Craft Beer Professionals

One of the most important legal contracts in the early life of a brewery is the lease. In this presentation, attendees will gain an overview of the negotiation process for a brewery lease, starting with the letter of intent all the way through to execution. The discussion will include the types of commercial leases, key provisions (both generally and specific to a brewery business), and practical tips for negotiation and dealing with disputes (in particular, disputes as to noises or odors). You will learn about "gross" vs. "triple net" leases, CAM charges, how to deal with payment for utilities, and dealing with issues such as HVAC repair and replacement. Other topics of discussion will include what protections can be included in the event that the brewery goes out of business to protect any guarantors, dealing with complaints from neighboring tenants, what’s reasonable in terms of rent abatement in the early months of the lease term as well as tenant improvement allowances. In the later years of the lease, issues such as options to renew or purchase and/or rights of first refusal may be relevant, and, in the event that your brewery decides to relocate at the end of its lease, how to deal with termination issues including removal of equipment.Primarily a business attorney with a focus on corporate transactions, Jeffrey O'Brien regularly oversees mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and private securities offerings. He also frequently handles ancillary real estate deals, including commercial leasing, land acquisition, loan documentation, purchase and sale of residential and commercial property, and resolution of title matters, and is a Minnesota State Bar Association Board Certified Real Property Specialist. While Jeffrey supports clients in a variety of industries, he has built a strong niche practice in the hospitality realm, often representing restaurants, bars, and breweries. After cannabis was partially legalized in Minnesota in 2023, he began representing businesses in the burgeoning industrial hemp and cannabis industries as well and has become a leading attorney in the Minnesota cannabis world. Jeffrey is licensed to practice in the States of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota & Wisconsin.Stay up to date with CBP: craftbeerprofessionals.org

Kate, Judy & Mike with their business partners spearheaded The South Baltimore Brewery District, a grassroots and self-funded initiative between Pickett Brewing, Wico Street Beer Co., Checkerspot Brewing, and M8 Beer Co.The breweries eye a future that amplifies collaboration in the craft alcohol community beyond Baltimore to the entire state of Maryland. After developing a joint marketing and social media strategy that includes “district days,” quarterly neighborhood clean-ups, as well as smaller events and partnerships, the four breweries are ready to take their vision a step further. In spring of 2024 they received a grant through the Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Promotion Fund (MAMPF) to expand on their concept. According to Maryland’s Department of Commerce website, Senate Bill 698 established MAMPF in 2022 to use a portion of alcohol taxes to expand craft alcohol in the state, attract new visitors, create special events to promote alcohol manufacturers, support the expansion of minority ownership and participation, as well as developing incentives to promote the state’s agricultural products in production of craft alcohol.The South Baltimore Brewery District will use the grant funding to host a 10-day long event in April 2025 that will build momentum for the spirit of collaboration beyond their borders. “Craft x Craft: A Celebration of Craft Beer and Collaboration” will be hosted at the district breweries but will highlight breweries, wineries, and distilleries throughout Maryland. Craft x Craft will aim to attract industry professionals, as well as craft beer lovers, home-brewers, breweries-in-planning, history buffs, and small business supporters through events with various focus areas, and of course, collaboration beers.This conversation features: Judy Neff (Checkerspot Brewing) Kate Conway (Pickett Brewing) Mike Richardson (Wico Street Beer Co)Learn more at: https://sobobrewdistrict.com/Stay up to date with CBP: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/kgRIXUf/cbp

Join us as we dive into the essentials of dust collection in breweries and distilleries, including when it’s needed, how to implement it, and the latest advancements in the field. We’ll cover common questions about benefits, implementation options, and maintenance, while also exploring the new dust collection models recently introduced by ABM Equipment. Join us to learn more and ask your own questions!This webinar will explore the vital role of dust collection in breweries and distilleries, covering why cities and states increasingly require these systems, their importance in preventing fire and explosion hazards, and the best methods for controlling dust. Topics include system maintenance, filter cleaning and replacement, reducing dust during grain milling, and preventing accumulation in hard-to-reach areas. We’ll also discuss compliance with OSHA and NFPA standards, calculating airflow requirements, measuring efficiency, and the costs of installation and upkeep. Additionally, we’ll examine system designs, lead times, retrofitting options, and common mistakes to avoid, ensuring your brewery or distillery remains safe, efficient, and compliant.Getting his start in the food industry, Alex Zielinski has a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering and 7 years’ experience designing grain handling systems for the brewing and distilling spaces. Alex has worked with numerous breweries and distilleries for small, large, fresh, and spent grain handling systems. Alex and his team have implemented fully-automated mechanical and pneumatic systems to accurately weigh and convey many types of bulk dry goods and have developed a number of their own proprietary solutions.Want to learn more? https://abmequipment.com/tag/brewery-distillery/Stay up to date with CBP: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/kgRIXUf/cbp

