March 25 + 26, 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton
10 Brickyard Drive
Bloomington, IL 61701

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Explore the 7th Annual Illinois Craft Brewers Convention

The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild (ICBG, Inc.) in partnership with MBAA, presents the 7th annual Illinois Craft Brewers Convention on Monday, March 25th, and Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Bloomington, IL ( 10 Brickyard Drive, Bloomington, IL 61701).

The Illinois Craft Brewers Convention is one of the most valuable and affordable craft beer conventions in the country, and this year, our Convention Committee is taking it to the next level. Attendees can expect two powerhouse keynote addresses, impactful technical education and - for the first time ever - the opportunity to leave with key industry certifications like BASSET Training, Food Handling Certifications, Forklift Certification, and more.

AGENDA

• Two keynote addresses
• Nearly a dozen seminars featuring discussions, workshops, and technical brewing instruction
• Opportunity to secure key industry certification for brewery and taproom staff and managers
• A robust tradeshow floor packed with information, insights, and valuable takeaways (Associate Members, please book your spot ASAP as space is extremely limited)
• ICBG-hosted brewery hop to seven Bloomington-area breweries (Sunday)
• Attendee reception with Illinois beer and powerful networking opportunities (Monday)
• Keynote addresses by Kate Bernot, director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers; and Michael Varda, owner of Craft Beer Advisory Services.

TICKETING
Early Bird Pricing (Now through Feb. 29)
$65 | All Access Ticket (when purchasing 4 or more) 
$75 | All Access Ticket (single)

Regular Pricing (March 1)
$90 | All Access Ticket (when purchasing 4 or more)
$100 | All Access Ticket (single) 

All access tickets include access to all events, workshops, brewery hop, reception, trade show floor, and certifications. Please note the forklift certification is an additional charge; ICBG is covering 60% of the cost, and attendees are responsible for 40%. Space is limited, so please note the certification courses you plan to attend when you purchase your tickets. 

ACCOMMODATIONS
The Guild has secured group rate of $119 per night (plus tax) on-site at the DoubleTree Hilton (10 Brickyard Drive, Bloomington, IL). Wi-fi is included. Reservations must be made by March 3 to secure the group rate. You may book your room at this link or by phone (309) 664-6446.

SPONSORSHIP + TRADE SHOW OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsorship and vendor opportunities represent a valuable opportunity to reach and connect with Illinois' craft brewing community. These opportunities are open to ICBG's Associate Members only. Please contact Katie Carrier for more information and to sign up ([email protected]). 

Buy Tickets Now

Sponsorship + Trade Show

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild is proud to present a dynamic lineup of speakers to educate, engage, and inspire our convention attendees.

KATE BERNOT

Director
North American Guild of Beer Writers

Kate Bernot is the director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers, a professional development organization. Her work has appeared in Good Beer Hunting, Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine, Imbibe, Craft Spirits Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and more. Today, she is the lead reporter for Sightlines, an industry-focused subscription newsletter that provides insights and analysis to decision-makers across beverage-alcohol companies.

MICHAEL VARDA

Owner
Craft Beer Advisory Services

Michael Varda is the owner of Craft Beer Advisory Services and specializes in applying data-driven approaches to understand consumer behavior in the craft beer space. Coming off a significant project with Jacks Abby and keynote addresses at both the Ohio Brewers Conference and New York State Brewers Conference, Michael will discuss tactics and business approaches that drive Gen Z consumer spending habits and how to implement those into your business model.