Navigating the Craft Brewers Conference

By: Paula Polei

For professional brewers, the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) is the only industry event that serves both brewpubs and packaging breweries. Bringing together more than 10,000 brewing professionals, this year’s event takes place April 14–17, 2015 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. To help you make the most of your trip, BOB has compiled a list of things to do while you’re there.

Conferences and Sessions

Don’t just walk the expo floor—take time to enjoy the incredible educational sessions offered throughout CBC. Here are a few of BOB’s top picks.

Meet Up with BOB

Join BOB for a beer at our Hospitality Suite on Wednesday, April 15 from 3:30 to 6:00 pm in rooms B117–B119. We’ll be giving away great prizes every half hour—stop in, say hello, and raise a glass with us!

Craft Brewers Conference floorplan

Craft Beer Wholesaler Symposium

Learn about supplier–distributor interaction, logistics, IT, sales strategy, and more. This event is open only to licensed beer wholesalers and requires separate registration.

  • When: Monday, April 13 (1:30–5:00 pm) & Tuesday, April 14 (9:00 am–4:00 pm)
  • Where: Level 2 – Portland Ballrooms All
  • Learn more

Assessing Your Markets: How Do You Truly Know How Your Beer Is Doing?

Gain insight into how to evaluate your business performance in a changing market.

  • When: Friday, April 17 (1:00–2:00 pm)
  • Where: Level 2 – Portland Ballroom 251 & 258
  • Speakers: Dave Cole (Epic Brewing Co.), Greg Dolan (Keen Strategy), Christopher Rice (All About Beer Magazine), JB Shireman (First Beverage Group)

Beyond the Daily Grind: Community Partnerships and Sustainability

Learn how to connect with your community and promote sustainability practices through authentic engagement.

  • When: Friday, April 17 (1:00–2:00 pm)
  • Where: Level 2 – Portland Ballroom 253
  • Speakers: Matthew Bailey (Odell Brewing), Steve Beauchesne (Beau’s All Natural), Andrew Lemley (New Belgium Brewing), Katie Wallace (New Belgium Brewing)

For the complete conference schedule, visit the CBC website.

Local Brewery Tours

Each year, the Brewers Association hosts exclusive brewery tours to showcase Portland’s thriving craft beer scene. These tours fill up quickly—so act fast! Prices range from $65 to $110. View tour options or register online.

Downtown Portland Events and Activities

When you’re not at the conference, explore Portland’s incredible food, drink, and entertainment options.

Dining

  • Le Bistro Montage & La Merde Lounge – A Portland favorite serving Cajun-style fare like jambalaya, fried gator bites, and buffalo mac ‘n’ cheese. Open until 2:00 am (weekdays) and 4:00 am (weekends).
  • Driftwood Room – Swanky and laid-back, serving sizzling forest mushrooms and Texas shrimp skewers. Open late every night.
  • Sizzle Pie – Late-night pizza until 3:00–4:00 am, offering meaty, veggie, and vegan slices.

Brew ‘n’ View Theaters

Catch a movie and a pint at Portland’s iconic brew ‘n’ view theaters—most shows cost less than $10!

  • Living Room Theaters – Downtown art house with indie and foreign films, gourmet menu, and full bar.
  • Laurelhurst Theater – Historic landmark offering second-run films, pizza, and nine beers on tap.
  • Academy Theater – Southeast Portland theater featuring microbrews, wine, and pizza.

Local Attractions

  • Lan Su Chinese Garden – A serene Ming Dynasty-style garden with bridges, pavilions, and a lake in the heart of the city.
  • Pittock Mansion – A historic hilltop estate with panoramic views of Portland’s skyline and surrounding mountains.
  • Portland Art Museum – The oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest, home to world-class exhibits and Native American art collections.

We hope to see you in Portland—cheers!

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