Set Your Brewery Up For Success in 2023
On November 29th and 30th, the beer and beverage-alcohol industry will come together in Santa Monica to collaborate, make connections, and forge lasting relationships. The event mixes high-profile speakers and informative panels with sampling and networking opportunities.
Brewbound Live’s two-day program boils down all aspects of the beer business so you can keep up (and stay ahead) between batches. Take a deep dive into innovation, investment, retailing, and the key opportunities and trends that will enable growth within the beer business and beyond.
Brewbound Live Winter 2022 Speakers
Our community is driven by the craft, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the desire to create something that brings people together. We are honored to have expert speakers join us to share stories, insights, and advice that allow founders, executives, and decision makers to forge ahead with confidence.
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Jennifer Briggs
Former CEO, Modern Times, Chief Experience Officer, Craft 'Ohana,
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Garrett Marrero
CEO & Co-Founder, Maui Brewing
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Carrie Yunker
Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery
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Greg Gallagher
VP Brand Marketing, Modelo, Constellation Brands
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Sara Goucher
Director of eCommerce, North America, Molson Coors
Sara Goucher
Director of eCommerce, North America, Molson Coors
Sara Welch Goucher leads the US eCommerce business at Molson Coors Beverage Company. In her tenure at MCBC, the eCommerce channel has grown triple digits and become one of the top growth drivers for the company. She joined MCBC in 2018 after 10 years with Kimberly-Clark Corporation, where she worked in sales, brand marketing, global marketing, and eCommerce. When not slinging suds on the internet, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, salsa dancing, traveling, and watching documentaries. Sara lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband and 2 small children. Sara graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
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Jessica Muskey
VP of Craft and Innovation, Reyes Beer Division
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Rich Bloomfield
Co-Founder, Funkytown Brewery
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Mary Guiver
Global Principle Category Merchant Beer & Spirits, Whole Foods
Mary Guiver
Global Principle Category Merchant Beer & Spirits, Whole Foods
With 16+ plus years in the grocery retail landscape, including over a decade of emphasis on category management in an industry-leading chain retailer for adult beverage, Mary Guiver’s dynamic background at Whole Foods Market Inc provides a unique blend of retail insights. As the Principle Global Category Merchant for Beer & Spirits she continues to grow the WFM program through commitment to artisanal, local and innovative products, alongside a steadfast focus on quality standards and consumer demands. With a keen eye for industry trends and a collaborative approach to chain retail, Mary is able to elaborate on the inner strategies and continued evolution of one of the top chain retailers in the market.
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Bart Watson
Chief Economist, Brewers Association
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Danelle Kosmal
Vice President of Research, Beer Institute
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Haidar Hachem
Co-Owner and Head Brewer, Shojo Beer Co.
Haidar Hachem
Co-Owner and Head Brewer, Shojo Beer Co.
Shojo Beer Co. is a Nicaraguan & Lebanese inspired brewery with a Japanese aesthetic. Our goal is to show the world our story through our beers and art incorporating flavors found in our cultures, heritage and most importantly memories from our countries and growing up in an immigrant household. We also involve our community in our efforts by hosting fundraisers for every new beer release supporting various local and global charities and collecting supplies for those in need.
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Adam Bankovich
Chief Commercial Officer, Rhinegeist/RGBevs
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Beny Ashburn
CEO and co-founder, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.
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Dustin Hinz
CMO, Firestone Walker
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Ryan Lake
Director, Arlington Capital Advisors
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Elizabeth Isenbart
Director of National Accounts, JuneShine
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Jamie Wideman
VP of Innovation, North America, Molson Coors
Jamie Wideman
VP of Innovation, North America, Molson Coors
Jamie joined Molson Coors in 2020 to lead the North American Innovation team. An accomplished marketing executive with nearly 20 years’ experience in CPG, including the wine and spirits industry, Jamie has a knack for developing consumer-centric strategies and business solutions that produce growth. In her year at Molson Coors, Jamie has unleashed Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, Simply Spiked Lemonade and more into the market, and is extending Molson Coors’ innovation pipeline into new segments that deliver on the company’s transformation from a legacy brewer to a beverage company. Jamie earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts & Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Masters of Business Administration from DePaul University, Chicago Illinois.
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Soham Bhatt
Co-Founder, Artifact Cider Project
Soham Bhatt
Co-Founder, Artifact Cider Project
Soham Bhatt launched Artifact Cider Project in 2014 with the goal to make unique, terroir-driven ciders accessible to everyone. Artifact Cider recently launched a spin-off of fan-favorite brand Feels Like Home Craft Cider expanding their juicy and accessible offerings. Having a former career in biotechnology engineering, Soham merges his passions for food, art, and culture with his technical background to create sophisticated ciders for the everyday palate. In 2020, Soham was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Cider Association. He lives in Cambridge, MA with his wife, two children, and fiesty pup Jules.
