INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Convention Center is now the epicenter of America's craft brewery boom. Thousands of brewers are meeting to discuss how to keep the industry growing.
The Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America expects to welcome thousands of people to the Indiana Convention Center this week.
Brewers America, the organization behind the convention, reports there are more than 9,000 breweries across America. More than 200 of them are in Indiana.
"It used to be that you might have to come to Indianapolis to find a brewery. Now, you can find one in your own neighborhood," said Indiana Brewers Guild executive director Julie Whitson. "What's cool about it is they're all very unique."
That includes Science Project Brewing Company in Logansport. Owner Tim Eaton decided to make the nearly two-hour drive to attend the conference.
"No great stories ever started with a glass of water," Eaton said. "Beer and everything associated with it is really just about bringing people together."
The Brewers Association said the craft brewery industry is in the middle of a transition period. Instead of beers being the sole focus, breweries are increasingly diversifying for more revenue options.
"The keys to success are creating occasions for consumers to come into taprooms and brewpubs, because we know people are drinking less," said Ann Obenchain of the Brewers Association. "It's questions like, 'Do I have an event calendar that's going to draw people into my brewery? Do I have food? Do I have nightly specials?' All of these things to bring traffic into the business on a more regular basis."
Whitson said some Indiana breweries are even producing new drinks unrelated to beer.
"A lot of groups are talking about being full-service beverage companies that offer CBD, hemp-based drinks, or non-alcoholic beverages," Whitson said.
Eaton said he is happy to provide both drinks and a place for Logansport to come together.
"Not being a brewer, what really attracts me to breweries is the sense of community they bring," Eaton said.
The convention runs from April 28 to May 1. It also includes the World Beer Cup, a worldwide competiton where beers of different styles are judged on their quality.
-
Holiday season busy for urgent cares and ERs with flu season and injuries
From holiday injuries to cold and flu, urgent cares and emergency rooms start to see an uptick in patients this time of year.
Kids shop with the Colts for the holidays
An evening to remember for some young people with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. Tuesday, about 15 "littles" got to shop with a Colts player for the holidays.
New Boys & Girls Club lounge helps support youth literacy in Indy
The LeGore Unit Literacy Lounge has been transformed into a vibrant space stacked with books of all genres, posters and cozy nooks to curl up in.
Hope Center Indy helps trafficking survivors rebuild their lives
With help from an anti-trafficking organization, Jones came to Indianapolis from California and found Hope Center Indy, a place she says saved her life.
