Craft Beer Professionals

Join us for "Spills and Thrills: A Panel Conversation on Insurance Lessons Learned," an insightful discussion designed to navigate the complexities of risk management and insurance in today's dynamic landscape. This conversation goes beyond theoretical concepts, diving into real-world scenarios where unforeseen events have led to critical lessons. Our panelists will explore how unexpected incidents, from natural disasters to wire transfer data breach, have reshaped approaches to policy considerations and expanded coverage. We’ll discuss the evolving nature of risk, the importance of proactive mitigation, and the power of robust insurance frameworks in fostering resilience.Attendees will gain actionable insights into identifying blind spots, optimizing coverage, and leveraging lessons learned to future-proof their operations. Whether you're a brewery owner, taproom manager, or head brewer, this panel promises a compelling exchange of knowledge that will equip you with a clearer perspective on navigating potential "spills" and transforming them into valuable "thrills" of growth and innovation. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from others in your industry and enhance your strategic preparedness.This conversation features:Chris Dial (Wanderlinger Brewing)Christian Spears (TN Brew Works)Josh Buckley (The Nations Brewing Company)Kunal Patel (KP) (Mill Creek Brewing Co.)Chris Dial, co-owner of Wanderlinger Brewing in Chattanooga, TN, brings a unique perspective to commercial insurance. Having navigated the intricate world of craft brewing, from managing operations to understanding liabilities, Chris developed an intimate knowledge of the industry's specific insurance needs. Now, as a commercial insurance agent, he leverages this firsthand experience to meticulously craft policies that truly protect businesses like his own. He understands the nuances of equipment breakdown, liquor liability, and property coverage from a brewery owner's viewpoint, making him an invaluable asset for others in the industry seeking comprehensive and insightful insurance solutions.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

In this session, we’ll start with the basics of CIP (cleaning in place) and explore how the Sinner Cycle can help you fine-tune your cleaning and sanitation process. You'll learn how temperature, chemical concentration, time, and mechanical action all work together, and how understanding their balance can help you build a CIP program that fits your brewery’s specific needs.Next, we’ll walk through practical tips for evaluating the effectiveness of your CIP cycles and spotting issues before they become bigger problems. From tracking performance to troubleshooting inefficiencies, you’ll leave with actionable insights you can use right away. We'll cover what causes fouling and scale buildup, how cleaning agents actually work, and how to solve common CIP challenges.Oliver Meinhold 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 13 years. He is a current member of the MBAA Higher Education Committee and the Vice-President of the MBAA-District Mid-SouthStay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

The beer industry looks a lot different than it did a few years ago, and packaging strategies are evolving right alongside it. In this conversation, we’ll talk with Brian Casse from Iron Heart Canning about how mobile canning has adapted to meet the needs of today’s breweries.We’ll cover what’s changed in the market, what breweries should consider before investing in their own equipment, and where mobile canning fits into a smart, flexible business model. Brian will also share lessons from more than a decade in the field and what he sees ahead for both packaging and the industry as a whole.Brian Casse is the second ever Iron Heart Canning employee and has done everything from warehouse work, to working the back end of the canning line, leading into being a sales manager, helping grow the business in the North East before expanding the South and Midwest. He is now the Head of Sales, managing the sales team and continuing to help IHC grow. You can find him on instagram @idrinkgoodbeer as well as listen to the podcast he helps manage called Steal This Beer with his friends Justin Kennedy, John Holl from All About Beer Magazine and Augie Carton of Carton Brewing.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

In our “What’s Going on in…” series, we partner with State Guilds to spotlight current successes, challenges, and trends in their beer communities. There’s so much we can learn from each other, and these conversations are designed to give you valuable insights that can be applied in your own state.Next up: New JerseyThis conversation features:Brie Devlin (Brewers Guild of NJ)Lori White (Zed's Beer)Scott Wells (Bolero Snort Brewery)Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

In our “What’s Going on in…” series, we partner with State Guilds to spotlight current successes, challenges, and trends in their beer communities. There’s so much we can learn from each other, and these conversations are designed to give you valuable insights that can be applied in your own state.Next up: FloridaThis conversation features:Anthony Stone (Tampa Bay Brewing Company)Brian Detweiler (3rd Planet Brewing)Christine Denny (First Magnitude Brewing)Paloma Mejia (Florida Brewers Guild)Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

As cannabis-infused beverages gain traction in both licensed and hemp-derived markets, brewers are uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of infused product innovation. But while curiosity is high, confusion around cannabis emulsification technologies often holds teams back from action.This educational session will demystify the world of cannabis emulsions—breaking down the science, technology, and real-world application of how cannabinoids like THC and CBD are transformed into water-compatible ingredients. We’ll explore the most common infusion systems on the market today, including nanoemulsions, liposomes, and micelle-based carriers, comparing them on critical factors such as onset speed, taste, clarity, equipment needs, and shelf stability.Whether you’re in an adult-use state considering THC drinks or looking to experiment with federally compliant hemp-derived formulations, this session will provide a framework to help brewers navigate ingredient selection, infusion strategy, and formulation with confidence. You'll walk away with a clear understanding of how these technologies work, what they cost, and how to evaluate them for your production goals.Perfect for innovation managers, brewmasters, and business owners ready to explore the cannabis beverage space without the hype—just practical, production-ready insight.Jason Stark is the founder of The Entourage Effect, a cannabis business management consultancy specializing in operational optimization, extraction strategies, and infused product development. With over a decade of experience in the legal cannabis industry, Jason began his journey in Colorado during its pivotal transition from medical to recreational use. He has worked hands-on in cultivation, extraction, and retail operations, giving him a comprehensive, ground-level understanding of the industry. Jason holds a Master’s in Business Management from the University of Florida and has led numerous cannabis companies through successful product launches, process improvements, and multi-state expansions. Known for bridging the gap between executive strategy and day-to-day operations, Jason brings a unique blend of technical knowledge, financial insight, and regulatory fluency to every engagement. His mission is to empower businesses to operate more efficiently, remain compliant, and grow sustainably in a complex and evolving marketplace.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