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LeAnn Darland
Co-Founder, Talea Beer Co.
LeAnn Darland
Co-Founder, Talea Beer Co.
LeAnn Darland’s love for beer and dream of owning a brewery was first ignited while stationed in San Diego, serving in the US Navy as a Signals Intelligence Officer. Living in this popular craft beer destination, LeAnn was inspired by the casual, communal vibe of local taprooms. After five years of naval service, LeAnn used her Masters in Finance and MBA to pursue a career in corporate finance at Google. She began homebrewing and cold-emailing breweries to see if she could work for free and learn about the business in exchange. Unfortunately, no breweries responded, but during this time, LeAnn was serendipitously introduced to the founder of Hopsy, who was in the beginning stages of fundraising for the craft beer delivery company. LeAnn joined the Hopsy team full time as the Head of Finance and later interviewed and convinced Tara Hankinson, her future TALEA co-founder, to join. Once colleagues, the two found that they had a mutual dream of opening a brewery of their own and serving easy-to-love beers. Within three months of meeting, TALEA Beer Co. was born.
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Danny Brager
3 Tier Beverages, In Partnership with NielsenIQ
Danny Brager
3 Tier Beverages, In Partnership with NielsenIQ
Danny Brager has a wealth of experience in the Beverage Alcohol industry, seeing many trends come and stay, but others come and then die. He is the former Senior Vice President of Nielsen’s Beverage Alcohol Practice Area in the United States, where for close to 20 years he led teams that supported relationships with Nielsen’s many Beer, Wine, and Spirits clients (suppliers, importers, distributors, and retailers) as well as with key industry groups and the media. In that role, Danny succinctly provided data driven analysis and insights, focused on the U.S. retail environment and consumer/shopper – who they are, what they buy, and why - and what to expect looking ahead. In September 2020, Danny introduced Brager Beverage Alcohol Consulting, providing analysis services to beverage alcohol companies seeking to translate market data into authoritative, fact-based insights in support of their brand and corporate goals. Every year, he presents at large numbers of industry and individual company events, and is a frequent thought leader contributor to the media/press. His informed opinions are respected by beverage alcohol producers, importers, distributors, retailers, and financiers. Danny was born in Calgary, Alberta and moved to Toronto where he graduated from the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto with an Honors Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. He relocated to Mission Viejo, California in 1993 where he now resides.
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Caitlin Braam
Founder, Yonder Cider
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Mario Carrasco
Co-Founder & Principal, ThinkNow
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John Byrne
Director of National Accounts, Firestone Walker
John Byrne
Director of National Accounts, Firestone Walker
John Byrne is the Director of National Accounts at Firestone Walker. This role includes managing a team of national account managers & category managers, collaborating with our internal sales and distributor teams, developing strategy with leadership at Firestone Walker, and enhancing partnerships with our key retailers. Prior to joining Firestone Walker in 2012, he spent 10+ years with Miller Brewing Company and MillerCoors with a background in both field sales and national account management. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, he now resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with his wife Rachel and daughter Quinn, and enjoys spending time outdoors, trail running, and hiking (and, of course, enjoying a delicious pint of beer).John Byrne is the Director of National Accounts at Firestone Walker. This role includes managing a team of national account managers & category managers, collaborating with our internal sales and distributor teams, developing strategy with leadership at Firestone Walker, and enhancing partnerships with our key retailers. Prior to joining Firestone Walker in 2012, he spent 10+ years with Miller Brewing Company and MillerCoors with a background in both field sales and national account management. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, he now resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with his wife Rachel and daughter Quinn, and enjoys spending time outdoors, trail running, and hiking (and, of course, enjoying a delicious pint of beer).
