11:30 AM Sessions

‍

West Coast IPA is Alive and Well

Jesse Brown, Andrew Schwartz, Brad Benson, Jake Watt, & Robyn Schumacher

Let's talk about all things West Coast IPA.

‍

WBG Summit Marketing is Dead

Bryson Foster, Fosters Creative

Learn how breweries can stand out in an AI-driven world where content is easier to create and differentiation matters more than ever.

‍

Winning in Distro

Derek Smith, Small Batch Standard

Learn the core strategies, benchmarks, and operational fundamentals breweries need to navigate distribution and improve their chances of success.

‍

ON TAP: Strategies to Work ON Rather Than IN Your Business

Stephanie Artino, CPA – Artino Business Advisors (CPA/Owner)

Explore practical ways to improve collaboration, use POS data more strategically, and better understand the operational and financial forces shaping brewery performance.

‍

1:45 PM Sessions

‍

Benefits of Legal Change in 2025

Jason Barker, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP

Review key legal and tax changes affecting breweries, along with emerging opportunities and regulations surrounding THC and hemp beverages.

‍

Brewing Smarter — Tech Behind the Tap

Nicholas Berger, The Good Society, Owner

Learn how to evaluate, select, and implement the right technology solutions for your brewery and taproom based on your operational needs.

Other materials: BRD & Brewing Smarter – Tech Behind the Tap – Scoring Matrix

‍

It's Rad to Collab Panel

Chris Danforth, Emily Mallos, Bret Gordon, Taelore Rhoden, David Skiba, Levi Wyatt

Hear how breweries build successful collaborations with other breweries, local businesses, charities, artists, and community partners.

‍

Craft Beer in 2025: Where do we go from here?

Kevin Davey, Heater Allen/Gold Dot Beer

Revisit craft beer’s recent shifts and explore what past lessons can teach breweries about where the industry should go next.

‍

3:00 PM Sessions

‍

Raw Materials Sensory and Improving Quality on the Supplier Side: A Case Study of Galaxy Hops

Jeff Dailey, Steve Luke, Colin Lenfesty

Learn how sensory programs and stronger supplier partnerships can improve raw material quality, using Galaxy hops as a real-world case study.

‍

Beyond the Beer

Pamela Brulotte, Sarah Burrington, Kerri Petric, Jess Keller Poole

Explore practical ways to improve the taproom experience through events, food, staff training, and culture that keep guests engaged and coming back.

‍

Barley 2025: Crop Insights and Critical COA Specifications for Brewers

Adam D Hieronymus, Territory Sales Manager, Country Malt Group

Review 2025 barley crop conditions and key malt quality metrics that can impact brewing performance and consistency.

‍

The Courage to Show

Greg Parker, Larry Chase

Learn the core principles of open-book management, how Iron Horse applies them, and practical first steps for building transparency in your brewery.

‍

4:15 PM Sessions

‍

A Look in the Mirror: An Inside and Out View of Your Brewery’s Customer Experience

Oce Eagan, Blind Tiger Design

Learn how to audit your brewery’s customer experience across every touchpoint and identify practical brand improvements before a full rebrand is needed.

‍

Brewery Operations Move Fast. Your Insights & Actions Should Too!

Jeremy Carney, Dru Ernst

Learn how to turn brewery data into timely operational insights that reduce costs, solve problems faster, and improve overall performance.

‍

HR Best Practices for the Craft Brewer

Terry Smith, Founder and Principal, STS Design LLC

Explore modern HR strategies for attracting talent, improving retention, and hiring stronger long-term employees.

‍

Craft Malt Conversations: Connecting Grain, Flavor, and Community

Brian Estes, Matthew Hanson, John Marti, Leslie Shore, Rachel Verhey-Goicoechea

Explore how evolving malt options can shape flavor, storytelling, and the identity behind every beer you brew.

2024 Summit Keynote

Dr. J. Jackson-Beckham, Director of Social Impact, Brewers Association

‍

Forging Financials From Beskar, WA

Audra Gaiziunas, Brewed For Her Ledger, LLC

Learn how to use key financial ratios, breakeven analysis, and pricing metrics to improve profitability and spot signs of financial distress early.

