Dr. J’s Unofficial Guide to CBC 2024
Welcome to my unofficial guide to the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference® (CBC). The Craft Brewers Conference® is a four-day experience for craft beverage industry members that features 60+ educational seminars, more than 650 exhibitors at BrewExpo America, and countless meet-ups and off-site events. The conference culminates with the awards ceremony for the World Beer Cup®, the most prestigious beer competition in the world. With so much going on and so much to do in the conference’s host city, Las Vegas, anyone who attends can curate a conference experience that is perfect for their interests, professional needs, and enjoyment.
I will, once again, be part of the Brewers Association (BA) team working to make CBC 2024 a world class event. But even though I will be working some long days and nights, CBC is also an incredible opportunity to network, engage in professional development, put in some hours of nonprofit board service, and (of course) socialize!
Every year, I get tons of questions about the conference–what to do, where to go, how to navigate an event with 12,000+ attendees, and more. So, I thought I would put together this unofficial guide to CBC 2024. This is a work in progress and more information will be added as details become available. So check back often!
This guide is not intended to be a decisive or comprehensive guide to the conference. Rather, it reflects the personal and professional interests of the author. You should head over to www.craftbrewersconference.com and download the CBC 24 mobile app for the latest and most complete information.
Table of Contents
Safety and Inclusion at CBC
General Safety
The safety and security of everyone who attends CBC is a priority. On a macro scale, the BA is working very closely with security at the Venetian Convention & Expo Center, privately contracted security, as well as the city of Las Vegas emergency response teams to ensure everyone’s public safety. A wide range of considerations are discussed and prepared for–from managing overconsumption to active shooter scenarios. Security and staff will be stationed throughout the conference center for anyone who may need assistance.
Event Code of Conduct
Everyone that attends the Craft Brewers Conference must abide by the Brewers Association Event Code of Conduct. All event participants are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, courtesy, and respect for others. Harassment, discrimination, or violence in any form will not be tolerated. This applies to all attendees, brewers, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and staff. Participants violating the event code of conduct may be asked to leave the conference or be prohibited from attending future Brewers Association events at the sole discretion of Brewers Association. If you witness or experience misconduct, use the #NotMe app to safely and confidentially report it.
How #NotMe Works:
- To create an account, download the free app through the App Store, Play Store or on any browser by going to WebApp.
- When creating your account, use your personal email address.
- Use the PIN: CBC24 when you see the prompt to “link your organization” to access a questionnaire for CBC 2024.
When reporting, complainants have the option to remain anonymous. Reports are sent directly to an HR-trained BA staff member for immediate review. They will use the #NotMe app app to communicate back to complainants about next steps.
As in previous years, this information is printed on the back of every attendee badge and will be posted on signage and in digital slide shows all around the conference center. If you need assistance making a complaint with the #NotMe app or would rather do so by speaking to someone in person, make your way to the Wellness Area/Quiet Room. A staff person trained in trauma-informed care will be stationed nearby to help. (More on the new Quiet Room later!)
Personal Safety in Las Vegas
While the Event Code of Conduct applies to the conference facility and sanctioned events, attendees should take appropriate measures to ensure that the CBC experience is safe outside the boundaries of the conference. This past summer, the Brewers Association changed the site selection policy to address concerns regarding the inclusivity of CBC host cities. A new metric for selecting future host cities has been incorporated by using the Human Rights Campaign Foundation City Scorecards. At the time a host city/venue is confirmed, it must score: 80+ out of 100 total score on the HRC scorecard AND 25+ out of 30 on Q1 Non-Discrimination laws on the HRC scorecard. Las Vegas was confirmed as a host city prior to the inclusion of this new metric. However, the Las Vegas scores 100 out of 100 possible on the HRC city scorecard.
Here are a couple of other safety considerations:
- Drink plenty of water…and then drink more.
- If you have a trusted friend or acquaintance who is also attending CBC, make arrangements ahead of time to look out for each other and discuss what that entails for you.
- Make arrangements to travel around town–whether by foot, public transportation, ride share, or private vehicle–in pairs or larger groups.
- Make certain you are hydrating, eating, and taking medications on time while you are visiting Las Vegas. It is easy to throw your body off when traveling.
- Know your limits: with alcohol; with staying out late; with overextending yourself trying to attend everything with everyone. Build rest time into your schedule.
- Pay attention to social cues and respect personal boundaries.
- Though we work in beverage alcohol and make time for recreation at CBC, it is important to remember that the Craft Brewers Conference® is a professional event. Conduct yourself and treat others accordingly.