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Steve Koenig
E-Commerce National Accounts Manager, Sierra Nevada
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Jeff Hansson
Co-Founder and CEO, Scout Distribution
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Colin Schilling
CEO, Schilling Cider
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Kyle Ingram
Brand Director, Sierra Nevada
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Brian “BK” Krueger
Vice President | Business Development & Portfolio Strategy, Bump Williams
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Jon Berg
VP Alcohol Industry Thought Leadership, NielsenIQ
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Derek Hahm
Chief Commercial Officer, The E-Premise Group
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Nels Jewell-Larsen
Co-Owner, 2 Towns Ciderhouse
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Olympia Anton
Director of National Accounts, Scout Distribution
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Eric Phillips
Chief Commercial Officer, Schilling Cider
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Jamie Carawan
VP Brand Menu and Culinary, Buffalo Wild Wings
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Nate Armburst
Technical Sales Representative - AAB Market, Scott Laboratories
Nate Armburst
Technical Sales Representative - AAB Market, Scott Laboratories
Nate Armbrust is a native Oregonian who grew up in the Willamette Valley. He attended Oregon State University where he received a B.S. in Food Science and Technology with a concentration in Fermentation Science. Prior to joining Scott Laboratories as a Technical Sales Representative in Beverage Integrity and Filtration, Nate spent over 20 years in the beverage industry working in product and process development. In addition to beer and wine, he also has experience in aseptic manufacturing of low acid food and beverage, and spent a decade in the coffee industry where he pioneered many of the cold brew coffee product categories that you see on shelf in cafes and grocery stores across the country. Nate and his family live in Portland, Oregon.
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Jessica Just
GM - Fermentation & Enology, Scott Laboratories
Jessica Just
GM - Fermentation & Enology, Scott Laboratories
Jessica manages the Fermentation & Enology Department at Scott Laboratories. She’s an experienced fermentation scientist with two decades of experience and has been involved in all aspects of fermented beverage production including material handling, processing, fermentation, stabilization, and packaging. Prior to joining Scott Laboratories, she held positions at Brew Dr. Kombucha in Portland overseeing the Lab, QA/QC, food safety/regulatory compliance, and R&D programs and at Oregon State University in the Food Science Department teaching brewing, winemaking, and cidermaking. She is the first woman graduate of OSU’s Fermentation program and holds a B.S. and M.S. in Food Science from OSU. Recently, she co-authored the Hard Seltzer chapter in the forthcoming 4th Edition of The Practical Brewer.
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Dan Gordon
President & CEO, Gordon Biersch Brewing Company
Dan Gordon
President & CEO, Gordon Biersch Brewing Company
Dan Gordon has earned a reputation as one of America's leading brewing engineers and is the current Chief Executive Officer for Gordon Biersch. Dan was the first American in more than 40 years to graduate from the prestigious five-year brewing engineering program at the world-renowned Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephan, West Germany. After the program, Dan returned to California and joined forces with restaurateur Dean Biersch to take advantage of a new state law allowing brewery restaurants. In 1988, the partners opened their first Gordon Biersch brewery restaurant in Palo Alto, Calif. And now Dan directs the operations at his state-of-the art canning and bottling brewery in San Jose, CA, the 15th largest brewing company in the country. In addition to running the brewery, Dan teaches a class on the production and business of wine, beer and spirits at UC Berkeley as well as quarterly guest speaking on Entrepreneurship at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Dan is a native of the Bay Area and is married to wife Melissa and has three children; Oliver, Haley and Cameron.
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Brian Dillon
Enterprise Sales Executive, Fintech
Brian Dillon
Enterprise Sales Executive, Fintech
Brian has 13 years of industry experience on the supplier side, primarily spent in field sales, sales and distributor management, and most recently managing National Accounts for Odell Brewing Company. During his 12 years at Odell Brewing he learned the intricacies of distribution and the retail landscape while operating a self-distribution arm. Brian was also integral in opening and developing new markets and launching a hard kombucha and wine company. Brian has extensive knowledge of the 3-Tier system, managing distributors, e-commerce and calling on both on and off premise chain buyers. Brian joined Fintech in Spring 2022 on the data team as an Enterprise Data Sales Executive and works with Beer, Wine and Spirits suppliers to consult and provide insights and analytics to help them manage their chain business and supply chain. Brian holds a Cicerone Level 1 and WSET Wine Level 1. He resides in the mountains of Colorado with his wife, son and dog.
Brewbound Live Gold Sponsors
Make it easier for beer brands to approach you by establishing your expertise within the industry. Sponsoring a prominent piece of the Brewound Live experience allows you to position yourself as a cornerstone of the beer community.
Check Out the Agenda: Beer Industry Analysis & Advice
- Monday, November 28, 20226:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Tuesday, November 29, 20227:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, November 30, 20228:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Please note: All times US Pacific Time
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6:00 PM
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8:00 PMBrewbound Live Kick Off Party, Presented by Juneshine
Jumpstart your Brewbound Live conversation at the Kick Off Party located down the street at JuneShine (2914 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405). Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available, as well as light snacks. All registered attendees of Brewbound Live Winter 2022 are invited to attend. A valid ID is required for admittance.
