Brewers of Pennsylvania Symposium

Feeling spirited? Mimosa & Bloody Mary Bar courtesy of Social Sponsor: Norris McLaughlin 

These days, the craft beer market resembles more of a battlefield than an underdog. Join me for a journey into how today’s craft breweries are finding success and how strategy plays a vital role in the future of craft beer. This isn’t just about theory—it’s about real-world examples of how strategy can transform your brewery’s fate. Through personal and professional stories from my 20-plus years in the industry, you’ll see how to harness the power of strategic business management and use it to boost sales. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and equipped with the insights to allow your brewery to survive and thrive. Strategy isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the lifeblood of your brewery’s success, so let’s get into it.

"CTA, RTD & CYA”: a review of many new areas of law including the Corporate Transparency Act, the new RTD And Omnibus Bill, and as always, the latest on how to protect your you-know-what.

Time to rejuvenate. Coffee and mid-morning snacks courtesy of Social Sponsor: Blue Marsh Insurance 

In today’s dynamic craft beer industry, diversifying revenue streams is more important than ever. As the Director of Business Development for promotional product company Shore Up Supply, Emily Neville has seen firsthand how the right merch presented and marketed in the right way can be a consistent profit stream for breweries who choose to invest in it. Still, with thousands of items to choose from and exponentially more color and design decisions, it may seem daunting to broach the topic at all. Throw in online inventory management and taproom displays, and is it even worth it? In this session, you’ll be handed a strategy for supplier management, ordering timelines, taproom merchandising, and marketing tactics to turn your hoodies and hats into a profit stream. We’ll discuss the latest trends and set you up for success to give your patrons merch they can’t walk away from!

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue's Incentives, Credits and Programs presentation serves as a valuable resource for the state's thriving craft beer industry. Aspiring and established craft brewers, that take a proactive and strategic approach to managing their tax burden by leveraging state tax incentives, can free up critical cash flow that can be reinvested to fuel growth and improve operations. Pennsylvania offers a robust portfolio of business tax credits and incentives designed to drive economic development. From the Malt Beverage Tax Credit, which provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction in state tax obligations for qualifying expenditures, to the Research and Development Tax Credit, the options are plentiful.  However, identifying these programs can present a significant challenge, requiring specialized expertise and a deep understanding of the regulations.

Need food! Must eat! Feeling spirited? Lunch courtesy of Social Sponsor: Blue Marsh Insurance

The world of music licensing can be daunting, with a maze of legalities, questions, potential pitfalls and frustration. Join us for this insightful session as we demystify the intricate world of music licensing for breweries. You’ll gain clarity and a deeper understanding of the complexities of this legal landscape, delving into the nuances of Copyright Law and how it intersects with public music performance at your events.  Leave with actionable steps to secure your music efficiently and legally.

After participating in this session, you will be able to:

1. Determine who is responsible for obtaining music licenses
2. Identify where to obtain music licenses and what they cost
3. Obtain free resources for ongoing help with music licensing

Join Audra Gaiziunas, owner of Brewed For Her Ledger, owner in DSSOLVR, and Board Member of the Brewers Association, as she reflects on the challenges faced by the craft beer industry in 2024.

Despite the hardships, Audra will emphasize the positive stories and "aha" moments discovered in the face of change, sharing success stories of breweries that not only survived, but thrived. Departing from technical jargon, excel sheets and formulas, you’ll be taken on an inspiring journey through the voices and actions of her brewery partners, offering a unique and relatable perspective through the eyes of a seasoned brewery financial strategist.

Time to rejuvenate. Coffee and mid-morning snacks courtesy of Social Sponsor: Norris McLaughlin

In today's hyper-connected landscape, data has emerged as the cornerstone of competitive advantage, offering invaluable insights to businesses across industries. Our presentation, "Cultivating Competitive Edge: Unveiling the Power of Data Insights," navigates the transformative journey from raw data to actionable intelligence.

TPI Efficiency is a vendor-neutral energy consulting firm that provides comprehensive energy management and sustainability solutions to help organizations reduce operating costs and achieve their environmental goals. Their expertise spans various areas: Renewable Energy Consulting TPI offers guidance on renewable energy options like solar, wind, and hydropower, assisting clients in procuring renewable energy sources and reducing emissions. Energy Efficiency Services They provide services to improve energy efficiency, including strategic planning, energy audits, lighting and HVAC upgrades, building management systems, and electrical system optimization. Energy Procurement TPI monitors energy markets and advises clients on optimal procurement strategies for electricity and natural gas. It negotiates with over 150 suppliers to secure cost-effective contracts tailored to its clients' needs. Sustainability Solutions TPI helps organizations develop sustainability plans, implement emissions reduction strategies, secure funding for sustainable projects, and future-proof their operations through innovative solutions. Additional Services Their offerings include demand response programs, power quality management, utility rate optimization, and financial analysis. With a focus on vendor neutrality and objective advice, TPI Efficiency partners with organizations to drive cost savings, reduce environmental impact, and achieve their energy and sustainability goals through industry-leading customer service and expertise.

The deck delves into the significance of purchasing spot hops and ways to leverage that channel to benefit your beer and business, no matter the size of your brewery. At the end of the presentation, we can also offer some hops to do sensory with.

Lager brewing has always been around, but now Lagers are becoming more popular to the consumer as refreshing option. Brewing a Lager is more than choosing a lager yeast strain and turning down the fermentation temperature. There are brewing techniques that can improve the quality of the beer you brew.

This presentation is an introduction to the PA OSHA Consultation Program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.   We will discuss the entire process from making a request to closing out identified hazards.  We will discuss the most frequently cited standards for breweries. Additionally, we will cover the penalties associated with hazards identified by OSHA enforcement activities and how we can help mitigate them before they occur.

Symposium attendees are encouraged to visit local BOP Member Brewery: Grist House Craft Brewery

Uber or drive to venue. Transportation will not be provided by hotel or BOP.