Gender Neutral Bathroom
A centrally located gender neutral bathroom is available for all attendees and will be clearly marked on the map of the conference facility in the Craft Brewers Conference mobile app.
Inclusive Badge Ribbons, Buttons, and Bios
The Registration Desk and BA Booth are central hubs for information, and are where you will pick up your swag bag, badge, commemorative t-shirts, and find the CBC bookstore. This area is also be where you can find badge ribbons (those colorful stickers that go on the bottom of your badge) and buttons! We’re bringing back THRIVE buttons and celebrate diversity, allyship, and preferred pronoun badge ribbons. Additionally, this year, all CBC Speakers were provided with the option to add their preferred pronouns to their speaker bios.
Voting Members Meeting
For my money, one of the best opportunities that is least capitalized upon at the conference is the voting members meeting. At this meeting, the entire Board of Directors uses the opportunity to address (and more importantly listen to) the voting members of the Brewers Association. All voting members, from the biggest breweries to the tiniest taprooms, are welcome to make their voices heard on the activities and policies of the Association.
This year’s voting members meeting will be the first after a forthcoming change to BA bylaws. Small contract brewers were previously eligible to be BA members, but were not voting members of the Association. Moving forward, contract brewers who have started a beer-focused business will be voting members. This change makes the Association more inclusive and equitable to new entrants, as brewery start-ups owned by individuals from underrepresented and traditionally marginalized groups and those who may not have access to capital to fund a brick-and-mortar brewery are significantly more likely to use this business model. I’m genuinely excited to hear some of these new voices at the meeting.
THRIVE Educational Content and Events
For the third year, the THRIVE initiative brings inclusive topics, education, and experiences to the Craft Brewers Conference®. THRIVE is the umbrella for all DEI, HR, and Wellness education at the Brewers Association. I like to think of it as the “people pillar” of the industry. Attendees will have multiple opportunities to engage with THRIVE at CBC 24 and beyond. Read more about our multiple THRIVE engagements in Vegas below!
THRIVE
You won’t be surprised that THRIVE features heavily in this unofficial guide, as it’s one of the major initiatives of the Social Impact department that I lead at the BA. Again, THRIVE is the umbrella for all DEI, HR, and Wellness education at the Brewers Association. If you are looking for a people-focused CBC experience, THRIVE should be your roadmap.
THRIVE Pre-conference Workshop
The THRIVE Pre-conference Workshop on Sunday, April 21 is a full day packed with 10 fantastic seminars on human resources; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and wellness topics that are perfect for people leaders at craft beverage businesses of all sizes. Attendees will also enjoy networking opportunities and a catered lunch. The THRIVE Pre-Conference can be purchased as an add-on to a Full Conference or BrewExpo America registration or, for the first time this year, can be purchased as a stand alone registration.
The Brewers Association is recognized by SHRM (the Society for Human Resources Management) to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. All 10 seminars in the THRIVE Pre-conference Workshop are qualifying SHRM PDC activities.
Thrive Live!
THRIVE Live! is a celebration of diverse stories and storytellers in the craft brewing industry. The Craft Brewers Conferences in 2022 and 2023 featured film screenings and roundtable discussions with filmmakers and cast members from One Pint at a Time (2021) and the Black is Beautiful Short Documentary (2023).
This year, THRIVE Live! features a trio of podcasts—The Food Engineer Podcast, Black Brewers Podcast, and B*tch Beer Podcast—to engage in a roundtable discussion about the power of storytelling in the industry, and a screening of the new B*tch Brewing Docu-series on Hulu.
That discussion will be followed by a panel of breast cancer survivors who will share the stories of how they have found productive avenues for community engagement and advocacy at the intersection of cancer survivorship and craft beer. Come join us for some special craft beer selections, popcorn, and networking opportunities while we revel in the stories that make the craft brewing community special.
Wellness Area
In the Craft Brewers Conference Wellness Area, you’ll discover a range of sessions by Office Meet Yoga, including Desk-Friendly Stretches, Mental Wellness Hacks, and Nutrition Tips tailored for busy schedules. Take 15 minutes to indulge in chair massage for a moment of relaxation and engage in networking opportunities focused on combating burnout and promoting responsible consumption while working in the alcohol industry.
