Pints and Partnerships with Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America, 2026

They say if you could bottle the energy of the craft brewing industry, it might taste a lot like CBC26.

The 2026 Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America® transformed Philadelphia into the epicenter of the global brewing industry bringing together more than 7,000 professionals for three days of innovation, education, and connection.

Widely regarded as the industry’s most influential annual gathering, CBC once again proved that it’s more than a conference, it’s where the business of beer evolves.

Where the Brewing World Connects

From first-time attendees to seasoned brewers, CBC26 delivered a strong sense of community. The event felt like a reunion with equal parts networking hang-out and collaborative think tank. Partnerships formed over pints, ideas were exchanged, and the culture of craft brewing took center stage. A reminder that craft brewers industry runs on people as much as it runs on beer.

This year’s programming focused on the realities shaping today’s beverage landscape. Sessions explored efficiency, innovation, consumer behavior, and long-term business resilience, reinforcing a central message: the craft beer industry is changing, and those who adapt will lead it forward.

On the show floor, BrewExpo America showcased the future of brewing with nearly 500 vendors presenting the latest in equipment, ingredients, and technology. From production solutions to cutting-edge services, the expo delivered practical tools to help breweries scale, evolve, and stay competitive. The event featured standout experiences that energized attendees throughout the week, including a compelling keynote from hospitality leader Will Guidara, the highly anticipated State of the Industry address, and the prestigious World Beer Cup Awards, often referred to as the “Olympics of Beer.”

New for 2026

The conference introduced a condensed three-day format, offering a more focused and efficient experience while maximizing value for attendees. The updated structure reflected the evolving needs of industry professionals balancing time, cost, and impact.

At its core, CBC26 reinforced what makes the craft brewing community unique: collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a collective drive to push the industry forward. As the conference wrapped, one thing was clear: when this community comes together, innovation follows.

With momentum building, the industry now looks ahead to the 2027 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America in San Antonio, Texas.

We’ll see you next year at the 2027 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America April 5-7 in San Antonio, Texas.