ANNUAL MEETING & CONFERENCE
MON, NOV 10 & TUES, NOV 11 - BOULEVARD BREWING COMPANY, KANSAS CITY
JOIN US IN THE CITY OF FOUNTAINS!
This fall, join us in Kanas City for an opportunity to meet other brewers from not only across Missouri, but also our contiguous states. Learn from experts in the industry, and share your experiences and knowledge. We'll gather at the first craft brewery in Missouri, Boulevard Brewing Company. Located in the heart of Kansas City and minutes away from hotels, restaurants and other breweries, we're confident you'll have a great time and learn something along the way, too.
This fall, join us in Kanas City for an opportunity to meet other brewers from not only across Missouri, but also our contiguous states. Learn from experts in the industry, and share your experiences and knowledge. We'll gather at the first craft brewery in Missouri, Boulevard Brewing Company. Located in the heart of Kansas City and minutes away from hotels, restaurants and other breweries, we're confident you'll have a great time and learn something along the way, too.
MEETING LOCATION
Founded in 1989 in a converted historic railroad facility, Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to become the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. In 2006, Boulevard expanded from a 35 bbl brewhouse to a 150 bbl brewhouse. Boulevard beers and beverages now include an ever-evolving array of craft styles, with a dedication to quality and creativity.
REGISTRATION
Registration begins on September 1, 2025 and is open to any brewery operating (or planning to operate) in Missouri, as well as any industry-adjacent supplier or retailer.
Preregistration is requested. Cost per person is $80 ($70 early bird) for MCBG members, and $100 for those who are not MCBG members. Registration costs include all the sessions, food, beer, and Missouri Beer Cup Awards Ceremony. Deadline to register is Friday, November 7 by midnight.
NOT YET A MCBG MEMBER?
Learn more about the benefits of joining the Missouri Craft Brewers Guild.
Preregistration is requested. Cost per person is $80 ($70 early bird) for MCBG members, and $100 for those who are not MCBG members. Registration costs include all the sessions, food, beer, and Missouri Beer Cup Awards Ceremony. Deadline to register is Friday, November 7 by midnight.
NOT YET A MCBG MEMBER?
Learn more about the benefits of joining the Missouri Craft Brewers Guild.
AGENDAMONDAY, NOVEMBER 10
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. ATTENDEE BADGE PICK UP & CHECK-IN Visit with our vendors. Coffee station sponsored by COUNTRY Financial & Malteurop Malting Company. Snack stations sponsored by Acrisure. 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
KEYNOTE: A CONVERSATION WITH MISSOURI CRAFT BEER TRAILBLAZERS Enjoy a lively conversation with Dan Kopman (co-founder of Schlafly Beer) and John McDonald (founder of Boulevard Brewing Company), the first two craft breweries in Missouri AND founders of the Missouri Craft Brewers Guild. Moderated by Fran Caradonna of Caradonna Collab. 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
TRADE SHOW & BLOODY MARY BAR Grab a fancy Bloody Mary to kick off your conference and visit with our Allied Trade Members at our mini-tradeshow. Complete our Vendor Passport for a chance to win some prizes. Bloody Mary Bar sponsored by RahrBSG 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. GUILD MEMBER ANNUAL MEETING Hear a report from Guild President, Josh Stacy and Executive Director, Sherry Wohlgemuth. A brief review of accomplishments, priorities, and future projects for the Missouri Craft Brewers Guild. 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. LUNCH & TRADESHOW Enjoy lunch from the Boulevard kitchen, and squeeze in a few more visits at our Tradeshow and wrap up your Vendor Passport. 1:00 - 1:45 p.m.
