Theme of “It’s Time. You’re Ready. Let’s Go.” Electrifies Femmes to Harness Post-Pandemic Energy
March 20, 2023, Pittsburgh, PA – The Craft Beverage Expo & Conference presents the Women In Craft Forum on March 29, 2023, to encourage female-identifying attendees to activate their most treasured ambitions in craft and in life. The theme of this year’s forum, “It’s Time. You’re Ready. Let’s Go.” illuminates pathways for women who want to ignite their post-pandemic energy and rewrite the old rules in ways that can create a fresh new paradigm for the future. Keynote speaker Lori Ajax (Executive Director, California Craft Brewers Association) and emcee Tara Nurin (Beer and Spirits Journalist, Author, Educator) join other prominent women from across the craft beverage industry to engage in self-defined explorations into personal branding, empowerment, and allowing oneself to dream.
“One roadblock to success in the industry is feeling like you aren’t on the right path or that you aren’t on that path soon enough,” said Ajax, who led California’s Bureau of Cannabis Control before taking her current position with the CCBA. “But what I’m here to tell them is that you can still be successful in the industry – and in life- by taking a non-traditional road to your passions and dreams.”
Attendees of the day-long forum will receive one copy each of A Woman’s Place is In the Brewhouse: A Forgotten History of Alewives, Brewsters, Witches and CEOs, by Tara Nurin, and You Glow, Girl!: Rise to Your Best Life and Shine, by Beth Wilson-Parentice.
In a new partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH, the Expo will continue from March 30-31, 2023, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center with two days of educational sessions, networking happy hours and a trade show. Hosted by OJ Lima, President of Taste Select Repeat, CBE will feature keynote speaker Mary Guiver (Principal Global Category Merchant, Whole Foods Market Inc.) and Jackie Summers (Creator, Sorel Liqueur), as well as some local favorites, including Day Bracey (Founder, Barrel & Flow Fest), Lauren Hughes (Head Brewer, Necromancer Brewing), and Aadam Soorma (Head of Marketing and Guest Experience, Trace Brewing). For tickets and more information on the Forum and CBE, click here.
The Forum and Expo form part of VisitPITTSBURGH’s CBX, a weeklong festival of events celebrating craft beverage throughout Allegheny County, March 29-April 2, 2023. Highlighting every element of the craft beverage industry, from production and manufacture to bottling and branding, and including beer, wine, spirits, cider, sake, mead and more, CBX will be a county-wide celebration encompassing three distinctive components of the craft beverage ecosystem, from wholesale to retail, with an educational and experiential component. To learn more about CBX, click here.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 it’s wine, beer, spirits, cider, mead or non-alcoholic beverages, the forum sets attendees up for success with tailored insight and strategies to push them to the next level in their careers. 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.
