Shan Ferment’s Guide to the Craft Brewers Conference
Sometimes I wonder what AI really thinks of my prompts.
Every year is different at CBC, and I am no less excited with the shenanigans starting only a few days from now. I’ve put together some of the highlights from the schedule I’m particularly excited about. Now I know I’ve missed out on a few, these are just HIGHLIGHTS (I’m sorry in advance if yours is not on here). These are the ones that caught my eye and I think you should go to if you’re undecided.
I’ll also be starting an Instagram Channel if you want to see what other’s are up to, or want to see where I am hanging out! Make sure to follow me on @shan.ferments!
Finally, there is a great App that allows you to build your own schedule, I recommend downloading it before getting to the conference!
Let’s be very clear- as is tradition over my last 6 CBCs, I will likely not make it to any sessions, miss the breakfasts, won’t be at the keynotes, and can be found wandering the Expo floor, at one of the booths with beer (I’m looking at you CMG/BSG/Haas), or in one of the below-mentioned Hospitality suites.
Hospitality Suites
Abstrax Skunkworks Lounge
What: A lounge showcasing innovative brewing techniques and hosting collab beers.
Where: Hall A
When: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday hours are 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Why: No doubt will be a highlight of Danky greatness and innovative new products, Abstrax and terpenes in general are a hugely growing market and I’m excited to chat with these folks and drink their collab beers from the likes of Fast Fashion, Hop Butcher, Mountains Walking and more.
Crosby Hospitality Lounge
What: A networking space sponsored by Crosby Hop Farm.
Where: Hall A
When: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday hours are 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Why: This was a place I revisited numerous times last year. (Thanks for letting me bother you fine Crosby folks) A relaxed setting for discussions about future hop selections and incredible beers from Oregon and the folks at Crosby Hops.
Paws & Relax Lounge
What: A spot sponsored by the Country Malt Group and the Payroll Department for relaxation.
Where: Hall D Lounge
When: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Wednesday
Why: To unwind and recharge during the busy conference WITH PUPPIES. Just 10/10 idea folks.
Sessions & Events
Sunday
Let’s be very real here, you got in on Sunday or went too hard on Saturday. You’re going to try and make it to registration and some of the pre-events. I’ll see you on the Strip.
Welcome Reception
What: The opening event for networking.
Where: Sands Expo Concourse
When: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Why: A perfect opportunity to connect with old friends and colleagues and meet new folks. Also a place where numbers that will never be used this week are exchanged, and people are ghosted only to reappear somewhere on the expo floor later on Wednesday.
Monday
Exploring Hop Picking Windows and Their Impact on Aroma and Flavor
What: Harvest dates and how they directly impact flavor in your beer.
Where: Ballroom E
When: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM
Why: CLS farms’s Claire Demarais, Abstrax’s Tom Nielsen, the Amazing Alexandra Nowell and Haas’s expert in all things hops Jeff Dailey take the stage. This star-studded session will have a hop rub included.
Monday is my dedicated Expo Day, hence why there aren’t that many sessions
Tuesday
State of the Industry
What: An update on the brewing industry’s current landscape.
Where: Ballroom F&G
When: 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Why: To stay informed about trends and future directions with the amazing Bart Watson.
Yeast Nutrition to Enhance Aroma
What: Techniques to improve beer flavor through yeast nutrition.
Where: Marco Polo 801
When: 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Why: Essential for enhancing the sensory profiles of beer, looking at the complex interactions of yeast nutrients, amino acids and pH with the goal of eliminating additional aroma-boosting products. Super interesting to learn about the yeast-flavor interactions and the newest research involved in this.
Revitalize and Connect: Navigating Burnout in the Beverage Industry
What: A networking break in Expo Hall D.
Where: Expo Hall D
When: 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
Why: As someone who has experienced severe burnout because of mismanagement from my previous jobs, and other factors, I’m excited to discuss solutions with and support others who are going through the same or have dealt with this hugely problematic issue of burnout in the beer industry.
Flavor of Your Taproom: How Drinking Atmosphere Shifts the Taste and Memory of Beer
What: Exploring how ambiance influences beer-tasting experiences.
Where: Titan Ballroom
When: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Why: This to me is just a really cool concept, and something that is often overlooked. Just another viewpoint of how sensory is multifaceted and goes beyond the beer. Super excited to learn in this session.
North American Malting Barley Challenges & Technical Solutions
What: Addressing supply chain issues in barley malting.
Where: Ballroom B
When: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Why: At the same time as the taproom discussion is another critical seminar in malting barley supply chain. As climate change and other factors impact malt availability and quality etc., this seminar discusses solutions and the problem at hand with experts from Rahr and Boston Beer.
The Next Great Hop: What’s New in Public Hop Breeding and How You Can Contribute
What: Discuss the importance and impact of Public Hops
Where: Ballroom E
When: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Why: Some of the best and most brilliant minds form USDA, Oregon State, Ninkasi and the famed public hop champion Eric Sannerud will be discussing a very important topic- why public hops are essential to the economy of hops.
Innovation: What does it Mean and How Can it Help your Business
What: Innovation in the brewery, how to approach it at your size
Where: Ballroom F & G
When: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Why: KELLY MCKNIGHT. Just kidding but not really, you have her, Megan from Sam Adams, Tonya from Tilray, and Natalie from Wayfinder discussing how at any size, you can implement strategies for innovation in your brewery most effectively. Cannot wait.
Public Hop Tasting Party
What: An engaging tasting session featuring beers brewed with experimental hops.
Where: Aces and Ales, 2901 Tenaya Way, Las Vegas, NV
When: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Why: Not only can you taste innovative brews, but your feedback will directly assist in hop research and development.
Wednesday
Selecting Quality Hops, Alternative Methods for Small Breweries
What: Strategies for small breweries to acquire the best hops.
Where: Venetian Ballroom B
When: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Why: Hop selection and the market is tricky at best right now. Brewers from Von Ebert and and East Village brewing (Sam and Aaron) will discuss tools, advantages, disadvantages, diversification of supply and more. Important discussion in how to navigate supply right now.
World Beer Cup
What: The prestigious beer competition and awards ceremony.
Where: Ballroom F&G
When: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Why: To celebrate the excellence within the brewing industry. One of my favorite events of the year and why I’m not leaving until Thursday morning.
For a comprehensive overview of all hop-related offerings at the CBC 2024, be sure to visit Eric Sannerud’s full breakdown on his Substack, linked here. This guide promises a valuable resource for anyone eager to explore the breadth of hop innovations showcased at the conference.