Experiential tourism is on the rise, and breweries have a unique opportunity to become must-visit destinations for travelers. This session dives into how breweries can attract new customers, build lasting relationships, and create memorable guest experiences with the help of Harvest Hosts.Join Harvest Hosts employees as they share insider tips and real-world success stories from breweries already leveraging the program. Learn how Harvest Hosts connects breweries with RV travelers who are eager to support small businesses and explore local craft beer scenes.We’ll discuss actionable steps to make your brewery a destination of choice, simple hosting strategies that fit seamlessly into your operations, and the powerful role of word-of-mouth marketing in growing your customer base. Whether you're looking to diversify revenue, attract loyal customers, or create an unforgettable experience, this session will provide valuable insights to help you succeed in 2024.Ali Lindsey, Senior Business Development Manager | Ali joined the Harvest Hosts team with a rich background in sales, business development, and hospitality. Her passion lies in nurturing growing companies and coaching, particularly in expanding Harvest Hosts' Host network. Originally from the suburbs of Manhasset, NY, Ali made a beeline for the Rocky Mountains immediately after college graduation and has resided in Frisco, CO ever since. Finding solace in the great outdoors alongside her husband, Daric, and their daughters, Susie and Jojo, fuels her motivation and contributes to her success in leading the Host Recruitment team.Ashley Fox, Manager - Host Marketing | Ashley Fox is the Host Marketing Manager at Harvest Hosts where her passion for supporting small businesses and travel converges. Through strategic techniques and meaningful partnerships, Ashley works to educate small businesses how 5,600+ breweries, distilleries, wineries, farms, and other unique locations are increasing revenue by partnering with Harvest Hosts. Since joining the team in 2022, Ashley has helped expand the small business network by more than 70%. Ashley is proud to be a part of a company that has helped drive more than $150M+ to farms, wineries, breweries, distilleries, museums, golf courses, and other small businesses across North America. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys hiking, visiting local breweries, and exploring new destinations alongside her husband and their beloved dog.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/Join us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: https://tickets.beertrail.com/e/cbp-connects-charlotte

Buzzwords like "biotransformation" and "thiolized" are thrown around a lot in modern hop forward brewing techniques and products, but what is actually happening during fermentation that makes these aromatic compounds shine? The goal is to get the most terpenes and thiols possible out of your hops, and by learning about the complex mechanisms responsible we can harness the power of yeast to maximize your beers potential.Kyle Somers (he/him) is the Technical Sales Manager for California and the Western US for the Lallemand Brewing division, and the current President of the Northern California district of the Master Brewers Association. He holds an International Brewing Diploma from Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago and Doemens Academy in Munich, and has ten years of hands-on production brewing experience prior to joining the Lallemand team in 2019, including stints with Firestone Walker, Lagunitas, and Hen House Brewing. He currently lives in Santa Rosa with his wife Kristin and his dog Simcoe. His favorite beer styles are hop forward modern lagers, and when he isn’t hanging around a brewery you can find him backpacking through the Sierras.Stay up to date with CBP:http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/Join us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now:https://tickets.beertrail.com/e/cbp-connects-charlotte

In a rapidly shifting market, breweries face the challenge of adapting to survive. This talk explores how thoughtful, strategic branding and package design can be a lifeline, helping breweries make the right moves to reach their target audience. We’ll discuss the value of brand audits to leverage existing equity, identify smart improvement areas, and make informed decisions on hiring the right designer. Discover how investing in design—even when budgets are tight—can strengthen brand presence, foster connections, and ultimately help breweries thrive in the new economy. Key Takeaways: Harness Brand Equity Through Audits: Learn how a brand audit can uncover hidden value, helping you make strategic, equity-driven decisions for cost-effective growth. Identify Smart Improvement Areas: Discover ways to prioritize brand elements that deliver the most impact, ensuring every design choice maximizes value in a tight market. Select the Right Design Partner: Gain insight into what to look for when hiring a designer, ensuring they understand your brand’s goals and can create targeted, audience-focused designs. Design as an Investment, Not an Expense: Understand how thoughtful, strategic design can become a powerful tool for connection and longevity, positioning your brand to thrive through market transitions. Elbongurk Design is a boutique branding and package design agency focused on the food and beverage space. Elbongurk is dedicated to helping brands make a lasting impression through standout, compliant, and market-ready packaging. Elbongurk's founder, Jillian, brings a unique blend of real-world and academic expertise. Before launching Elbongürk, she spent nine years as a tenured professor at a NASAD-accredited university, where she taught brand and package design, product systems, and brand identity. With a background in designing for well-known retail brands like Pottery Barn, Target, and West Elm, she understands the demands of bringing a vision to life in the competitive retail environment. Jillian has also shared her insights at the Craft Brewers Association conference and on industry podcasts, covering topics from beer branding to impactful packaging design. Stay up to date with CBP: ⁠http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/⁠ Join us in-person for CBP Connects Half workshop, half networking Charlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025 Register now: ⁠https://tickets.beertrail.com/e/cbp-connects-charlotte⁠

