WINTER 2019 | DEC. 4+5 | SANTA MONICA, CA
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A Two-Day Event for Beer and Beyond

You are viewing a past event. Brewbound Live Winter 2019 took place on December 4th and 5th, 2019 at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Brewbound Live is a two-day business event for the beer industry held once a year in Santa Monica, CA. Upcoming conference dates can be found at brewbound.com/events. The 2019 Brewbound Annual Awards were announced at the event. See who came out on top:

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Take Your Brewery to the Next Level

Craft beer retail sales account for over 24 percent of the more than $100 billion beer industry, and dollar growth grew by 7 percent in 2018. But traditional beer no longer accounts for the majority of alcohol servings in the U.S., so how do small beer thrive at a time when wine and spirits brands are increasingly capturing market share? And how will the relationship between independent craft breweries and strategic acquirers in search of new growth opportunities continue to evolve? As the marketplace gets more competitive, what will tomorrow’s partnerships look like?

With so much more to discuss in a changing industry, we introduced a second day to the conference last year. At Brewbound Live, we’ll examine strategies for growing beer sales while also exploring emerging categories such as hard seltzer, cannabis, cider, alcoholic kombucha and low- and no-alcohol offerings.


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Some of the Companies Attending Brewbound Live this December

Stone BrewingBrooklyn Brewery
Allagash Brewing
The Bruery
SinghaSpeakeasy Ales
Austin Beer Works
Willie's SuperbrewThe Lost Abbey
MillerCoorsMonday Night BrewingKarl Strauss
Ninkasi
Reuben's BrewsSufferfest Beer Company
Brooks Dry CiderArcher RooseWaterbird Spirits
Craft Brew Alliance
Cape May Brewing
Constellation BrandsDeschutes BrewingIndeed BrewingFlying Dog

READ LIST

Distinguished Professionals Speak on the Evolving Industry

We are honored to have trailblazers, trendsetters and rising stars join us on stage. They speak at Brewbound Live because they’re focused on the future of the beer industry. Our on-stage content is specifically designed with founders, C-level executives, and decision-makers in mind.

20+ industry leaders and innovators will speak at Brewbound Live this December!

  • Tomme Arthur, Co-Founder & COO, The Lost Abbey,Port Brewing & The Hop Concept - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Tomme Arthur

    Co-Founder & COO, The Lost Abbey,Port Brewing & The Hop Concept

  • Veronica Vega, Director of Product Development, Deschutes Brewery - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Veronica Vega

    Director of Product Development, Deschutes Brewery

    Veronica Vega, Director of Product Development, Deschutes Brewery - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Veronica Vega

    Director of Product Development, Deschutes Brewery

    Veronica Vega is the Director of Product Development at Deschutes Brewery, the 10th largest craft brewery in the U.S. Veronica is a member of the senior leadership team at Deschutes and brings a high level of expertise to the brewery’s daily operations as well as the strategic vision for the company. She started at Deschutes in 2006 as a tour guide and in 2015, at the age of 35, Veronica became the Brewmaster of Product Development and is now in one of the top positions in the company as Director of Product Development. Veronica is a member of the Master Brewers Association of Americas, shares her passion for brewing and beer in many respected speaking engagements and has been highlighted in several craft brewing and lifestyle publications. Veronica is extremely creative, enthusiastic and passionate not only about craft beer and brewing, but in her life and activities outside of her career as well.  Veronica is very involved in the brewing community and is a mentor for many women both in and out of the industry. Veronica is devoted to her husband and two children, her passion for farming and outdoor recreation and her Deschutes Brewery family. Veronica can be reached at vvega@deschutesbrewery.com.

  • Dominic Engels, CEO, Stone Brewing - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Dominic Engels

    CEO, Stone Brewing

    Dominic Engels, CEO, Stone Brewing - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Dominic Engels

    CEO, Stone Brewing

    Dominic Engels is Chief Executive Officer of Stone Brewing, the 9th largest independent craft brewer in the United States by volume and 3rd largest by revenue. Engels joined Team Stone in September of 2016 from The Wonderful Company, where he held multiple leadership positions over more than 11 years. Most recently, Engels held the position of President at POM Wonderful where he was responsible for leading the global pomegranate business, including POM Wonderful Pomegranate juice. Prior to his role as POM President, he lived in Waterloo, Belgium, where he ran the European and Middle East region for POM Wonderful pomegranate juice and Wonderful Pistachios. Before the European post, Engels held the position of Vice President of Global Marketing/General Manager of Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds, where he led the launch and development of The Wonderful Pistachios brand - now a billion dollar retail brand. He started his career at the Wonderful Company advising on mergers and acquisitions as Director of Corporate Development & Strategic Marketing. Prior to Wonderful, Engels’ career included operational and managerial roles in the golf industry (Armour Golf, Spalding / Top-Flite), management consulting (McKinsey & Co.) and retail (The Gap). Engels is a graduate of Dartmouth College where, convenient for his new role at Stone, he studied German culture and society. He earned his MBA in finance, strategy and marketing at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Engels spends his weekends with his wife and three boys on the sidelines of club soccer games by day and with a few glasses of Stone Ruination 2.0 Double IPA Sans Filtre or Stone Enjoy By IPA by night.

  • Graci Harkema, Former Diversity & Inclusion Director, Founders Brewing Co. - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Graci Harkema

    Former Diversity & Inclusion Director, Founders Brewing Co.

    Graci Harkema, Former Diversity & Inclusion Director, Founders Brewing Co. - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Graci Harkema

    Former Diversity & Inclusion Director, Founders Brewing Co.

