ensuring that if a company fails to meet its tax obligations, the bond will cover the debt, preventing the state from losing revenue.We will also address the bonding process, requirements, and potential costs associated with securing a beverage tax surety bond.This session is ideal for beverage manufacturers, distributors, importers, and business owners seeking clarity on how beverage tax surety bonds can support compliance and safeguard their operations.Kyle C. Rheiner is a Certified Insurance Counselor, Agency Principal and is the Food & Beverage Practice Leader at Arthur Hall Insurance in West Chester, PA. Kyle has over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry along with actually brewing and distilling craft beverages. Since 2013, Kyle has become the trusted insurance advisor for over 150 craft beverage makers in the US. Kyle is also the Host of The Beer Mighty Things Podcast - a craft beverage business library with over 28,000 downloads including interviews with industry leaders throughout the world.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.orgJoin us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: https://cbpconnects.com

The second Trump administration has barley begun, and employers and HR managers are worried if they are currently in compliance and if there is a strange brew on the horizon.We will discuss how the administration is and could impact employers. Learn how to ensure your business thrives and doesn’t fall a bit flat in the changing employment law landscape.Join Andrew Nielsen, General Counsel at myHRcounsel, as he dives into critical topics for your business, including: Immigration: What could mass deportation mean to your business? Employee Benefits: Is this the death knell for the Affordable Care Act?EEOC EnforcementNational Labor Relations Board changesWhether OSHA changes are comingThis session is essential for staying ahead of a barrel of employment issues. To get an even better pour from this session, submit your questions when you register, and Andrew will address as many as possible during the discussion.Andrew Nielsen is the general counsel for myHRcounsel. He has been practicing law for 18 years and has a great deal of experience in dealing with issues facing businesses, including employment law, contracts, and collections.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.orgJoin us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: https://cbpconnects.com

Craft Beer Professionals has partnered with Craft Beer Advisory Services to gather insights on workplace satisfaction trends across the brewing industry.Join us for a presentation of the data, an exploration of trends, and insights into the state of workplace satisfaction across the brewing industry.Request the report: https://craftbeerprofessionals.org/workplace-satisfaction-report/Learn more about Craft Beer Advisory Services: https://craftbeeradvisoryservices.com/Join us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: https://cbpconnects.com

The process of taking a new product from concept to reality is one of the most difficult in the beer industry. With questions of type, scale, promotion, production, delivery, and sales in constant tension with each other, it can create a paralysis that can cripple the potential of even the most promising innovation. Moreover, in an industry built upon a foundation of new product creation and novel flavors, failing to master the art of true Release Management can be a fatal flaw for otherwise successful organizations. In this seminar, attendees will learn how to manage a product release like the Project that it is. Processes for obtaining approvals and buy-in from disparate departments, creating a timeline, coordinating actions in multiple silos for maximum effect, and following through for success will all be explained and demonstrated in detail.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 on the Board for 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 ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: https://cbpconnects.com

Join us to talk about cutting-edge technology and experiential strategies to engage the next generation of consumers. GoTab and BrewedAt are partnering to inspire breweries, taprooms, and hospitality venues to harness the power of memorable events, Gen Z-specific marketing strategies, and exclusive GoTab features like Secret Menus, shared tabs, and interactive experiences to attract a tech-savvy, experience-driven demographic.This event will empower industry professionals to reimagine how they connect with Gen Z by leveraging technology to enhance convenience and creativity while building loyalty through unforgettable experiences.By combining innovative technology with creative event strategies, this collaboration will spotlight how businesses can drive traffic, increase engagement, and foster loyalty among younger drinkers who demand both convenience and memorable moments.Evan Blum-Evan Blum is an accomplished beverage industry professional, with years of experience at Nestle Waters Supply Chain. While he has enjoyed his work in the industry, Evan's true passion lies in supporting local businesses that strengthen communities.After graduating from Temple University, Evan discovered the world of craft beer and quickly became enamored with its rich flavors and vibrant culture. He is passionate about all aspects of the craft beer experience, from the welcoming atmosphere of taprooms to the excitement of beer festivals. For Evan, craft beer is about more than just the beer itself-it's about the food, the company, and the sense of community that comes with enjoying a great pint.Adam Howe-With over 20 years in the service industry and 12 years in management, Adam Howe brings a wealth of hands-on experience and leadership expertise to his role as Solutions Engineer at GoTab. Adam has successfully opened and managed high-profile venues, including a $12M entertainment complex, an $8M beer garden, and a $1.5M tasting room/pub.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.orgJoin us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: cbpconnects.com

