CBC Vegas: Reconnecting and Building New Friendships in the Craft Beer World

The Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) in Las Vegas was an incredible opportunity to reconnect with old beer friends and meet new ones from all over the world. The weekend was packed with inspiring talks, intimate meetings, and lively events that showcased the vibrancy and diversity of the craft beer community. Here are some of the highlights from this unforgettable gathering.

Keynote Speaker Fawn Weaver: A Phenomenal Insight

The weekend kicked off with a keynote address by the remarkable Fawn Weaver. Fawn, known for her pioneering work in the spirits industry, delivered an insightful and encouraging conversation with Benny Ashburn and Teo Hunter of Crowns & Hops. Though her primary focus is on spirits, her message resonated deeply with the craft beer community. She emphasized the importance of dreaming big and taking charge, inspiring everyone in the room with her tenacity and drive. Fawn is a phenomenon in her own right, and her words left a lasting impact on all who attended.

Exclusive Roundtable with Fawn Weaver

Following her keynote, a select group of attendees had the privilege of joining Fawn Weaver for a closed meeting at NB2_a. In this intimate roundtable, Fawn was even more generous with her time and wisdom. She shared eloquent advice specifically tailored for boutique craft beer shop owners, offering practical tips and heartfelt encouragement. This session was a rare opportunity to gain insights from one of the industry's leading figures in a personal and meaningful setting.

Tap Takeover at NB2_a

The energy continued to build with a Tap Takeover event at NB2_a, where Teo Hunter of Crowns & Hops got the crowd hyped and encouraged guests to join the organization. The atmosphere was electric as attendees mingled and sampled an array of exceptional craft beers. Marcus Baskerville of Weathered Souls Brewing Company delivered a powerful talk on the evolution of the Black is Beautiful initiative. His words highlighted the importance of representation and community within the craft beer industry, adding depth and significance to the evening.

 Peach Cobbler Seltzer and a Sold-Out Success

One of the standout moments of the night was Danica Brown, owner of Grown Folks Brewing, selling out of her Peach Cobbler Seltzer. This unique and delicious creation was a hit among attendees, showcasing the innovative spirit and talent within the craft beer community. Danica's success story is a testament to the passion and creativity that fuels this industry.

House of Lucy: A Guest's Perspective

As a guest at the House of Lucy, I had the chance to experience the warmth and camaraderie that define the craft beer world. 

I had the opportunity to meet Sara Real, Co-Owner of Hot Plate. She was also my roommate. We had a blast in the house and got a chance to relax at the pool. Then, after talking back and forth on FB messenger. I met Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, Owner of Tolokai, from South Africa. I felt like we’ve known each other for a while. She has a mischievous smile and a fun loving way about her. She never let

grass grow under her. She made good use of her time meeting and snapping pictures with new found beer friends.

The venue was buzzing with excitement as people from diverse backgrounds and regions came together to share their love for craft beer. It was a weekend filled with meaningful conversations, new friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose.

In Conclusion

CBC Vegas was more than just a conference; it was a celebration of the craft beer community's resilience, creativity, and unity. From Fawn Weaver's inspiring keynote to the intimate roundtable discussions and lively Tap Takeover, every moment was a reminder of why we are all so passionate about this industry. The connections made and the stories shared will continue to inspire and drive us as we move forward, dreaming big and taking charge, just as Fawn encouraged us to do.

As we look back on this incredible weekend, we carry with us the wisdom, friendships, and memories that will shape the future of craft beer. Here's to many more gatherings, shared pints, and the ongoing journey of celebrating diversity and excellence in the craft industry.