Craft Beer Professionals

Breweries don’t need more data – they need better insights. Every day, breweries collect data on production, ingredient usage, brewing yields, equipment utilization, and more, but the challenge lies in making sense of it all. This session will demonstrate how data visualization can cut through the noise, helping breweries uncover hidden opportunities, reduce inefficiencies, and improve profitability. We’ll begin by addressing the common pain points breweries face: siloed data, lack of actionable insights, and the frustration of unseen problems compounding. Using real-world examples, we’ll showcase how data visualization turns complex data into clear, actionable insights – empowering brewery leaders to quick identify and address key issues like high production losses, rising costs, and underutilized equipment.Attendees will see how tracking metrics like cost per barrel, beer loss trends, and brew-to-pack timelines can drive smarter decisions. We’ll also explore how these capabilities align teams, foster accountability, and provide clarity on targets and next steps. Attendees will leave with practices to implement immediately in their breweries, whether it’s aligning their data, visualizing data, refining processes, or identifying areas of cost savings. This session will empower breweries to operate smarter, faster, and more effectively – giving them a competitive edge in today’s tough market.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.Pulkit K. Agrawal (PKA) is the Founder and CEO of Beer30 by The 5th Ingredient®, a leading brewery operations management software aimed at enhancing beer quality and consistency. After graduating from Harvard College, PKA began working as a Process Engineer for Ballast Point Brewing, where he focused on packaging lines and nitrogen beer. In January 2018, PKA launched Beer30®, a brewery data management system that offers grain-to-glass process and quality data tracking, while expanding beyond the standard inventory tracking of other systems. Beer30 focuses on real-time brewing data input, raw material inventory, cost of goods analysis, quality and sensory tracking, sales and distribution, and accounting integration. Beer30 is currently in over 450 breweries globally, helping to #BrewMoreBeer and #BrewBetterBeer across the world. In December 2022, PKA was selected into the Forbes 30 Under 30, Class of 2023, in the Food and Drink category. In his free time, PKA enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and doing entrepreneurship coaching.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 THC beverage market is a “wild wild west” of regulatory enforcement. What’s legal? What’s illegal? What’s hemp derived THC? What about Delta-8? What do I have to do to make a beverage? How do I sell it? Can I ship it? There are way more questions than answers for beverage producers right now. But, with uncertainty there is opportunity. The market is growing and the margins are good. Now’s the time to get in. Or is it? This presentation will talk about all things that worry me, as a lawyer, about things that can go wrong. Even badly wrong. We’ll talk through the “points to consider” before (or after) you make the leap into THC beverages.Since founding Beer Law Center, John’s practice has centered on the craft beverage industry. John works with clients to help them achieve their personal and business goals. With a background in chemical engineering and homebrewing, John loves the industry and has dedicated his career to making a difference for artisanal beverage businesses everywhere. John is a BJCP Judge, holds a certification in WSET Level II – Wine and in Beer, and is the US’s only Certified Cicerone Alcohol Attorney. John’s book “Beer Law: What Brewers Need to Know” is also a great reference for anyone in the industry.Huge thanks to Small Batch Standard + InTouch LabelsStay 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/

