Maximizing Your Experience at the Craft Brewer’s Conference
The 2025 Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Indianapolis, running from April 28 to May 1, is a spectacular event that provides numerous opportunities for craft brewing industry professionals to meet and learn from others in the industry as well as explore the offerings of the numerous exhibiting supplier companies. With over 550 exhibitors at BrewExpo America and more than 60 seminars covering topics from brewing techniques to marketing strategies, it's essential to plan ahead to make the most of your time at the event. This quick guide will help you get the most out of your visit to Indianapolis.
Attend Educational Seminars
While we as vendors really want you to visit our booth and order our products, we also know that the biggest benefit that comes with attendance at CBC is the education that comes along with attending the seminars. The CBC offers a wealth of knowledge on topics such as quality control, sustainability, and emerging trends in the beverage industry . Attending these sessions can equip you with actionable insights to enhance your brewery's operations and stay ahead in a competitive market.
The seminar schedules are published already, so start planning out what you want to attend and make sure not to miss out. Download the CBC app and you can browse all of the seminars and build out your own personal schedule to stay on track.
Visit Key Vendors and Exhibitors
With hundreds of vendors packed into the Indiana Convention Center, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—so go in with a strategy. Before the conference, map out which product categories and suppliers are must-visits based on your brewery’s goals for the year. Looking to upgrade your draft presence? Prioritize vendors offering tap handle design and production (cough Hoptown Handles cough). Many suppliers offer custom solutions on-site or can walk you through new trends and materials that might elevate your branding. Don’t just browse—schedule time to talk through your needs, ask about minimums, turnaround times, and get samples or photos. A little prep goes a long way when you're trying to make smart decisions for your brewery's future.
Plan Your Merch and Apparel Purchases
The CBC is an excellent occasion to shop for merchandise and apparel for your brewery. It’s an opportunity to touch and feel the difference between various types of garments and see the difference in various decoration methods. Want to know the difference between a Next Level 3600 and a Gildan 64000 t-shirt? Don’t know how to tell the difference between screen printing, Direct to Garment (DTG), and Sublimation? Stop by the Hoptown Handles & Shore Up Supply Lounge (12) and feel the difference for yourself.
Engage in Networking Opportunities
Yes! Go out! Have fun! Meet new people, and visit those you only get to see once a year! Beyond the trade show, the CBC offers numerous networking events. From the Welcome Reception to various after-parties and seminars, these gatherings provide a platform to connect with peers, share insights, and explore potential collaborations. Engaging in these events can lead to valuable partnerships and business opportunities (yawn), but most of all, it’s a great way to make new friends.
