Craft beverages have gained popularity over the past decade as more and more companies have entered the industry. According to the Brewers Association, craft beer alone accounts for 27% of the total beer market, worth over $100 billion. If you are an aspiring craft beverage producer interested in learning more about them, you should attend the Craft Beverage Expo and Distribution Conference.

About the event

The Craft Beverage Expo (CBE) is a trade conference and exposition for the whole craft beverage community. Its primary goal is to unite beverage markets and create a collaborative environment with common goals. The expo aims to solve small-batch beverage producers, retailers, and distributors’ challenges, like getting the required equipment, financial management, improving operations, and getting their products on store shelves.

Other critical business aspects attendees will learn about include;

• Sales and marketing 
• Packaging and branding
• Alternative and traditional distribution

Kellie Shevlin, the expo’s executive director, believes that with the proper guidance and support, all craft producers can succeed, whether they make spirits, mead, cider, beer, or wine. The Craft Beverage Expo and Distribution Conference is an annual, three-day event from March 29 to 31.

Why Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has the second-highest number of craft breweries in America. Additionally, the state has more than 300 wineries, which makes it the fifth-largest wine producer. All these factors make the state an ideal location for the event.

Craft Beverage Expo and Distribution Conference schedule

• VIP hour is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• General admission 6:30 p.m.
• Last call 9:30 p.m.
• Last pour 9:45 p.m.
• The event ends at 10:00 p.m.

Restaurants participating in the event

To keep attendees satiated, the organizers partnered with some of the top regional restaurants, like

• LeMont
• No Name Pub
• Sullivan’s Steakhouse
• Sly Fox Taphouse
• Shorty’s Pints & Pins
• Pita My Shawarma 
• Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream
• Braddock’s Rebellion
• Coughlin’s Law Kitchen and Aloe House

Participating craft producers

• 2 JAS Distilling
• Eleventh Hour Brewing Company
• Acclamation Brewing
• Big Spring Spirits
• Bygone Wines
• Goodlander Cocktail Brewery
• Hardball Cider
• Lucky Sign Spirits
• Necromancer Brewing
• Margie’s Farm Rum 
• Trace Brewing
• Pittsburgh Brewers Guild
• The Leaning Cask

Craft Beverage Expo and Conference tickets

There are three tickets options; below, we look at each and what they have to offer.

VIP Admission (only 250 available)

The ticket includes a VIP seat and unlimited wine, beer, sake, and spirits samples. You also get a sampling glass.

Fee: $105

General Admission

It includes unlimited craft beverage samples, light appetizers, tipsy talks, and a sampling glass.

Fee: $65

Designated Driver

It doesn’t include alcoholic beverage tasting; you must purchase it alongside a general admission ticket.

Fee: $10

Other things to do in Pittsburgh 

While in Pittsburgh, you can use the opportunity to visit some of the city’s top tourist attractions like:

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

The Natural History Museum aims to entertain and educate visitors so they have a better understanding of the natural world. In the museum’s central exhibit, you will find authentic reproductions of dinosaur fossils such as Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex. Additionally, the museum has extensive galleries that showcase animal life from around the globe and the cultural histories of America and ancient Egypt.

Address: 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

National Aviary

The National Aviary has exhibits throughout its sizeable building that will educate you about different bird environments, how birds survive, and why they are an essential ecosystem component. In Eagle Hall, you will find Toco toucans and sea eagles. The outdoor habitat has Andean Condors; these birds have a huge wingspan measuring 10 feet. A few steps past the outdoor habitat, you’ll see flamingos in the wetland’s habitat, followed by macaws and snowy egrets in the rainforest section. The aviary provides bird-watching lessons, and animal encounters with its famous residents, like penguins, owls, and falcons. 

Address: 700 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

The Childrens Museum, close to the National Aviary, is ideal for families to take kids. The multimedia studio is the museum’s most popular area as its fully equipped, and kids can experiment with fiber arts, sculpture, photography, drawing, and painting. Also, the museum has a “make shop” where children can try sewing, woodworking, and even repairing a clock. Other favorite spots include a clubhouse, sandbox, and musical swings.

Address: 10 Children Way, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Carnegie Science Center

Here, you will learn how science and technology affect food production, industrial processing, and space exploration. The museum has exciting activities like zip-lining, indoor climbing challenges, and child-only rope courses. You will also get a guided tour of a medium-sized World War II submarine called the USS Requin.

Address: One Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Cathedral of Learning

Found at the University of Pittsburgh, the Cathedral of Learning building is an architectural masterpiece. The skyscraper, 535 feet above the ground, is over ninety fives old, as research shows construction started around 1926 and ended in 1934. Currently, the building hosts educational facilities and a cafe where you can chill as you take in its impressive interior.

Location: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Mount Washington

If it’s your first-time touring Pittsburgh, Mount Washington is an area you must visit. It has excellent city views and parks with plenty of recreational activities you can partake in. 

Location: Mt Washington, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 

South Side

The South Side has plenty of old, magnificently designed architecture, arguably the city’s most entertaining area. It has theater venues, famous bars, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques.

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get Craft Beverage Expo and Conference tickets?

You can buy the tickets online from their official website at www.craftbeverageexpo.com 

What ages are allowed?

Regulations state that only people aged 21 or more can buy tickets or attend the conference.

How much does attending the Craft Beverage Expo cost?

Attending the entire CBE event as a retailer, distributor, or producer costs $460. Single-day passes cost $350.

Conclusion 

The Craft Beverage Expo enables small-batch brand producers, distributors, and retailers to learn how to improve their craft and gain exposure. Attendees also interact with companies that could provide much-needed solutions to their challenges.

At Distillery Nearby, we aim to provide in-depth information about craft breweries, distilleries, and other aspects of the alcohol industry. Visit our website to learn cocktail recipes, the history of your top spirits, and more.