2024 Hill Climb

On June 11-12, the Brewers Association will host its annual Hill Climb for Brewers Association members in Washington, D.C.

Participating in a hill climb is one of the most important things a brewery owner can do to help their business be successful. Members who participate in the hill climb get the opportunity to build relationships with members of Congress and advocate on behalf of the 9,000+ breweries that make up the craft brewing industry.

Small and independent breweries need a strong and unified voice in Washington, D.C. Will you join the Brewers Association and help ensure that our industry is heard?


Why Participate?

In the past decade, the brewing industry has experienced many changes that are a direct result of federal legislation.

  • The Craft Beverage Modernization Act cut federal excise taxes in half for 99% of small brewers.
  • The Restaurant Revitalization Fund and other COVID relief legislation like the Paycheck Protection Program and Employee Retention Tax Credit helped the industry weather COVID-19.
  • The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has improved label and formula approval times and streamlined tax collection and brewers notices.

These accomplishments, and others like them, were possible because of the deep relationships that the Brewers Association and our members have built at the federal level. We know that advocacy works, and having a strong presence in Washington, D.C. is more important than ever.

Advocacy is an important part of being a small business owner. With more than 9,000 small and independent breweries across the country, and more than 190,000 direct jobs we have the numbers necessary to be a powerful voice in Washington, D.C. but we need to show up to be heard.

The 2024 Hill climb is our opportunity to speak in unison as an industry while we build new relationships with members of Congress and strengthen existing ones. That is why we are encouraging all Brewers Association brewery member-owners to participate in the 2024 Hill Climb. You are the best advocate that your brewery has.


What to Expect

  • The Hill Climb will be held June 11-12, 2024
  • Interact with Brewers Association staff, brewery owners and executives, and allied trade members from across the country.
  • Learn about the federal and regulatory issues that impact small and independent breweries.
  • Engage with your elected officials and key legislators in the House and Senate.

What’s Included

  • What’s covered: Tuesday and Wednesday receptions, Wednesday breakfast, training and scheduling of Congressional meetings
  • What’s not: airfare, lodging, meals, and transportation

How Can I Participate?

  1. Register. Sign up as soon as possible. We have limited space and want to ensure that we can accommodate all participants! Contact Katie Marisic to learn more.
  2. Secure your hotel room at the official Hill Climb hotel, the Washington Plaza, by using our unique booking link. Use Code BREWERS24.

What Others Are Saying

Pamela Brulotte

“As a small brewery owner, I recognize the vital role political and legislative advocacy play in running a successful business. Breweries are impacted by legislation and regulation in almost every step of the brewing process. The Brewers Association Hill Climb provides the opportunity for me to meet with policymakers and their staff, ensuring that they can make educated decisions when it comes to passing legislation that impacts our day-to-day operations.”
Pamela Brulotte, Founder Icicle Brewing Company

Paul Leone

“I’ve been attending the Brewers Association Hill Climb every year since I became executive director of the New York State Brewers Association in 2013, and I can’t express enough how important it is to take part in the legislative process in Washington DC. It’s the best time to connect with our house and senate legislators to not only give them updates on our industry in New York State, but to continue to advocate on behalf of the entire industry and remind everyone that beer is bipartisan, and an incredibly powerful economic engine for our national economy.”
Paul Leone, Executive Director New York State Brewers Association

Timeline

June
6

  • 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET: Virtual Hill Climb Orientation
    • Great for first time attendees and a good refresher for past attendees. Register Here.

June 11

  • 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET: Registration
  • 2:00 – 5:00 p.m: Legislative & Industry Updates
  • 5:00 – 7:00 p.m: Welcome Reception (TBD)

June 12

  • 7:45 – 9:00 a.m: Breakfast & Orientation
  • 9:15 a.m: Picture on the Capitol Steps
  • 9:30 – 4:30 p.m: Congressional Meetings
  • 5:00 – 7:00 p.m: Congressional Reception
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