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Schedule

40+ Educational Sessions - 100+ Exhibitors - Happy Hours & More
Recorded sessions from previous years are available for viewing on the New York State Brewers Association YouTube channel

Wednesday March 18

12:00PM - 6:00PM

Registration Booth Open (Main Entrance) + Exhibitor Load-In 

12:00PM - 3:00PM

Sales Training Workshop: 

How to Win in Distribution - Even if You're Doing it All Yourself (Room 3)

presented by Julie Rhodes (Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions)

*Add-on registration required

1:00 - 6:00PM

New York State Cream Ale Experience (Main Entrance)

presented by The Hop Guild

3:30PM - 5:00PM

Tasting Workshop: Tips for Improving Your Perception (Rooms 1 & 2)

presented by Max Finnance (Master Cicerone and BJCP Grand Master Judge)

sponsored by Aroxa

*Add-on registration required

5:00PM - 6:00PM

Tasting Around the World (Room 4)

presented Matan Edvy (CEO, Verstill)

*FREE RSVP required

7:00 - 9:30PM

Welcome Party at Common Roots Brewing Company (Albany Outpost)

hosted by Amoretti

8:00AM - 5PM

Registration Booth Open (1st Floor)

7:00 - 8:00AM

Fleet Feet Fun Run (Meet in Lobby)

8:00 - 9:00AM

Light Breakfast (2nd Floor)

9:00AM

Welcome Address (MMB + CO Stage) 

Speaker: Paul Leone (NYSBA Executive Director), Dawn Schulz (NYSBA President)

9:30 - 10:15AM

Keynote Address (MMB + CO Stage)

Speaker: Rob Tod (Founder, Allagash Brewing Co.)

10:00AM

Exhibitor Showcase Opens (1st & 2nd Floors) 

10:30AM

TriNet Wellness Area Opens (1st Floor)

  • 10:30-11AM Stress Reduction with Sara Martin

  • 12-5PM Massages by Eyn & Caryl

  • 3-4PM Fondue Pairing with the Cheese Traveler


11:00AM - 12:00PM | Breakout Session 1

  • #1 - Brewing Operations: In My Liquids Era: Harnessing Solubility Principles to Maximize Liquid Hop Aroma and Flavor presented by Tessa Schilaty (Yakima Chief Hops), Josh Penney (Threes Brewing). Moderated by Chris Cuzme (Fifth Hammer Brewing Company).

  • #2 - SLA: Updates and Q&A with SLA Leadership Moderated by Dawn Schultz (Prison City Brewing).

  • #3 - Sales Distribution and Marketing: Debunking Digital Marketing Myths - What’s Actually Worth Your Time (and Money) in 2026 presented by Julie Rhodes (Not Your Hobby Marketing). Moderated by Jamie Fox (New York State Brewers Association).

  • #4 - Taprooms and Brewpubs: Best Practices for Merch: Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your Program presented by Morgan McReynolds (RiverTrail Beerworks / Lake Placid Brewery / Big Slide Brewing), Cody Kay (Cooley Group). Moderated by Jeff Ware (Resurgence Brewing Company).

  • #5 - Business and Leadership: Beyond the Local Tap - Where Craft Beer Stands and Where it's Headed presented by John Holl (All About Beer). Moderated by Paul Leone (New York State Brewers Association).

12:00 - 1:00PM

Lunch (2nd Floor) / Exhibitor Showcase (1st & 2nd Floor)

12:00 - 3:00PM

Print On Demand Shirts by Viatran! (Booth #84)


1:00 - 2:00PM | Breakout Session 2

  • #1 - SLA: Updates and Q&A with SLA Leadership Moderated by Paul Leone (New York State Brewers Association).

  • #2 - Brewing Operations: Advancements in Malt Barley Varieties and The Impact of New York Grains on the Local Craft Beverage Industry presented by Mark Sorrells (Cornell University), John Kast (Kast Farms),
    Michael Coons (Critz Farm Brewing), Ted Hawley (New York Craft Malt). Moderated by Kristen Lyons (Binghamton Brewing Co).

  • #3 - Taprooms and Brewpubs: ADA Compliance & Beyond - Accessibility to Connect with Customers and Drive Business presented by Meghan Connolly Haupt (Inclusive Saratoga), Chris Smith and Katie Treadwell (Saratoga Associates).

  • #4 - Sales Distribution and Marketing: Tapping into AI - Do’s, Don’ts, and Smart Uses / How to Use AI Without Compromising Your Craft presented by Morgan Culhane (Content on Draft), Julie Rhodes (Not Your Hobby Marketing). Moderated by Emily Forrester (NYSBA).

  • #5 - Brewing Operations: Beer Menu Mastery (30 min session) presented by Mirella Amato (WSET). Moderated by Teresa Campbell.

