Whether you’re looking to cut costs, streamline operations, or make your taproom the hottest event space in town, this year’s Craft Brewers Conference in Indianapolis (Tuesday, April 29 to Thursday, May 1) is sure to be packed with seminars designed to tackle your brewery’s specific challenges.
Here are five standout sessions on our radar here at Brewer Mag, complete with reasons why you should be in the room — and who from your team should snag a seat.
Evolve from Tactical Buying to Strategic Sourcing
- Tuesday | 1:15–2:15 p.m.
- Wabash Ballroom 2 | Level 1
- Speakers: Adam Charnack (Hi-Wire), Cole Hackbarth (Rhinegeist), Jeremy Moynier (Stone)
This seminar could be a must for breweries facing tightening margins and rising costs. The panel will walk through best practices for turning reactive purchasing into forward-thinking procurement strategies. With insights from leaders at Hi-Wire, Rhinegeist, and Stone, expect a deep dive into supplier assessment, contract negotiations, and long-term input planning.
- Why attend: Procurement is likely your biggest cost center—learn how to manage it with intention.
- Who should go: Your head of operations or purchasing manager.
Integrating Used and New Equipment in Brewery Design
- Wednesday | 10:30–11:30 a.m.
- Sagamore Ballroom 3 | Level 2
- Speakers: Mike Gerhart (First Key Consulting & formerly of Hill Farmstead, Dogfish Head & Otter Creek), Andy Joynt (Big Grove), Tim Wolf (First Key Consulting)
Big Grove Brewery’s experience using primarily used equipment — with select modern upgrades — takes center stage in this engineering-forward seminar. The speakers will break down how to merge old and new systems while maintaining efficiency, safety, and compliance. A valuable look into budget-conscious design that doesn’t compromise on performance.
- Why attend: Used equipment is more accessible than ever — know how to make it work for you.
- Who should go: Your brewery engineer, operations director, or production manager.
Hosting and Marketing Five-Star Private Events
- Wednesday | Noon–1 p.m.
- Sagamore Ballroom 5 | Level 2
- Speaker: Elise Strupp (Eagle Park)
Want to turn your taproom into a revenue machine? Elise Strupp shares how Eagle Park pulls off seamless weddings, parties, and corporate events that keep the five-star reviews flowing. Learn how to define realistic offerings, create client communication templates, and capture valuable feedback for growth.
- Why attend: Events bring in high-margin income and boost brand exposure.
- Who should go: Your events coordinator or taproom manager.
Making Up for the Gap: Growing an Events Program
- Thursday | 10–11 a.m.
- Sagamore Ballroom 4 | Level 2
- Speaker: Charlotte Herndon (Mighty Squirrel Brewing)
With on-premise sales dipping across the board, this session will show how to bring customers to you. Learn how Mighty Squirrel built an events program from scratch — on a zero-dollar budget — and turned their taproom into a vibrant community hub. From seasonal festivals to niche workshops, this session is packed with ideas.
- Why attend: It’s time to turn your taproom into a can’t-miss destination.
- Who should go: Taproom managers, event planners, or marketing team members.
READ MORE: Trillium Co-Founders to Keynote 2025 Craft Brewers Conference
Roadside Assistance for Breweries: Employee Driving Safety
- Thursday | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Sagamore Ballroom 3 | Level 2
- Speakers: Nicole Lavery (Lavery Brewing), Chris Sayer (Brewery Legitimus), Matt Stinchfield (North Chair Brewing)
If your crew is behind the wheel — whether for sales, distribution, or festivals — this session is crucial. Learn from industry veterans how to protect employees from vehicle hazards, manage compliance, and lower insurance risks. You’ll leave with a vehicle safety checklist and actionable tips for on-the-road operations.
- Why attend: Vehicle-related incidents can be costly—prevention starts with education.
- Who should go: Sales reps, distribution managers, or brewery owners.
No matter your role in the brewery, these five CBC sessions offer tools and insights you can apply immediately, real-world case studies, and expert advice to elevate your business going forward.
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