Hundreds of brewing professionals will gather at the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center, January 8-10, 2025, for the Michigan Great Beer State Trade Show & Conference presented by the Michigan Brewers Guild (MBG), Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) and Master Brewers Association of the Americas (MBAA) - District Michigan.
A new feature is a series of sessions on Wednesday morning geared toward Start-Up Breweries & Emerging Professionals, which may be of interest to individuals looking to break into or advance within the brewing industry. These sessions include Anatomy of a Business Plan, Why and How to Build a Quality Control Program, and Stories from the Brewhouse. Three sessions focused on a variety of Mental Health issues will also be offered on Wednesday prior to the Allied Member Trade Show.
This year’s Keynote Speaker is Leah Cheston who opened Right Proper Brewing Co., in Washington DC with her husband in 2013. Leah, who came into the craft beer industry by way of the wine industry, will address conference attendees Thursday morning. She is also Chair of the Brewers Association Board of Directors and sits on the BA Government Affairs, Governance, and Finance committees. On Friday morning, Matt Gacioch – staff economist for the Brewers Association – will present a General Session titled Peripheral Vision: Trends in Non-Beer Beverage Alcohol and Beyond.
On Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, breakout sessions focus on three distinct tracks: brewing, business and agriculture (hops and barley). The complete schedule, including the featured speakers, can be found at MiBeer.com.
A highlight of the conference is the “Great Beer State Dinner,” a strolling food and beer pairing meal developed by Fred “The Beervangelist” Bueltmann and the culinary team at the Radisson. This follows a Happy Hour & Awards Ceremony, where the coveted Chinook Cup will be presented. The Guild will also recognize other leaders within the brewing community including a toast to the legendary brewer, founder of Jolly Pumpkin and former MBG board member, Ron Jeffries, who passed away earlier this year.
The cost to attend the entire Michigan’s Great Beer State Conference is $345 per person (plus fees), with a $150 (plus fees) Wednesday only ticket. Admission to the Trade Show only is $105 (plus fees). Rates increase on January 4. To Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-michigans-great-beer-state-annual-conference-trade-show-tickets-1020611946807?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Formed in 1997, the Michigan Brewers Guild held its first festival in July 1998. Today, it hosts four festivals dedicated exclusively to Michigan beer produced by its nearly 300 member breweries. Within the state, and beyond, Michigan is referred to as “The Great Beer State” ranking #8 nationally for the number of breweries.
The Michigan Brewers Guild is a network of innovative and passionate brewers that serves as the recognized advocate for the Michigan beer industry. The mission of the Guild is to promote and protect the Michigan beer industry with an overarching goal to realize continued share growth and assure a healthy small business environment for breweries.
Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes more than $1.8 billion in total economic impact. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #8 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”