Annual event provides vital resources as craft brewers look to the future
Boulder, Colo. • Jan. 12, 2021— The 38th edition of the Craft Brewers Conference® & Brew Expo America® (CBC), presented by the Brewers Association, will return to Denver, September 9-12, 2021. The premier conference and trade show for the craft brewing industry was originally scheduled to take place in San Diego, March 29-April 1, 2021, but has been rescheduled due to the ongoing pandemic.
“Shifting to September in Denver provides us with an opportunity to convene in person, making it possible to do what brewers do best—build community through sharing our expertise and passion, and learn from each other,” said Bob Pease, president and CEO, Brewers Association.
Final confirmation of the in-person event remains dependent on health and safety protocols at the time of the conference. If an in-person event is not possible due to COVID-19 related concerns, the conference will move online. Registration for attendees and media is anticipated to open in April 2021.
“The past year has been tumultuous for the craft brewing community, as we’ve faced a number of challenges. But we are resilient,” said Pease. “We know that maintaining craft beer’s health and vitality for the future starts with CBC and the cultivation and education of our professionals. We hope to see everyone in Denver this fall.”
The conference provides the latest in technical brewing resources, education, and business development opportunities for professionals who work across the spectrum of craft beer. Seminars across eight educational tracks have been developed to help brewers remain relevant and stay competitive in the ever-changing business climate. BrewExpo America, the largest trade show of its kind in North America, is the ultimate “one-stop shop” for brewers looking to invest in their businesses and make important connections with vendors.
The 2019 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America generated $37.9 million in direct spending in Denver and attracted nearly 15,000 brewing industry professionals.
In addition to the rescheduling of CBC, the Great American Beer Festival® (GABF) competition and awards ceremony, historically held in Denver, will also shift, with the awards announced during CBC on September 10. Details for the festival portion of GABF remain under review. A complete GABF competition timeline is available here:
| Participating Brewery Schedule and Deadlines | |
| Tuesday, June 8 – Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. MT | Competition Brewery & Beer Registration Open Online |
| Friday, July 23, 2021 | Refund Deadline for Cancellations |
| Monday, July 26 – Friday, July 30, 2021 | Competition Beers Due to Denver. See Shipping Guidelines. |
| Monday, August 16 – Saturday, September 4, 2021 | GABF Competition Judging |
| Friday, September 10, 2021 | GABF Competition Awards Ceremony |