The New England Craft Brew Summit has released its full speaker lineup for the event’s 10th anniversary, returning Friday, March 6, 2026, to the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, Maine.
The Summit arrives at a pivotal moment for the craft beer sector. According to the Brewers Association’s 2025 Year in Beer report, approximately 434 breweries closed and 268 opened nationwide, with about 9,778 small and independent breweries operating across the United States. In Maine, openings and closings have remained closely balanced, keeping the state’s brewery count steady at 158, ranking 21st nationally by total count.
Though Maine’s numbers are relatively flat, the 2026 Summit theme, “The Brewer’s Compass: Finding Focus, Crafting with Purpose,” reflects the industry’s broader evolution. More than 400 brewers, brewery owners, suppliers, and industry partners are expected to gather for the East Coast’s largest business-to-business brewing conference to explore strategies that support stability and sustainable growth.
Headlining the 2026 program is Natalie Cilurzo, Co-Owner and President of Russian River Brewing Company. Since acquiring the brewery in 2003 with her husband, Vinnie, Cilurzo has helped guide Russian River into one of the most respected names in American craft beer. Her keynote address will offer insight into leadership, resilience, and navigating shifting market conditions.
The program features 20 sessions covering business strategy, technical brewing, hospitality, workforce development, sustainability, and regulatory insight. Featured sessions include:
- Sam Calagione (Dogfish Head Brewing), Abe Furth (Orono Brewing), and Rob Tod (Allagash Brewing), moderated by Sarah Bryan (Maine Brewers’ Guild), in a high-energy, candid exploration of the bold risks small breweries take to stand out.
- Michael Fava (Novare Res) and Tom Peters (Monk’s Café) on what defines a successful beer bar today.
- Em Sauter (Pints and Panels) on the role of education in building stronger teams and more engaged consumers.
Since its launch in 2016, the Summit has grown into the East Coast’s largest B2B conference dedicated to the business of craft brewing.
The 10th anniversary event is supported by Presenting Sponsor Allen Insurance and Financial, Premier Sponsor Can-One USA, Media Sponsors Brewbound and Mainebiz, and additional sponsors whose partnership makes this industry gathering possible.
