The Craft Beer Industry Association (CBIA) has announced that Brisbane will be the host of the 2016 Australian Craft Brewers Conference (ACBC) and Craft Beer Awards.

To be held from the 18th till the 21st of July this will be the first time the two keystone events of the Australian craft brewer’s calendar will be amalgamated into one week. It will also be the first time the CBIA has held a major event outside of Melbourne or Sydney.

“Taking our major events to different Australian city each year, will give the CBIA a national context for our activities and helps to expand the profile of craft beer across the country,” said CBIA Executive Officer Chris McNamara.

“We also aim to help strengthen the local craft beer industry. Brisbane and the rest of Queensland has a thriving craft beer industry, and the community is very supportive of the events coming to Brisbane.”

Amalgamating the two events means the national craft beer industry, from brewers to suppliers, can gather for a week dedicated to consolidating the industry, building strong national networks, expanding knowledge and gaining valuable industry insights. The week culminates in a celebration with the Craft Beer Awards presentation evening.

The ACBC has grown exponentially since it first in 2012. Each year, the CBIA improves and refines the structure, content and opportunities available.

In 2016, the ACBC will have an increased focus on:

• High level technical brewing information
• International speakers
• QA/QC
• Environmental sustainability
• Additional networking opportunities
• The Art of Selling Craft symposium, focusing on the retail trade of craft beer

The Trade Expo that sits alongside the ACBC will also be expanded in 2016.

Early bird tickets will go on sale from the 18th of April.

Key dates:

18th April Early bird tickets for the conference go on sale.
18th and 19th of July Craft Beer Awards judging
20th and 21st of July The Australian Craft Brewers Conference
21st of July (evening) The Craft Beer Awards presentation ceremony

Notes to editors

About the Craft Beer Industry Association

The CBIA, founded in 2011, is a trade association representing Australia’s craft brewers. It is the independent voice shaping and driving the future of Australian craft beer. The CBIA defines an Australian craft brewer as a brewer that produces less than 40 million litres per annum.