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Launching a brewery? Join us for the brewery accelerator workshop

September 20-23, 2026

The Brewery Workshop brings together experienced brewery operators along with respected industry professionals to help breweries in planning and young breweries explore, define, and achieve their brewery goals.Tickets now only $999 for the four day event. Tickets include working sessions, seminars, networking events, meals, drinks, and local transportation (note that tickets no longer include accommodations).

What is the Brewery Workshop?

Move beyond the guesswork

There are fewer than 50 spots total for this intimate opportunity for new and in-planning breweries to spend multiple days with the best minds in brewing. Move beyond the guesswork and spend four days connecting with the experts who have built successful breweries. At this workshop, we'll navigate the ins and outs of establishing and growing a brewery through hands-on seminars and interactive technical brewery tours where you’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with the pros and your peers. You’ll gain the skills to improve the efficiency of your brewery, create invaluable connections with others in the industry, and accomplish in days what usually would take months.


The ticket price includes working sessions, seminars, networking events, meals, drinks, and some local transportation (note that ticket no longer includes accommodations).

• Tickets On Sale Soon

This conference will pay for itself 10 times over

“This conference will pay for itself 10 times over with all the stuff we had overlooked in our planning.” - Brian N. (2023 Fort Collins Attendee)

Everything you wish you’d known

“Everything you wish you’d known before embarking on the brewing adventure! Great panelist who were more than happy to answer any questions. Wonderful to meet others sharing your dream.” - Kelly R. (2024 Austin Attendee)

I had been to another brewery start up workshop and didn't get a lot out of it

Taking the brewery accelerator workshop was a last min choice for me. I had been to another brewery start up workshop and didn't get a lot out of it, so I was worried that might happen again. It didn't and I was not disappointed. I learned way more then I thought was possible. The interactions with the other attendees was one of the best parts. Also, On one of the brewery tours I was able to talk to the owner and come up with a wort cooling technique I never would have thought up on my own. If you're going to start your own brewery, you have to do this first.

save you a lot of time and $$$ as you launch your craft

“This accelerator provides incredible access to some of the greatest minds in the brewing industry who are all very gracious with their time and willing to help those of us who are new to the industry. You'll learn a TON, which will save you a lot of time and $$$s as you launch your craft. Not to mention, it's a load of fun, with delicious craft beer threaded throughout. A great event for those looking to start a brewery, as well as those who have a new brewery and are looking for additional tips/tricks of the industry. Incredible.” - David B. (2023 Fort Collins Attendee)

Brewery Experts — Announcing More Soon!

2026 Fort Collins Presenters

A top-notch selection of experienced brewery operators along with respected industry professionals.

Stephanie M (2023 Fort Collins Attendee)

So good that I would do it again

"So good that I would do it again, and recommend it to anyone who is considering starting a brewery for the first time. An informative and packed tight schedule that covers the most important details to consider when opening a start-up brewery. Well experienced and knowledgeable presenters to share best practices and plenty of lessons learned."

Emily W (2018 San Diego Attendee)

can't recommend this course enough

"We attended the accelerator in San Diego in 2018, and it may have been the single most valuable thing we did in our research and development phase. From the expert panels to the brewery tours to the networking time with other breweries-in-planning, every single aspect of the program was informative to our business plan. The panelists and editors were all extremely generous with their time, and we were able to consult with them 1:1 about concerns and ideas relevant to our project."

Randy B. (2022 Portland Attendee)

The cost is minimal for how much this workshop offers

"Highly recommended for breweries in planning! Well laid out Workshop that answers a lot of questions in a short amount of time. I cannot think of any topics that were not covered. The brewery tours are a blast and give a lot of insight on how a brewery operates. The cost is minimal for how much this workshop offers! Don’t miss out!!"

2026 Brewery Workshop Itinerary

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from the best, expand your network, and transform your brewery into a booming business.

