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.
-
IMPD officers recognized for saving two children from submerged in pond
An act of heroism saved the lives of two children after a car crashed into a retention pond near Interstate-465 and Pendleton Pike earlier this month.
Bartholomew County residents evacuate following gas leak
Residents in Bartholomew County were asked to evacuate their homes following a gas leak on Tuesday, the Bartholomew County Sheriff said.
Marion Co Coroner investigating three deaths believed to be linked to the cold
The Marion County Coroner's Office is investigating three deaths that they believe could be linked to the winter storm.
Winter weather drives snow removal demand
From acts of kindness to profitable enterprises, this storm left plenty of snow behind and plenty of people willing to dig in and help their neighbors while building their own success.
