Craft Brewers Conference 2016 Recap

By: Paula Polei

This year’s Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Philadelphia was an incredible experience for BOB and craft brewers alike. Compared to last year’s event in Portland, the 2016 CBC offered a fresh atmosphere, upgraded exhibits, and even more opportunities to connect with beer enthusiasts and professionals from across the nation.

BOB's trade show exhibit booth at CBC 2016
BOB giveaways at the Craft Brewers Conference

BOB’s upgraded exhibit space featured exciting giveaways, including custom BOBble heads, beer bottle koozies, tasting glasses, and Big Green Egg smokers. The booth stayed busy throughout the event as brewers stopped by to ask questions, talk packaging, and pick up supplies.

After-Hours Highlights

While most of the time was spent on the trade show floor, we managed to sneak away after hours to experience the best of Philly’s CBC festivities.

Tuesday, May 3 – Welcome Reception at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The week kicked off in style at the iconic “Rocky Steps” outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Inside, attendees enjoyed local cuisine and world-class craft beer among the museum’s stunning exhibits. Between the corndogs, mini cheesesteaks, and brews, it was the perfect opening night.

Wednesday, May 4 – Lagunitas Hootenanny at The Field House

BOB joined hundreds of craft beer lovers at Lagunitas’ annual Hootenanny. The event lived up to its name — an energetic, beer-filled party with plenty of Lagunitas on tap. While there wasn’t any folk dancing, there was no shortage of good times and good beer.

Thursday, May 5 – Here We Grow: A Night for Brewers & Hop Growers

Held at The Fillmore, this event was sponsored by YCH HOPS, Select Botanicals Group, and The Country Malt Group. The celebration highlighted hops — one of beer’s most fascinating ingredients — and featured incredible live music by The Common Deer, courtesy of Lagunitas.

The Common Deer performing live at CBC 2016

Guests enjoyed beer from Lagunitas Brewing Company, Cigar City Brewing, Fat Head’s Brewery & 3 Floyds Brewing Company Collaboration, and Stone Brewing — a dream lineup for any hop lover.

Final Thoughts

The 2016 Craft Brewers Conference was an unforgettable week filled with great beer, even better company, and more Philly cheesesteaks than we’d like to admit. BOB can’t wait to see everyone again next year at CBC 2017 in Washington, D.C.

Until next time — cheers!

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