Singular Partnership Brings Expo’s Conference, Trade Show and Women’s Forum to Pittsburgh for a Week-Long Destination Event for Craft Beverage Professionals and Fans
March 9, 2023, PITTSBURGH – In what may be a first-of-its-kind arrangement, the Craft Beverage Expo and Distribution Conference has teamed up with VisitPITTSBURGH to bring the conference, trade show and signature day-long Women in Craft Forum to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center March 29-31, 2023.
Previously held in Louisville, the Craft Beverage Expo and Distribution Conference has relocated to Pittsburgh to re-launch as part of a joint initiative called CBX – an annual weeklong, community-wide festival with programming taking place across Allegheny County, a region Forbes says “may be leading the world In brewery diversity and inclusion.” In addition to the expo and women’s forum, CBX includes CBX Experience and CBX Excellence, taking place March 31-April 2, 2023.
While most alcoholic beverage events feature just one segment of the industry, CBX brings many categories together to educate and elevate the small-batch beverage industry as a whole. CBX events will encompass all aspects of the craft beverage industry, from production and manufacture to bottling and branding, and includes beer, wine, spirits, cider, sake, mead, coffee, and more. From a day of dedicated conference sessions for women in the industry to a tasting festival and region-wide discounts for consumers, CBX aims to attract 5,000 out-of-town visitors for the festival’s inaugural year, with plans for growth in future years.
“We are thrilled to bring our conference to Pittsburgh and collaborate with VisitPITTSBURGH to launch CBX,” says Kellie Shevlin, Executive Director, Craft Beverage Expo and Distribution Conference. “CBX will showcase the masters of this wonderful craft, from some of the best-known brands, to the emerging stars of tomorrow, in a city where craft beverages and innovation go hand in hand.”
VisitPITTSBURGH will promote CBX through a targeted marketing and paid advertising campaign, digital promotions, media outreach and collaborations with local businesses and attractions.
“Our region’s craft beverage scene continues to build in scope, quality and reputation, making Pittsburgh the perfect place to establish a signature destination event centered around an industry that is increasing in popularity every year,” says VisitPITTSBURGH President & CEO Jerad Bachar. “We are delighted to partner with the Craft Beverage Expo team and local businesses to grow CBX into an annual tourism event that will become a major economic generator for our community.”
The lineup includes:
Craft Beverage Expo and Distribution Conference March 29-31
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
This industry trade show will feature scores of exhibitors, industry experts and conference sessions and include the Women in Craft Forum on March 29, which focuses on topics unique to women in the craft beverage industry.
Tickets and complete details about the conference are available at craftbeverageexpo.com.
CBX Experience March 31
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
This consumer tasting event will feature small batch craft beverage vendors from across Allegheny County who will showcase their products to industry partners and the public. Attendees also will have an opportunity to taste local bites with an expanded ticket option. Tickets on sale now at VisitPITTSBURGH.com.
CBX Excellence March 31-April 2
Locals and visitors will enjoy craft beverage events, discounts and special promotions hosted by Allegheny County businesses, including hotels, restaurants, bars, distilleries and attractions.
Complete details about CBX are available at VisitPITTSBURGH.com.
About the Craft Beverage Expo (CBE) and Distribution Conference: CBE is the leading trade exposition and conference for the entire craft beverage industry, with the primary goal of bringing various vertical beverage markets together to exchange ideas and foster a community of collaboration based on common goals. Whether it is beer, wine, spirits, mead or cider, Craft Beverage Expo and Distribution Conference focuses on small-batch beverages and the issues that producers face, from finding the right technology and equipment for their operations to getting their beverages onto stores’ shelves. For more information, visit craftbeverageexpo.com
About Women in Craft Forum: CBE’s Women in Craft Forum focuses on topics unique to women in the craft beverage industry. Whether you are in wine, beer, spirits, cider, mead or non-alcoholic beverages, this forum will set you up for success with tailored insight and strategies to push you to the next level in your career. For more information, visit craftbeverageexpo.com/women-in-craft.
About VisitPITTSBURGH: VisitPITTSBURGH is the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region. The organization is dedicated to generating business events, sports events and leisure travel. For more information, visit VisitPITTSBURGH.com.
