Keynote Address

Lucnch & Legislate

Friday, August 1st, 12:30-1:30 PM

Join Senator Floyd Prozanski during the lunch hour for a discussion of what constitutes an effective and successful advocacy campaign for organizations like the Oregon Brewers Guild. Hear firsthand knowledge of how to build meaningful relationships with lawmakers and what strategies have proven most effective for similar organizations engaging with lawmakers.

Educational Sessions

  • Breeding New Life Into Oregon Aroma Hops

    Take a deep dive into the future of hop development with a guided tour of Crosby Hops’ innovative breeding program. Led by Dr. Jay Kalous, Crosby’s Hop Breeding Program Manager, this immersive experience offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how new aroma hop varieties are born—right in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

    Attendees will walk through active breeding plots, observe the selection process firsthand, and learn how traits like aroma intensity, disease resistance, and climate adaptability are prioritized from the ground up. From experimental crosses to promising early selections, you’ll gain insight into the science and strategy that go into creating the next wave of hops.

  • Innovation In a Challenging Market

    Hear from Panelists: Vern Johnson (Deschutes Brewing), Natalie Baldwin (Wayfinder), and Jason Hansen (Von Ebert) on how innovation has changed with market challenges and what internal changes they have made to keep innovation a priority.

  • Best of the West Winners Panel

    Hear from panelists: Whitney Burnside (Grand Fir Brewing) and Sam Zermano (Brujos Brewing) on how to craft the Best of the Best of the West Coast IPAs. Learn about the ins and outs of this style, what makes winning beers, and how to make your beer stand out in a competition setting.