Hospitality Visionary Will Guidara To Deliver Keynote at 2026 Craft Brewers Conference® in Philadelphia

Celebrated restaurateur and author of Unreasonable Hospitality to headline CBC’s opening session

Boulder, Colorado. — The Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade association representing small and independent American craft brewers—announced today that hospitality entrepreneur and bestselling author Will Guidara will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America® (CBC®),Opens in new window taking place April 20–22, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Guidara, co-founder of Make It Nice and former co-owner of the world-renowned Eleven Madison Park, is the author of Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They ExpectOpens in new window. His philosophy—rooted in empowering teams, creating unforgettable guest experiences, and leading with purpose—has reshaped the way industries think about service and culture. 

“Will Guidara’s message transcends hospitality—it’s about leadership, creativity, and building meaningful connections,” said Ann Obenchain, vice president of marketing and communications at the Brewers Association. “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.” 

In addition to Guidara’s keynote, Brewers Association President and CEO Bart Watson will deliver the State of the Industry address on Wednesday, April 22, offering data-driven insights on market performance, consumer trends, and the forces shaping the future of small and independent breweries. The conference will conclude that evening with the World Beer Cup® Awards Ceremony, the most prestigious beer and cider competition in the world, celebrating the best beers and brewers across the globe. 

A Reimagined Conference Experience 
The 2026 Craft Brewers Conference introduces a streamlined schedule and enhanced programming designed to maximize engagement while minimizing time and cost demands. 

Monday, April 20: Opening Keynote with Will Guidara, BrewExpo America® Preview, and the Grand Welcome Reception. 

Tuesday–Wednesday, April 21–22: Full conference programming, trade show, sponsor activations, Bart Watson’s State of the Industry address, and the World Beer Cup® Awards Ceremony. 

CBC 2026 will also feature curated education experiences tailored to brewery roles and business stages, a new All-Access Pass providing entry to all events and activations, and expanded networking opportunities, including a First-Timers Reception. 

Hosted in Philadelphia—a city rich in history and innovation—CBC 2026 will coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence, offering a fitting backdrop for the craft brewing community to celebrate its own spirit of independence and collaboration. 

About the Brewers Association:

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The Brewers AssociationOpens in new window (BA) is the not-for-profit trade organization representing more than 9,300 small and independent American brewers, their beverages, and the community of craft beer enthusiasts. With over 5,600 U.S. brewery members, the BA champions the independent craft brewer sealOpens in new window—a trusted symbol that helps consumers identify beer brewed by small and independent producers.

The BA organizes some of the industry’s most influential events, including the World Beer Cup®,Opens in new window Great American Beer Festival®,Opens in new window Craft Brewers ConferenceOpens in new window®Opens in new window & BrewExpo America®, and American Craft Beer Week®.Opens in new window It also publishes The New Brewer®Opens in new window and through Brewers Publications®,Opens in new window remains the country’s leading publisher of brewing literature. Beer lovers can explore the world of craft beer at CraftBeer.comOpens in new window and follow the BA on FacebookOpens in new window, InstagramOpens in new window, and LinkedIn.Opens in new window 

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 13672 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.