The Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade association representing small and independent American craft brewers—announced today that hospitality entrepreneur and bestselling author Will Guidara will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America® (CBC®), taking place April 20–22, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Guidara, co-founder of Make It Nice and former co-owner of the world-renowned Eleven Madison Park, is the author of Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect. His philosophy—rooted in empowering teams, creating unforgettable guest experiences, and leading with purpose—has reshaped the way industries think about service and culture.
“Will Guidara’s message transcends hospitality—it’s about leadership, creativity, and building meaningful connections,” said Ann Obenchain, vice president of marketing and communications at the Brewers Association. “In a time when breweries are navigating evolving consumer expectations, Will’s insights on service and generosity are especially relevant. His keynote will set an inspiring tone for CBC 2026.”
In addition to Guidara’s keynote, Brewers Association President and CEO Bart Watson will deliver the State of the Industry address on Wednesday, April 22, offering data-driven insights on market performance, consumer trends, and the forces shaping the future of small and independent breweries. The conference will conclude that evening with the World Beer Cup® Awards Ceremony, the most prestigious beer and cider competition in the world, celebrating the best beers and brewers across the globe.
A Reimagined Conference Experience
The 2026 Craft Brewers Conference introduces a streamlined schedule and enhanced programming designed to maximize engagement while minimizing time and cost demands.
- Monday, April 20: Opening Keynote with Will Guidara, BrewExpo America® Preview, and the Grand Welcome Reception.
- Tuesday–Wednesday, April 21–22: Full conference programming, trade show, sponsor activations, Bart Watson’s State of the Industry address, and the World Beer Cup® Awards Ceremony.
CBC 2026 will also feature curated education experiences tailored to brewery roles and business stages, a new All-Access Pass providing entry to all events and activations, and expanded networking opportunities, including a First-Timers Reception.
Hosted in Philadelphia—a city rich in history and innovation—CBC 2026 will coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence, offering a fitting backdrop for the craft brewing community to celebrate its own spirit of independence and collaboration.
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