Q: When is the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference?
April 20-22, 2026.
Q: Where is the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference?
The Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19107
Q: Where is the 2026 World Beer Cup awards ceremony?
The 2026 awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 22, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm in the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. The ceremony can also be streamed online via the Brewing Network. Live stream details can be found here.
Q: Can I attend the World Beer Cup awards ceremony without purchasing a CBC registration?
All competing breweries and cideries can reserve tickets to the World Beer Cup awards ceremony via our reservation form. Should we have additional capacity, we’ll send out another communication allowing competing breweries and cideries to reserve more, but that will likely be closer to the time of the awards.
Conference registration is completely separate from the WBC competition, and you can register to attend here.
Q: Is there any preferred accommodation I can book?
ConferenceDirect is the official housing bureau for the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference. Through this partnership, we have negotiated the best possible rates at hotels near the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Attendees can obtain discounted rates by reserving through the official housing reservation system. For questions regarding making a reservation or an existing reservation please contact ConferenceDirect at (844) 840-1840 or craftbrewers@nullconferencedirect.com.
Q: What do the different registration prices mean?
Pricing for the conference is tied to BA membership status. See pricing details here.
Q: Are early bird discounts available?
Early Advantage pricing is available until January 6, 2026. After January 6, attendees can still save by purchasing their registration online ahead of the conference. Onsite pricing is the most expensive. See pricing details here.
Q: Is there VIP registration with perks available?
BA member pricing offers the best perks!
Q: If I book my registration online, how do I collect my registration?
Conference credentials can be picked up on-site at registration in the Pennsylvania Convention Center. For registration and bag pick-up hours, please visit General Schedule & Hours.
Q: Can I register at the event?
Yes! Registration is available onsite. View registration hours here.
Q: Can I get a refund if I change my mind about attending?
Please view our cancelation policy here.
Q: What is the registration cancelation policy?
Please view our cancelation policy here.
Q: If the event is canceled, how do I obtain a refund?
Please view our cancelation policy here.
Q: Is registration insurance available?
No.
Q: Where can I review my registration information?
To edit or view existing registrations, click any of the “Register Now” buttons on CraftBrewersConference.com and use the “Modify Registration” option to adjust the registration. You’ll need the “Reference Number” (8-digit confirmation number from original registration) and email address used for the original registration to access and update the existing registration.
Q: Can I make changes to my registration?
To edit existing registrations, click any of the “Register Now” buttons on CraftBrewersConference.com and use the “Modify Registration” option to adjust the registration. You’ll need the “Reference Number” (8-digit confirmation number from original registration) and email address used for the original registration to access and update the existing registration.
Q: I have special accessibility needs/dietary requirements; can you accommodate me?
You can indicate these requirements on your CBC registration, and a member of our staff will follow up to get details if needed. Please get in touch with us at cbc@nullbrewersassociation.org.
Q: Is there an age restriction to attend?
Attendees must be 21+. Proof of age is required.
Q: Is there a dress code for the event?
The dress code is “brewer business casual.”
Q: Where can I find information about the event agenda and schedule?
Please visit the Craft Brewers Conference website for the most up-to-date information.
Q: What if I cannot attend the in-person conference? Will there be an option to attend virtually?
The Craft Brewers Conference is best experienced in person. There is no virtual option. Audio recordings of the seminars are available to CBC full conference attendees a few months after the conference.
Q: Can attendees access seminar recordings?
Audio recordings of the 2026 CBC seminars will be available to full conference attendees a few months after the conference. Look for an email for access instructions. PDF copies of each seminar’s presentation deck are available to download in the mobile app and will be provided with the audio recording for listeners to follow along with. Due to contract terms, a recording of the keynote presentation will not be included.
Q: How can I feel like I am a part of the conference in addition to attending the event?
Follow the Brewers Association on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Use our conference hashtag, #CraftBrewersCon, and read our news articles for the latest info about the conference. You can follow discussions regarding conference presentations, ask presenters questions, read about the good things coming, and be sure to read your attendee emails on the latest news.
Q: I am thinking about joining the Brewers Association and attending the conference. How can I learn more about the BA?
Please visit the Brewers Association website or contact us at info@nullbrewersassociation.org. We’ll gladly give you a customized overview of our resources to meet your needs.
Q: Will I receive a Conference Attendee Directory?
The only access to participants is via in-person networking. This protects all participants from inappropriate mass marketing.
Q: Should I watch for emails from CBC or be concerned about spam emails about the conference?