    Graci Harkema, former Diversity & Inclusion Director of Founders Brewing Co., is a Diversity & Inclusion Consultant with graci LLC. She specializes in equity and inclusive leadership training within beverage, technology, and Fortune 100 industries. She is dedicated to driving inclusion and integrating diversity to ensure an open and safe work environment. She helps evolve strategies to attract and engage a diverse and inclusive workforce and workplace. Graci is committed to empowering employees to perform to their potential as their authentic selves. She partners with clients to help them achieve successful business results by maximizing talent and inclusion strategies. Graci is passionate about serving her community by volunteering her time on LGBTQ non-profit boards and committees in Michigan. She is recognized as a “40 Under Forty Business Leader of West Michigan” by Grand Rapids Business Journal and has her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Grand Valley State University.

  • Peter Bissell, co-founder, Bissell Brothers - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Peter Bissell

    co-founder, Bissell Brothers

  • Day Bracey, Co-founder, Fresh Fest - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Day Bracey

    Co-founder, Fresh Fest

    Day Bracey, Co-founder, Fresh Fest - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Day Bracey

    Co-founder, Fresh Fest

    Day Bracey is proudly from Braddock Beach, along the Monongahela River. He has toured the country as a comedian, been immortalized in the Smithsonian as co-host of the Drinking Partners podcast, helped showcase new and established talent as the Standup Director for Pittsburgh Comedy Festival, bridged gaps & made history as the co-founder of America's first Black brew festival Fresh Fest, added to the cacophony of voices in the beer industry with his column Day Drinking in The Pittsburgh Current, & is co-producer of one of Pittsburgh's longest running stand-up comedy series "A Night of EPIC Comedy."

  • Chris Cramer, CEO & Co-Founder, Karl Strauss Brewing Company - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Chris Cramer

    CEO & Co-Founder, Karl Strauss Brewing Company

    Chris Cramer, CEO & Co-Founder, Karl Strauss Brewing Company - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Chris Cramer

    CEO & Co-Founder, Karl Strauss Brewing Company

    Chris Cramer has been a pioneer in the craft brewing industry for more than 30 years. When Chris and his college buddy, Matt Rattner, co-founded Karl Strauss Brewing Company in 1989, it was the first new brewery to open in the City of San Diego since Prohibition. Since then, the Karl Strauss locations have grown to include a main production brewery, a tasting room & beer garden, and ten brewpubs throughout Southern California. Karl Strauss is one of the top 50 craft breweries in the United States, while still only distributing in its home state of “Karlifornia”! Chris is the current Chair of the California Craft Brewers Association and a community activist who has personally championed many business and legislative reforms that helped pave the way for San Diego to become the world’s capital for craft beer. He takes particular pride in having introduced many Californians to their first craft beer, and his passion for continued innovation ensures that many new fans will have that same opportunity for years to come.

  • Sofia Colucci, VP of Innovation, MillerCoors - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Sofia Colucci

    VP of Innovation, MillerCoors

    Sofia Colucci, VP of Innovation, MillerCoors - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Sofia Colucci

    VP of Innovation, MillerCoors

    In late 2017, Colucci took over marketing the No. 2 U.S. brewer’s innovation portfolio. She’s been busy. She led the successful April 2019 launch of Cape Line Sparkling Cocktails, which ranked among the category’s top ten growth brands for 14 weeks, according to Nielsen. She also spearheaded the launch of MoVo wine spritzers and the push behind a La Colombe branded hard cold-brew coffee drink for fall.  A year earlier, she spearheaded the successful national rollout of Arnold Palmer Spiked, another innovative co-branded product.   If that seems like a lot in a little time, it’s because she’s worked to make the brewer more agile, in one case cutting 10 months off the usual timeline for a national launch. Prior to joining MillerCoors, Sofia spent seven years at PepsiCo in a variety of roles, including leading innovation for its North American Nutrition portfolio, which includes brands such as Tropicana, Quaker and Naked Juice. The Canadian-Uruguayan Colucci began her career at Toronto-based Maple Leaf Foods. She’s fluent in Spanish and her out of office interests include music, food, fitness and travel.

  • Adam DeBower, Co-Owner & Co-Founder, Austin Beerworks - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Adam DeBower

    Co-Owner & Co-Founder, Austin Beerworks

    Adam DeBower, Co-Owner & Co-Founder, Austin Beerworks - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Adam DeBower

    Co-Owner & Co-Founder, Austin Beerworks

    Adam DeBower is co-owner of and co-founder of Austin Beerworks, a small regional craft brewery based in Austin, TX. Adam and his 3 partners opened Austin Beerworks in early 2011 and the brewery has since grown to nearly 60 employees and produces more than 20,000 bbls of beer annually. Austin Beerworks is also the largest wholly self-distributed brewery in the state of Texas. A brewer by trade, Adam is currently the Operations Manager for the brewery and oversees the engineering, installation, and maintenance of major plant equipment. Adam also serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Craft Brewers Guild. He was first elected in 2015, has been Vice-Chair of the board since 2017, and has served as the Guild's Legislative Committee chair since 2017. Most notably, Adam led the Guild's 2019 legislative efforts to modernize Texas' outdated and byzantine alcoholic beverage code, and successfully advocated to legalize beer-to-go sales for Texas Craft Brewers.

  • Jeff Heck, Co-founder and CEO, Monday Night Brewing - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Jeff Heck

    Co-founder and CEO, Monday Night Brewing

    Jeff Heck, Co-founder and CEO, Monday Night Brewing - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Jeff Heck

    Co-founder and CEO, Monday Night Brewing

    Jeff Heck co-founded Monday Night Brewing in Atlanta, GA in 2011. The company began when a small group Bible study started homebrewing in Jeff’s garage socially, and has grown to a two (soon-to-be-three) taproom operation distributing across the Southeast, with nearly 50 full-time employees. In his role as CEO, Heck oversees all aspects of Monday Night’s operations and strategy, with the aim of fulfilling the company’s purpose of “deepening human relationships over some of the best beer in the country.” A native of Cincinnati, OH, Heck graduated from Harvard University and spent over 10 years in private equity and corporate M&A before co-founding Monday Night. He and his wife of 15 years have four children and live just a mile from the brewery in Atlanta.