Better software, new apps, sensors supervising the facility, AI recipe development and many more. The list of emerging technologies is long, but when does it make sense to invest, and when does it not? Is there a point between the homebrewer, the nanobrewery and the craft brewery where technology is a requirement for success, versus just a “nice to have”? We want to explore this topic, and some of the reasoning for when it makes sense to invest, and when it doesn’t. The old saying of “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” can apply in many cases, but there is also the risk of loosing out on effieciencies and improvements that your peers are taking advantage of. Let’s get together to discuss, explore and see what frameworks are out there to make smart decisions for your brewery.Magnus has 15 years of experience as an Engineer, Consultant and Entrepreneur, and has supported a range of companies with implementing technologies to help improve productivity and efficiency across the US, Europe and the Middle East. He leads PLAATO Technologies as CEO, and is today 100% focused on building technologies and solutions that help breweries operate with higher efficiency.Huge thanks to Small Batch Standard + InTouch LabelsStay 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 next wave of beer drinkers is here, and spoiler alert—they’re not like the last lot. Gen Z is all about connection, inclusivity, and creating new rituals, which means the old “pint in the pub” experience might need a bit of a shake-up. In this session, I’ll walk you through how to connect with this fresh generation of drinkers. We will cover branding, marketing, taproom vibes, and everything in between. It’s not just about making great beer anymore (though that still helps); it’s about creating experiences that bring people together in a modern and meaningful way. If you’re ready to turn your brewery into a magnet for the next-gen, grab a seat and let’s chat about how you can stand out, stay relevant, and make your mark.Tim Weaver is the guy who makes brands brilliant. As the owner of The Brand Weaver, he’s spent over 15 years helping brands craft identities that not only look cracking but actually work—bringing in punters, growing sales, and making a splash in the industry. Whether it’s giving a startup its first big break or breathing new life into a well-loved brewery, Tim’s all about making sure your brand stands out, turns heads, and keeps people coming back for more. He’s got a knack for spotting what makes a brand special and turning that into something unforgettable. When he’s not brewing up brand magic, you’ll find him sharing stories, cracking jokes, or enjoying a pint (strictly for research purposes, of course).Huge thanks to Small Batch Standard + InTouch LabelsStay 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/

When you ask most professional brewers about what they do the most, the vast majority will answer cleaning. Despite this fact, during my many years of working with breweries of all sizes I frequently come across the phenomena where a baseline of clean for some brewers reveals that they have only ever known a dirty tank or other equipment as their baseline and call it clean. But if we have never seen the equipment or tank truly clean, how do we establish a true baseline? How do we define what clean is? When and how do we know our equipment is truly clean? How do we identify the first indications that our equipment is not clean? What should we consider before problems develop? What are the possible implications if we ignore the problems or simply do not have the expertise or training to identify them? This presentation will answer those questions and more.Born and raised in Cologne, Germany, Dirk graduated in Cologne with a degree in business administration. After working several years for a BASF subsidiary, he joined the Loeffler family business, where he worked in sales, technical services and research and development. In 1992, Dirk came to the United States to lay the groundwork for the US operations of Loeffler which led to the incorporation of Loeffler Chemical Corporation in 1994. Until 2019, Dirk served as the CEO and Technical Director for Loeffler Chemical Corporation. After the company merged in 2019, Dirk took a sabbatical and focused on teaching and enjoying some time with his family. In 2024, Dirk founded SEKA Chemicals together with his wife Alexis. As the Executive Vice President of Technical Operations and Sales he continues to develop new products and process technologies for breweries and distilleries. Dirk lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Alexis and their twin boys Kai and Sebastian. Dirk has been an active member of the Master Brewers Association since 1992 and currently serves as the President for the MBAA Districts Mid-South and Georgia. Dirk is also an active member of the Brewers Association since 1993 and serves on the Board of the German School of Atlanta as Vice President and Safety Officer.Huge thanks to Small Batch Standard + InTouch LabelsStay 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/

Most breweries face challenges when it comes to succeeding in distribution. From understanding how the numbers impact the business as a whole to managing distributor relationships, running a sales team, and coordinating logistics, distribution is no easy feat. In this rigged game, wins can happen, though they often feel fleeting. Some breweries distribute out of necessity, while others seek the validation of seeing their beer on store shelves. Whatever your motivation, there are a few essential concepts you must embrace to find success in distribution. In this session, we’ll share these key concepts along with benchmarks to help you unlock the path to distribution success.It all started in 2010 when Chris was fortunate enough to assist a start-up brewery with establishing back-office processes. This gave him a firsthand glimpse into the complications of running a brewery. Shortly thereafter, he founded Small Batch Standard, which has become the premier financial agency for craft over the past decade. Everyday, Chris and the SBS team are seeking the opportunity to assist an industry full of entrepreneurs who have proven to create amazing, local products. Small Batch Standard helps breweries uncover profit through outsourced accounting, tax compliance, and benchmark consulting. Chris has worked with over 200 breweries and is driven by building long-lasting deep relationships.Chris graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance in 2002. Then in 2006, he received his Master of Business Administration from the University of North Florida. He is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Chris’s crew is made up of his wife and 3 children…They rock!Huge thanks to Small Batch Standard + InTouch LabelsStay 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/

