(Philadelphia skyline)

And if you’re in the craft beer biz, have friends in the industry, or hope to work in it yourself one day, you need to be there.

Here’s the deal…

The Craft Brewers Conference® (they call it the CBC in the biz) and BrewExpo America® are returning to Philadelphia, next year and taking over the Pennsylvania Convention Center from April 20–22, 2026. Our friends at the Brewers Association just opened registration and is urging brewers and other industry professionals to lock in their spots for what remains the largest gathering of beverage alcohol producers in the country.

Philly is more than a  fitting choice for the CBC’s return. Pennsylvania boasts 533 breweries, making it the third-largest beer-producing state in the U.S., trailing only California and New York.

And even in more difficult economic times, Craft beer’s economic muscle is nothing to shrug at either — the BA’s 2024 data details its national impact at $72.5 billion.  And Pennsylvania plays an outsized role in that picture, cranking out more than 2.6 million barrels a year and contributing $5.2 billion to the national economy.

For 2026, CBC is rolling out a refreshed schedule designed to streamline the experience and better meet the needs of today’s beverage pros. The conference opens with a keynote from hospitality heavyweight Will Guidara — co-founder of Make It Nice and author of the bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality. Expect big-picture insights and some inspiration to kick things off. Day one continues with a sneak peek at BrewExpo America and wraps with a Welcome Reception loaded with local entertainment, Pennsylvania pours, and classic Philly eats.

The trade show itself runs Tuesday and Wednesday, featuring targeted educational sessions, sponsor activations, and a more personalized approach to professional development. The new format keeps networking front and center while cutting down on travel time and overall costs — a welcome shift for anyone navigating the busy modern beer calendar.

Rounding out the conference programming is the always-anticipated State of the Industry address, delivered by BA President and CEO Bart Watson.

Watson will break down the year’s biggest challenges, hard-earned wins, and what’s ahead for the beverage alcohol world. And right after his talk, things shift from analysis to celebration with the World Beer Cup® Awards Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. — a global spotlight on brewing excellence and a fitting finale for CBC 2026.

Registration officially opens today, December 2, 2025, with early-bird pricing running through February 6. Anyone in the industry looking to attend can sign up HERE. One badge gets you into everything — conference sessions, the trade show floor, networking events, sponsor activations, and all the special programming packed into the three-day gathering.

And If you’re in the craft beer biz, have friends in the industry, or hope to work in it yourself one day, you need to be there!

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