‍

Supporting Watershed and Ecosystem Conservation through Brewery/Partner Collaboration

Brian Muegge, Levi Wyatt, Layne Carter, Chris Chappell, Rachel Verhey-Goicoechea

Hear how breweries can support conservation efforts through partnerships, sourcing decisions, and sustainability strategies that also resonate with today’s consumers.

‍

Brewing Beer On The Cold Side

Kevin Davey, Owner & Brewer, Gold Dot Beer

Thoughts, practical approach, and tips for brewing lager beers.

‍

Designing a Flywheel Marketing Strategy: Fueling Continuous Growth

Julie Rhodes, Maura Hardman

Learn how to replace the traditional marketing funnel with a flywheel strategy that builds momentum, improves retention, and drives long-term growth.

‍

Beer Competitions and Judging — Behind the Scenes

Jesse Brown, Barry Chan, Mark Emiley

Get an inside look at how beer competitions are judged, how to use feedback effectively, and how to present your beers for stronger results.

‍

The World’s Most Relevant Beer Talk

Julia Herz, American Homebrewers Association Executive

Explore beer’s enduring popularity, evolving relevance, and the deeper connections between brewing, culture, agriculture, science, and community.

‍

Navigating the Legal Waters of 2024

Mike Drumm, Attorney & Founder, BeerAttorney.com

Review key legal issues facing breweries in 2024, including leases, contracts, equipment transactions, and other risks that can impact business operations.

‍

Get Seen. Look Keen. Tips for Social Media Pics and Videos

Michael Perozzo, Sean Burke

Learn social media strategies that improve visibility, along with practical phone photography tips for creating stronger content with less effort.

‍

DIY HR

Stacey O'Connor, Adjunct Professor, South Puget Sound Community College School of Craft Brewing & Distilling

Learn how foundational HR programs can help breweries manage people effectively and build a stronger company culture.

‍

West Coast Pilsner Panel

Andrew Pytel, Steve Luke, Matt Hanson, Collin Christianson

Explore the rise of West Coast Pils, including its origins, brewing techniques, defining traits, and where the style may be headed next.

‍

Legislation and You

Daniel Olson, Executive Director, Washington Brewers Guild

Learn how to help shape the future of Washington craft beer with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to make an impact.

‍

Up Your Taproom’s Game with Cheese

Courtney Johnson (PhD, ACS CCP, ACS CCSE), Rikki Welz

Learn how beer and cheese tastings can elevate taproom experiences, attract customers, and showcase your beer through smart pairing and sensory techniques.

‍

Increasing Efficiency in the Hop Supply Chain Through Hop Breeding and Virus Free Production

Ryan Christian, Dominic Wise

Explore how new hop varieties and propagation technologies can improve efficiency, sustainability, yield, and brewing performance in a changing market.

‍

Crafting Connections: Enhancing Brewery Operations Through Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Samantha Berggren, Sarah Burrington, Taylor Gale

Learn how stronger cross-department collaboration can improve efficiency, innovation, product quality, and overall brewery performance.

‍

Washington Summit Barley Report

John Mendrick, Adam Hieronymus

A comprehensive look at the global 2024 barley crop and how that impacts the beer world for the year ahead.

Optimizing Flavor Profiles: Unveiling the Impact of Hop Selection and Addition Timing on Survivable Compounds in Beer

Tessa Schilaty, Yakima Chief Hops

‍

What the Chit is Going on with Malt Barley: Trends, Challenges and Perspectives from Maltsters Large and Small, Part 1 & 2

Brian Estes, Adam Hieronymus, Jon Mendrick

‍

Baby Steps to Big Steps: Creating a More Sustainable Future in Craft Beer

Layne Carter, Austin Umbinetti-Hutton, Jess Keller Poole, Chris Chappell

‍

Medal Up Your Lager

Steve Luke, Nate Crane, John Marti

‍

Draft Systems and You! Maintenance and Effects on Your Beer

Ryan Downey, Jess Keller Poole

‍

Resilience & Rejuvenation: Strategies for Mental Well-Being in Hospitality

Jackie K. St. Louis, D-Fine Concepts Consulting

Video link can be found here.