Please note: All times US Pacific Time
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7:30 AM
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9:00 AMBreakfast & Registration
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8:00 AM
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9:30 AMBrewbound Pitch Slam Semifinal Round
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9:00 AM
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9:45 AMSponsored Presentation: Competitive Market Data: The What, Why, and YTD Trends
Location: Palisades BCD, 5th Floor (behind the main ballroom)
Winning better shelf space in today’s fragmented alcohol distribution system without data can be a real challenge. As competition intensifies and consumer demands evolve at a faster pace, what do you do to keep retailers engaged with your brand? In this session, our Fintech Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) expert, Brian Dillon, will discuss why competitive market data is the most valuable asset for your business, how to exploit it, and how it helps you gain competitive advantage. As part of the discussion, we will share our YTD trends report of the alcohol market arena and explain how you can exploit those trends to boost your revenue and achieve your desired growth.-
Brian Dillon, Enterprise Sales Executive, Fintech
Brian Dillon
Enterprise Sales Executive, Fintech
Brian has 13 years of industry experience on the supplier side, primarily spent in field sales, sales and distributor management, and most recently managing National Accounts for Odell Brewing Company. During his 12 years at Odell Brewing he learned the intricacies of distribution and the retail landscape while operating a self-distribution arm. Brian was also integral in opening and developing new markets and launching a hard kombucha and wine company. Brian has extensive knowledge of the 3-Tier system, managing distributors, e-commerce and calling on both on and off premise chain buyers. Brian joined Fintech in Spring 2022 on the data team as an Enterprise Data Sales Executive and works with Beer, Wine and Spirits suppliers to consult and provide insights and analytics to help them manage their chain business and supply chain. Brian holds a Cicerone Level 1 and WSET Wine Level 1. He resides in the mountains of Colorado with his wife, son and dog.
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Brian Dillon, Enterprise Sales Executive, Fintech
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9:30 AM
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10:00 AMNetworking Break
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10:00 AM
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10:35 AMWelcome + Keynote: Transform Your Business With 1 Simple Question
Carrie Yunker will officially open the event with a discussion on leading the organization through the retirement of its legendary founder, Larry Bell, and the sale of the company to New Belgium Brewing’s parent company, Lion Little World Beverages. Her talk will include wisdom gleaned from the experience of leading a 37-year-old craft beer institution through a period of immense change, preserving Bell’s unique identity, and unifying its culture with New Belgium, which shares its people-centric values.-
Carrie Yunker, Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery
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Carrie Yunker, Executive Vice President, Bell's Brewery
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10:35 AM
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11:00 AMPlatform Building: What's Next for Maui & Modern Times
Marrero and Briggs will share where the newly formed Craft ‘Ohana platform goes from here and if other breweries could be welcomed into the fold. They will also offer strategies for companies who may be looking at potential acquisitions.-
Jennifer Briggs, Former CEO, Modern Times, Chief Experience Officer, Craft 'Ohana,
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Garrett Marrero, CEO & Co-Founder, Maui Brewing
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Jennifer Briggs, Former CEO, Modern Times, Chief Experience Officer, Craft 'Ohana,
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Garrett Marrero, CEO & Co-Founder, Maui Brewing
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11:00 AM
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11:35 AMState of Craft: It's the Industry, Stupid
Where does craft beer stand near the end of 2022? Brewers Association chief economist Bart Watson will share the most up-to-date information on craft beer’s performance this year and share his expectations for the segment in 2023.-
Bart Watson, Chief Economist, Brewers Association
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Bart Watson, Chief Economist, Brewers Association
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11:35 AM
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12:00 PMWinning Together: What Wholesalers Wish Brewers Knew
Jessica Muskey and Jeff Hansson will share how to work better with your wholesaler partners, gain more share of mind and understand the products wholesalers are looking to carry. Muskey will dive into Reyes’ ability to test-and-learn with new products in various markets as a multistate operator. Hansson will share how Scout, as a small and independent Southern California wholesaler, approaches the market, as well as opens new territories, such as Arizona and Idaho.-
Jessica Muskey, VP of Craft and Innovation, Reyes Beer Division
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Jeff Hansson, Co-Founder and CEO, Scout Distribution
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Jessica Muskey, VP of Craft and Innovation, Reyes Beer Division
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Jeff Hansson, Co-Founder and CEO, Scout Distribution
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12:00 PM
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12:10 PM -
12:00 PM
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1:20 PMLunch, Sampling & Livestream
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1:20 PM
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2:00 PMFact or Fiction: Reality Checking the Beer Business
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Danelle Kosmal, Vice President of Research, Beer Institute
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Danny Brager, 3 Tier Beverages, In Partnership with NielsenIQ
Danny Brager
3 Tier Beverages, In Partnership with NielsenIQ
Danny Brager has a wealth of experience in the Beverage Alcohol industry, seeing many trends come and stay, but others come and then die. He is the former Senior Vice President of Nielsen’s Beverage Alcohol Practice Area in the United States, where for close to 20 years he led teams that supported relationships with Nielsen’s many Beer, Wine, and Spirits clients (suppliers, importers, distributors, and retailers) as well as with key industry groups and the media. In that role, Danny succinctly provided data driven analysis and insights, focused on the U.S. retail environment and consumer/shopper – who they are, what they buy, and why - and what to expect looking ahead. In September 2020, Danny introduced Brager Beverage Alcohol Consulting, providing analysis services to beverage alcohol companies seeking to translate market data into authoritative, fact-based insights in support of their brand and corporate goals. Every year, he presents at large numbers of industry and individual company events, and is a frequent thought leader contributor to the media/press. His informed opinions are respected by beverage alcohol producers, importers, distributors, retailers, and financiers. Danny was born in Calgary, Alberta and moved to Toronto where he graduated from the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto with an Honors Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. He relocated to Mission Viejo, California in 1993 where he now resides.
