On July 15-16, the Brewers Association (BA) will host its annual Hill Climb for BA members in Washington, D.C.

Participating in a hill climb is one of the most important things a brewery owner or employee 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 their business as a voice for 9,500+ breweries that make up the craft brewing industry.

Take this opportunity to be a leader, join the BA in Washington D.C., and ensure that your voice is heard! Check back soon for the link to register.

Why Participate?

The 119^th Congress has 80+ new legislators in the House and Senate, elected officials that need to be educated about small and independent breweries and how the legislative decisions they make impact businesses like yours. This is your chance build new relationships, share your expertise about small and independent breweries, and grow our influence in Washington, D.C.

The BA has successfully advocated for issues like:

• The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which cut federal excise taxes in half for 99% of small brewers
• The Restaurant Revitalization Fund and other COVID-19 relief legislation like the Paycheck Protection Program and Employee Retention Tax Credit, which helped the industry weather COVID-19
• Improving label, formula, and brewers notice approval at the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

These accomplishments, and others like them, were possible because of the deep relationships that the BA and our members have built at the federal level. We know that advocacy works, taxes and tariffs are expected to be prime topics in 2025, 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 9,500 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 2025 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 BA brewery member-owners to participate in the 2025 Hill Climb. You are the best advocate for your brewery.

What to Expect

• The Hill Climb will be held July 15-16, 2025
• Interact with BA 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 (booking link coming soon).

What Others Are Saying

“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

“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

2025 Timeline

July
15

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

July
16

• 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