CBC will send emails about the conference using the CBC email (typically from info@nullbrewersassociation.org). CBC DOES NOT permit the sale of participant lists or the use of third-party booking sites. If you receive an email about participant lists or from a third party with hotel reservation “codes” and links, it is not legit or authorized by CBC. See this page for known scammers.
Q: How was the conference venue selected?
Philadelphia was booked based on CBC attendee and exhibitor feedback. For additional information, please refer to our site selection process here.
Q: Who might be attending this annual conference?
Thousands of brewing, fermentation, and distilling professionals from the beverage alcohol industry are expected to attend.
Q: Who is the keynote speaker? And when is it?
The keynote speaker will be announced soon. Please check back.
Q: Who are the presenters?
The 2026 Craft Brewers Conference speakers can be viewed here.
Q: Can I be a presenter?
Speaker applications are now closed. To learn more about being a presenter and be notified when the 2027 application window opens, please visit our Seminar Proposal Submission page.
Q: Are there breakout sessions? Where can I find information about them?
Please visit the Craft Brewers Conference website for the most up-to-date information.
Q: Interested in becoming a volunteer at the conference?
Check back for information about volunteering at the 2026 conference.
Q: Where can I find an exhibitor list?
2026 exhibitor list coming soon!
Q: How can I make appointments?
Select the exhibitor you want to meet with and select, “send email” from their listing.
Q: Where do I go to check in?
Conference credentials can be picked up on-site at registration, located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center. For registration and bag pick-up hours, please visit General Schedule & Hours.
Q: Where can I register on-site?
2026 registration location is coming soon. For registration and bag pick-up hours, please visit General Schedule & Hours.
Q: I pre-registered for the conference. Do I need to check in upon arrival?
Yes. You must have a conference credential for entry. Conference credentials can be picked up on-site at registration in the Pennsylvania Convention Center. For registration and bag pick-up hours, please visit General Schedule & Hours.
Q: If I lose my credentials, where can I get a replacement?
Lost credentials can be replaced at the CBC registration area, but replacement credentials pricing starts at $200.
Q: Is re-entry available?
Re-entry is permitted with a valid attendee credential/badge.
Q: What items are prohibited?
Item(s) determined to be dangerous or inappropriate will not be allowed into the Craft Brewers Conference. Event management reserves the right to handle each occurrence on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the item, the guest may be asked to remove the item from the facility or dispose of the item or may be ejected from the facility.
Q: Can I bring my child?
Attendees must be 21+. Proof of age is required. Infants are allowed if always carried or in a stroller. If you are entering the exhibit hall / tradeshow floor you will need to sign a waiver prior to entering. Please see Show Management at attendee registration. Important: please note this policy will change for all future events.
- Please respect your peers and make childcare arrangements if you’re sitting in a seminar room. If this isn’t possible, please leave if your child is being a distraction to others.
Q: Can I bring my certified service animal?
Yes.
Q: Can I bring my emotional support animal?
Only certified service animals are permitted. Emotional support animals are not allowed.
Attendees are invited to find a respite from the hustle and bustle in a designated quiet room. This space, hosted by staff members trained in trauma-informed care offers a sanctuary free from technology and work-related distractions, allowing relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can unwind with calming activities such as puzzles and coloring books and enjoy the ambient lighting and cozy seating for a tranquil experience. See the website for the schedule an location.
Q: Where is the lost and found?
The CBC registration desk will act as our Lost and Found.
Q: Will there be a coat/bag check?
No. Please inquire with the concierge at your hotel for bag check options.
Q: Can I bring a water bottle, and where are the water stations?
Yes. We encourage attendees to bring their own water containers. There are only a few water fountains available at the venue. Water stations will be available in numerous conference locations. Several sponsors will have water bubblers available at their booths. Check the CBC app for these locations.
Q: What are the food options at CBC?
Information to come. Please check back.
Q: How do I download the event app?
The Craft Brewers Conference app puts the entire event at your fingertips, providing essential information on what’s happening and where, with features that help you make the most of your CBC:
- Quickly navigate to the information you want.
- Browse the entire show floor with an interactive floor plan.
- Easily find exhibitors with the product category search.
- Add seminars to your planner.
To download the app, navigate to your App store on your phone and search for and select “Craft Brewers Conference 2026”
If you already have the CBC app on your smartphone, it will automatically update when the new app is available (if you have auto updates enabled). If the app doesn’t update, we suggest deleting and reinstalling the app.
Q: Is there a Community Engagement Project this year?
Regrettably, there is no Community Engagement project this year. We look forward to exploring options for future years.
Q: Where/How can I volunteer for CBC?
Email cbc@nullbrewersassociation.org for information on volunteering.
