Most state beer competitions don’t happen by accident … they’re built intentionally, often by people who have already seen what works (and what doesn’t) elsewhere. Executive Editor Jon Sicotte is joined by Mary MacDonald and Justin Hemminger of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association to break down how and why Ohio launched its first-ever Ohio Beer Awards, from early inspiration and research trips to the behind-the-scenes logistics that made it possible. Rather than focusing on medal counts or bragging rights, this conversation digs into the operational, educational and strategic side of running a guild-sanctioned beer competition. This episode is designed for state guild leaders, brewery owners, and industry organizers in states that don’t yet have a formal, guild-backed beer competition — or for those considering launching one and wanting a realistic look at the effort involved.