DAY 1 (September 20, 2026)

4:30PM: EVENT KICK OFF AT BLOCK ONE EVENTS
Location: Block One Events (428 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80524)
Description: After getting checked in at your hotel of choice, come meet us at Block One Events for some great beer to kick off the Workshop.5:15PM-6:00PM: DINNER AT BLOCK ONE EVENTS
Location: 428 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 805246:00PM-7:00PM: PANEL: TAKING THE LEAP FROM BREWER TO COMMERCIAL OPERATOR
Description: So you’ve decided it’s time to open or scale up your brewery. What now? In this panel discussion, prominent brewers with limited (or no) prior commercial experience share the ins and outs of launching a commercial brewery. From scaling recipes to operating a taproom and packaging, these brewers will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Panelists: Ryan Maliski (Co-Owner/Head Brewer, Hello Brew Co.) and more to be announced soon7:00PM: LIGHTNING PITCHES
Description: Pitch your brewery idea (distribution, taproom, growth, etc.) in less than 5 minutes to the best minds in the industry to get feedback on your strategy. The winner of the lightning talks will receive thousands in industry prizes.8:45PM: WALK/UBER BACK TO YOUR HOTEL

DAY 2 (September 21, 2026)

9:00AM: THE JOURNEY: FROM PLANNING TO A SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH AND BEYOND
Description: During this seminar, you will learn how to refine your business plan, tackling the nuts and bolts of financing and starting up a new brewery.
Location: Block One Events
Instructors: Coming Soon10:15AM: SEMINAR: SELECTING YOUR LOCATION, DESIGNING YOUR BREWERY, AND NAVIGATING MUNICIPALITIES
Location: Block One Events
Description: Proper architectural design is key to business flow both in the front and back of the house. In this session, we start by taking a look at material movement throughout the brewhouse for efficient material in, transfers, and product out. Then we look at designing a taproom that allows for the most efficient use of the space.
Instructors: Coming Soon11:15AM: SEMINAR: SELECTING + MAINTAINING EQUIPMENT FOR STARTUP AND GROWTH
Location: Block One Events
Description: Equipment is the single biggest capital cost of building or expanding your brewery. Learn from, then work one-on-one with experts to help you size, source, and place your equipment for day one and expansion.11:15AM - 12:00PM (BREWING EQUIPMENT)
Location: Block One Events
Instructors: Josh Grenz (Co-Owner/Head Brewer, Verboten Brewing), and more to be announced soon12:00PM - 12:45PM (PACKAGING)
Location: Block One Events
Instructors: Coming Soon12:45PM: LUNCH
Location: Block One Events1:30PM-3:30PM: WORKING GROUP SESSIONS
Location: Block One Events
Description: Work in small groups with industry experts to refine every aspect of your brewing or distilling operation.3:45PM: BUS DEPARTS BLOCK ONE4:00PM: TECHNICAL BREWERY TOURS
Locations: Zwei Brewing (4612 S. Mason St. Unit 120, Fort Collins, CO 80525) AND Gilded Goat Brewing Company (3500 S College Ave, Unit 194, Fort Collins, CO 80525)DINNER: Zwei Brewing or Gilded Goat Brewing Company7:30PM: BUS BACK TO BLOCK ONE

DAY 3 (September 22, 2026)

