CBP Connects Chicago is almost here, happening June 15–17. Join us for a conversation with some of our event speakers and partners to hear what you can expect, why you should attend, and how it can help you reach your goals.
14 interactive sessions, 3 nightly receptions (Dovetail, Pilot Project, Hop Butcher), a trade show, and countless opportunities to connect with industry decision makers.
This conversations features:
Mickey Bryant (Black and Blue Chicago)
Nic Bortolin (Amoretti)
Ross Stensrud (TapWyse)
Join us in person for CBP Connects Chicago
June 15-17, 2026
Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/
What This Session Covers
This session previews CBP Connects Chicago, an intimate industry event focused on fostering meaningful connections and actionable insights for craft brewery professionals. It highlights how taproom operators and brewery owners can benefit from deepening customer loyalty, exploring evolving flavor trends, and embracing inclusive community engagement—all critical for sustaining and growing a brewery business in today’s challenging market.
Key Talking Points
- [03:13 ~ 04:14] CBP Connects differs from larger conferences by offering a smaller, more personal setting that enables stronger relationship-building and focused learning with peers nationwide, held entirely within Revolution Brewing’s taproom in Chicago.
- [04:14 ~ 05:22] The event emphasizes actionable takeaways, ensuring attendees leave with 3-5 practical strategies they can immediately apply to improve their brewery’s performance and bottom line.
- [05:35 ~ 08:21] Mickey Bryant of Black River Chicago discusses shifting DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts from anxiety-inducing training sessions toward human-centered, performance-based workshops that focus on “deliberate empathy” to create authentic cultural connections and inclusive taproom environments.
- [10:27 ~ 12:40] Katie from Revolution Brewing notes a changing role of flavor in 2026, where consumers increasingly choose beverages by occasion or mood rather than by traditional beer categories. This shift is driving renewed interest in classic, reliable styles (e.g., lagers), alongside growing popularity of non-alcoholic and THC-infused options.
- [14:02 ~ 16:24] Ross, co-founder of Tapwise, will moderate a panel on maximizing engagement and spend with existing customers through loyalty programs and memberships—a critical strategy as acquiring new customers becomes more costly and difficult.
- [16:33 ~ 18:47] The event draws attendees from over 30 states, blending local Chicago professionals with national peers to create a diverse, collaborative environment that feels like a “family reunion” for the craft beer industry.
- [20:34 ~ 26:57] Local Chicago insights from Mickey and Katie highlight unique brewery neighborhoods (like Aendale), recommended activities (Segway tours, architectural boat tours), and authentic Chicago food and drink experiences (tavern-style pizza, dive bars, Malort shots) to enrich the event visit.
Action Items
- Build or enhance a customer loyalty or membership program to increase repeat visits and spending from your existing customer base without relying solely on new customer acquisition.
- Integrate human-centered, performance-based DEI workshops into your staff training that prioritize deliberate empathy and practical cultural connection over traditional compliance-focused sessions.
- Evaluate your beer portfolio and taproom offerings for flavor profiles that resonate with occasion-driven consumers, including expanding or improving non-alcoholic and THC beverage options.
- Plan to attend smaller, localized industry events like CBP Connects to foster deeper peer relationships, share ideas, and discover actionable strategies tailored for taproom and brewery operations.
- Explore and promote local cultural experiences and neighborhood highlights around your brewery to create a stronger connection with both local patrons and visiting customers.
- [03:45 ~ 04:43]
CBP Connects events are intentionally smaller and more intimate than large trade shows or conferences, which facilitates stronger relationships and deeper conversations with industry peers. This creates a community atmosphere where learning is collaborative and networking is meaningful. - [04:14 ~ 05:22]
A core focus of CBP Connects is delivering actionable content. Attendees are encouraged to leave with 3-5 concrete ideas they can implement immediately to impact their brewery’s operations or profitability. This practical approach sets it apart from many other industry events. - [05:35 ~ 08:21]
Mickey Bryant’s work with Black River Chicago centers on educating new demographics through culturally relevant, human-centered workshops that shift DEI from theory and anxiety to deliberate empathy and impact. This approach helps taprooms authentically engage diverse communities and future customers. - [10:27 ~ 12:40]
Katie explains that flavor trends are evolving away from category-driven experimentation toward occasion-based choices. Consumers want beverages that fit mood or energy needs, leading to a resurgence of classic beer styles and growth in non-alcoholic and THC beverage markets. This dual trend reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior and market demands. - [14:02 ~ 16:24]
Ross’s panel will focus on maximizing revenue from existing customers through loyalty programs and memberships. Since attracting new customers is costly and challenging, deepening engagement with current patrons is essential for sustainable growth. - [16:33 ~ 18:47]
CBP Connects Chicago will attract attendees from more than 30 states, creating a diverse and national network of craft beer professionals. This mix of local and out-of-town peers fosters a family-like atmosphere where ongoing relationships and business collaborations form. - [20:34 ~ 26:57]
Local hosts Mickey and Katie provide insider tips for exploring Chicago’s brewery neighborhoods, cultural attractions (Segway tours, boat cruises), and authentic food and drink experiences like tavern-style pizza and dive bars. These enrich the event experience and help visitors connect with the city beyond the brewery. - [15:03 ~ 16:24]
Ross highlights the importance of focusing on your existing customer base as your primary growth vehicle, given the high cost and difficulty of acquiring new customers. - [26:53 ~ 27:54]
The event is timely due to the dynamic and challenging nature of the beverage industry, offering inspiration and practical insights to future-proof your brewery business.
Action Items
- Develop or refine a customer loyalty program or membership system to boost repeat business and increase customer lifetime value. Leverage tools like branded mobile apps (e.g., Tapwise) to manage engagement and communications.
- Shift staff DEI training toward human-centered, empathy-based workshops that connect with your community’s culture and reduce resistance to traditional diversity training. Focus on performance outcomes and allyship.
- Review and adjust your taproom’s beverage lineup to include flavor-forward non-alcoholic options and classic beer styles that meet occasion-based consumer demand. Consider adding THC beverages if aligned with your market.
- Attend smaller, focused industry gatherings like CBP Connects to build meaningful relationships, gain actionable insights, and stay connected with evolving trends and best practices.
- Promote your brewery’s local neighborhood and cultural experiences as part of your brand story to attract both locals and visitors seeking authentic connections to place.
- Consider offering educational events or workshops that engage new demographics and foster community partnerships, following Black River Chicago’s model of integrating culture and craft beer education.
This session offers a comprehensive preview of CBP Connects Chicago, emphasizing the importance of community, culture, and actionable knowledge for brewery professionals navigating a rapidly changing industry.