‍

Hop Breeding, Sensory, and Future of Hops

Ashley Hale, Ryan Christian, Jeff Daly, Shanleigh Thomson

‍

Auditing Your Brand

Oceania Eagen, Blind Tiger Design

‍

Cutting Through The Marketing Fog: Clearing up Grey Areas to See How Marketing Really Does Lead to Sales

Julie Rhodes, Madeline Corn, Don Stewart

‍

Washington Brewers Guild DEIA Committee — Q&A

Members of the Washington Brewers Guild DEIA Committee

‍

Employer Guide to Workers’ Rights

Luz Gonzales-Virgen, WA Department of Labor and Industries

‍

Your Neurodiverse Brewery Staff and You: Supporting a Diverse Workplace

Stacey O'Connor, Headless Mumby Brewing

‍

Outlook Hazy or Bright? — Yeast Strains to Dial in Haze

Laura Burns, Matt Edwards

‍

Where did the cash go? How to Sell More Beer Without Draining Your Bank Account

Adam Robbings, Derek Smith

A Note from Small Biz Andrew

Can’t Find Your Workers’ Comp Rates? Try Verify

Make Sure Your Job Postings are Meeting the New Requirements

Skip the Line and Schedule Online

Is Your Business in Compliance with Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA) Requirements?

Help L&I Better Communicate with Small Business Employers Like You

Do You Know How to Assess Your COVID-19 Hazards at Work?

COVID-19 Requirements in Effect (Updated Dec. 1)

1st Quarter Webinars for Small Business

Brainstorm Ergonomic Solutions Tool (BEST)

The state’s minimum wage for 2023 has increased to $15.74 per hour. That applies to workers age 16 and older. Employers may pay 85 percent of the minimum wage —$13.38 per hour — to workers ages 14-15.

Cities can set a higher hourly minimum wage. For example, Seattle and SeaTac both have higher wages.

For other new laws in effect as of January 1, 2023, click here.

A new provision in the Equal Pay & Opportunities Act that took effect Jan. 1 requires employers with 15 or more employees to include specific wage or salary details, a description of benefits, and a description of other compensation when they post a job opportunity.

To make sure businesses know exactly what’s required, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has rolled out detailed information and examples, and has published a new policy to help employers meet the new standard.

The administrative policy connected with Senate Bill 5761, adopted in 2022, provides examples of what pay information employers must include, and explains which job postings have to meet the new requirements.

“Pay transparency is important to eliminating gender-based pay discrepancies,” said Celeste Monahan, assistant director for Fraud Prevention and Labor Standards. “This policy offers employers important guidance examples so they can meet these requirements.”

“We’ve developed real-life examples so employers and workers know exactly what to expect,” said Bryan Templeton, Employment Standards program manager. “We’re here to help employers meet the requirements and to ensure job-seekers know exactly what they’re getting into before they apply.”

To provide further information about the requirements, L&I’s Employment Standards program is holding free webinars. Employers can sign up for a session on the agency’s Workshops and Training Center web page.

Webinar topics include: What constitutes a job posting, what information must be included in a job posting, what constitutes a wage scale or salary range as well as benefits and other compensation. Participants will also learn about free consultations the program offers employers.

The job posting requirements are part of the state’s gender discrimination law. The act prohibits pay discrimination based on gender and promotes fairness among workers by addressing business practices that contribute to income disparities. Employees and job applicants have rights under this law.

The policy also provides guidance on the department’s existing interpretations of the act.

Most businesses are required to post their OSHA Log summary from February 1^st to April 30^th.

This summary must be posted in each establishment where notices to employees are customarily posted, such as next to the required posters for your workplace.

Does that include your business?

Small employers and low-risk businesses may be exempt from these requirements if:

They have 10 or fewer employees at all times during the previous calendar year at all of their combined business locations.

The business is included on the industry exemption list in Table 1 under WAC 296-27-00105.

Note: An exemption does not apply if the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), OSHA, or DOSH notifies you to comply.

Resources to help

• Recording & Reporting eLesson
• Injury & Illness Recordkeeping Forms – 300, 300A, 301
• Safety and Health Recordkeeping page

The following LCB PowerPoint presentation covers:

• Moneys Worth to Retailers
• Branded Promotional Materials Guidelines
• Point of Sale Requirements
• Advertising
• Brewers Nights (Tap Takeovers) Do’s and Don’ts
• Public & Civic Events/Special Occasion Licenses

LCB Enforcement PowerPoint

Getting Started – Courtesy of the Brewers Association:

Brewers Association FDA Article

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Overview:

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/F ood/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/UC M461834.pdf