  • Adam Robbings, Co-founder, Brewmaster, Reuben's Brews - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Adam Robbings

    Co-founder, Brewmaster, Reuben's Brews

    Adam Robbings, Co-founder, Brewmaster, Reuben's Brews - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Adam Robbings

    Co-founder, Brewmaster, Reuben's Brews

    Since moving from the UK in 2004, Adam was blown away by the diversity and quality of the brews in the Pacific Northwest. As a home brewer, Adam and Grace poured their beer at the 2010 PNA Winter Beer Taste and won First Place in the People's Choice. Then the brewing bug took over and Adam continued to hone his craft and he won several more awards, including a Silver Medal at the 2012 National Homebrew Competition, and attended UC Davis. This all led to the desire to share his brews with more people and the opening of Reuben's Brews in August 2012.

  • Danelle Kosmal, VP, Beverage Alcohol Practice, Nielsen - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Danelle Kosmal

    VP, Beverage Alcohol Practice, Nielsen

    Danelle Kosmal, VP, Beverage Alcohol Practice, Nielsen - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Danelle Kosmal

    VP, Beverage Alcohol Practice, Nielsen

    As Vice President of Nielsen’s Beverage Alcohol Practice, Danelle provides industry thought leadership and best practice solutions to beer, wine, and spirits clients, industry groups, and the media. She is committed to leveraging Nielsen’s breadth of resources to provide an integrated and holistic understanding of consumer behavior and retail trends across beer, wine, and spirits. Danelle has more than 15 years of marketing experience, and has been with Nielsen for over 10 years, working across various clients in the food, beverage, and consumer goods industries. Prior to joining the Beverage Alcohol Practice, Danelle led Nielsen’s business at MillerCoors in Chicago. Danelle received her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, and her BA in International Studies and Economics from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania.

  • Ryan Krill, CEO & co-founder, Cape May Brewing Company - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Ryan Krill

    CEO & co-founder, Cape May Brewing Company

    Ryan Krill, CEO & co-founder, Cape May Brewing Company - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Ryan Krill

    CEO & co-founder, Cape May Brewing Company

    CEO and co-founder of Cape May Brewing Company, Ryan Krill, is a graduate of Villanova University with a Master’s degree from New York University. Having begun his professional career in the field of finance and real estate development, he quickly climbed the corporate ladder, becoming Vice President of Commercial Workouts for Manhattan’s Banco Santander before the age of 30. In 2011, he gave up his six-figure salary, forming Cape May Brewing Company with his father and college friend, creating the first production brewery at the Jersey shore. In just over eight years, Cape May Brewing Company has become one of the largest producers of craft beer in the state, earning over fifty awards for their beers, their business, and for their CEO in the process. With nearly a hundred employees at the Cape May Airport, Cape May Brewing Company has been self-distributed since opening their doors, creating Cape Beverage in 2019, spinning off their successful sales and distribution departments into a separate business entity. Ryan was named as one of NJBiz's 40 Under 40, and also serves on the board of the Brewers Association Government Affairs Committee, on the Executive Board of the Beer Institute, the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the Lower Township Economic Development Committee, is a TED(x) talk alum. He has lived and worked in Spain, California, and New York City, and has traveled to over 40 countries, tasting craft beer wherever he goes. When he’s not working or exploring, he’s flying small planes as an instrument-rated pilot, cooking, or spending time with his beautiful wife Kaysi and their newborn son, Radley.

  • Brian Dewey, Vice President of Sales, Kiva Confections - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Brian Dewey

    Vice President of Sales, Kiva Confections

    Brian Dewey, Vice President of Sales, Kiva Confections - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Brian Dewey

    Vice President of Sales, Kiva Confections

    Brian has 17 years of sales and distribution experience in cannabis and craft beer and is a proven leader with experience building sales and logistics teams, national account strategy, and brand development. Prior to Kiva, Brian spent 16 years in craft beer leading sales and distribution strategies for the leading craft beer organizations including Stone Brewing Co. (Sr. Director Sales), Golden Road Brewing (VP Sales), and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. After developing Stone Brewing’s national account strategy as Director of National Accounts he most recently lead Stone Distributing as the largest craft only distributor on the west coast, 2nd largest in the United States, managing a portfolio of 40 craft breweries, 90 sales professionals and logistics teams reaching Southern & Central California. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Theory from Arizona State University.

  • Caitlyn Battaglia, Manager, Bev Alcohol Practice Area, Nielsen - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Caitlyn Battaglia

    Manager, Bev Alcohol Practice Area, Nielsen

    Caitlyn Battaglia, Manager, Bev Alcohol Practice Area, Nielsen - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Caitlyn Battaglia

    Manager, Bev Alcohol Practice Area, Nielsen

    Caitlyn Battaglia is a Manager within Nielsen's Beverage Alcohol Practice Area, where she supports Nielsen's initiatives and thought leadership across beer, wine, and spirits clients. She has been with the Practice Area for more than three years. Prior to joining the Beverage Alcohol Practice Area, Battaglia worked in advanced analytics focusing on pricing and promotion as well as sales and marketing effectiveness. A current Roanoke, VA resident, she holds a B.A. from Denison University and has been with Nielsen for over six years.