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Jon Berg, VP Alcohol Industry Thought Leadership, NielsenIQ
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Danelle Kosmal, Vice President of Research, Beer Institute
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Danny Brager, 3 Tier Beverages, In Partnership with NielsenIQ
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Jon Berg, VP Alcohol Industry Thought Leadership, NielsenIQ
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2:00 PM
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2:30 PMApple Talk: How Regional Cideries Are Bucking National Trends
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Caitlin Braam, Founder, Yonder Cider
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Nels Jewell-Larsen, Co-Owner, 2 Towns Ciderhouse
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Eric Phillips, Chief Commercial Officer, Schilling Cider
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Soham Bhatt, Co-Founder, Artifact Cider Project
Soham Bhatt
Co-Founder, Artifact Cider Project
Soham Bhatt launched Artifact Cider Project in 2014 with the goal to make unique, terroir-driven ciders accessible to everyone. Artifact Cider recently launched a spin-off of fan-favorite brand Feels Like Home Craft Cider expanding their juicy and accessible offerings. Having a former career in biotechnology engineering, Soham merges his passions for food, art, and culture with his technical background to create sophisticated ciders for the everyday palate. In 2020, Soham was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Cider Association. He lives in Cambridge, MA with his wife, two children, and fiesty pup Jules.
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Caitlin Braam, Founder, Yonder Cider
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Nels Jewell-Larsen, Co-Owner, 2 Towns Ciderhouse
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Eric Phillips, Chief Commercial Officer, Schilling Cider
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Soham Bhatt, Co-Founder, Artifact Cider Project
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2:30 PM
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3:00 PMBeers & Networking
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3:00 PM
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3:30 PMInnovating in an Increasingly Crowded 4th Category
Finding white space within the beverage-alcohol industry’s fast-growing fourth category of offerings isn’t easy. Leaders from Molson Coors and Rhinegeist’s RGBevs will share their strategies for finding opportunities, building new brand families and crafting partnerships with major brands.-
Jamie Wideman, VP of Innovation, North America, Molson Coors
Jamie Wideman
VP of Innovation, North America, Molson Coors
Jamie joined Molson Coors in 2020 to lead the North American Innovation team. An accomplished marketing executive with nearly 20 years’ experience in CPG, including the wine and spirits industry, Jamie has a knack for developing consumer-centric strategies and business solutions that produce growth. In her year at Molson Coors, Jamie has unleashed Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, Simply Spiked Lemonade and more into the market, and is extending Molson Coors’ innovation pipeline into new segments that deliver on the company’s transformation from a legacy brewer to a beverage company. Jamie earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts & Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Masters of Business Administration from DePaul University, Chicago Illinois.
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Adam Bankovich, Chief Commercial Officer, Rhinegeist/RGBevs
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Brian “BK” Krueger, Vice President | Business Development & Portfolio Strategy, Bump Williams
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Jamie Wideman, VP of Innovation, North America, Molson Coors
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Adam Bankovich, Chief Commercial Officer, Rhinegeist/RGBevs
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Brian “BK” Krueger, Vice President | Business Development & Portfolio Strategy, Bump Williams
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3:30 PM
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4:00 PMCulture > Strategy: Get Serious About Creating a Great Workplace
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Colin Schilling, CEO, Schilling Cider
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Colin Schilling, CEO, Schilling Cider
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4:00 PM
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6:00 PMBeers & Networking
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6:00 PM
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8:00 PMOfficial Party Presented by Firestone Walker, YETI & The Beer Institute
Head over to Firestone Walker - The Propagator (3205 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292) for additional networking and free YETI mugs! Enjoy beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and light appetizers. All registered attendees of Brewbound Live Winter 2022 are invited to attend. An event badge and valid ID is required for admittance.
