Panel Fest

Presented by Get Hoptimized

11am - 2025 Brewing Trends

Is it finally the year of the lager? In this panel, we’ll discuss the styles gaining momentum, the brewing techniques getting brewers excited, popular ingredients, and how these trends are landing with today’s drinkers. In this panel, you’ll get inspired by what brewers are actually creating right now and leave with ideas to take back to your business and keep your beer relevant in a changing market.

Panelists: Barbara Stone (Abstrax Hops), Lee Lord (Narragansett Beer), Marty Scott (Revolution Brewing), Mitch Steele (New Realm Brewing)

Moderator: Adam Mills (Adam Makes Beer)

1pm - Building Success Distributor Relationships

Distributor partnerships can fuel your brewery’s success, or slow it down. In this panel, we’ll break down what it really takes to build relationships that last. From clear communication and shared expectations to staying relevant in a crowded portfolio, our panelists will share what’s working, what’s not, and how to stay top of mind without being a headache. You’ll leave with practical, honest advice to make your distributor relationships more effective and less frustrating.

Panelists: Carey Niekrash Beralderi (Grey Sail Brewing), Eric Butler (Wolf’s Ridge Brewing), Laura Lodge (Distribution Insight for the Craft Brewer), MaryAnna Ferris (Ash & Elm Cider), Matthew Pere (Pretty Ugly Distribution), Melissa Johnston (Tryon Distributing)

Moderator: Julie Rhodes (Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions)

3pm - Strategic AI Adoption for the Craft Beer Industry

Join us for an insightful panel discussion exploring the multifaceted impact of Artificial Intelligence on the craft beer industry. We'll bring together experts from marketing, legal, data science, and a leading craft brewery to discuss how AI is transforming everything from consumer engagement and operational efficiency to legal considerations and data-driven insights. Discover how your craft beer company can harness the power of AI to innovate, grow, and thrive in a competitive market.

Panelists: Jonathan “Hootie” Hooten (Paradym Data), John Szymankiewicz  (Beer Law Center), Michael Perozzo (Vice Beer)

Moderator: Chris Overlay (Get Hoptimized)

5pm - Tech vs. Touch: Balancing QR Ordering & Hospitality

As the industry evolves, breweries are embracing tools like QR code ordering to streamline operations, boost tab sizes, and maximize efficiency. But how do you keep the soul of the taproom alive when guests order with their phones instead of chatting with a bartender or server? In this panel, brewery leaders and Arryved experts discuss how to use technology without losing the personal connection that keeps people coming back. We’ll explore the sweet spot between operational efficiency and guest experience, discuss flexible service models—and share real-world strategies for integrating tech without compromising on hospitality.

Panelists: Adriane Hodges (Bold Republic Brewing Company), Kent Steeves (Braeloch Brewing)

Moderator: Nick Komisar (Arryved)

7pm - Beer is Agriculture

In this session, we’ll dig into the hard work behind two of beer’s essential ingredients: malt and hops. You’ll hear directly from barley growers and hop producers about what matters most, how each harvest impacts the final product, and where the industry stands today. We’ll also talk with brewers who are leaning into the agricultural side of beer and using ingredients to tell a deeper, more meaningful story.

Panelists: Eric Sannerud (Sannerud Hop Consulting), James Howdeshell (HOB Brewing Co.), Nathan Boll (Boll Farms), Tim Schnars (Meadowlark Brewing)

Moderator: Jared Stober (Two Track Malting)

All time ET. All panels are 60 minutes.

Presented by Go Brewing

11am - NA Beer and THC Beverages in the Taproom

The modern guest expects more than just beer. In this panel hosted by Go Brewing, we’ll explore the growing demand for non-alcoholic beer and THC beverages. Learn how to educate both your team and your customers, understand the latest consumption trends, and discover how these products help create a more inclusive and welcoming taproom. Whether you're already offering them or just getting started, this conversation will help you stay ahead and serve more of your community.

Panelists: Leigh Gall (Cannabis Beverage Certification), Matt Steinke (Go Brewing), Meagen Coester (Go Brewng), Katie McNulty (Revolution Brewing)

Moderator: Andrew Coplon (Craft Beer Professionals/Secret Hopper)

1pm - Innovative Ways to Drive Taproom Traffic

We’re all trying to get more guests in our taprooms. This session dives into creative, real-world tactics breweries are using right now to increase foot traffic and build consistent taproom momentum. We’ll look at smart event ideas, unexpected partnerships, local outreach, and simple tools that are often overlooked. It’s all about finding innovative ways to stay visible, relevant, and busy.

Panelists: Adrian Pawliszko (Kegshoe/Sippo), Ryan Hetzer (Frothy Beard Brewing Company), Victoria Howell (MoMac Brewing Company/Nansemond Brewing Station)

Moderator: Andrew Coplon (Craft Beer Professionals/Secret Hopper)

3pm - Beer's Better Half: Rethinking Your Food Game

Your beer may bring them in, but your food might be what keeps them around (and spending more). Join MarginEdge and two innovative breweries for a conversation on how to turn your food program from a necessity into a revenue-driving asset. From menu design and cost tracking to staffing, pricing, and guest experience, we’ll explore what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next.

Panelists: Chris Pal-Freeman (Breakway Brewing), Jason Green (Wilding Brands)

Moderator: Andre Elam (MarginEdge)

5pm - Benchmarking and Profit Mapping for Breweries

Uncover where your brewery truly makes money by identifying key profit drivers across products, customers, and channels. In this session, you’ll learn how to benchmark your financial performance against industry standards, spot areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions that lead to stronger margins and sustainable profitability.

Panelists: Dan Reineke (Loma Brewing Company), Jake Lohse (Presidential Brewing Company), Sara Watson (Vacancy Brewing)

Moderator: Kary Shumway (Beer Business Finance)

7pm - Crafting Talent on a Pint Sized Budget

In an industry driven by grassroots grit, passion, and what at times feels like flying by the seat of your pants, professional development often takes a backseat to production schedules and tight budgets. But staying competitive and keeping your staff inspired doesn’t require expensive conferences or high-ticket programs. This session explores how breweries of all sizes—especially small and independent operations—can embrace professional growth on a shoestring budget.

We’ll dive into practical, scalable strategies for skill-building, staff retention, and team morale that don’t break the bank. From peer-to-peer learning and free resources to low-cost certifications and mentorship models, attendees will walk away with actionable tools to grow their teams and invest in better informed staff.

Because in beer, just like in brewing, better outcomes come from continuous refinement—and you don’t need a million-dollar system to make a damn good pint.

Panelists: Aaron Gore (Beer30 by The 5th Ingredient), Chris Leguizamon (Fonta Flora Brewery), Ryan Mayfield (Craft Leadership)

Moderator: Cat Pearce (ABS Commercial)

All time ET. All panels are 60 minutes.