9:00AM: SEMINAR: STRATEGIZING FOR GROWTH & DISTRIBUTION
Location: Block One Events
Description: While craft beer and spirits heyday were marked by a “if you package it, they will buy it” mentality, today’s competitive retail market makes selling beer and spirits profitably through the retail channel more and more difficult. In this seminar, we’ll discuss common issues such as working with outside accounts, self-distribution, third party distributor contracts, format challenges, SKU management, and more.
Instructors: Coming Soon10:00AM: PANEL: MAXIMIZING TAPROOM REVENUE
Location: Block One Events
Description: There are no better margins on your product than those you get from selling it directly to consumers. This seminar focuses on how to create an environment that maximizes revenue through design, equipment/POS selection, operational strategies, retail, guest taps, and more.
Instructors: Coming Soon11:00AM: SEMINAR & HANDS ON: YEAST MANAGEMENT IN THE STARTUP BREWERY
Location: Block One Events
Description: From cell counts to yeast sanitation to propagation and storage, this seminar will present cost-effective strategies for managing yeast to maintain the highest quality standards.
Instructors: Coming Soon12:00PM: SEMINAR: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND TRADEMARKS
Location: Block One Events
Description: Few startups have the money to defend lawsuits, and this seminar will help you proactively avoid costly legal issues that could delay your growth.
Instructor: Coming Soon12:45PM: LUNCH
Location: Block One Events1:30PM-3:30PM: WORKING GROUP SESSIONS
Location: Block One Events
Description: Work in small groups with industry experts to refine every aspect of your brewing or distilling operation.3:45PM: BUS DEPARTS BLOCK ONE4:00PM: TECHNICAL BREWERY TOURS
Locations: Verboten (1611 S College Ave Unit 1609, Fort Collins, CO 80525) AND Stodgy Brewing Company (1802 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521)DINNER: Verboten or Stodgy Brewing Company7:30PM: BUS BACK TO BLOCK ONE

DAY 4 (September 23, 2026)

9:00AM: SEMINAR: RAW INGREDIENTS SELECTION, HANDLING, STORAGE, AND ALLOCATION
Description: It takes great ingredients to make a great product. This seminar, led by ingredient experts from well-known breweries, distilleries, and suppliers, will teach you how to identify great ingredients, handle them correctly in-house to maintain the highest quality, make smart substitutions, and more.
Instructors: Coming Soon10:00AM: SEMINAR: MARKETING YOUR BREWERY
Description: Experts explore the ins and outs of marketing channels with the best ROI. They’ll answer questions regarding event attendance, working with PR companies, paid media, organic reach, and much more. Now that you have a great consumable product and a successful brand strategy, this seminar will teach you how to build and foster your audience.
Instructors: Coming Soon11:00AM: SEMINAR & HANDS ON: QA/QC + SENSORY TRAINING
Description: Whether you’re a 1 bbl nano or a 100k bbl regional powerhouse, being able to taste the variety of attributes in your beer is vital to making the consistent and delicious product your customer expects. Additionally, the job of training staff to identify these attributes typically falls to you. This seminar covers the basics of sensory analysis through hands-on tasting, and will give you a fundamental curriculum to train your own staff with. You may not be able to afford a full-time lab staff, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use techniques that the big guys use.
Instructors: Coming Soon12:00PM: LUNCH1:00PM: WALK TO HELLO BREW CO. FOR LAST CHEERS!
Location: Hello Brew Co. (405 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80524)

Daniel K. (2018 San Diego Attendee)

attending this workshop should be a requirement

"If you are genuinely serious about opening a brewery, and would like an intimate and cogent breakdown of what it will take, attending this workshop should be a requirement! The level of insight, knowledge and camaraderie that is afforded through this workshop is nothing short of legendary, and you will walk away 100x more enriched than the price tag of the event. Do not hesitate, this is a must-attend event for anyone serious about beer!"

Luther H. (2018 San Diego Attendee)

I cannot imagine an easier and more affordable way

"I cannot imagine an easier and more affordable way to get direct access to some of the greatest minds in the craft beer industry. The workshop consists of key targeted sessions with expert panels, scheduled one-on-ones with these experts, and several trips to local breweries of all shapes and sizes to see how they operate their unique businesses (and drink their great beer!)."

Doug M. (2022 Asheville Attendee)

A must for every startup

"If you are starting a brewery or brew pub and have no idea what is involved or what the steps are, you will learn them at this conference. Knowledgeable industry pros and a great look into the breweries in the town that the conference is in."

