The Ohio Craft Brewers Conference: Uniting Industry Professionals
The brewing industry professionals from around Ohio and across the country have a notable event to mark on their calendars. They are set to convene in Toledo, Ohio for the Ninth Annual Ohio Craft Brewers Conference. Sponsored by The Cincinnati Insurance Companies, the conference will take place at the Glass City Center on January 17 and January 18, 2024.
Participants in this year’s conference can expect a myriad of enriching content, encompassing everything from seminars to panel discussions. Notable features include a series of 30 seminars and panel discussions that cover a broad scope of brewing industry topics, all in aid of educating and advancing the field. The Ohio Craft Brewers Association, the group that organizes this annual event, does so as part of their mission to promote, preserve, diversify, and unify Ohio’s craft beer industry.
Comprehensive Agenda and Distinguished Speakers
This year’s conference features a keynote address each day, courtesy of distinguished personalities in the craft beer industry. Serving a broad variety of interests, the conference’s agenda also covers topics pertaining to technical brewing, beer sales and marketing, business administration, and other specialty subjects. Paramountly, the conference also places specific focus on brewery startup issues – a theme that will interest newcomers and veterans to the industry alike.
Day One Keynote Speaker: Michael Varda
The first keynote address on Wednesday, January 17, will be delivered by Michael Varda. His focus will be a thorough analysis of craft beer consumer behavior and motivations. Interestingly, Varda’s firm, Craft Beer Advisory Services, is an industry leader in and of itself, being the first and only full-service market research firm exclusively dedicated to the craft beer industry.
Day Two Keynote Speaker: Randy Mosher
Proceeding Varda’s address, Randy Mosher, a recognized craft beer educator, author, and consultant, will deliver the keynote address on Thursday, January 18. His discussion will primarily address the science of tasting and how to integrate those principles into crafting beer. Outside of his speaking engagements, Mosher also excels as a professional in his field, holding a partnership stake in the Forbidden Root, a craft brewery with locations in Chicago and Columbus, Ohio.
Implications and Future Growth
According to Ohio Craft Brewers Association executive director Mary MacDonald, “In a mature craft beer market, breweries need to focus on setting themselves up for sustainable success in the years to come.” By offering a platform for industry professionals to learn from each other and build valuable connections, the conference contributes to the small business growth in the industry.
Going beyond seminars and discussions, the conference trade show will also provide 100 businesses the opportunity to exhibit their goods and services that support Ohio’s 430 independent craft breweries. The organizers expect more than 650 industry professionals to attend.
Registration Information
Interested individuals and tradeshow exhibitors can sign up for the conference at the official Ohio Craft Brewers Conference website. Association members can benefit from discounts on both individual registration and trade show exhibitor spaces. Detailed schedules for seminars, receptions, and evening activities are also available on the conference website.
Ednesday will be delivered by Michael Varda, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire, Michigan. His keynote, “Differentiating in the highly competitive craft beer marketplace,” will explore successful marketing tactics and strategies for small, independent breweries.
Overall, the Ohio Craft Brewers Conference serves as a valuable platform for industry professionals to come together, learn from each other, and advance the thriving craft beer scene in Ohio and beyond.
The Ohio Craft Brewers Conference offers a unique opportunity for industry professionals to come together, learn, and network. With a comprehensive agenda and distinguished speakers, this event is a valuable resource for anyone in the craft beer industry. It’s a must-attend event for those looking to stay updated and advance the thriving craft beer scene in Ohio and beyond.
Ednesday, January 17, will be delivered by Michael Varda, an American craft beer icon instrumental in the meteoric rise of Dogfish Head.
The Ohio Craft Brewers Conference is an essential event for industry professionals looking to expand their knowledge, connect with their peers, and stay updated on the latest trends and issues. With a comprehensive agenda and distinguished speakers, it offers a valuable opportunity to unite and advance the growing craft beer scene in Ohio. Whether a newcomer or a veteran, all will benefit from attending this conference.
Ednesday, January 17 will be delivered by Michael Varda, the author of “Craft Beer Marketing Distribution, and Retail”. Varda has extensive experience in the beer industry, having worked for both small and big breweries across the country. His keynote address will delve into the importance of efficient marketing and distribution strategies for craft breweries, a crucial component for success in an ever-growing and competitive market.
This conference is an essential event for anyone involved in the brewing industry in Ohio. It not only provides valuable knowledge and insights from experienced professionals, but also serves as a platform for networking and fostering a stronger community. With a comprehensive agenda and renowned speakers, this year’s conference is not to be missed.