REC DECK SESSION 1 - CROP REPORTS: HOPS & MALT - WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE COMING YEAR Get updates from industry experts Steve Bradt, Hopsteiner, and Nicole Spak, RahrBSG, on the key trends and expectations for hops and malt in 2025. Session Sponsor - Hosteiner BREAKOUT SESSION 1 - CRAFTING PERSPECTIVE: ONE-ON-ONE WITH ASHTON LEWIS Join Curt Marshall of Tie & Timber Beer Co. in a sit-down with Ashton Lewis as they explore Ashton’s decades-long journey in craft beer. With equal parts candor and curiosity, Ashton shares sharp observations on industry trends, uncharted territory, and what might lie ahead. From supply chain stability to the next generation’s relationship with beer, he blends tough love with informed perspective for a crystal-ball look at the future of brewing. 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
REC DECK SESSION 2 - Q&A WITH ATC Hear Christin Templeton, Acting State Supervisor & Chief of Enforcement, and Kristen Cole, Director of Finance & Compliance, from the Missouri Division of Alcohol & Tobacco staff on pending regulation changes, updates on the ALCMS, plus time for your most burning questions! BREAKOUT SESSION 2 - ONE BILL TO BREW THEM ALL: 2025 TAX LEGISLATION UPDATE This Session breaks down how the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) impacts tax compliance and reporting for breweries. Attendees will learn how the legislation may streamline operations, improve cash flow, and reduce administrative burden, with real-world examples and planning strategies tailored to the brewing industry. Presented by Tim O’Neill with Wipfli. 3:00 - 3:45 p.m.
REC DECK SESSION 3 - PANEL DISCUSSION: BEYOND BEER - EXPLORING N/A BEVERAGES Ashton Lewis, RahrBSG, talks with industry experts, Greg Garrity, Boulevard Brewing Co., and Scott LaFontaine, University of Arkansas, for an in-depth look at the fast-growing world of non-alcoholic craft beverages. This panel will cover production methods, stabilization practices, and key market trends, while exploring what consumers are really looking for—and whether entering the N/A space is a smart, manageable move for smaller breweries. BREAKOUT SESSION 3 - YOUR BREWERY NEEDS A WEBSITE (AND A FACEBOOK PAGE DOESN’T COUNT) Breweries of all sizes benefit from a well-designed, easy-to-update website that captures their personality and sets clear expectations for visitors. Jim Wagner with Lagom Design highlights the essential elements of an effective brewery website, shares examples of what works, and explains the pitfalls of relying solely on social media for your online presence. 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
REC DECK SESSION 4 - PANEL DISCUSSION: ASK THE BREWMASTERS! An open discussion, moderated by board member, Elliot Ivory, Vine Street Brewing Co., with some of the finest Missouri brewers such as: Bryan Stewart, Stockyards Brewing Co.; Nick Mader, Alma Mader Brewing Co.; Trevor Schalm, Strange Days Brewing Co., and Danny Kueser, Cinder Block Brewery. Bring your questions for these pros and learn from their experience! BREAKOUT SESSION 4 - INNOVATIVE RISK MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS TO KEEP THE BEER FLOWING Discover how Acrisure’s unique expertise in brewery risk management can help minimize exposure while supporting growth. This session highlights innovative strategies tailored for breweries, drawing on real-world experience from more than 50 breweries nationwide. Presented by Tony Parato with Acrisure. 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
HAPPY HOUR BOTTLE SHARE & INAUGURAL MISSOURI BEER CUP AWARDS CEREMONY Bring some beer to enjoy with your fellow brewers and get ready to celebrate the winners of the first-ever Missouri Beer Cup competition. 7:00 - 9 p.m. BBQ DINNER Enjoy a delicious, award-winning BBQ dinner prepared and served by none other than the Foxx Equipment team, Rob Beckley and David Wittrock. Vegetarian options will be available. Sponsored by Foxx Equipment TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS Enjoy a fresh continental breakfast selection from the Boulevard kitchen 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
REC DECK SESSION 5 - THE ART OF HOP SELECTION - A MOCK HOP EVALUATION WITH YCH Step into the world of hop selection with Eric Kapraun of Yakima Chief Hops in this hands-on workshop. Brewers will have the chance to rub and evaluate hop cores, gaining insight into how selections are made and what sets different lots apart. This mock-selection experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the process that shapes the flavor, aroma, and character of your favorite beers. BREAKOUT SESSION 5 - FIVE STRATEGIES TO SAVE MONEY WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE TIME The world of craft beer is hard and saving money is the faster and easier way to increase profits than chasing every trend. A candid conversation with James Stutsman from Independent Brewers Alliance. 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.