  • Lester Jones, Chief Economist, NBWA - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Lester Jones

    Chief Economist, NBWA

    Lester Jones, Chief Economist, NBWA - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Lester Jones

    Chief Economist, NBWA

    Lester Jones tracks the economic factors that impact the beer distribution industry and alcohol policy decisions at the federal, state and local levels. He evaluates and develops primary industry data, including economic impact, tax impacts, sales and volume data. Jones has more than 20 years of experience in research, survey methodology and applied economics. He previously served as chief economist at the Beer Institute, where he developed and executed significant research initiatives that helped shape America’s beer industry. Jones also has become a respected public speaker, offering in-depth technical, analytical and quantitative expertise. In addition to his decade of work at the Beer Institute, Jones previously worked for Arbitron Company (Nielsen) in Columbia, Maryland, and the Regional Economic Studies Institute in Towson, Maryland. Jones holds a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Delaware as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

  • Nicole Fry, Managing Director, Cascadia Capital - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Nicole Fry

    Managing Director, Cascadia Capital

    Nicole Fry, Managing Director, Cascadia Capital - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Nicole Fry

    Managing Director, Cascadia Capital

    Nicole Nugent Fry is a Managing Director in Cascadia Capital’s Food, Beverage and Agribusiness group, focused on supporting Cascadia’s beverage clients. Nicole has over twenty years of experience providing M&A and capital raising advisory services to middle market clients in the consumer sector. Prior to joining Cascadia, Nicole was a Managing Director at First Beverage Financial, which merged with Cascadia in March 2018. In recent years, Nicole has been very active in the craft beer segment, having recently advised Ss Brewtech in its sale to The Middleby Corporation, Avery Brewing in its structured sale to Mahou San Miguel, 21st Amendment and Funkwerks in their respective investments from Brooklyn Brewery, Four Peaks Brewing Company in its sale to Anheuser-Busch InBev and both Saint Archer and Revolver Brewing in their respective sales to MillerCoors.

  • Nikos Ridge, CEO & Founder, Ninkasi Brewing - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Nikos Ridge

    CEO & Founder, Ninkasi Brewing

    Nikos Ridge, CEO & Founder, Ninkasi Brewing - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Nikos Ridge

    CEO & Founder, Ninkasi Brewing

    Nikos Ridge is Co-Founder and CEO of Ninkasi Brewing Company. He grew up in Eugene, OR and later moved to the East Coast to attend New York University to pursue an education and career in finance. After graduation, Nikos began working in New York but eventually heard the calling of the Northwest and returned to his hometown in 2003. In 2006, he co-founded Ninkasi Brewing Company with Jamie Floyd. Nikos wore many hats in the early days of the brewery from drafting the very first business plan to providing a one-person local distribution service by loading up every keg and driving it to its final destination in his Ford Ranger to selling in tap handles to brewing and packaging. Working closely with local restaurateurs and bar owners, Nikos quickly established Ninkasi as a craft beer staple in Eugene. In addition to serving as Ninkasi’s CEO, Nikos sits on the Legacy Brewing board. The board helps steer the ship of Ninkasi as well as partnering breweries, including Laurelwood Brewing and Aspen Brewing Company.

  • Margaret Link, Director of Marketing, Sufferfest Beer Company - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Margaret Link

    Director of Marketing, Sufferfest Beer Company

    Margaret Link, Director of Marketing, Sufferfest Beer Company - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Margaret Link

    Director of Marketing, Sufferfest Beer Company

    After years of experience in the B2B Tech and E-Commerce, Margaret transitioned into building a consumer-focused brand at Sufferfest Beer Company. Motivated to disrupt one of the oldest industries in America, marketing a women- and athlete-focused beer brand allows for equally innovative and disruptive marketing strategies to capture and inspire the consumer. She has built an engaged community within the "better for you" movement, advocating for the role of beer in the fit and active consumer's beverage lineup. Sufferfest was acquired in early 2019 by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, where Margaret maintains her role as Director of Marketing. When she’s not waxing poetic about booze, Margaret’s out earning her brew on the trails as a runner or in the gym as a yoga teacher.

  • Ted Whitney, Sales Director, NUG - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Ted Whitney

    Sales Director, NUG

    Ted Whitney, Sales Director, NUG - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Ted Whitney

    Sales Director, NUG

    Ted Whitney is a seasoned sales professional with deep experience in the craft beer industry. He transitioned to the cannabis industry to serve as Sales Director of vertically integrated cannabis brand NUG and develop a highly effective sales team focused on developing a meaningful and rewarding place for its members to thrive. Before joining Oakland, CA-based NUG, he built out Avery Brewing Company’s sales program in Boulder, CO and expanded the organization’s footprint nationally. Following his role as Sales Director at Avery, Ted worked as National Sales Director for 21st Amendment in San Francisco, growing the brewer’s sales team and developing various programs that increased demand for craft beer. There, he hired and led a 30-person sales team and helped the organization become one of the fastest-growing breweries in the country. After just two years under Ted’s supervision, 21st Amendment moved from its position as 150th to being ranked the 38th largest craft brewer of nearly 6,500 brewers at the time. Most recently, Ted served as National Sales Director and Partner at Melvin Brewing, growing the organization’s sales team and playing an integral role in helping it become the third brewer ever to reach 20,000 beer barrels in sales in less than two years.