As more Gen Z consumers reach drinking age each year, breweries face the question: how can they attract this new audience to craft beverages? To effectively appeal to Gen Z, it’s essential to understand their values, drinking habits, and experiences they prioritize—and how these differ from those of previous generations, like millennials. This panel will explore Gen Z’s top priorities in a brand, such as transparency, eco-conscious practices, and community involvement, and how these values can guide marketing strategies. Panelists will discuss the various methods they use to attract more Gen Z consumers who are new to the craft beer space. This includes appealing to their wellness-oriented drinking habits and offering beverage options beyond traditional beer. Key areas of focus will also include Gen Z's use of social media for finding authentic recommendations, along with their preference for budget-friendly options and experiences that go beyond just drinking. This conversation features: Anaïs Quintela (Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.) Evan Blum (BrewedAt) Michael Crosson (Bitchin' Kitten Brewery) Moderated by: Aaron Sperber (Craft Beer Professionals) Join us in-person for CBP Connects Half workshop, half networking San Diego, CA | December 10-12, 2024 Grab your spot now at cbpconnects.com Stay up to date with CBP: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/kgRIXUf/cbp

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: Ohio This conversation features: Carmone Macfarlane (The Phoenix Brewing Co.) John Haggerty (Warped Wing Brewing Co.) Justin Hemminger (Ohio Craft Brewers Association) Mary MacDonald (Ohio Craft Brewers Association) Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.org/

Though separated by over 2,500 miles, Coastal Fermentory and Loose Screw Beer Co. share similar experiences as they work toward the October 2024 openings of their second taprooms. In the first half of our conversation, we’ll explore the challenges, processes, successes, and surprises they encountered before serving a pint. In the second half, we’ll examine how their expectations have matched up to the reality of expansion. Whether you're considering adding a new taproom, currently in the process, or looking to learn from two brewery owners with valuable stories to share, join us for a session on expanding during challenging times. This conversation features: Seth Caddell (Coastal Fermentory) Mike Garcia (Loose Screw Beer Co.) Loose Screw Beer Co. is a taproom-centered brewery in Meridian, Idaho, devoted to serving quality craft beer in an inviting atmosphere to all. We're passionate about exceptional customer service and proudly support our local community through various philanthropic efforts, honoring the people who make our city thrive. Coastal Fermentory has been open just shy of 4 years and is located in Newport News, VA. They specialize in Hazy IPAs and consistently giving back to their community through one of their 70 non-profit partners. A brewery opened by 4 friends who love beer, they are always looking for new opportunities to create memorable events and release new beers. Stay up to date with CBP: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/kgRIXUf/cbp

PART 2 Beer is local. In our quest for success, the most impactful efforts often start in your brewery’s own backyard. As our industry evolves, there is immense value in having a local guild to advocate for, support, and provide resources to your area’s breweries. This session will explore the fundamentals of starting a local guild from the ground up and strategies for actively engaging its members. Our guests—experienced guild leaders—will share how they’ve united their beer communities, discuss effective fundraising efforts, and provide valuable lessons learned. Whether you’re looking to start a guild or strengthen your existing network, this session will offer practical takeaways to help you harness the power of local collaboration. This conversation features: Erik Fowler (San Diego Brewers Guild) Karis Roberts (Asheville Brewers Alliance) Matt Rowsell (Long Island Brewers Guild) Moderator: Andrew Coplon (Craft Beer Professionals/Secret Hopper) Support the NC Craft Beer Community of WNC: https://drinkncbeer.org/nc-beer-helene-relief Huge thanks to CDR BeerLab + ABS Commercial for all your support on our Fall Virtual Conference.