Explore the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America in Philadelphia 2026
The excitement is brewing as registration kicks off for the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference® and BrewExpo America®, poised to take the City of Brotherly Love by storm from April 20-22. Billed as the nation’s largest gathering for craft beer professionals, this Philadelphia edition promises a rich tapestry of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and the esteemed World Beer Cup® awards. By securing your spot early, you’ll ensure access to an extensive array of programming, trade show events, and special celebrations—a must-attend affair for anyone immersed in the world of craft beer.
According to a press release from the Brewers Association, the organizing backbone of this event, early registration discounts are available until February 6, 2026. Craft beer aficionados and industry experts alike are encouraged to register promptly to take advantage of the reduced rates. Attendees will gain access to all seminar programming, trade floors, and dynamic networking activities, making it an unmissable date on the calendar for those driving innovation and passion within the craft beer industry.
Philadelphia: The Epicenter of Craft Brewing Innovation
With Pennsylvania boasting 533 breweries, it’s no wonder the Keystone State ranks third nationally in beer production—a testament to its thriving craft beer scene. According to the 2024 Brewers Association data, the U.S. craft beer industry infuses $72.5 billion into the economy, with Pennsylvania contributing a robust $5.2 billion. The state also ranks second in production, delivering over 2.6 million barrels each year.
In 2026, the conference will unveil a revamped, streamlined agenda designed to meet the evolving needs of beverage professionals. Attendees can look forward to an insightful keynote address from Will Guidara, co-founder of Make It Nice, who will impart wisdom from his acclaimed book, “Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect.” Additionally, the Welcome Reception promises an authentic Philly experience with local music, Pennsylvania brews, and mouthwatering regional cuisine.
BrewExpo America: A Hub for Education and Evolution
The BrewExpo America trade show, running throughout Tuesday and Wednesday, will offer carefully curated educational sessions and sponsor activations, facilitating a personalized journey for each attendee. By aligning sessions with individual professional challenges and goals, the event fosters meaningful, targeted growth in the industry.
In conjunction with these opportunities, attendees will benefit from reduced travel time and costs, while maintaining vital producer engagement and networking moments. High-energy days conclude with compelling discussions, ensuring that each participant returns home with a wealth of knowledge and connections.
A Celebration of Excellence at the World Beer Cup®
The conference crescendos with the State of the Industry address by Bart Watson, President and CEO of the Brewers Association. Watson will dissect industry victories and hurdles, paving the path forward for craft beer pioneers. Following his keynote, the celebrated World Beer Cup® Awards Ceremony takes center stage at 5:30 pm local time, honoring outstanding beers and breweries on an international scale—a perfect finale to the 2026 gathering.
For all queries related to the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference, BrewExpo America, and the World Beer Cup, please contact info@brewersassociation.org.
About the Craft Brewers Conference® and BrewExpo America®
The Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, curated by the Brewers Association, showcases the pinnacle of American craft beer culture. It is not only the largest beverage alcohol conference and trade show but also a vital meeting ground for those shaping the future of beer. The conference offers essential seminars and powerful keynote speeches, while BrewExpo America impresses with hundreds of exhibitors presenting cutting-edge innovations. At the heart of it all is the World Beer Cup®, where the most distinguished global beers compete for top honors.
About the World Beer Cup®
Renowned as “the Olympics of beer,” the World Beer Cup® is the premier international beer competition. Administered by the Brewers Association alongside the Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, it brings together hundreds of expert judges to evaluate entries across various categories. Using criteria such as style accuracy and sensory appeal, this esteemed contest rewards excellence in brewing artistry. Since its inception in 1996, the World Beer Cup continues to elevate the global appreciation and understanding of beer’s diverse styles and flavors.
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