As most of you undoubtedly know, the 2017 Craft Brewers Conference is in Washington, DC this week and there’s not a better industry event to be at on the face or the planet.  

It’s an enormous gathering that attracts over 14,000 industry professionals annually and also a brilliant trade show that brings in vendors from all over the world.

And with over 70 industry seminars on a mind-blowing array of subjects to choose from and tons of parties and musical events being offered nightly one needs to be strategic to get things done.

So here’s some of the things that we’re absolutely planning on attending…

CBC Keynote Address & General Session – Tuesday April 11^th (9:15 am – 10:30 am)

This morning session marks the opening of the conference itself and shouldn’t be missed.  Paul Gatza, the director of Brewers Association will open things up along with Bob Pease the BA’s President and CEO. Their perspective on “state of industry,” are always insightful and resonant.

This year’s Opening Keynote address will be presented by Allison Levine, an accomplished mountain climber, explorer and leadership consultant – and the author of the New York Times bestseller On The Edge.

The Keynote and General Session is also the one time that most everybody’s together. From then on people are just going to be heading everywhere – because there’s so many seminars and so much that you don’t want to miss.

Continental Breakfast Stop at the CBC – Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday (8:15-8:45 am)

Starting your day at a conference food station is almost essential.  After all you were out partying last night till five in the morning – and no one likes to sit next to someone at a seminar who’s reeking of alcohol.

Take this opportunity to consider if you look better or worse that the person next to you… There may still be time to go back to your room, possibly take a shower and upgrade your act.

Craft Beer Book Signings – Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday

The Craft Brewers Conference provides a special book signing area and they’ve always a great roster of visiting craft beer authors and industry leaders who have new books out.

This is your opportunity to get so “up close time” with brewing legends like New Belgium’s Peter Bouckaert or Boston Beer’s Jim Koch, and you don’t want to pass on something like that!

BrewExpo America – Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday (9am – 5pm)

The largest brewing conference and trade show in the United States with over 800 vendors all in one location, BrewExpo America® is the place to shop for products and services for your brewery or brewpub. And with its miles of vendors, it’s best digested in multiple visits, so plan for that.

Seminars / Seminars / Seminars – Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday

No matter what arm of the industry you’re currently working in, there’s something at this year’s conference for everyone. And with the new CBC mobile app you’ll know exactly where you’re going at all times – and not be embarrassingly late to everything, like you were last year

Check in with us daily for more essential updates on CBC 2017