Craft Connections Beverage Education Summit 2027
Hello all!
I am one of the co-founders of a brand new mini conference or summit coming to Tempe AZ in February 2027 called Craft Connections where the mission is to give craft beer and cider education a front row seat from industry folks. The goal is empower people to become better educated at a time when the beverage industry could use as much strength as possible - and we'd love to see you there in some capacity. You can find more information at our website here
We’re looking for speakers who can provide actionable tools, real-world strategies, and engaging education techniques that industry professionals can immediately bring back to their teams, taprooms, and hospitality spaces.
Below are some guiding topic ideas; feel free to expand, combine, or pitch something entirely new that aligns with our mission.
Staff Education & Training
Building Confident Sellers:
How to train staff to confidently recommend and sell craft beer and cider without sounding scripted or overwhelming guests.
Designing an Education Program That Actually Works:
Creating structured, repeatable training systems for your team, whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing program.
(Bonus: dual perspective from both beer and cider educators.)
Certification Pathways & Professional Development:
Breaking down programs like Cicerone Certification Program, WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust), and Pommelier, how to support staff through them and integrate that knowledge into daily service.
Teaching Styles Without Intimidation:
Translating beer and cider styles into approachable, guest-friendly language your staff can actually use on the floor.
Service Mechanics That Matter:
Faucets, draft systems, and pouring techniques, what your staff should know and how it impacts guest experience and product quality.
Glassware & Service Rituals:
The history, purpose, and practical application of glassware, and how to turn service into a memorable guest experience.
From Idea to Execution: Hosting Ticketed Events
Key components of building successful beer/cider dinners, classes, and ticketed experiences that drive revenue and guest engagement.
Sensory Learning & Guest Experience
Running a Guided Tasting That Engages:
How to structure tastings that are interactive, educational, and enjoyable for a wide range of guests.
Teaching Flavor Vocabulary (Beer & Cider):
Helping staff and customers articulate what they’re tasting, without intimidation.
(Separate sessions for beer and cider encouraged.)
Pairing Principles for Real Service Environments:
How to build food and beverage pairings that are practical, profitable, and easy for staff to communicate tableside.
Off-Flavor Training for Front-of-House Teams:
Teaching staff to identify common flaws and handle quality concerns confidently and professionally.
Interactive Sensory Workshops:
Hands-on sessions focused on ingredients, processes, or styles—designed to build deeper sensory awareness.
Comparative Tasting: Beer vs. Cider
Exploring crossover flavors, production differences, and how to guide guests through both categories with confidence.
What We’re Looking For
We’re especially interested in sessions that:
- Prioritize real-world application over theory
- Help attendees educate their teams and customers more effectively
- Focus on hospitality, storytelling, and guest connection
- Offer interactive or experiential components
Interested in Speaking?
If one of these topics (or your own idea) resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your proposal to:
beverage.education.summit@gmail.com
Any questions? don't hesitate to ask here or email!