Philadelphia to Host 2026 Craft Brewers Conference

Philadelphia is set to host the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) & BrewExpo America, which will take place in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from April 20–22, 2026. Registration opened on Tuesday, Dec. 2, with early bird pricing available through Feb. 6, 2026.

On Monday, Dec. 1, the Brewers Association (BA) — the nonprofit trade association representing small and independent American craft brewers — announced that hospitality entrepreneur and bestselling author Will Guidara will deliver the keynote address at the conference on Monday, April 20. Guidara is known for service-focused leadership, having co-founded Make It Nice and served as a former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park.

“Will Guidara's message transcends hospitality — it's about leadership, creativity, and building meaningful connections,” said Ann Obenchain, vice president of marketing and communications for the Brewers Association, in a statement. “In a time when breweries are navigating evolving consumer expectations, Will's insights on service and generosity are especially relevant. His keynote will set an inspiring tone for CBC 2026.” 

The BrewExpo America trade show on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 21 and 22, will feature curated educational sessions and sponsor activations. The format will feature producer engagement and networking opportunities throughout the event, alongside reducing travel time and costs for attendees. 

Market expert and BA president and CEO Bart Watson will present the State of the Industry address. Watson will reflect on the challenges, successes, and future of the beverage alcohol industry. Immediately following Watson's industry keynote, the World Beer Cup awards ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m., celebrating brewing excellence on an international stage.

Philadelphia's 250th-anniversary backdrop will frame CBC 2026, underscoring themes of independence and collaboration within the craft brewing community.

According to the Brewers Association, Pennsylvania is home to 533 breweries, making it the third-largest beer-producing state in the country, behind California and New York. The state is also the second-largest craft beer producer in the United States, with more than 2.6 million barrels produced annually.