Q: Where are the ADA-accessible entrances located?
All public facilities are required to have ADA-accessible entrances. Please contact the convention center with specific questions.
Q: Are scooters or wheelchairs available?
The Pennsylvania Convention Center provides scooter rentals on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the UPS Store inside the convention center to rent one.
Q: Are there ADA restrooms available?
Yes.
Q: Are there gender-neutral restrooms available and where are they located?
Information to come. Please check back.
Q: Is there a lactation room available?
In order to accommodate our customers who are breastfeeding, the Pennsylvania Convention Center maintains Mamava lactation suites onsite.
Q: How are intoxicated guests managed?
All guests of the Craft Brewers Conference are expected to drink responsibly and ensure they have a safe, responsible means of transportation before leaving the facility. Any guest intoxicated before entering the event may be denied entry to the facility. Any guest found intoxicated during the event and causing a disturbance, as determined by management, will be asked to leave the facility without a refund and may be subject to further consequences.
Q: How can I report misconduct?
At this year’s conference, we are utilizing the #NotMe app as an anonymous reporting tool for instances of misconduct including harassment, discrimination, and violence. Attendees who witness or experience such behavior can submit a complaint using the #NotMe app or seek assistance making a complaint from the trauma-informed care-trained staff stationed near the Quiet Room, (check schedule for location). This ensures a supportive environment for addressing incidents while maintaining anonymity for those involved.
Q: Are there any COVID-19 or vaccination or mask requirements for entry?
Effective February 22, 2024, the Brewers Association (BA) no longer requires proof of vaccination status or a negative test result to attend a Brewers Association-produced in-person meeting or event. Mask-wearing at Brewers Association meetings and events is optional and welcome.
The Brewers Association expects attendees to take responsibility themselves for following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on measures to reduce infection from COVID-19 and to protect against severe complications.
Attendees who are not up to date on vaccinations are asked to take an at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test before traveling to any Brewers Association meeting or event and should not attend if they test positive or have symptoms of COVID-19. The Brewers Association will not be requiring proof of these measures, however, but calls on the brewing community to act responsibly and with consideration for the health and safety of others.
The Brewers Association cannot be held liable for COVID-19 cases arising because of event attendance.
The Brewers Association Meetings & Events Entry Policy is subject to change based on COVID-19 community levels and any updated guidance from CDC and/or federal or state officials in localities hosting a Brewers Association in-person meeting or event.
Guidance on COVID-19 is continually updated, and the Brewers Association appreciates the understanding of its stakeholders as we seek to provide valuable, timely face-to-face programming while prioritizing the health and safety of attendees.
Q: What is the smoking policy?
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is a non-smoking facility.
Q: Is there a lactation room available?
The Pennsylvania Convention Center provides Mamava lactation suites onsite.
Q: Are there gender-neutral restrooms available, and where are they located?
Information to come. Please check back.
Q: Is there a quiet room available?
At this year’s conference, attendees can find a respite from the hustle and bustle in a designated quiet room. This space offers a sanctuary free from technology and work-related distractions, allowing relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can unwind with calming activities such as puzzles and coloring books and enjoy the ambient lighting and cozy seating for a tranquil experience. See the website for the schedule and location.
Q: Can I bring my certified service animal?
Yes.
Q: Can I bring my emotional support animal?
Only certified service animals are permitted. Emotional support animals are not allowed.
Q: What kind of photography is allowed?
- Exhibitors and attendees are expressly prohibited from taking photos of exhibitor booths and products. If an infraction occurs, devices will be confiscated, and badges will be revoked for current and future shows. If you witness an infraction, email it to cbc@nullbrewersassociation.org. You can also make a report at the BA booth.
- Guests are welcome to bring personal cameras into the event.
- Professional photography access is determined on a case-by-case basis by event management. See Media Access.
- If your organization plans on filming any kind of video content at CBC, you will need to check in at media registration for instructions prior to beginning work. Unauthorized film crews may have their credentials revoked.
- Please note seminars may only be filmed with prior approval from the speakers. Any live streaming of seminars, including Facebook Live broadcasts, is prohibited.
Q: What is happening in the evenings after the scheduled conference activities?
View our Week Events page, check out the Philly craft beer scene, or check out Visit Philadelphia.
Q: How can I locate lists of brewery-specific parties?
View our Week Events page or visit the individual brewery’s website.
Q: How can I get tickets to sponsored events?
Check in with the sponsor/exhibitor onsite.
Q: When is the next Craft Brewers Conference?
The 2026 Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on April 20 – 22 in Philadelphia, PA.