  • Marty Ochs, President, Sales, Brew Pipeline - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Marty Ochs

    President, Sales, Brew Pipeline

    Marty Ochs, President, Sales, Brew Pipeline - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Marty Ochs

    President, Sales, Brew Pipeline

    Marty helped build two well-known field teams from scratch during stints with both Oskar Blues Brewery and Ninkasi Brewing Co. Founder of E3 Craft Strategies, he consulted with craft brewers on branding, annual business plans, core competencies, and responsibilities within sales, supply chain, key account operations, and marketing. Going on his forth year, Marty instructs a course on sales and distribution for Portland State university in their Beer Business certificate program. Today, Marty leads a team of regional sales directors at Brew Pipeline, focusing on innovative revenue generation for breweries, retailers and distributors.

  • Chad Melis, Soul Founder & Funk Strategist, Turn It Up Media - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Chad Melis

    Soul Founder & Funk Strategist, Turn It Up Media

    Chad Melis, Soul Founder & Funk Strategist, Turn It Up Media - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Chad Melis

    Soul Founder & Funk Strategist, Turn It Up Media

    After successfully elevating the Oskar Blues Brewery brand nationally for over a decade, Chad Melis has become a brand of marketing professional uniquely his own. Chad Melis was the driving marketing force growing Oskar Blues Brewery from a small Colorado craft brewery of 13,000 bbls. to an iconic national brand in all 50 states, producing over 200,000 bbls. at his departure. As the company grew he took on the Marketing Director role with CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective, playing a key role developing and announcing the CANarchy go to market strategy and narrative as they approached 500,000 bbls. In July of 2018 Chad and his wife Marily started “Turn It Up Media”, their own Brand Strategy/Sales & Marketing Integration, Media Relations and Content Development company, CANarchy became their first client. With PR savvy and an uncanny knack for brand strategy, Chad has an iron-clad grasp on how to provide clients with a road map to meet their individual goals. Chad was the marketing chair for the Colorado Brewers Guild and is a founding (and active) board member of Can’d Aid, a national non-profit that spreads people powered do-goodery through Towns, Tunes, Treads + Trails and Love Yur Mama efforts nationwide.

  • Matt Gamble, VP of Operations, Theory Wellness - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Matt Gamble

    VP of Operations, Theory Wellness

  • Maria Pearman, CPA, CGMA, Principal, Perkins & Co - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Maria Pearman

    CPA, CGMA, Principal, Perkins & Co

    Maria Pearman, CPA, CGMA, Principal, Perkins & Co - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Maria Pearman

    CPA, CGMA, Principal, Perkins & Co

    Activator. Strategist. Leader. An astonishing achiever who transforms passion into action. A sought-after brewery industry finance and accounting expert, Maria grew up in South Carolina. Before she became a CPA, far-flung interests took her to the College of Charleston, where she earned an Arts Management degree and launched her first career in the radio and music industry. Honoring a lifelong love of business, Maria then earned a post-baccalaureate in Accounting from Linfield College shortly after moving to Oregon. Over a decade, she worked as a tax accountant, founded a successful accounting business that served the alcoholic beverage industry, spoke at countless brewery conferences, and recently authored Small Brewery Finance (available October 7, 2019). We couldn’t be happier to have this dynamo at Perkins & Co as our newest Client Accounting Services Principal. Here, you’ll find her digging deep to help clients solve problems and build better businesses—that is, when she’s not teaching classes, taking in a concert, admiring professional photography, or traveling the world. There’s little Maria hasn’t done, and undoubtedly far more she has yet to do.

  • Ryan Blevins, Beverage Director, Taco Mac - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Ryan Blevins

    Beverage Director, Taco Mac

    Ryan Blevins, Beverage Director, Taco Mac - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Ryan Blevins

    Beverage Director, Taco Mac

    Ryan Blevins is the Beverage Director for Taco Mac, the South’s home for Beer, Wings and Sports. With 26 locations and growing, Taco Mac has the greatest selection of Craft on Draft you will find anywhere with restaurants that have 100 draft lines and over 100 bottle and can selections. As Beverage Director, Ryan leads the VIBE award winning Best Beer Program by continuing to innovate and take risks. Prior to taking over the Beverage program, he was the Director of Culinary for Taco Mac. Ryan grew up in Virginia and now resides in Atlanta, GA with his 2 children Heather and Daniel.

  • Eddie Rodriguez, Representative, Texas House of Representatives - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Eddie Rodriguez

    Representative, Texas House of Representatives

    Eddie Rodriguez, Representative, Texas House of Representatives - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Eddie Rodriguez

    Representative, Texas House of Representatives

    Eddie Rodriguez represents District 51 in the Texas House of Representatives, a diverse district spanning from urban neighborhoods in East Austin to rural communities in Southeast Travis County. He was first elected to represent District 51 in 2002 and was re-elected to his ninth term in office in November 2018. Eddie serves on the House Committees on Calendars, State Affairs and Ways & Means in the 86th Texas Legislature, playing a central role in influencing some of the most significant bills before the state legislature and controlling their flow through the legislative process. His accomplishments in the most recent legislative session included changing the law to allow "Beer-to-Go" sales by Texas craft brewers, expanding the state's cottage food law and expanding options for survivors of family violence to terminate their leases in order to escape threatening situations. Rep. Rodriguez is a co-founder and chair of the Texas House Farm-to-Table Caucus and the first-ever policy chair of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus. His legislative priorities include affordability, economic development & job creation, public education, voting rights, improving nutrition & reducing hunger, gun safety, fighting for equality, protecting the environment and ensuring that all Texans have access to quality, affordable healthcare.

  • Rick Donley,  President, Beer Alliance of Texas - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Rick Donley

    President, Beer Alliance of Texas

    Rick Donley,  President, Beer Alliance of Texas - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Rick Donley

    President, Beer Alliance of Texas

    President and Chief Executive Office of The Beer Alliance of Texas, L.L.C. a major statewide trade association. Duties include responsibility for government affairs focusing on the Texas Legislature. Rick is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and is an active member of Champions Golf Club where he will be serving on the Executive Committee of The United States Golf Association 2020 Women’s Open Championship. Rick is also a Life Member of the National Eagle Scout Association. He and his wife Sheila, have two children Michael and Amanda. Two grandchildren Skylor and Riley.

