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California Guild Launches First-of-its-Kind Craft Beer Summit and Brewers Showcase

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Acacia serves as Brewers Guilds Manager on the Brewers Association Government Affairs team. Acacia's focus is on supporting organizational development of small non-profit U.S. state and regional brewers trade associations (also known as brewers guilds). Currently based out of Missoula, Montana, Acacia’s roles include crisscrossing the country participating in guild member and board meetings, climbing Capitol Hill, contributing to various national and international beer conferences, attending association management and regulatory conferences, and of course, reveling at beer festivals nation-wide.

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The California Craft Brewers Association has announced the launch of the California Craft Beer Summit and Brewers Showcase to connect California’s thriving craft brewing industry to beer enthusiasts across the state. This first-of-its-kind event will profile California craft beer and celebrate the brewers whose creativity and passion have formed the world’s most coveted beers. The two day summit and brewers showcase will be held in Sacramento on September 11-12, 2015.

More than 150 California breweries will attend, including industry icons, Ken Grossman, founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.; David Walker, co-founder of Firestone Walker Brewing Co.; and Natalie and Vinnie Cilurzo, owners of Russian River Brewing Co.

The summit will bring together retailers, wholesalers, brewery owners, beer enthusiasts and homebrewers for an educational, hands-on experience to see, touch, smell and taste beer.

During the two-day summit a series of “Tap Talks” on the Expo Floor will allow attendees to interact directly with craft beer legends. Topics will include:

  • The Beginning of the Craft Beer Revolution – Personal Stories from Ken Grossman, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
  • Women in Brewing with Natalie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing Co.
  • Sour Beers with Vinnie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing Co. and Patrick Rue, The Bruery
  • IPA’s – Everything to Know About Craft’s #1 Selling Style with Mitch Steele, Brewmaster at Stone Brewing Co.
  • How to Age Beers at Home with Matt Brynildson, Brewmaster at Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

On the Masters Demo stage California’s top brewers will work directly with award winning chefs to pair California’s finest beers with food highlighting fresh and local ingredients. Beer enthusiasts will also be able to attend in-depth seminars on how to start a brewery, how to enroll in craft beer higher education programs and an overview of the brewing process with Dr. Charlie ‘The Pope of Foam’ Bamforth, distinguished professor of malting and brewing sciences at University of California, Davis.

“This summit will offer a behind-the-scenes educational experience, while bringing together California’s craft beer comrades to celebrate our industry’s legacy and growth,” said Greg Koch, CEO and co-founder of Stone Brewing Co., and keynote speaker at the summit. “Due to the support we’ve received from fans who value the integrity of California craft beer, we have become a state that’s regarded around the world for its vibrant beer community. Thanks and cheers to those who appreciate and support California beer!”

Learn more about the event including ticket packages and complete speaker and topic schedule at cacraftbeersummit.com.