2026 Brewery Workshop Sponsors

Our work at Berkeley Yeast is founded on the idea that science can be used to do more with less. We put this idea into practice everyday as we aim to transform the fermented beverages industry with novel technologies—technologies that offer more control over flavor characteristics, more ease of scalability, and more consistency of quality in every bottle. All this with less reliance on natural resources.Science that’s good for people as well as the planetThe modern world is shaped by scientific discoveries and their applications by industry. At its best, the relationship between science and industry has resulted in sweeping improvements for humankind. Think of Louis Pasteur, whose research in the mid 19th century identified bacteria as the cause of food spoilage, instigating the development of a safeguarding method that continues even today to be an essential part of our food industry and that bears his name: pasteurization. In that same spirit, we strive to deliver technologies that are good for people and for the planet.In our collective effort to reduce our adverse impact on the planet and ourselves, once again science offers new possibilities that not too long ago would have sounded like magic. At Berkeley Yeast we develop yeast strains that reduce or eliminate the use of resource-intensive crops by producing the exact same flavor compounds found in fruits and other edible plants. Or they can eliminate energy-intensive processing steps required to remove undesirable compounds like ethanol in NA beer. These efforts point to our larger ambitions of protecting our planet and improving the lives of people by applying what we know as scientists to industries that matter.

In 2004, BSG recognized that the craft brewing and homebrewing community needed a dependable source for diverse ingredients from around the world. Since then, we have earned the trust of our customers by delivering the finest brewing ingredients at competitive values, all backed by outstanding customer service and depth of industry experience.We continue to search the globe for new and interesting brewing ingredients that we can bring to our customers. Consequently, our product list continues to grow as we strive to better meet the needs of both professional brewers and homebrewers. Additionally, our knowledgeable and friendly sales and management staff comes from the professional brewing & homebrewing communities, so we can assist you in everything from recipe formulation to troubleshooting.Whether it's exclusive specialty malts, in-demand hop varieties, or premium brewing aids we have you covered; great beers are made from select ingredients. BSG is committed to being your partner, and shares your passion for creating outstanding beers.

Arryved is the most trusted point of sale system for your favorite food, drink, music, and hospitality spots. Our flexible, all-in-one system reduces service friction for staff and guests alike with smart technology designed by industry experts and enthusiasts. With transparent pricing, a full suite of customizable features, and award-winning customer support, Arryved helps grow your business and create contagious loyalty for your brand

RMS Roller-Grinder takes the hassle and frustration out of milling and grain handling systems for the world’s best breweries and distilleries. From bulk storage and conveyance to milling and custom specialty equipment, RMS Brewing Solutions has you covered with turn-key system design, fabrication, and installation. Focus on your craft and leave the rest to the grain handling experts at RMS. Start your process off right with premium milling equipment. Malt is often the most overlooked and most expensive part of the brewing process. Don’t trust these critical steps to just anyone. The best trust RMS because their reputation is on the line. RMS equipment is designed and produced right here in the USA. And with systems deployed in all 50 states, we’re local everywhere.

PRO Refrigeration, Inc. is a family-owned and operated leader in commercial and industrial refrigeration solutions, proudly serving customers across the U.S. and worldwide. With 35 years of experience, PRO specializes in designing and installing high-performance Packaged Chiller Systems built for process cooling, food and beverage production, and industrial applications - particularly in the Craft Beverage market. PRO is committed to innovation and sustainability, with an increasing focus on natural refrigerants like CO2 that reduce environmental impact and support long-term climate goals.

Welcome to Amoretti, where every product we create is infused with a rich heritage of legacy and love. Our journey began in 1989 when Jack, Ara, and Maral Barsoumian founded this family business. From our humble beginnings, we have evolved into a leading supplier of a wide range of exquisite products, including nut pastes, marzipan/almond paste & butters, natural fruit artisan pastes & compounds, extracts & concentrates, Craft Purée®, Beverage infusions, Premium flavoring syrups, and much more. Our headquarters is nestled in Oxnard, California, and our unwavering passion for flavor and unwavering commitment to quality have allowed us to offer over 3,500 products to bakeries, ice creameries, chocolatiers, craft beverage manufacturers, restaurants, hotels, bars, and directly to consumers.