  • Karmen Olson, co-founder, pH Experiment - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Karmen Olson

    co-founder, pH Experiment

    Karmen Olson, co-founder, pH Experiment - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Karmen Olson

    co-founder, pH Experiment

    Karmen Olson is the Director of Innovation for Craft Brew Alliance. Karmen previously served as the director of emerging business partnerships, where she discovered and integrated strategic partners. Prior to that role, Karmen was the Redhook Brand Manager for CBA, where she initiated a partnership strategy with national Retail and Media outlets that led the brand from negative to double-digit growth. Karmen has more than 15 years of experience in the Food and Beverage industry, specializing in brand strategy and strategic partnerships. Ms. Olson holds an MBA from George Fox University, a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University, and serves on the Board of Directors for Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls in Portland, OR.

  • Brendan Palfreyman, Partner, Harris Beach - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Brendan Palfreyman

    Partner, Harris Beach

    Brendan Palfreyman, Partner, Harris Beach - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Brendan Palfreyman

    Partner, Harris Beach

    Brendan is partner with law firm Harris Beach and based out of in New York. He represents over 160 clients in the alcoholic beverage space including with regard to issues ranging from trademark to distribution contracts to real estate and bankruptcy. He’s been quoted on legal issues in the beer industry in the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, and San Francisco Chronicle among other places. Brendan is also a dedicated craft beer fan and has been a home brewer for over 10 years. Several of his recipes have even been brewed commercially.

  • Don Bryant, CEO & Founder, Legacy Breweries - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Don Bryant

    CEO & Founder, Legacy Breweries

    Don Bryant, CEO & Founder, Legacy Breweries - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Don Bryant

    CEO & Founder, Legacy Breweries

    Don Bryant started his career in the MBA program at Procter & Gamble after graduating from Lehigh University. Within a few years he came to the alcoholic beverage industry becoming National Director of Trade at E&J Gallo Winery and a member of the company’s steering committee for over 10 years. Don then joined Mark Anthony Brands, parent company of Mike’s Hard Lemonade & White Claw as Vice President and helped with their explosive growth period. Don took time to run for office in Washington, being elected as the Political Commission Officer and going to Denver as a delegate for Barack Obama. After the election, he became Chief Executive Officer of Hopunion, a major supplier to the US craft brewing industry leading to the merger of Hopunion and Yakima Chief in 2014. Don served on the Board of Directors of the new combined company representing over 11,000 acres of production and facilities across the US, Europe and Asia. Don is now CEO and General Partner in Legacy Breweries which is investing capital in exceptional US craft breweries to build on their history and continue their momentum in the US craft industry.

  • Ryan Lake, Principal, Arlington Capital Advisors - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Ryan Lake

    Principal, Arlington Capital Advisors

    Ryan Lake, Principal, Arlington Capital Advisors - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Ryan Lake

    Principal, Arlington Capital Advisors

    Ryan is a Principal at Arlington Capital Advisors, a boutique investment banking firm focused on beverage, restaurant, cannabis and franchise businesses. Ryan has over 15 years of experience with beverage companies and 20 years of investment banking and commercial banking experience and has sourced, structured and negotiated transactions for beverage brands, suppliers, importers and distributors. The team at Arlington has successfully completed over $6 billion worth of transactions for beverage clients.

  • Nico Enriquez, CEO, Willie's Superbrew - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Nico Enriquez

    CEO, Willie's Superbrew

    Nico Enriquez, CEO, Willie's Superbrew - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Nico Enriquez

    CEO, Willie's Superbrew

    Nico’s team just won best in world's first Hard Seltzer Competition- Fizz Fight. This summer a NY Post writer said Superbrew was: “what I want to drink at every bbq and picnic forever.” The key is they use real fruit so the drink has flavor, color, depth. Last year they even won the Brewbound Pitch Slam! The whole thing started by accident- when Nico, a surfer, met Willie, a goat farmer on a beach in Cape Cod. Willie was brewing a glorious ginger and lemon home-brew in his kitchen. Nico fell in love with the drink. In 2015 after years of late night dreaming he and Willie partnered up and raised $20,000 on kickstarter. They began selling the brew at local farmers markets. Now Superbrew is up 284% in New England IRI and it is doing even better across Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Trader Joe’s. Next year, the team is continuing their expansion down the East Coast, while pursuing their mission to bring transparency and real ingredients to alcohol.

  • Derek Werner, Director of Investments, EPR Properties - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Derek Werner

    Director of Investments, EPR Properties

    Derek Werner, Director of Investments, EPR Properties - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Derek Werner

    Director of Investments, EPR Properties

    Derek Werner is Director of Investments at EPR Properties, a real estate investment trust (REIT) based in Kansas City. He is responsible for analyzing new opportunities and maintaining partner relationships. EPR offers unique, flexible financing solutions to first-class operators in the entertainment, recreation, and other experiential sectors. Examples of EPR partners include Alamo Drafthouse, Six Flags, Topgolf, and Vail Resorts. EPR provides long-term capital that helps craft breweries create outstanding consumer experiences and improve cash flow, all while retaining independence and control of operations. Prior to joining EPR, Derek worked at a boutique investment banking firm where he advised middle market companies in a variety of industries.

