We are excited to announce the content sessions you selected for the 2012 Beer Bloggers Conference in Indianapolis.
The process started with our blogger advisory board, which approved the basic outline of the conference and made initial suggestions. We then made a call for content and received many other suggestions.
Last week, we concluded a public vote open to all beer bloggers and past conference attendees on which you told us whether you would be interested to hear about each of 20 potential topics. From that vote, we selected the beow topics to present at the conference.
Please remember this list is tentative. We are filling the speaker slots now; while we have tentative speakers for each slot, let us know if you plan to attend the conference and would like to speak on a panel.
We are looking forward to a great conference!
• The Three-Tier System: Hear from a wholesaler, a retailer, and a brewer about what is good and what is bad in the three-tier system.
• Networking with Local Breweries, Distributors, and Retailers: Craft brewers and other beer companies can be a beer blogger’s best friend. From free samples to off the cuff conversations about brewing, knowing and working with your local beer companies is a great way to stay active in the local beer scene.
• International Beers in the US: Learn from several importers and distributors of international beers on their view of the US market and the benefits and difficulties of selling here.
• Monetization: We’ll hear from three experts who will discuss different methods of monetizing your blog including advertising, consulting, events, sponsorships, and direct merchandise sales.
• Taking it to the Next Step: Learn from three bloggers who have taken the next step, moving from blog to writing a book, getting a job in the beer industry, or getting paid to write for the print press.
• Creating a Beer Event: Now that you blog and have some local connections, how about creating a beer event in your community? Learn from bloggers who have done just that.
• Hops, Barley, Malt, and Yeast: Learn to identify flavors in beer based on the different ingredients in the recipe.
• Identifying Beer Types: Blind taste a number of beers and learn to identify which beer types you are drinking. If you are already good at this, test yourself! If you are just learning, go home and impress your friends!