This session will explore what brewery insurance really covers and what it does not. We will tackle some of the most common misconceptions, break down the different types of coverage, and highlight opportunities for cost savings. From property insurance and often overlooked equipment breakdown endorsements to the differences between liquor, product, general, and cyber liability, you will walk away with a clearer understanding of what your brewery actually needs. We will also discuss product recall coverage and whether it makes sense for your business, explain how to protect your brand and intellectual property, and review requirements for workers compensation and EPLI (Employment Practices Liability Insurance).With a background in manufacturing and a strong focus on process standardization, Steveo Stewart brings a systems-driven approach to the independent insurance market. As a co-owner of a successful bar and events company for over five years, he combines firsthand service industry insight with operational expertise. Recognizing a gap in the market, Steveo specializes in serving breweries, distilleries, and taprooms—not just by offering tailored insurance solutions, but by helping owners truly understand their coverage and proactively reduce risk through strategic claims avoidance.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

Yeast may be small, but their impact on beer—and brewing history—is enormous. In this presentation, we’ll take a deep dive into the fascinating technical journey of brewers yeast. We’ll begin with the early days of microbiology, tracing the path from the discovery of invisible life forms to the realization that yeast are responsible for fermentation, transforming wort into the beer we love.We’ll explore the evolutionary tree of Saccharomyces species and uncover how different strains of yeast give rise to the wide diversity of beer styles. Special focus will be given to the differences between ale and lager yeasts, both in how they behave and in their genetics. You’ll learn how Saccharomyces pastorianus, the yeast behind lagers, is a hybrid between S. cerevisiae and the cold-tolerant S. eubayanus, and how scientists believe this unusual pairing came to be.The talk concludes with a look at the cutting edge of yeast science. We’ll discuss how brewers and scientists are now pushing boundaries with genetic engineering, and the creation of novel hybrids, opening new possibilities for flavor, efficiency, and sustainability in brewing.Jonathan Hughes, Ph.D., is the Director of Food and Agriculture Programs at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education and the microbiology instructor for the Master Brewers Certificate Program. He entered the brewing industry in 2013, when, as a graduate student in microbiology at UC Davis, he founded the QA/QC laboratory at Heretic Brewing Company in Fairfield, California. Before joining Continuing and Professional Education, Hughes served as the quality assurance manager at Heretic while teaching introductory brewing and microbiology classes at UC Davis, Sacramento State University and Sacramento City College.Reach out to Jon at jghughes@ucdavis.eduStay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/Save 20% on PLAATO Pro and PLAATO Edge: https://plaato.io/cbp

In the past, breweries doubled down on innovation, tasting room expansion, and winning new points of distribution to drive sales. Then there was the era of 'eventing,' where brewers scrambled to build brand awareness at festivals, store demos, and guerilla sampling. A myopic focus on social media followed, ushering in influencers and engagement metrics. Which leads us to today and the next big thing for breweries: growth marketing.But what is it and will it help get us out of the mess we're in right now?What we’ve found may surprise you: the idea is not new, and it’s completely within your reach to execute. Your team just needs to take a bottom-up approach to capturing new sales:• Steady Your Foundation• Activate Your Markets• Engage Your Audience• Unlock Sales Channels• Regionalize And Localize• Integrate And ScaleThe need for strategic, targeted sales is more important now than ever. Our goal is for brewery owners and managers to understand the components of growth marketing and where to prioritize time and resources. Presentation attendees have access to our selection of downloadable Guides, with techniques to keep fans engaged and proven tools to fuel excitement around your unique story.We started Market Your Craft to help small-to-mid-sized producers quickly adapt to the changing Marketing landscape with storytelling. Because we believe every craft brand has an exciting story to share. Led by Scott Kolbe, we’re a team of dreamers and doers, passionate about all things beverage with the creds to match. We’ve created a series of Workshops and Guides to help define your brand story and inform your Marketing efforts. To learn more or to schedule a session with one of our storytelling experts, visit marketyourcraft.com.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org

A sustainable and successful brewery requires great leadership. In this conversation, we're bringing together experienced brewery professionals to share insights on building strong teams, fostering positive cultures, and developing future leaders in the craft beer industry. Panelists will explore how passion for beer intersects with effective leadership, offering real-world strategies to empower teams and drive lasting growth. Attendees will gain practical takeaways on navigating industry challenges, strengthening workplace culture, and creating an environment where both employees and businesses thrive.This conversation includes:Danielle Bezila (Creature Comforts Brewing Co)Joe Hovan (HiHO Brewing Co)Joy Reichenbach (Other Half Brewing)Ryan Mayfield (Craft Leadership)5 Voices Assessment: https://yourteamworkcoach.giantos.com/store/5-voicesFree resources: https://craftleadership.co/events/cbp-apr-2025Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org