  • Tom Bleigh, co-founder, pH Experiment - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Tom Bleigh

    co-founder, pH Experiment

    Tom Bleigh, co-founder, pH Experiment - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Tom Bleigh

    co-founder, pH Experiment

    Thomas Bleigh is the Innovation Brewmaster for Craft Brew Alliance where he leads a team of Innovation brewers to create new products, explore new ingredients and engage in brewing Research & Development. Tom was born in Augsburg, Germany and is a graduate of UC Davis with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and the University of Wisconsin with an Master of Fine Arts. A 16 year Craft Beer industry veteran, Tom’s interests are in meats, cheese and kimchi in addition to “Pursuit of the Perfect Pint!”

  • Justin Kendall, Editor, Brewbound - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Justin Kendall

    Editor, Brewbound

    Justin Kendall, Editor, Brewbound - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Justin Kendall

    Editor, Brewbound

    Justin Kendall provides daily coverage of the beer industry on Brewbound.com, conducts live-streamed interviews during Brewbound's events and co-produces the Brewbound podcast. Kendall is a 17-year career journalist who led alt-weekly newspapers in Kansas City, Missouri, and Des Moines, Iowa.

  • Ray Latif, Editor/Producer, Taste Radio, BevNET - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Ray Latif

    Editor/Producer, Taste Radio, BevNET

    Ray Latif, Editor/Producer, Taste Radio, BevNET - Brewbound Live Winter 2019

    Ray Latif

    Editor/Producer, Taste Radio, BevNET

    Ray has been with BevNET since March 2011 and oversees strategic planning and content for the Taste Radio podcast, BevNET's education platform and various aspects of BevNET conferences.

VIEW GALLERY

Two Days, Two Tracks

The two tracks of Brewbound Live deliver actionable takeaways within an ever-changing industry.

Operations Track: Industry stars focus on building-blocks like marketing and differentiation in a crowded marketplace, the importance of intellectual property and the dos and don’ts of raising capital.

Acceleration Track: Experts share their best practices for growth, scale and optimization. Brewers walk away with methods to increase their revenue and profits. There are still opportunities to sponsor a talk and speak. Click here to contact us.

The new tiered production-based pricing allows you to bring more attendees to share the experience across tracks to move your business forward.


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Pitch Slam: Reach a National Industry Audience

Brewbound Live Pitch Slam 11, presented by Craft Brew Alliance, supports the growth of startups within the beer, cider, hard seltzer, alcoholic kombucha and cannabis categories by opening doors and helping them achieve their next milestones

The business pitch competition, which has helped foster partnerships and led to a pair of deals, is a showcase for entrepreneurs looking to expand their reach. The Pitch Slam two-day experience exposes up-and-coming brands to a national industry audience and  provides them with valuable education and feedback to grow their business.

DAY 1: EDUCATIONAL SESSION & SEMIFINAL PITCHES

The first day of the competition is a half-day of education and one-on-one interactions with the best in the business, which culminates in the semi-final round of pitches. Judges who have sampled the products provide initial feedback, deliberate and then select five finalists, who advance to the Brewbound Live main stage on the following day.

DAY 2: FINAL PITCHES ON THE MAIN STAGE

On the second day of Brewbound Live, finalists deliver an expanded pitch to the audience, judges and international livestream viewers. The judging panel provides additional feedback on the products and pitches, and the winner is announced at the end of the show. Following the conference, the Pitch Slam winner is interviewed on Brewbound’s Livestream Studio about the experience and their future plans.


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Sample Bar: Product Spotlight & Discovery

Showcase innovative products to the industry over the course of two days. Attendees can taste offerings that will inspire discussion around styles, brewing techniques, trends, and more. This also gives brewers an opportunity to receive feedback from industry professionals and peers.

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A Deep Dive into a Hot Emerging Category


The massive interest in -- and approaches to -- the incorporation of Marijuana, Hemp, THC and CBD as functional ingredients in food and beverage brands is shared by new companies and existing brands alike. Nevertheless, there is still much to understand. Food, beverage and beer professionals are invited to navigate an ambiguous cannabis market and explore how it could impact their businesses at the one-day forum.

Hosted on December 6th, the Friday after Brewbound Live, attendees of the conference will receive special rates to the forum.

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Stay at the Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica

Brewbound's winter event takes place in Santa Monica at the Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica, just four blocks away from Santa Monica's famous beachfront. The discounted room block is available on a first come, first served basis for registered attendees. Register today to access the room block.

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Recent Event Updates

Brewbound Live 2019: Hard Seltzers on Pace for $1.5 Billion in Off-Premise Dollar Sales, According to Nielsen

Off-premise dollar sales of hard seltzers are on pace to hit $1.5 billion by the end of 2019, Nielsen’s beverage alcohol practice team shared earlier this month during the Brewbound Live business conference in Santa Monica. Nielsen’s beverage alcohol practice team members Danelle Kosmal and Caitlyn Battaglia shared that hard seltzers now account for 5% of all beer category dollars.

Brewbound Live 2019: The Lost Abbey’s Tomme Arthur on Finding an Authentic Alternative

Lost Abbey co-founder and chief operating officer Tomme Arthur announced plans to launch a new line of canned sour beers called Tiny Bubbles, which he called his company’s “authentic alternative,” in his opening address earlier this month during the Brewbound Live business conference in Santa Monica.

Hard Seltzer Less Seasonal in 2019; Drinkers Spend Nearly 2x as Much on Alcohol Than Average Consumers

The tidal wave of hard seltzers shows no signs of slowing down, market research firm Nielsen’s beverage alcohol practice team shared Thursday during the Brewbound Live business conference in Santa Monica.

Watch Live: Brewbound Live Winter 2019 Main Stage Presentations, Attendee Interviews

Can’t make it to Santa Monica this week? Don’t miss the two days of strategic beer industry discussions and attendee interviews. We’re making a free livestream of the two-day event available, thanks to the support from our friends at Live Oak Bank. The broadcast kicks off at 1:30pm PST on Wednesday, December 4th, and continues through Thursday, December 5th.

