We are currently in the process of determining the host for the 2016 Beer Bloggers Conference in North America and are seeking bids from host cities.
In our selection of a host city, we really look at two things:
- Is the city a desirable place to visit for beer bloggers? Generally this means a dozen or more local breweries with many times more than that in the state or province, at least a couple of really intriguing breweries high on bloggers’ to-visit lists, and a strong local beer culture.
- Is there a group of locals willing to support the conference through provision of meals, sponsor support, an excellent venue, and help with local contacts? At minimum, this means a) finding a host hotel or other venue that recognizes the value of hosting the conference and is willing to provide meeting space at no charge and b) finding two dinner sponsors for approximately 150 people. Even better is to rally the local beer industry to have them sponsor some of the conference events such as Live Beer Blogging, a pre-conference excursion, or an evening party.
It is sometimes possible for us to cobble together the local support on our own, sponsor by sponsor. However, it is much more efficient and creates a better conference if there is one local player (usually a tourism marketing agency, brewers association, convention & visitors bureau, or influential brewery) that takes the lead and organizes the local community.
If you believe your city would make a great host location for BBC16, please contact Allan Wright (allan@ this website URL) to request more information.
Somebody call Grand Rapids! I’d love to go there some year. But Denver or Bend would be awesome too.
We think something special is brewing in Tampa Bay! Tampa is home to more than 30 breweries and brew pubs, has been identified as one of “America’s Top Ten Emerging Beer Towns” by The Pour Food, and was rated the #2 Best Beer Town in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice. The Tampa Bay Brew Bus offers guided brewery tours and would be a fantastic way for your attendees to explore the region. We hope you’ll consider Tampa Bay. http://www.visittampabay.com/tampa-events/beer/
Tampa-great town-easy to get to and Bern’s Steak House!
I know that one of the early conferences was in Boulder, Colorado but I think Denver would be a great host city for the 2016 BBC. It has grown to many breweries and there are many hotels within the city. Just a thought!
Have you considered Bend Oregon? A Great city! We can recommend hotels-restaurants etc
Thanks for the suggestions. Both Denver and Bend are on our possible lists. In fact, one of the Zephyr team lives in Boulder and a second lives in Bend!
Hi Allan-if in the future you do an international event we own and will be developing the site ChinaBrewers.com Please keep it in mind if we can be of any help. John