Craft Brewers Conference Returns to Philadelphia, Major Keynote Announced

The Brewers Association confirmed on December 2 that the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America will convene at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia from April 20 through April 22, 2026. Registration opened on the announcement date, with early bird options available for attendees who register promptly. The conference will once again pair extensive educational programming with vendor exhibits and the marquee World Beer Cup awards ceremony.

Organizers highlighted a refreshed program that includes a keynote from hospitality leader Will Guidara and the State of the Industry address delivered by Bart Watson, president and CEO of the Brewers Association. The combination of practical sessions, keynote perspective, and the industry snapshot aims to serve both brewery operators and supplier partners planning production, distribution, or product development for the year ahead.

Philadelphia was selected in part because of Pennsylvania's substantial craft brewing presence, with hundreds of breweries statewide. That local density means the conference will attract not only national and international exhibitors, but also a strong contingent of regional brewers, creating a concentrated environment for deal making, ingredient sourcing, and peer learning. For smaller operations, the event offers direct access to suppliers and educational tracks that address scaling, quality control, and market positioning.

The BrewExpo America trade show will provide a platform for equipment makers, ingredient suppliers, packaging vendors, and service providers to showcase innovations and connect with brewery buyers. The World Beer Cup remains a marquee event in the schedule, offering recognition and visibility that can influence taproom traffic and distributor interest.

Practical steps to prepare include planning travel and staffing around the April dates, registering early to take advantage of early bird pricing, and arranging for media credentials if covering the conference. The announcement included registration and media credentialing details, and encouraged planning to maximize the conference experience. For producers and suppliers focused on networking, education, and trade show activations, the April conference in Philadelphia offers a concentrated opportunity to close deals, learn best practices, and spotlight new beers.