presented by Deutsche Beverage Technology
THE PREMIER GATHERING OF THE NEW YORK STATE CRAFT BREWING INDUSTRY
MARCH 22-24 | Albany Capital Center
NYS BREWERS
CONFERENCE
2023
Overview
2 Days of Sessions • 100 Exhibitors • Wellness Area
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The NYS Brewers Conference is the fastest growing state-level brewers conference in the country. There is plenty of opportunity to learn, gather resources and connect with industry professionals. We look forward to seeing you at the Albany Capital Center in downtown Albany.
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Welcome to the New York State Brewers Conference
Paul Leone
Executive Director
New York State Brewers Association
Welcome to the 6th annual New York State Brewers Conference, which also happens to be the 20th anniversary of the NYSBA. It was 2003 when a small group of brewery owners were gathered late one night at Tap NY, the hotel was the infamous Villa Vosilla and many beers were being shared when an argument broke out between 2 brewers over market share. Soon after that incident it was decided that instead of fighting each other, it was time to band together and fight the larger forces suppressing craft beer in NYS. Lead by David Katleski, a small group of pioneering brewers formed the New York State Brewers Association as a 501 c6 non-profit trade association.
For the first 10 years this small group of determined brewers was able to dramatically change the craft brewing landscape in New York State including cutting a massive amount of red tape in Albany saving breweries thousands of dollars to open and operate, passing legislation exempting small breweries from state excise sales taxes, creating a Farm Brewing license that would revive the hops and malt industry, and pass the most progressive Franchise Law legislation in the country which still stands out as one of the best in the country today!
It wasn’t until 2013 the NYSBA realized they needed to hire an executive director and I was lucky enough to be chosen. Since that time, the NYSBA has continued to prioritize passing beneficial legislation while at the same time preventing harmful legislation from slowing the industry down. We’ve worked hard to promote NYS craft beer and increase our market share. We have gone from a staff of one to a staff of five, all working on behalf of you every day. In 2013 there were 135 breweries in NYS, today there are over 500!
So, as we come together once again with a theme of Sustainability surrounding this year’s conference, lets raise a glass to the NYSBA and that small group of pioneering brewers (many of whom are here today attending this year’s conference) who had the foresight to band together for the betterment of the entire industry. Thanks to them and so many others, the NYSBA is a solid and sustainable trade association, and one of the best and strongest state brewers’ associations in the country today.
Cheers to the NYSBA and many more years of New York State craft beer!
presented by Deutsche Beverage Technology
2023 Conference Theme:
Sustainability
As an economic leader and driver, the NYSBA recognizes the importance of adopting sustainable practices in the craft beer sector in New York State. We are proud to have selcted Sustainability as the theme of the 5th Annual NYS Brewers Conference.
Sustainability (also known as triple bottom line or 3P's) encompasses three areas of impact: people, planet and profit. As such, the Conference incorporates programming in these areas.
Keynote Speakers
Ben Foster
President, Fosterra®
Ben is a champion for clean energy and sustainability programs across the United States and internationally. He has worked on hundreds of private and public-sector projects from strategy and planning through deployment and operations as President of Fosterra® LLC. Based in Upstate New York, Ben is an avid fan of craft brewing and artisanal products.
In addition to working with small and mid-sized brewers on their journey to a more sustainable future, he also supports New Belgium Brewing’s industrywide sustainability efforts and carbon-neutral flagship brand – Fat Tire.
Ben is an invited guest speaker at events and institutions internationally on the topics of commercial and government energy strategy, solar project economics, cleantech innovation, clean transportation, product lifecycle management, and global supply chain operations.
presented by Lindenmeyr Munroe
Bart Watson
Chief Economist, Brewers Association
Bart Watson is the chief economist at the Brewers Association, a position he has held since 2013. Prior to his position with the BA, he was a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley and a visiting assistant professor at the University of Iowa. He holds a B.A. from Stanford University and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley and is a Certified Cicerone.
Schedule
2 Days - 40 Breakout Sessisons
Industry professionals will share their knowledge and experience over 40 breakout sessions. Topics were carefully picked to cover a wide range of information, providing an enriching experience for all members of your team. From the taproom to the brewhouse, marketing to accounting - all are sure to learn something new.
Signature B&B Companies Wellness Area
Open 12:00 - 3:45pm Thursday & Friday (1st Floor)
Part of running a sustainable business is work-life balance. Taking care of your mental and physical well-being is key. Take a moment to relax, rejuvinate, and reboot at the new Signature B&B Companies Wellness Area. Chair yoga, mindfullness, and massage sessions available on the first floor every 15 minutes from 12:00 - 3:45pm Thursday & Friday.
DAILY SCHEDULE
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Chair Massages with EynsMassage every 10 minutes
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Yoga & Mindfulness with Julie Coluccio
12:00 - 12:15, Chair Yoga
12:30 - 12:45, Mindfulness/Breathing
1:00 - 1:15, Chair Yoga
1:30 - 1:45, Mindfulness/Breathing
2:00 - 2:15, Chair Yoga
2:30 - 2:45, Mindfulness/Breathing
3:00 - 3:15, Chair Yoga
3:30 - 3:45, Mindfulness/Breathing
Accomodations
The following hotels are within walking distance of the Albany Capital Center:
Renaissance Hotel (connected to ACC)
144 State St, Albany, NY
(518) 992-2500
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Room block with discounted rates until 2/25/2023 or until sold-out
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Click here to reserve at discounted rate.
Hilton Albany (.2 mi.) >>>
40 Lodge St, Albany, NY
(518) 462-6611
*Downtown, indoor pool
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Fairfield Inn (.3 mi.) >>>
74 State St, Albany, NY
518) 434-7410
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Women in Beer Scholarship
Hopsteiner is making it possible for two women employed in, or looking to be employed in, the New York State craft brewing industry to attend the 2023 New York State Brewers Conference presented by Deutsche Beverage Technology.
presented by Hopsteiner
Each winning individual receives a package that includes conference registration for one person on Thursday March 23 and Friday March 24, as well as hotel accommodation for both nights.
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Application deadline has passed. Award recepients will be notified via email.
2023 Sponsors
NYSBA
The New York State Brewers Association (NYSBA) is a non-profit organization that supports the craft beer industry through advocacy, education, and promotion.
Today, there are more licensed breweries in NYS than at any other point in history. The NYSBA works to unify the industry in order to have continued success legislatively, ensuring a positive economic environment for breweries to thrive.
Ranking #2 in the US for number of breweries, the NYSBA has more than 300 active members. NYS craft beer thrives because of our community of breweries, allied members, partners and craft beer enthusiasts. #thinkNYdrinkNY