Quiet Room
New this year, attendees can escape the hustle, bustle, and sensory overstimulation of the conference in a dedicated Quiet Room. The Quiet Room will be a digital device-free space that features kind lighting, comfortable seating, access to calming activities (like games, puzzles, legos, and coloring books), and non-alcoholic beverages and herbal teas. The Quiet Room will also host two sound bath sessions by Sound Craft Wellness. Additionally, a staff member trained in trauma-informed care, will be available to assist any attendee needing support, including those wishing to submit a misconduct claim.
Paws & Relax Lounge.
New this year, the BA is partnering with Michael’s Angel Paws to have a Paws & Relax Lounge with four trained service/therapy dogs available on Monday and Tuesday 11 am – 3 pm in the Expo (Hall D).
Daily Schedule
Sunday, April 21
THRIVE Pre-conference Workshop
The THRIVE Workshop at the 2024 Craft Brewers Conference is a day-long experience, appropriate for owners, people leaders, human resources (HR) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioners, that provides an integrated dive into DEI, HR, and wellness topics for craft brewers of all sizes. Featuring guest speakers, educational seminars, hands-on workshops, networking sessions, and opportunities to earn Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) continuing education credits, the THRIVE workshop offers a range of people-focused tools to elevate small businesses.
The THRIVE Pre-conference Workshop is not included in the cost of Full Conference or BrewExpo registration. It can be purchased as an add-on or standalone registration at craftbrewersconference.com/register/thrive-workshop.
WORKSHOP AGENDA
Monday, April 22
9:30 am – 11:00 am: General Session I – Welcome and Keynote Address
The general sessions at the Craft Brewers Conference® are some of my favorite parts of the conference experience. There’s something electric about a room with thousands of people in attendance. The momentum and potential of our community is palpable and, frankly, I am a sucker for thunderous applause. The first general session of the conference is the official kick-off of the conference. Brewers Association CEO, Bob Pease, and new Brewers Association Board of Directors chair, Leah Cheston, will address attendees to set the tone for the rest of the conference.
Immediately following short remarks from the CEO and Board Chair is the main event–an hour with the conference’s keynote speaker! This year I am beyond excited to welcome Uncle Nearest CEO, Fawn Weaver to the Craft Brewers Conference. If you have never heard the story of Nearest Green, the Uncle Nearest Distillery, and it’s powerhouse founder and CEO, you are in for a massive treat. Get ready for inspiring fireside chat Fawn Weaver, moderated by CEO of Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., Beny Ashburn.
About Fawn Weaver
New York Times bestselling author and groundbreaking business mogul Fawn Weaver is an expert in crafting compelling stories; as a writer, powerhouse investor, and values-driven leader. Weaver leverages 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, from founding and serving as CEO of Grant Sidney, Inc., a privately held investment company, to launching the fastest-growing whiskey brand in U.S. history, Uncle Nearest, Inc. The brand boasts significant accolades as the most awarded American whiskey, including bourbon, of 2019, 2020, and 2021, sweeping 16 of the top 18 award competitions in the world. Weaver also built the $50M Uncle Nearest Venture Fund, investing in minority-founded, -owned, and -led brands with the greatest potential to grow into legacy brands. A multi-hyphenate and popular TED speaker and guest on NPR’s “How I Built This,” Weaver is a highly sought-after voice in conversations about accelerating growth without sacrificing values, inclusive organizational strategy, and leadership, making an impact with audiences of all kinds.
About Beny Ashburn
Beny Ashburn is one of the few Black female CEO’s in beer. She is the innovative, creative mind set to disrupt the craft brewing industry. Beny began her career in advertising and brand marketing as an Executive Producer and Creative Strategist for some of the top ad agencies and brands (Ogilvy, Beats by Dre and SONOS). Armed with invaluable experience and the collective knowledge from her years in advertising, the Spelman Alumni has set her sights on the craft beer industry. Combining her knowledge of culture, creativity and innovation, she built Crowns to be one of the most culturally relevant brands in the world, beyond just beer.
Select Seminars
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Creating Your Culture with Radical Hospitality
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Brewing Resilience: Broaching Tough Conversations Around Burnout
4:00 pm – 6:30 pm: THRIVE Live!
THRIVE Live! is a celebration of diverse stories and storytellers in the craft brewing industry. In the past two CBCs, this event has highlighted the work of filmmakers in the craft brewing industry. This year, we shift gears and welcome two very different groups of storytellers–podcasters and cancer survivors–to share how storytelling and advocacy intersect to create positive change in the craft beverage industry and beyond.