In this unique era of crossover drinking, new beverage concepts, reinventing the tap room experience, and a whacky economy, what’s the best way to find your course?Join Start A Brewery Contributors and craft beer industry veterans Jeff Mendel of Left Hand Brewing Company, Tim Myers of Strange Craft Beer Company, Laura Bruns of Craft Beer Uncovered, and Charlie Gottenkieny of Bruz Beers for an in depth exploration of opportunities, inspirations, personal small business development strategies, and other inside/outside of the box looks at the tools successful breweries have used to chart (and continue to chart) their course.Huge thanks to Small Batch Standard + InTouch LabelsStay 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/

Believe it or not, there’s more to life than beer. There’s also wine, spirits, cider—even NA products! But just because you’ve mastered beer doesn’t mean you can simply begin making and selling other types of alcoholic beverages. When a brewery moves to expand their offerings and enter new markets, there is no shortage of new requirements and restrictions that apply. From new licenses to additional taxes to dealing with state control boards, the entire process can look different from everything you’ve become accustomed to.Come hear regulatory experts Alex Koral, Sovos ShipCompliant, and Candace Moon, The Craft Beer Attorney, discuss the ins and outs of how your brewery can move beyond beer to reach new customers and excite existing ones with novel offerings.Candace L. Moon is a San Diego-based attorney who has spent the last 15 years dedicating her law practice to the craft beer industry. She has worked with over 500 craft breweries and craft breweries-in-planning nationwide, handling many legal areas including business entity formation, alcoholic beverage law, contract review, and trademark law. She has been a member of the Brewers Association since 2009 and served on the Board of Directors for both the San Diego Brewers’ Guild and The Pink Boots Society. Ms. Moon has taught Beer Law classes at UCSD, SDSU, and UC Davis. She is the author of “Brew Law 101: California Edition.” Ms. Moon is also the co-founder of Start A Brewery.com, a website for start-up breweries looking for guidance and a bi-monthly podcast of the same name.Based 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.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/

We can't wait to share beers and see you in-person in Indianapolis. We kickoff CBC Week with our Welcome Party on April 28 at Guggman Haus Brewing Co.RSVP: http://indy.craftbeerprofessionals.org/In this conversation, we will be joined by several of our event partners to discuss how to best plan for CBC, the importance of in-person events, and how to make it a success. Don't miss tips by an Indy local and strategies to make the most of the conference.This conversation features:Adrian Pawliszko (Sippo)Courtney Guggenberger (Guggman Haus Brewing Co.)Pulkit K. Agrawal (Beer30 by the 5th Ingredient)Robert Anderson (Flottweg)Learn more about Indianapolis: ⁠https://www.visitindy.com/⁠Join us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: ⁠https://cbpconnects.com⁠

The beer industry is filled with challenges—economic pressures, shifting consumer trends, and the constant noise of uncertainty. But instead of succumbing to doom and gloom, how can we cultivate resilience and purpose? In this session, Chris Douglas, a coach at Growth Equation, joins to explore the concept of tragic optimism—finding meaning and growth in difficult times. Through practical insights on core values, controlling what’s within your power, and identifying the battles worth fighting, we’ll discuss strategies to overcome procrastination, stay grounded, and build a strong community. True performance and lasting well-being aren’t built on quick fixes—they emerge from intentional, consistent habits. Join us for a conversation on turning challenges into opportunities and sustaining success in an ever-evolving industry.Prior to joining The Growth Equation as COO and starting my performance coaching practice, Chris Douglas worked as a civil rights attorney and clinical law professor at Berkeley Law for over ten years before launching my own consulting business where I have partnered with athletes, events, start-ups, law firms, and small businesses to actualize success. My expertise in these areas has been featured in print and online publications including Outside, Ultrarunning Magazine, The Recorder, Triathlete, The Daily Journal and The San Francisco Chronicle and been heard on NPR and CBS Radio.When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and engaging in athletic feats of endurance.Learn more about The Growth Equation: https://thegrowtheq.com/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/