Oktober Can Seamers is a Michigan-based company specializing in compact, easy-to-use canning solutions for craft beverage producers, bars, and homebrewers. They offer a range of can seamers, brite cans, custom-labeled cans, clear PET options, and complete canning line systems for higher-volume operations. Known for quality engineering and fast, friendly service, Oktober helps businesses streamline their packaging with professional results.

ENGINEERING BETTER BEEROur mission is to invent, not just innovate, high quality brewing equipment and accessories for brewers all over the world. Since our launch in 2013, we have many market "firsts" to our credit including a conical bottomed stainless bucket, a weldless kettle trub dam, an insulated 5 degree sloped floor mash tun with center drain, and an integrated temperature control system custom designed for our Chronical series fermenters. We don't just talk about great customer service here either - we do it! One customer, one day, and one beer at a time!As you generally find with brewers at large, the Ss Brewtech team draws from very diverse backgrounds and skill sets that are held together by a shared passion for making good beer and designing cool brewing Sstuff that we get to share with others – which in turn helps make more good beer! From commercial scale brewing, mechanical engineering, marketing and industrial design, to supply chain, quality, logistics, and customer support – the Ss Brewtech team effectively levers many decades of collective business experiences across a range of industries, products, geographies, and disciplines.

Jeremy (2022 Portland Attendee)

This was so damn good!

"This was so damn good! We are aiming for the next level in our growth as brewery operators & this was an incredible step for us. It was everything we expected and more. If you want great industry advice & information, this is the place to be."

Shannon D. (2022 Portland Attendee)

ABSOLUTE MUST FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING A STARTUP OR EXPANSION

"All presenters knocked it out of the park. The format was perfect. The Breakout sessions allowed deep dives into specific topics. Financing, Marketing, Ingredients, Brewery Tours, Layouts, Logistics, QC, Material Handling, Equipment, HR, Operations...This workshop had it all. You will save the cost of this workshop by hundreds of times. This workshop is an absolute must for anyone considering opening a brewery."

Josh L. (2022 Asheville Attendee)

the workshop is worth every penny

"This is an absolute must attend workshop if you are thinking about opening your own brewery. The program was loaded with information and the presenters were ready to answer your questions. Whether you are planning a nano brewery or a large production facility the workshop is worth every penny. The content was spot on and the technical tours were great too. The small group breakout sessions give you the opportunity to get one on one time with presenters."

2025 Brewery Workshop FAQ

Are there other Brewery Workshops in 2026?
No. This will be the only Brewery Workshop in 2026.


How many tickets are available to purchase?
The workshop will have no more than 50 attendees total.


When is the last day I’m able to purchase tickets?
The last day you can purchase a ticket is when we sell out.


Is there a recommended hotel that I stay at?
Yes! The Armstrong Hotel has provided us with an additional 20% off to pass along to our attendees. Please use this link to book with discount code 2509BREWER.
The discount will apply to all room types based on availability. We cannot guarantee availability once the rooms are sold out.


Will transportation be provided?
Yes, we will provide transportation to the technical brewery tours on Monday and Tuesday. We will also bring you back to Block One Events after dinner on Monday and Tuesday. We recommend you find a hotel within walking distance of Block One Events if you plan on drinking at the tours.


How many drinks will I get during the meals?
We will provide at least 1 drink coupon per technical tour and dinner. Anything above that can be purchased on-site.


What meals are included?
Sunday: Dinner
Monday: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tuesday: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wednesday: Breakfast, Lunch


Where are seminars being held?
Unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary, all seminars and hands-on workshops will be held at Block One Events in Fort Collins, Colorado. We will provide transportation to the technical brewery tours on Monday and Tuesday. Since attendees will be staying at different hotels or short-term rentals, we can only provide transportation to Block One Events.


Where have previous workshops been hosted?
You can view past workshops here.

Accelerate Your Brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado

The Brewery Workshop brings together experienced brewery operators along with respected industry professionals to help breweries in planning and young breweries explore, define, and achieve their brewery goals.

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Questions about the event? Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact us and we will get back to you within 24 hours.