THRIVE Live! Agenda
- 4:00 – 4:10: Welcome and Opening Remarks
- 4:15 – 4:50: The Revolution Will Be Podcasted
We delve into the importance and power of storytelling in this panel discussion with representatives from three beer-centric podcasts that strive to tell stories about and to underrepresented and traditionally marginalized members of the craft brewing community. Featuring hosts of the Food Engineer Podcast, the Black Brewers Podcast, and the B*tch Beer Podcast. - 4:50 – 5:20: B*tch Beer Screening
- 5:25 – 6:10: Survivorship Stories: The Power of Collaboration
Breast cancer survivorship is a journey that no one should go through alone. The stories of the incredible individuals who have battled breast cancer and emerged as survivors inspire us all to keep fighting, to never lose hope, and to celebrate the strength of the human spirit. Alongside survivorship, craft beer advocacy has emerged as a unique avenue for raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Craft breweries have joined forces with organizations like the 1in8 Foundation to create campaigns and events that promote breast cancer awareness. These collaborations not only generate essential funds, but they also bring together communities, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. The strength and resilience of survivors, coupled with the passion and creativity of craft breweries, have brought about a powerful force for change. - 6:15 – 6:30: Closing remarks and cameos from social impact organizations TBD.
Tuesday, April 23
10:00 am – 11:00 am: General Session II – State of the Industry and Industry Awards
The second general session of the conference features Bart Watson’s State of the Industry address. If you haven’t attended one of Bart’s general session talks before, get ready to take notes. The presentation is packed with informative data-based insights and industry analysis.
Each year since 1987, the Brewers Association has recognized individuals who inspire, defend, and innovate within the craft brewing industry. The 2023 award recipients will be honored for their dedication and service during the general session on Tuesday. The F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award is named for the late F.X. Matt of F.X. Matt Brewing Co. and is presented to an individual or company for their contributions and efforts in championing the small brewing industry. The Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing is presented in honor of Wynkoop Brewing Company founding partner Russell Schehrer to an individual or company for their innovative contributions to the brewing industry. The Brewers Association Recognition Award is presented each year to an individual or company whose inspiration, enthusiasm, and support have contributed to the craft brewing movement. The Brewers Association Mentor of the Year Award recognizes a volunteer mentor for their outstanding mentorship to BA mentorship program participants and for demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to championing those who experience barriers to access and advancement in their professional journeys.The industry awards always remind me why I fell in love with this community and hope you choose to come help us celebrate some of our best and brightest.
Select Seminars
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Workplace Respect: Ending Harassment in a New Era of Work
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Bridging Divides: Forging Strong Connections in a Seemingly Polarized World
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Safety Bootcamp 2024: Survival Skills
Wednesday, April 24
Select Seminars
10:00 am – 11:00 am: Engaging Brewery Staff and Customers Through Beer Education
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: What Lies Beneath: Understanding Invisible Disabilities in Your Brewery and Taproom
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm: Brewing a Culture of Wellness: Nurturing Sobriety and Promoting Responsible Drinking in the Craft Beer Industry
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: From Brewer to Leader: Cultivating People Leadership in Skills-Driven Roles
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm World Beer Cup Awards Ceremony
You may never attend an awards ceremony for the Oscars, Emmy’s, Grammy’s, or Tony’s but you can enjoy all the energy and excitement of these blockbuster events without all the fuss. Come see who takes home the hardware in the world’s most prestigious beer competition.
Events and Happenings
Brewsters Arm Wrestling!
Monday, April 22 | 7:00pm |
That’s right, the Brewsters Arm Wrestling event is back, this time in partnership with Wild West Access Fund (WWAF) of Nevada! Join us for an unforgettable night of over-the-top theater, fierce battles, surprise guest hosts, and plenty of pints. The Brewsters Arm Wrestling event is where women, non-binary, and trans folks in beer take center stage and battle each other for charity! 100% of the funds raised will be donated to WWAF who financially assists those seeking abortion care in Nevada. Absolutely everyone is welcome, just come ready to get weird and have fun!
NB2A Tap Takeover at Beer Zombies
Tuesday, April 23 | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm |
Beer Zombies
6261 Dean Martin Drive.
Las Vegas, NV 89118
NB2A Annual Meeting
Wednesday, April 24 | TBD
The National Black Brewers Association (NB2A) was formed in early 2023 to promote the Black brewing community as a first-of-its kind organization; increase the number of African Americans in the brewing industry at all levels of production, especially ownership and brewmaster; exercise political influence by developing and advocating for effective policy; and foster understanding about the history and legacy of African American brewing in the United States. The NB2A holds is annual meeting at the Craft Brewers Conference. The annual meeting is open to all NB2A members and those interested in joining.