The American Homebrewers Association® (AHA) returned to an in-person Homebrew Con™ (HBC), a one-of-a-kind gathering, for members, in Pittsburgh, from June 23-25. The 44th annual conference assembled zymurgists from around the globe and an all-star lineup of homebrew, cider, mead, and fermentation experts to bolster homebrewers’ skills and knowledge.

Over 1,300 attendees spent the three-day conference enhancing their skills and connecting with the vibrant homebrewing community. Homebrew Con concluded with the National Homebrew Competition, the world’s largest homebrew competition, which recognizes the most outstanding homebrewed beer, mead, and cider produced by amateur brewers.

Key takeaways from the conference and competition include:

• The National Homebrew Competition Awards Ceremony: Attendees witnessed glory as the results of the National Homebrew Competition were announced along with the results of the Homebrew Club of the Year and Homebrew Shop of the Year.
• Featured Headline Speakers: Dr. Keith Villa, Dr. J Jackson-Beckham, and Bill Covaleski took the stage with energetic, informational, and inspiring speeches covering how the hobby of homebrewing helps one lead their best life.
• Educational Sessions: 45 unique educational sessions with more than 50 expert speakers were presented, as attendees dove into all facets of fermentation. This year’s conference included a New to Homebrewing track, inviting beginners to learn the basics and join the lively community.
• Club Night: The most anticipated gathering of the conference, this year’s Club Night was one for the books. One of the “can’t miss” events of HBC, it showcased some of the finest fermented beverages from a creative community of homebrew clubs. Costumes and fun were aplenty!
• Commemorative Beer: Brewed by Grist House Craft Brewery, each received a can of Brew Day Crew, a Kölsch-Style Ale along with the homebrew recipe.

Save the Date for 2023

Homebrew Con 2023 will be held in San Diego, at the Town and Country Resort, June 22-24. Registration will be announced later this summer.