Overview of the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America

The Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America is the premier gathering of brewing professionals in the United States, bringing together thousands of industry experts, suppliers, craft brewers, and distributors under one roof. Organized annually by the Brewers Association, this event rotates its location each year, with past editions being held in cities like Las Vegas, Nashville, Denver, and Minneapolis. It stands as the largest brewing conference and trade show in North America, offering an immersive environment for professional development, networking, and business growth.

This event is recognized not only for its scale but also for the depth of expertise it provides across every aspect of the brewing industry—from operations and packaging to marketing, quality assurance, and sustainability.

venue and city rotation

One unique aspect of the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America is its rotating venue structure. The event is hosted in different cities across the U.S. each year to give broader access to brewers nationwide. The 2025 edition is expected to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, while previous editions have taken place in cities like:

• Las Vegas, Nevada (2024)
• Nashville, Tennessee (2023)
• Minneapolis, Minnesota (2022)
• Denver, Colorado (2021)

The chosen cities typically feature well-equipped convention centers with strong logistics, excellent local craft brewery scenes, and ample accommodations for attendees.

product categories and industry sectors covered

The BrewExpo America portion of the conference is a vast trade show that showcases hundreds of exhibitors across key brewing categories, including:

• Brewing and fermentation equipment
• Canning and packaging technology
• Laboratory and quality control systems
• Ingredients like hops, yeast, malt, and flavorings
• Sustainability and energy-efficient solutions
• Business software, POS systems, and data analytics
• Marketing and branding services
• Safety, cleaning, and hygiene products

This wide product range ensures that professionals from every corner of the brewing business—from small startup breweries to established industry leaders—find value and solutions specific to their needs.

key event details (dates, time, and registration)

• Event Name: Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America
• Organizer: Brewers Association
• Next Scheduled Venue: Indianapolis, Indiana
• Expected Dates: April 28 to May 1, 2025 (subject to confirmation)
• Time: Generally from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM across all days
• Registration Cost:
  • Early bird pricing (Members): Around $400 – $600
  • Non-members: Approximately $700 – $900
  • BrewExpo-only passes are available for exhibitors and suppliers

All access passes typically include admission to seminars, keynote addresses, trade show floor, sponsored events, and more. Group discounts and Brewers Association member pricing are available to encourage wider participation.

visitor profile and expected turnout

The Craft Brewers Conference draws an average of 13,000+ attendees annually, including:

• Independent craft brewers
• Distributors and wholesalers
• Brewing equipment suppliers
• Marketing agencies and consultants
• Scientists and lab technicians
• Restaurateurs and taproom managers
• Investors and startup founders

This diverse visitor profile offers unmatched opportunities for B2B networking, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships.

nearby hotels and accommodation options

Each host city offers a robust range of hotels, from luxury suites to budget-friendly accommodations. For instance, in Las Vegas, popular options included:

• The Venetian Resort
• Bellagio Hotel & Casino
• MGM Grand
• Planet Hollywood Resort
• Treasure Island Hotel

In Nashville, attendees stayed at:

• JW Marriott Nashville
• Omni Nashville Hotel
• Hilton Nashville Downtown
• Cambria Hotel Nashville
• Hyatt Place Downtown

Accommodation options are usually located within walking distance or a short commute to the convention center. Attendees are advised to book early due to high demand during the conference days.

benefits of attending craft brewers conference

Attending the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America provides professionals with several strategic advantages:

• Educational Seminars: Featuring over 70 seminars across multiple tracks such as sustainability, marketing, operations, compliance, and innovation.
• Latest Industry Trends: Get firsthand insights into new brewing techniques, equipment launches, and consumer trends.
• Networking Opportunities: Meet thousands of like-minded professionals, industry leaders, suppliers, and potential business partners.
• Career Development: Whether you are a brewmaster or a sales executive, the conference offers growth opportunities through certifications and training.
• Exclusive Access to BrewExpo: Explore over 600 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge products and technologies that shape the brewing landscape.
• Collaborations and Expansion: Discover joint venture opportunities, private-label brewing, distribution partnerships, and more.

keynote speakers and educational tracks

Each edition features globally respected speakers and brewers who address the state of the industry, future challenges, and innovation roadmaps. Educational tracks are categorized into:

• Brewing Operations & Beer Styles
• Safety & Compliance
• Sustainability & Environment
• Business Operations & Leadership
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
• Sales, Marketing & Distribution

Special tracks are often added to address current issues such as post-COVID recovery, digital marketing trends, and international expansion for American breweries.

who should attend the event

This event is ideally suited for:

• Owners and founders of craft breweries
• Taproom managers and hospitality professionals
• Technical and operations staff
• Equipment manufacturers and suppliers
• Wholesalers and beverage distributors
• Quality control and lab professionals
• Packaging and bottling experts
• Aspiring brewers and students in brewing science

exhibitor opportunities

For businesses that serve the brewing industry, exhibiting at BrewExpo America can drive exposure to thousands of potential clients. Booth packages, sponsorship opportunities, and custom branding spaces are available and often sell out months in advance. Exhibitors gain high-quality leads, media visibility, and direct customer feedback during the event.

additional perks and highlights

• Welcome reception and networking events
• Brewpub and brewery tours in host cities
• The World Beer Cup awards (held biennially alongside the conference)
• Merchandise and sample giveaways
• Discounts on brewing certifications and Brewers Association membership

planning your visit

Transportation options include shuttle services between hotels and the venue, public transportation guides, and designated ride-sharing zones. Host cities also offer vibrant nightlife, local food scenes, brewery clusters, and tourist attractions like museums, live music, and casinos—making it a well-rounded experience.

conclusion

The Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America is not just an industry event—it’s a must-attend experience for anyone serious about brewing. Whether you’re looking to improve your business, upgrade your equipment, expand your distribution, or just stay ahead of the market, this event provides everything under one roof. Attending it provides vital knowledge, networking, and commercial opportunities that can accelerate your success in the brewing world.