Brewbound Pitch Slam 11: Meet the Semi-Finalists and Judges

We’re excited to reveal the Brewbound Pitch Slam 11 semi-finalists and judges. The competition is a microcosm of the overall beer industry, as companies turn to malternatives, hard seltzers, canned cocktails, and other offerings to diversify their portfolios and find growth.

Brewbound Live Parties Presented by YETI, CANarchy, The Dude’s Brewing & Ball

Brewbound has partnered with YETI, CANarchy, The Dude’s Brewing and Ball Corporation to bring Brewbound Live attendees two evenings of networking, beers and fun. Returning to Santa Monica in just nine days, Brewbound Live will bring together hundreds of c-level brewery leaders and industry professionals to discuss differentiation strategies, the state of the marketplace and areas for growth.

Brewbound Live: How Stone Brewing and Karl Strauss Use Scale in Turbulent Times

In 13 days the No. 9 and No. 40 breweries on the Brewer Association’s Top 50 craft breweries list will travel from their home bases in San Diego County to Brewbound Live in Santa Monica, Calif. Representing the two large craft breweries will be the ones steering their ships: Karl Strauss co-founder and CEO Chris Cramer and Stone Brewing CEO Dominic Engels.

Brewbound Live Speakers Added: Diversity, Inclusion, Equality and Community

We’ve added two new speakers to the Brewbound Live Winter 2019 speaker lineup: Graci Harkema, the former diversity and inclusion Director for Founders Brewing Co., and Day Bracey, the co-founder of Fresh Fest. They will tackle the questions business owners ask when looking to build diverse teams and engage diverse consumers.

How to Move Fast in Changing Business Currents with Bissell Brothers

Portland, ME boasts the highest number of breweries per capita in the U.S., providing the perfect microcosm of an increasingly crowded marketplace. Peter Bissell, the co-founder of Bissell Brothers, one of Maine’s most popular breweries, joins the Brewbound Live Winter 2019 speaker roster to share unconventional business advice, and the business lessons he has learned while building brewing, distribution and restaurant ventures.

Finding and Selling Whitespace with MillerCoors, Deschutes and Taco Mac

In a crowded marketplace, how do you find whitespace? MillerCoors and Deschutes both believe it’s through innovation. At Brewbound Live Winter 2019, we’ll explore how the two breweries use product innovation to compete, as well as tap into how those products fit in retail through the lense of beer-focused restaurant chain Taco Mac.

At Midnight Brewbound Live Winter 2019 Early Registration Ends

Less than 12 hours remain to take advantage of early registration prices for Brewbound Live Winter 2019. After today, ticket prices increase $200. Brewbound Live, the business conference curated for the needs of brewery leaders, is returning to Santa Monica this December 4th and 5th.

Brewbound Live Agenda Announced: Lost Abbey, Bissell Brothers, MillerCoors, Karl Strauss Featured

Beer industry trailblazers, trendsetters and rising stars are highlighted on the recently released Brewbound Live Winter 2019 agenda. From emerging breweries such as Bissell Brothers to more mature operations such as Karl Strauss, the program features a range of brewery case studies.

Emerging Breweries Discuss Differentiation Strategies at Brewbound Live Winter 2019

Reuben’s Brews, Monday Night Brewing, and Cape May Brewing are each growing rapidly in their respective corners of the U.S. What’s their secret to success? The founders of these emerging breweries will come together at Brewbound Live to discuss their varying business strategies and plans for future growth.

Working Together for Beer Law Reform at Brewbound Live Winter 2019

This December’s Brewbound Live Winter 2019 business conference will bring together representatives from key parties -- the Texas Craft Brewers Guild and the Beer Alliance of Texas, as well as a member of the Texas Legislature -- to share how industry players in other states can work together to achieve legislative reform.

Crash Course: Experts Share Tactics for Startups at Brewbound Live Winter 2019

Early stage companies can explore tactics to incorporate into their business strategy at Brewbound Live’s Crash Course. Seasoned experts will share best practices for capital raising, brand building, marketing, sales planning and trademark law. The classroom-style sessions will take place on the first half-day of the event.

Former Beer Execs in the Cannabis Space To Speak at Brewbound Live Winter 2019

It’s no secret that forward-thinkers are eyeing the cannabis space as the next big boom. To provide a look into this budding category, we’re bringing together a panel of former beer executives who have transitioned to companies within the cannabis space.

Beyond Beer: Explore Nielsen’s Insights at Brewbound Live Winter 2019

Hard seltzer -- it’s everywhere -- along with a surge of other FMBs. Have you explored expanding your portfolio with beyond beer offerings? Or are you considering it? What opportunities are there outside of traditional beer, and what do consumers actually want to drink? Nielsen is going to dive into the data to see how these emerging segments are developing and how they impact the beer industry.

Pitch Slam 11: Present Your Brand at Brewbound Live

The Brewbound Live Pitch Slam, presented by Craft Brew Alliance, returns to Santa Monica, CA, during the Brewbound Live Winter 2019 conference December 4-5. The business pitch competition is designed to encourage entrepreneurship and build awareness for startups within the beer, cider, hard seltzer, and alcoholic kombucha categories.

Brewbound Live Returns to Santa Monica in December

Brewbound, a leading trade publication covering the beer industry, today announced the return of its two-day business conference for professionals in the beer, cider, hard kombucha, and flavored malt beverage industries. Called Brewbound Live, the event takes place on December 4 and 5 at Le Méridien Delfina in Santa Monica, California.

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