​​

2:00 - 3:00PM |Breakout Session 3

  • ​#1 - Taprooms and Brewpubs: From Pour to Profit: Acing Taproom Economics presented by Tara Hankinson (TALEA), LeAnn Darland (TALEA).

  • #2 - Business and Leadership: AI on Tap - Practical AI Tools Transforming Finance in Craft Beer presented by Audra Gaiziunas (Brewed For Her Ledger). 

  • #3 - Brewing Operations: Using Enzymes - How To Improve Efficiencies and Flavor presented by Allison Lange (Omega Yeast Labs). Moderated by Paul Komsic (Ghost Brewing). 

  • #4 - Safety and Sustainability: Designing Your Brewery for Profitability - Architecture as a Driver of Efficiency and Sustainability presented by Cira Masters (Phinney Design Group). Moderated by Chris Ericson (Lake Placid Pub and Brewery, Big Slide Public House, RiverTrail Beerworks)

  • #5 - Sales Distribution and Marketing: Shelf Swagger - Crafting a Standout Presence in a Crowded Aisle presented by Jon Beckman (Works Design Group).


3:00 - 4:00PM

Pink Boots Meeting (Room 1)

3:00 - 4:00PM

Break / Exhibitor Showcase

Light Refreshments Available

4:00PM

Exhibitor Showcase Closes (1st & 2nd Floors)

 
4:00 - 5:00PM |Breakout Session 4​

  • #1 - Business and Leadership: Mastering the Transition to a People-Manager Role- Coworker 2 Coach presented by Bailey Borzecki (Golden Hour Consulting). Moderated by Micah Krichinsky (Strangebird Beer).

  • #2 - Brewing Operations: No-Hype AI for Breweries presented by Patti Wilcox (Awestruck Ciders). Moderated by Hutch Kugeman (The Brewery at the CIA).

  • #3 - Business and Leadership: Accounting Best Practices, Plus Highlights from the Big Beautiful Bill presented by Kate VanBramer (CPA, MMB+CO), Erika Stork (CPA, MMB+CO). Moderated by Matt Rowsell (LIBG President, Sutton Insurance).

  • #4 - Brewing Operations: Progressive Methods with Traditional Roots presented by Jack Hendler (Hendler Family Brew Co). Moderated by Tony Cordova  (Scale House Brewery).

  • #5 - Taprooms and Brewpubs: Profitable Taproom Tactics - 12 Ways to Grow Sales, Reduce Expenses, and Make Consistent Profit in the Taproom presented by Julia Grubbs (Small Batch Standard). Moderated by Abby Brown (Brown's Brewing Company).

5:00PM

TriNet Wellness Area + Registration Booth Closes (1st Floor) 

 

5:00 - 6:00PM

NYSBA Member Meetings

  • Annual NYSBA Brewery Members-Only Meeting (Rooms 1 & 2)

  • Annual Allied Membership Meeting - Non-Members Welcome (Room 5)

​​

6:00 - 7:00PM

Networking Happy Hour & Bingo (2nd Floor)

hosted by Ollie x Ekos

Thursday March 19

8:00AM - 12:00PM

Registration Booth Open

7:00 - 8:00AM

Cardio Tennis (Room 1 + 2)

8:00 - 9:00AM

Light Breakfast (2nd Floor)

9:00AM

Announcements (MMB + CO Stage)

Speakers: Paul Leone (NYSBA Executive Director)

9:30 - 10:15AM

Keynote Address (MMB + CO Stage)

Speaker: Christopher Shepard (Senior Editor, Beer Marketer's INSIGHTS

​​

10:00AM

Exhibitor Showcase Opens (1st & 2nd Floors) 

10:30AM

TriNet Wellness Area Opens (1st Floor)

  • 10:30-11AM Stress Reduction with Sara Martin

  • 12-5PM Massages by Eyn & Caryl

  • 3-4PM Fondue Pairing with the Cheese Traveler


11:00AM - 12:00PM | Breakout Session 1

  • ​#1 - Government Affairs and Legal: Contract Brewing & Alternating Proprietorships presented by Elke Hofmann (Elke A. Hofmann Law, PLLC). Moderated by Jeff O'Neil (Industrial Arts Brewing Company).

  • #2 - Brewing Operations: The Cone of Truth - Smarter Yeast Harvesting for Better Beer presented by Nate Ferguson (Escarpment Laboratories). Moderated by Chris Cuzme (Fifth Hammer Brewing Company).

  • #3 - Taprooms and Brewpubs: Boosting Taproom Revenue with Private Events presented by Davina Saturne (Tripleseat). Moderated by Abby Brown (Brown's Brewing Company).

  • #4 - Brewing Operations: Diversify Your Portfolio (with Malt!) presented by Paul Guarracini (Sager Beer Works), Derek Edinger (Brewery Ardennes). Moderated by Paul Komsic (Ghost Brewing).