Please note: All times US Pacific Time
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8:00 AM
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9:30 AMBreakfast & Registration
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8:00 AM
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8:45 AMSponsored Panel: Considerations for Producing Non-Traditional Beverages at a Traditional Brewery
Location: Palisades BCD, 5th Floor (behind the main ballroom)
Join Scott Laboratories in conversation with Dan Gordon of Gordon Biersch as they discuss some of the major differences between brewing beer and making non-traditional beverages (hard seltzer, RTD cocktails, kombucha, etc.) in a traditional brewery. The talk will focus heavily on stabilization and shelf-life considerations, but other topics will be discussed including differences in regulatory, fermentation kinetics, equipment capabilities, material handling, QA/QC procedures, and formulation and scale-up challenges.-
Dan Gordon, President & CEO, Gordon Biersch Brewing Company
Dan Gordon
President & CEO, Gordon Biersch Brewing Company
Dan Gordon has earned a reputation as one of America's leading brewing engineers and is the current Chief Executive Officer for Gordon Biersch. Dan was the first American in more than 40 years to graduate from the prestigious five-year brewing engineering program at the world-renowned Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephan, West Germany. After the program, Dan returned to California and joined forces with restaurateur Dean Biersch to take advantage of a new state law allowing brewery restaurants. In 1988, the partners opened their first Gordon Biersch brewery restaurant in Palo Alto, Calif. And now Dan directs the operations at his state-of-the art canning and bottling brewery in San Jose, CA, the 15th largest brewing company in the country. In addition to running the brewery, Dan teaches a class on the production and business of wine, beer and spirits at UC Berkeley as well as quarterly guest speaking on Entrepreneurship at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Dan is a native of the Bay Area and is married to wife Melissa and has three children; Oliver, Haley and Cameron.
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Jessica Just, GM - Fermentation & Enology, Scott Laboratories
Jessica Just
GM - Fermentation & Enology, Scott Laboratories
Jessica manages the Fermentation & Enology Department at Scott Laboratories. She’s an experienced fermentation scientist with two decades of experience and has been involved in all aspects of fermented beverage production including material handling, processing, fermentation, stabilization, and packaging. Prior to joining Scott Laboratories, she held positions at Brew Dr. Kombucha in Portland overseeing the Lab, QA/QC, food safety/regulatory compliance, and R&D programs and at Oregon State University in the Food Science Department teaching brewing, winemaking, and cidermaking. She is the first woman graduate of OSU’s Fermentation program and holds a B.S. and M.S. in Food Science from OSU. Recently, she co-authored the Hard Seltzer chapter in the forthcoming 4th Edition of The Practical Brewer.
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Nate Armburst, Technical Sales Representative - AAB Market, Scott Laboratories
Nate Armburst
Technical Sales Representative - AAB Market, Scott Laboratories
Nate Armbrust is a native Oregonian who grew up in the Willamette Valley. He attended Oregon State University where he received a B.S. in Food Science and Technology with a concentration in Fermentation Science. Prior to joining Scott Laboratories as a Technical Sales Representative in Beverage Integrity and Filtration, Nate spent over 20 years in the beverage industry working in product and process development. In addition to beer and wine, he also has experience in aseptic manufacturing of low acid food and beverage, and spent a decade in the coffee industry where he pioneered many of the cold brew coffee product categories that you see on shelf in cafes and grocery stores across the country. Nate and his family live in Portland, Oregon.