FSMA Updates:

http://www.fda.gov/Food/Guidan ceRegulation/FSMA/default.htm

FSMA Frequently Asked Questions:

http://www.fda.gov/Food/Guidan ceRegulation/FSMA/ucm247559.ht m#PC_Rules

FSMA Training:

http://www.fda.gov/Food/Guidan ceRegulation/FSMA/ucm461513.ht m

Assistance:

For inquiries and assistance implementing FSMA, visit:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/Guidan ceRegulation/FSMA/ucm459719.ht m

Brewers Association Resource – Good Manufacturing Practices for Craft Brewers:

https://www.brewersassociation.org/educational-publications/good-manufacturing-practices-for-craft-brewers/

A banquet permit is a permit you apply for that allows the service and consumption of liquor at a private, invitation-only banquet or gathering held in a public place or business. Examples include weddings, company banquets, retirement parties, and club, organization or church events.

NOTE FOR BREWERIES: Organizations holding a banquet permit must PURCHASE beer for their event.  Charities seeking donated beer must obtain a special occasion license (see above info).

Banquet Permit Checklist

Beer Delivery Rules for Breweries

During the 2016 Legislative Session, the WBG successfully obtained legislation creating a special permit for brewers to sample and sell beer of their own production at a private event location that does not hold a current liquor license.  Brewers can hold up to 12 events a year.  The permit takes 10 days to process and costs $11.00.

Permit Application:

Private Events Permit Application

Many breweries have asked us when/what brewers can and cannot donate to charities.  We asked the LCB for giving guidelines and here’s their answer:

• Breweries can donate branded promotional items to all non-profits.  This is to be used only by the licensee and not to be given away to consumers
• Brewers can donate beer only to 501c3 and 501c6
• A 501c3 or c6 without a special occasion license can receive branded promotional items.   They can also receive gift cards, cannot just be specific to alcohol
• Breweries can donate items to be auctioned as long as the price of the auctioned items starts at above cost of production

A special occasion license allows a bona fide nonprofit organization to sell liquor at a specific time, date and place. Examples of events include fundraising dinners, gala events, auctions, and wine tastings.

NOTE FOR BREWERIES: You may donate beer to a 501 (c) 3 or 501 (c) 6 non-profit organization holding a special occasion permit.

Breweries CAN (but are not required to):

• Donate beer or sell beer at wholesale to non-profits with a 501 (c) 3 or 6 status
• Pay the non-profit special occasion licensee a reasonable booth fee for the event
• Provide signage, programs and brand advertising
• Pay a 3rd party directly for advertising
• Pour at events that are considered beer exhibitions (LCB test: event has the word beer/brew or similar- if in doubt, check with your local LCB agent)
• Receive returns from the non-profit

Breweries CANNOT:

• Provide money directly or indirectly for the event (except as outlined above)
• Sponsor the event
• Receive part of the proceeds from the event
• Pay a promoter acting on behalf of a non-profit

Manufacturers (Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries) Checklist:

http://www.liq.wa.gov/publications/licensing/flow_charts/Special_Occasion_Flow_Chart_Participation_v1.pdf

Non-Profits Checklist:

http://www.liq.wa.gov/publications/licensing/flow_charts/Non-Profit_Window_v2.pdf

Special Occasion License FAQs:

http://www.liq.wa.gov/enforcement/special-occasion-license-faq

Brewers Association Safety Ambassador PowerPoint Presentation

Confined Spaces Best Practices

Protective Clothing Best Practices

Powered Industrial Trucks Best Practices

Best Management Practice for Surviving an OSHA Inspection

Free online brewery safety training

Questions about entering into contracts with distributors?  The Washington Beer and Wine Distributors Association put together a helpful checklist for brewers to consider when entering into agreements with distributors.

Distribution Contracts Checklist

What Brewers Can Do: Brewers Draught Quality

Draught Quality Warm Storage Guidelines: Draught Quality Warm Storage

Brewers Association Draught Quality Manual: https://www.brewersassociation.org/educational-publications/draught-quality/

‍

Breweries are very generous and donate to many charities and charitable events in their communities.  Many breweries have found that requiring charities to fill out a donation request form has been helpful in managing the numerous requests they receive.  Here’s a template for donation requests you may adapt for your brewery:

Donation Request Template

Coronavirus/COVID 19 – WA Brewery Emergency Resources link: Coronavirus/COVID 19 – WA Brewery Emergency Resources link