  • #5 - Safety and Sustainability: Creating Safer Parties, Where We Party presented by Eric McGriff (OutSmartNYC),
    Ann Reilly (New York City Brewers Guild). Moderated by Emily Forrester (NYSBA).
    ​​

12:00 - 1:00PM

Lunch (2nd Floor) / Exhibitor Showcase (1st & 2nd Floor)

12:00 - 3:00PM

Print On Demand Shirts by Viatran! (Booth #84)


1:00 - 2:00PM |Breakout Session 2

  • ​#1 - Brewing Operations: Brewery Maintenance - An Overview presented by Chris Brogan (Ultimate Brew Service). Moderated by Dawn Schulz (Prison City Brewing).

  • #2 - Sales Distribution & Marketing: From Concept to Craft: Unlocking Potential Through Supplier Collaboration presented by Heather McReynolds (Hopsteiner), Megan Parisi (The Boston Beer Company), Mike Killelea (Briess Malt). Moderated by Jason Sahler (Strong Rope Brewery).

  • #3 - Brewing Operations: Statistical Process Control (SPC) for Craft Brewing - Control Charts, What, Why and How presented by Jim McDermott (Meliora Partners). Moderated by Paul Komsic (Ghost Brewing).

  • #4 - Taprooms and Brewpubs: Menu Engineering for Profit and How to Manage Food Cost to Improve Profitability presented by Doug Kruschke (US Foods). Moderated by Tony Cordova (Scale House Brewery).

  • #5 - Buisness and Leadership: SOPs Aren’t Just for the Brew House presented by Larissa Clifford (Bird’s Beer Distribution). Moderated by Abby Brown (Brown's Brewing Company).

​​

2:00 - 3:00PM |Breakout Session 3

  • ​#1 - Sales Distribution and Marketing: Hop into Action - A Hands-On Workshop to Improve Your Social Media Today presented by Morgan Culhane (Content on Draft). Moderated by Teresa Campbell.

  • #2 - Sales Distribution and Marketing: Paths to Profit presented by Julia Grubbs (Small Batch Standard). Jeff O'Neil (Industrial Arts Brewing Company).

  • #3 - Brewing Operations: Hop Selection Panel presented by Sam Richardson (Other Half), Garrett Meakin (Grow Brewing), Heather McReynolds (Hopsteiner). Moderated by Micah Krichinsky (Strangebird Beer).

  • #4 - Brewing Operations: Tips & Tricks to Reduce COGS presented by Eric Drost (Murphy & Son). Moderated by Matt Rowsell (LIBG President & Sutton Insurance).

  • #5 - Taprooms and Brewpubs:  Face It, You're a Restaurant/Bar Owner! presented by Jim Nau (RationAles), Lucas Fazzary (Scale House Brewery), Derek Edinger (Brewery Ardennes). Moderated by Dawn Schulz (Prison City Brewing).

3:00 - 4:00PM

Break / Exhibitor Showcase

Light Refreshments Available

4:00PM

Exhibitor Showcase Closes, Raffle Winners Announced (1st & 2nd Floors) 

 
4:00 - 5:00PM |Session 4​

  • ​#1 - Safety and Sustainability: Wastewater Treatment for Brewers without Sewers presented by Craig Hotchkies (Enereau Systems Group). Moderated by Paul Mrocka (Paradox Brewery).

  • #2 - Brewing Operations: The Importance of Oxygen Control in Brewing presented by Rich Michaels (I Make Beer LLC). Moderated by Hutch Kugeman (The Brewery at the CIA).

  • #3 - Sales Distribution and Marketing: Best Social Media Practices and Content Creation Tips presented by Clare Allen (Table Twelve Creative), Monika Davis (Strong Rope Brewery). Moderated by Jeff Ware (Resurgence Brewing Company).

  • #4 - Business and Leadership: Teaching the Teachers presented by Aaron Gore (The 5th Ingredient). Moderated by Chris Ericson (Lake Placid Pub and Brewery, Big Slide Public House, RiverTrail Beerworks).

  • #5 - Brewing Operations: Growing a Micro Program for Your Brewery presented by Jessie Smith (Queen City Quality, Community Beer Works). Moderated by Kristen Lyons (Binghamton Brewing Co).

​​

5:00PM

TriNet Wellness Area Closes

5:00 - 8:30PM

NYS Craft Beer Competition Award Celebration (MMB + CO Stage) 

hosted by Hart Print

  • 5:00 - 5:30PM - Hop Growers of NY Cascade Cup Award Ceremony 

  • 5:30 - 6:30PM - NYS Craft Beer Competition Reception *Light Dinner 

  • 6:30 - 8:00PM - NYS Craft Beer Competition presented by Ultimate Brew Service Awards Ceremony 

  • 8:00 - 8:30PM - After Party 

Friday March 20

Saturday Mar 21

8:00AM - 12:00PM
Exhibitor Load-Out
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Raise a Glass to the 2026
Conference Sponsors!

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#thinkNYdrinkNY

© 2023 New York State Brewers Association

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