Breweries are increasingly under pressure to adopt sustainable practices, including using recyclable packaging. However, navigating the complex landscape of packaging materials, recycling processes, and conflicting manufacturer claims can be daunting. In this presentation, we will demystify the recyclability of popular packaging solutions such as plastic rings, paperboard carriers, and aluminum cans. We'll explore how these materials are processed at local recycling facilities, highlight common misconceptions about their environmental impact, and identify gaps between manufacturer claims and municipal capabilities.Additionally, we’ll dive into current state legislation shaping recycling standards and its implications for breweries. By providing clarity on which packaging solutions truly support a circular economy, this session equips breweries with the knowledge to make informed decisions aligned with sustainability goals and customer expectations. Whether you're a small craft brewery or a large-scale operation, this presentation will offer actionable insights to improve your packaging strategy and stay ahead in an evolving regulatory environment.Jeff Watkins is the founder of Proper Pack, an innovative company launched in 2019 to provide breweries with eco-friendly, curbside-recyclable packaging solutions. With over eight years of experience as a packaging engineer, Jeff has worked extensively with diverse materials and manufacturing processes, gaining deep insights into the intersection of sustainability and functionality in packaging design. Recently earning an MBA, Jeff combines technical expertise with business acumen to help breweries align their packaging strategies with both environmental goals and market demands. A passionate advocate for sustainable practices, Jeff brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities in beer packaging, offering practical solutions for a more circular economy.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.orgJoin us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: cbpconnects.com

The craft beer industry is constantly changing and competition is fierce everywhere you turn. Breweries are opening and closing everyday, so how does one stand out from the crowd? Today, we discuss a number of everyday activities that can be done to help maximize growth in a strategic fashion. We can't just rely on making good beer anymore. We'll explore topics such as "knowing your why" and then explore the business side. These items include ordering efficiently and understanding landed costs, ingredient utilization/efficiency, maximizing batch yield/equipment utilization, packaging splits/sales, and understanding profitability through your COGS.Alex Labonge was born & raised in North Carolina. He is an alumni of Grimsley High School and UNC-Wilmington, and currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a former swimmer and grilling enthusiast and recently became a father. His first craft beer was Natty Green’s Freedom IPA, and North Carolina beer holds a special place in his heart. Alex has spent 8 years with Next Glass, and currently is a Solutions Consultant supporting the Brewery Solutions team. While coming from outside of industry initially, Alex brings valuable experience after thousands of conversations with brewery owners around the world.Harrison Hickok was born & raised in New England and currently lives in Wilmington, NC. He spent 8 years working for breweries between Connecticut and Philadelphia and held many roles, including Assistant Brewer, Shift Lead, Assistant Barrel Master, Brand Ambassador, and Cellarmen. Harrison has held a number of roles with Next Glass, and is currently an Account Executive with the Brewery Solutions team. His first craft beer ever was the Dogfish Head Aprihop.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.orgJoin us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: https://cbpconnects.com

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that is resistant to rusting and corrosion. It is also known as rustles steel or corrosion-resistant steel. It contains at minimum of 10.5 % chromium and usually nickel, and may also contain other elements, such as carbon, to obtain the desired properties. Stainless steel's resistance to corrosion results from the chromium, which forms a passive film that can protect the material and self-heal in the presence of oxygen.The biological cleanability of stainless steel is superior to both aluminum and copper, and comparable to glass. Its cleanability, strength, and corrosion resistance have prompted the use of stainless steel in pharmaceutical and food processing plants. This is the reason why stainless steel is the ideal material for all brewing equipment.Passivation is coating a material so that it becomes "passive", that is, less readily affected or corroded by the environment. During passivation an outer layer of shield material is created as a micro-coating, created by chemical reaction with the base material, or allowed to build by spontaneous oxidation in the air. As a technique, passivation is the use of a light coat of a protective material, such as metal oxide, to create a protective shield against corrosion.What happens during the passivation? What methods of passivation are available and what are the advantages and disadvantages? What tests are possible to ensure a solid passivation layer? These questions and more will be answered in the presentation.Oliver is the Technical Director of the Brewing Division and consultant for Zee Loeffler. He studied at the University of Munich, graduating with a Dipl.-Ing. degree in Brewing Science at the Berlin Institute of Technology where he received his second Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering. He spent 7 years at the VLB (Research and Teaching Institute for Brewing in Berlin) as a Project Manager followed by 7 years at the Berlin Institute of Technology as an Assistant Professor. He is in his current position for 12 years. He is a current member of the MBAA Higher Education Committee and the Vice-President of the MBAA-District Mid-South.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.orgJoin us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: cbpconnects.com

As we move into 2025, the taproom experience is being shaped by an ever-evolving landscape of guest preferences, expectations, and behaviors. Craft beer alone won’t keep guests coming back—today's successful taprooms are those that create a seamless fusion of exceptional beverages, a welcoming atmosphere, and an engaging staff. To stay ahead of the curve, it's critical to understand how the taproom audience is changing and what they truly desire from their visits. This session will provide insights into emerging trends, actionable strategies, and new approaches to creating memorable and profitable experiences that keep guests coming through the door.Attendees will:Discover data-backed insights into the shifting expectations of taproom guests and what will keep them loyal in 2025.Learn innovative strategies for adapting to new consumer demands, from beer styles to non-beer offerings, and everything in between.Walk away with actionable tactics to enhance customer experiences, increase profitability, and stand out in a competitive market.We are excited to be joined by:Elise Strupp (Eagle Park Brewing & Distilling)Justin Wiener (MadTree Brewing)Michele Hanson (Tradition Brewing Company)Tom Paynter (No Label Brewing Company)Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org