Craft Brewers Conference 2026: Everything You Need to Stand Out in a Crowd

Have you ever been to the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC)? If not, you’re in for a treat. The CBC, presented by the Brewers Association, is an annual gathering of industry-leading professionals where craft brewers can network, learn, and grow. It’s the only event for both packaging breweries and on-site breweries like brewpubs and taprooms. Because a love of craft beer and a desire to sell that beer unite brewers and distributors alike.

This year, the CBC is from April 20–22, 2026, in Philadelphia, PA! Wondering what you can expect from attending the yearly CBC, or why you should clear those dates on your calendar? Read on!

Why You Should Attend the Craft Brewers Conference

We get it. It can be hard to leave your brewpub or step away from your brewing tanks. But the Craft Brewers Conference is totally worth it.

Not only can you make friends while tasting brews and network on the tradeshow floor, you can also learn more about your industry and how to grow your craft beer business with CBC's curated educational tracks (aka Experiences). These Experiences are role-specific schedules with seminars, networking sessions, and demos relevant to your role and goals. 

This year’s curated Experiences are:

• Taproom Management 
  
• Small Brewery Leadership
• Marketing & Communications
• Sales Foundations
• Advanced Distribution 
• Strategic Business Management 
• Regional Brewery Production 
• Microbrewery Production 
• Small Brewery Production 
• Export Development 

As if that wasn’t enough, CBC is an industry-only event that draws thousands of craft beer makers, distributors, and related businesses (including Stomp!) to its tradeshow floor every year. That means endless opportunities to expand your professional network by connecting with distributors, labeling and packaging experts, and so many more industry pros that can take your craft brewery business to the next level.

Find the Partners Your Brewery Needs

CBC's tradeshow floor is where you’ll meet these exhibitors and vendors who might just become your most valuable connections as you build and grow your business. They can help your brews get noticed in an industry chock full of incredible beers.  

As you walk the tradeshow floor, keep a look out for exhibitors who specialize in the following:

Beer Labels That Leap off the Shelf

You really can’t spend enough time on creating a custom beer label for your craft brew. Store shelves are crowded with craft and artisanal brews, and your label needs to do some mighty heavy lifting in order to grab attention and get your beer into someone’s cart.

Unique designs are a must, but they also have to incorporate all the information that you’re legally required to include. On top of that, your custom beer labels need to carry the vibe of your brand from package to bottle, from pilsner to stout. Wormtown Brewery’s Be Hoppy pale ale is bright and cheerful, which tells you a lot about their brand!

You, as an expert in making spectacular beer, are probably a little (or a lot) out of your element when it comes to label design and creation. But the CBC is the perfect chance to find those experts who can guide you through the process and deliver stunning labels that suit your brew so you're ready to stand out at local festivals, tap takeovers, and events all year long. 

Sticky Marketing That Travels

  

Stickers are awesome. Ok, we’re a little biased. But who doesn’t love a sticker? Custom brewery stickers are a great way to promote new products, events, or even your brewery itself, like Cape May Brewing Co.'s sticker.

Loyal customers love to show their brand pride by slapping some sticky merch on a laptop or phone case, including Drink ’N Peel® Labels. And stickers make great handouts at events like festivals, tap takeovers, and local events, drawing attention to your brewery and building brand recognition.

An affordable and extremely useful marketing tool, stickers are a fantastic addition to your promotional toolbox. Look for exhibitors with experience in creating stickers in a variety of shapes and materials as you walk the CBC tradeshow.

 Start by Ordering a Free Brewery Sample Pack!

Stand Tall (and Shaded) at Every Event

Speaking of exhibits, anyone who’s ever spent hours outdoors at a festival knows the value of not only standing out from the competition, but also having a bit of shade. Custom canopy tents advertising your brewery provide both, as you can see from the Great Lakes Brewery tent above. Sturdy yet easy to set up, tear down and transport, canopy tents can be custom printed on every side and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be used indoors. 

If you plan on taking your brews on the road to beer festivals, outdoor markets, or community events, canopy tents need to be on your radar. Look for CBC exhibitors that offer quality custom printing, as well as a customer service team that can help you translate your brand and design ideas onto the durable fabric of a custom canopy tent.

Banner Up, Beer Fans!

Custom brewery banners draw the eye and announce your presence wherever you display them. Banners can be used in indoor spaces, but outdoor displays are also a viable option since they’re usually made of heavy-duty, weather-resistant material. 

Use brewery banners to announce and advertise everything from a new product launch to upcoming events or, as Big Grove Brewery shows, your brewery itself. Custom printing means your banner can say whatever you want. As you meander through the endless variety of exhibitors at this year’s CBC, stop and talk to quality custom printers and ask them about their banner options.

Coasters That Keep the Conversation Flowing

Creating a memorable customer experience at your brewery is all about the details, and custom brewery coasters are an often-overlooked opportunity to showcase your brand. Coasters do more than protect tables from condensation. They also bring personality to your brewery’s space and make every sip feel intentional.

Adding custom designs, logos, or even quirky beer facts to your beer coasters can turn them into powerful marketing tools that customers engage with and remember long after their visit.

Brewery coasters also make excellent giveaways. Many patrons enjoy collecting coasters as keepsakes, and including them at festivals, tap events, and brewery gatherings is an easy way to reinforce your branding.

Stand Out With Stomp

The Craft Brewers Conference is that very special time of year when industry pros and newbies alike can meet, learn, and sample a few top-notch brews. Whether you’re a craft beer brewer, taproom owner, or distributor, put the CBC on your calendar (April 20–22, 2026).

In between panel discussions and sessions, spend as much time as you can on the tradeshow floor. And make sure to stop by and say hello to Stomp at Booth #1117! We’ve got all your custom label, packaging, and display needs covered, from eye-catching beer labels to festival-ready canopy tents and coasters. Stop by to discover how Stomp can help you stand out at every event, tap takeover, and festival on your calendar with our custom brewery products. We can’t wait to tell you all about it.

 🍺 Stand Out With Stomp's Brewery Products

Last updated: March 2026

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