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Dan Gordon, President & CEO, Gordon Biersch Brewing Company
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Jessica Just, GM - Fermentation & Enology, Scott Laboratories
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Nate Armburst, Technical Sales Representative - AAB Market, Scott Laboratories
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9:00 AM
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9:30 AMGrowing the Family: How Top Brewers Are Creating Brand Families
How do marketing directors from Sierra Nevada, Firestone Walker and Constellation Brands guide and build on popular brand families such as Little Things, 805 and Modelo? Leaders from three of those brands will share their strategies for steering those franchises and adding onto those brand families.-
Dustin Hinz, CMO, Firestone Walker
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Kyle Ingram, Brand Director, Sierra Nevada
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Greg Gallagher, VP Brand Marketing, Modelo, Constellation Brands
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Dustin Hinz, CMO, Firestone Walker
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Kyle Ingram, Brand Director, Sierra Nevada
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Greg Gallagher, VP Brand Marketing, Modelo, Constellation Brands
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9:30 AM
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10:00 AMAsk a Dealmaker: Where M&A Goes Next
Several big deals have gone down in 2022, from the sale of Stone Brewing to Sapporo, to Tilray’s recent acquisition of Montauk Brewing. Those transactions have one thing in common: investment bank Arlington Capital Advisors. Arlington director Ryan Lake will speak one-on-one about the current dealmaking landscape for craft breweries, carbonated soft drink makers’ interest in bev-alc, the level of interest in fourth category products, growing middle tier consolidation and much more.-
Ryan Lake, Director, Arlington Capital Advisors
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Ryan Lake, Director, Arlington Capital Advisors
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10:00 AM
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10:30 AMNetworking Break
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10:30 AM
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11:00 AMBeer Buyers Tell All: Sell More Beer in 2023
Did you know that no one pours more draft beer than Buffalo Wild Wings? Or that Whole Foods is dedicated to featuring craft beer in its sets? Decision makers from both establishments will share how brewers can sell more beer in 2023-
Mary Guiver, Global Principle Category Merchant Beer & Spirits, Whole Foods
Mary Guiver
Global Principle Category Merchant Beer & Spirits, Whole Foods
With 16+ plus years in the grocery retail landscape, including over a decade of emphasis on category management in an industry-leading chain retailer for adult beverage, Mary Guiver’s dynamic background at Whole Foods Market Inc provides a unique blend of retail insights. As the Principle Global Category Merchant for Beer & Spirits she continues to grow the WFM program through commitment to artisanal, local and innovative products, alongside a steadfast focus on quality standards and consumer demands. With a keen eye for industry trends and a collaborative approach to chain retail, Mary is able to elaborate on the inner strategies and continued evolution of one of the top chain retailers in the market.
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Jamie Carawan, VP Brand Menu and Culinary, Buffalo Wild Wings
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Mary Guiver, Global Principle Category Merchant Beer & Spirits, Whole Foods
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Jamie Carawan, VP Brand Menu and Culinary, Buffalo Wild Wings
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11:00 AM
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12:00 PM -
12:00 PM
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1:30 PMLunch & Beers
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1:30 PM
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2:00 PMSpeaking Authentically to Gen Z
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Mario Carrasco, Co-Founder & Principal, ThinkNow
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Mario Carrasco, Co-Founder & Principal, ThinkNow
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2:00 PM
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2:30 PMSlinging Suds on the Internet: Navigating the E-Premise
Following the boom of pandemic shutdown era e-commerce sales, how do you build an e-commerce strategy that works? And how do you create your own opportunities? Leaders in the e-premise space will share strategies.-
Sara Goucher, Director of eCommerce, North America, Molson Coors
Sara Goucher
Director of eCommerce, North America, Molson Coors
Sara Welch Goucher leads the US eCommerce business at Molson Coors Beverage Company. In her tenure at MCBC, the eCommerce channel has grown triple digits and become one of the top growth drivers for the company. She joined MCBC in 2018 after 10 years with Kimberly-Clark Corporation, where she worked in sales, brand marketing, global marketing, and eCommerce. When not slinging suds on the internet, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, salsa dancing, traveling, and watching documentaries. Sara lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband and 2 small children. Sara graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
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Steve Koenig, E-Commerce National Accounts Manager, Sierra Nevada
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Beny Ashburn, CEO and co-founder, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.
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Derek Hahm, Chief Commercial Officer, The E-Premise Group
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Sara Goucher, Director of eCommerce, North America, Molson Coors
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Steve Koenig, E-Commerce National Accounts Manager, Sierra Nevada
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Beny Ashburn, CEO and co-founder, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.
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Derek Hahm, Chief Commercial Officer, The E-Premise Group
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2:30 PM
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3:00 PMThe Chain Game: Crafting a National Accounts Strategy
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Elizabeth Isenbart, Director of National Accounts, JuneShine
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John Byrne, Director of National Accounts, Firestone Walker
John Byrne
Director of National Accounts, Firestone Walker
John Byrne is the Director of National Accounts at Firestone Walker. This role includes managing a team of national account managers & category managers, collaborating with our internal sales and distributor teams, developing strategy with leadership at Firestone Walker, and enhancing partnerships with our key retailers. Prior to joining Firestone Walker in 2012, he spent 10+ years with Miller Brewing Company and MillerCoors with a background in both field sales and national account management. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, he now resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with his wife Rachel and daughter Quinn, and enjoys spending time outdoors, trail running, and hiking (and, of course, enjoying a delicious pint of beer).John Byrne is the Director of National Accounts at Firestone Walker. This role includes managing a team of national account managers & category managers, collaborating with our internal sales and distributor teams, developing strategy with leadership at Firestone Walker, and enhancing partnerships with our key retailers. Prior to joining Firestone Walker in 2012, he spent 10+ years with Miller Brewing Company and MillerCoors with a background in both field sales and national account management. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, he now resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with his wife Rachel and daughter Quinn, and enjoys spending time outdoors, trail running, and hiking (and, of course, enjoying a delicious pint of beer).
