Va. Gov. Terry McAuliffe addresses the 2017 Craft Brewers Conference at the Washington Convention Center. (Photo © Brewers Association)
The Brewers Association today closed a successful Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America (CBC) at the Washington Convention Center, reporting attendance of 13,000 brewing professionals and more than 900 exhibitors to exchange information and expertise around craft brewing.
When CBC was last in DC in 2013, the conference drew 6,400 attendees and 440 exhibitors.
For CBC 2017, the Brewers Association recognized members of the brewing community for their dedication and service. Top awards included:
Brewers Association Recognition Award: Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo, Co-Owners, Russian River Brewing Company
Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing: Will Meyers, Brewmaster, Cambridge Brewing Company
F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award: Matthew McLaughlin, Executive Director, Mississippi Brewers Guild
This year, leadership expert Alison Levine delivered a keynote address on lessons from her experiences climbing the highest peak on every continent to competing in a challenging craft brewing environment. Brewer Dick Cantwell also spoke on insights from his long career in the craft brewing community, sharing perspectives on unity and quality.
Also during the conference, the Brewers Association announced the formation of a Diversity Committee, with a goal of bringing a more diverse group of brewers and beer lovers into the craft brewing community.
To address rising concerns of discrimination and sexism, the Brewers Association also updated its Marketing and Advertising Code. To quote the Brewers Association: “New language has been included to address that beer advertising and marketing materials should not use sexually explicit, lewd, or demeaning brand names, language, text, graphics, photos, video, or other images that reasonable adult consumers would find inappropriate for consumer products offered to the public.”
The association will decline to promote beers that win its competitions such as the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) or World Beer Cup.
DC, Maryland, and Virginia breweries collaborated to produce Family Tree, a Belgian pale ale whose recipe highlights the comradery among five D.C.-area brewers—Manor Hill Brewing, Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, Waredaca Brewing Company, and DC Brau Brewing Company — each of whom got their start at Flying Dog Brewery. CBC attendees received a can of Family Tree.
Speaking of DC Brau Brewing, the Brothers Brau celebrated the sixth anniversary of their brewery with a CBC party, featuring heavy metal band Baroness at 9:30 Club on Wednesday. Parklife DC was there! Pictures coming soon.
The Brewers Association returns to DC in June for SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience. Learn more here.
Not quite ready to let CBC 2017 leave town? 3 Stars Brewing has a closing party for you tonight! 3 Stars hosts friends Other Half, J. Wakefield, Graft Wild Ciders, Ocelot, Aslin, Charm City Meadworks, Modern Times Beer for an epic party with Dirty South Deli & Fed City Brothers food trucks, DJ Smudge, a live performance from School of Rock, giveaways, and more.
CBC 2017 Closing Party
3 Stars Brewing Company
6400 Chillum Place NW, DC
Thursday, April 13
Doors $5pm
$15 (includes custom glass and first beer)
21+