REC DECK SESSION 6 - PANEL DISCUSSION - INTEGRATING FOOD INTO YOUR BREWERY EXPERIENCE Hear from a panel of industry experts such as: Pam Byars, Bee’s Knees Brewing Co.; Josh Stacy, Public House Brewing Co.; Ron Woerndle, Third Wheel Brewing, and Kary Walker, Wire Road Brewing Co., on the benefits, challenges, and best practices of adding food to your brewery. Moderated by board member, Chris Byars, Bee's Knees Brewing Company. BREAKOUT SESSION 6 - DE-MYSTIFYING THE COA - BUCKET ANALYSIS APPROACH This session breaks down each malt COA specification and explains how maltsters and brewers can influence them within their processes. After reviewing the details, the specs are simplified into clear categories, making the COA more approachable and practical for brewers to use with each malt shipment. Presented by Chris Lovett and Tyler Schoales, Country Malt Group. 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
REC DECK SESSION 7 - PANEL DISCUSSION - HOW & WHY TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE PRESS Lead by Helen Anderson of Turn It Up Media, and featuring freelance journalist, Tony Rehagen; Scott Wuest, Turkey Creek Brewery, and Kemet Coleman, Vine Street Brewing Co., this panel will cover the ins and outs of getting covered in all sorts of outlets from local newspapers and TV stations to national publications and trade press. We’ll discuss how to build relationships with news outlets, tips for working with journalists, and how to incorporate press communications into your existing marketing strategy. BREAKOUT SESSION 7 - SHREDDER™: INSTANT, ZERO-ENERGY PASTEURIZATION Discover a revolutionary pasteurization method that uses nanotechnology to prevent microbial spoilage and extend shelf life—without time, heat, or pressure. The patented Shredder™ technology ruptures microbes on contact, even in static fluid, while maintaining overall liquid chemistry, freshness, and quality. Case studies will showcase its broad efficacy across diverse beverages, highlighting how this innovation could redefine pasteurization and create new opportunities in the beverage industry. Presented by Dr. Jesse Kremenak & Matt Burkhardt, Kremenak NanoTech, Inc. 11:45
GOODBYE SEND OFF Parting words and a toast to a great conference! 12:15 BREWERS TOUR OF BOULEVARD BREWING COMPANY For anyone interested, the team at Boulevard will gladly take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of their facility. OVERNIGHT ACCOMODATIONS IN KCWe have secured some courtesy blocks for discounted rooms at the following hotels near Boulevard Brewing Company.
OUR SPONSORS
Thank you to our generous Allied Trade Members for sponsoring our biggest event of the year.
DINNER SPONSORS: Foxx Equipment
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSORS: Wipfli BREAKOUT ROOM SPONSORS: MGI Risk Advisors HAIR OF THE DOG SPONSORS: RahrBSG COFFEE SPONSORS: COUNTRY Financial & Malteurop Malting Co. SESSION SPONSOR: Hopsteiner (Crop Report) SNACK SPONSORS: Acrisure & Zumbiel Packaging CONFERENCE BAG SPONSORS: The Country Malt Group CONFERENCE LANYARD SPONSORS: Crawford Brewing & Distilling Equipment DISPLAY TABLE SPONSORS:
MISSOURI BEER CUP SPONSORS:
BECOME A SPONSORYou must be a MCBG Allied Trade Member in good standing to sponsor the Annual Meeting & Conference. Not a member yet? Learn more about our Allied Trade Membership today.
Many of the available sponsorships for this event include registrations and marketing opportunities. Consider purchasing a sponsorship for additional exposure for your business. We are happy to work with you to customize a sponsorship package that works for your company. Contact Sherry Wohlgemuth at [email protected] or call 573-824-2935. |
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We look forward to seeing you in Kansas City Nov 10 & 11 for the camaraderie, education, networking, and, of course, beer!
QUESTIONS?
Contact Sherry Wohlgemuth at [email protected] or call 573-824-2935.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Sherry Wohlgemuth at [email protected] or call 573-824-2935.