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Olympia Anton, Director of National Accounts, Scout Distribution
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Elizabeth Isenbart, Director of National Accounts, JuneShine
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John Byrne, Director of National Accounts, Firestone Walker
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Olympia Anton, Director of National Accounts, Scout Distribution
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3:00 PM
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3:30 PMKnow Yourself: The Importance of Brand Identity
With more than 9,000 craft breweries in the U.S., consumers are inundated with choice on retail shelves or when bellying up to the bar. To stand out, solidifying a brand identity is becoming increasingly important to differentiate from the pack.This panel will bring together three up-and-coming breweries with crystallized identities to share advice in building brands and forging connections with consumers.-
LeAnn Darland, Co-Founder, Talea Beer Co.
LeAnn Darland
Co-Founder, Talea Beer Co.
LeAnn Darland’s love for beer and dream of owning a brewery was first ignited while stationed in San Diego, serving in the US Navy as a Signals Intelligence Officer. Living in this popular craft beer destination, LeAnn was inspired by the casual, communal vibe of local taprooms. After five years of naval service, LeAnn used her Masters in Finance and MBA to pursue a career in corporate finance at Google. She began homebrewing and cold-emailing breweries to see if she could work for free and learn about the business in exchange. Unfortunately, no breweries responded, but during this time, LeAnn was serendipitously introduced to the founder of Hopsy, who was in the beginning stages of fundraising for the craft beer delivery company. LeAnn joined the Hopsy team full time as the Head of Finance and later interviewed and convinced Tara Hankinson, her future TALEA co-founder, to join. Once colleagues, the two found that they had a mutual dream of opening a brewery of their own and serving easy-to-love beers. Within three months of meeting, TALEA Beer Co. was born.
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Rich Bloomfield, Co-Founder, Funkytown Brewery
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Haidar Hachem, Co-Owner and Head Brewer, Shojo Beer Co.
Haidar Hachem
Co-Owner and Head Brewer, Shojo Beer Co.
Shojo Beer Co. is a Nicaraguan & Lebanese inspired brewery with a Japanese aesthetic. Our goal is to show the world our story through our beers and art incorporating flavors found in our cultures, heritage and most importantly memories from our countries and growing up in an immigrant household. We also involve our community in our efforts by hosting fundraisers for every new beer release supporting various local and global charities and collecting supplies for those in need.
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LeAnn Darland, Co-Founder, Talea Beer Co.
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Rich Bloomfield, Co-Founder, Funkytown Brewery
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Haidar Hachem, Co-Owner and Head Brewer, Shojo Beer Co.
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3:30 PM
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3:40 PM -
3:30 PM
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4:30 PMWrap Party, Presented By Live Oak Bank
Wrap up your conversations on-site at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel Venice Salon, located on the 4th floor, and enjoy a few final beers. All registered attendees of Brewbound Live Winter 2022 are invited to attend. An event badge and valid ID is required for admittance.
The Brewbound Live Experience
Tap Into Actionable & Timely Insights
Industry experts provide actionable insights on topics affecting the beer and beverage-alcohol industry today. Our speakers dive into industry data and examine case studies to help you overcome obstacles and cultivate growth.
Connect with Industry Leaders
At Brewbound Live, well-connected industry veterans are in the room and ready to talk. Ask them your questions, collaborate on new ideas, and head into 2023 with a clear path forward (and a new partner or two).
Sample the Latest Innovations
Take a first-hand look at up-and-coming beer and beyond trends before many of your competitors have a chance. Looking to have your product sampled for feedback? Just register and apply.
Pitch Your Startup to the Industry
The Brewbound Live Pitch Slam allows emerging beer and beyond brands to showcase their products to our expert panel and in-person audience to gain feedback and industry exposure.
Beer & Beyond Companies Are Registered for Brewbound Live
Connect, In Real Life at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
The two-day event takes place at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, which is an open air hotel with a variety of outdoor spaces. We will be taking advantage of the SoCal weather, views of the Santa Monica Pier and magnificent sunsets. Lunch and networking breaks will take place outside by the pool, weather permitting.
Invest in the Future of Your Beer Business
Attending Brewbound Live is the first step in propelling your business into growth mode. Establish new partnerships, collaborate with beer industry experts, and walk away with the ability to make more strategic decisions for your company.