2025 Session Schedule

Atlanta Conference Experience

Join us in Atlanta June 19 - 20 for two days of engaging virtual sessions featuring thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers in craft beer and beyond. Make sure to check out the special events happening too!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2025

Welcome to Atlanta! Meet and greet the conference panelists, Fellows and conference attendees! Bring a beverage to share (beer, wine, spirits, mead and more are welcome), partake in some yummy bites from El Tesoro, and let’s kick things off ATL style.

Included w/VIP and General registration.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Check in/Registration + Breakfast

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Welcome + Opening Session
The State of the Black Brewer In America (Kevin Asato, Jon Renthrope, Jen Price, Skinny deVille)

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Innovative Brewing Systems, Part II (Corey Hinton, Trevor LeDrew)
Balance & Brews: Yoga with Marteen Streeter (20 max —arrive early to claim your spot!)
The Hospitality of Business – Transforming Transactions into Meaningful Connections (Erin White)

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Skosh & Nosh Lunch and Wine Pairing (Billie Harris, Toni Williams)

1:15 PM - 2:00 PM

Winning in Distribution: The Financial Blueprint to Avoid Pitfalls of Distribution (Chris Farmand)
The Future of Black Culture in Wine (Brittany Graham, Tahiirah Habibi, Billie Harris, Kelly Hawkins, Sarah Pierre)

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Hop Shop Talk (Steve Burchill, Joel Franklin, Isaiah Smith, Tim Wallen)
Tasting through the Life Cycle (Chavonne White) (20 max —arrive early to claim your spot!)

3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Empowering Floor Staff One Sip at a Time (Mirella Amato)
Vendors' Lounge Activation: Cote of Paint Happy Hour Pop Up (Kristin Harris)

4:15 PM - 5:00 PM

The Mouth’s Got Something to Say: Sensory Beyond Flavor (Jen Blair)
African American Winemakers Tasting (Billie Harris)

Unwind and connect with fellow attendees at the Crafted Happy Hour, a perfect way to wrap up the first day of the conference. Enjoy great company, refreshing drinks, and vibrant conversation—all in a laid-back atmosphere. This event is open to all, so come raise a glass and toast to a fantastic start to Crafted for Action!

Free to attend.

The Atlanta History Beer Dinner offers a unique, immersive experience blending Atlanta's vibrant history with craft beer and global cuisine. Hosted by Beer Legend Ale Sharpton, the dinner features five expertly paired dinner courses. A local historian enriches the evening by weaving in captivating stories of Atlanta's past.

Included with VIP registration, only. Requires pre-registration.

Celebrate Juneteenth at Atlantucky Brewing, a proud Black-owned brewery, for our annual Juneteenth Party! Join us for a vibrant and fun-filled day honoring the freedom, culture, and history of Juneteenth.

Included w/VIP and General registration.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2025

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Check in/Registration + Breakfast

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Beyond Beer: Evolving Taprooms to Meet Changing Tastes (Nick Purdy, Ryan Stockton, Kristen Sumpter)
Telling Your Brand Story on Social Media: How to Connect and Stand Out (Stephanie Grant)
BeltLine Art + Culture Walk (15 max —arrive early to claim your spot!)

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

“I Made This” Winemaking Class w/Toni Turner of Dahlonega Winemaking Studio (10 max —requires pre-registration)

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Hops & Herbs: A Sensory Journey (Rachel Benkowski, Allo Gilinsky)
Mead: The Black Sheep of Craft Beverages (Rae Adams, Whitney Jacquet)

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

What is a Cicerone? The Path to Certification (Jovon Brown)
The Endless Possibilities of Cider: Exploring the Basics & Beyond (Claire Trindle)

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Bikes + Flights: BeltLine Bike Ride & Allagash Tasting at Boxcar (Max 15—pre-registration required; bikes available for rental!)

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Sip, Savor, Discover: Your Journey to Beer Appreciation (Jamie Toney, Michelle Turner)
The South's Got Something to Say: North Georgia Wines (Tyler Barnes, Kris Lange, Colin Lilley, Billie Harris)

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

Crafting The Culture: The Dynamic Intersection of Hip Hop & Craft Beverages (Randi Brady, Chris McLloyd, Manny Faces, Skyzoo, Rod Wall)

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Vendors Lounge Activation: "I'll Have a Salad with My Beer" Demo + Tasting (Chef Leslie Gordon)
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beverages in the Craft Industry (Bryttany Hyde, Emily Wines)

Join us for the annual Crafted Fellows Pitch Competition + Awards! From 4:30 to 6 PM, innovative BIPOC-owned beverage businesses will pitch their ideas in hopes of winning a micro grant. Then, stick around for the Awards Ceremony where we’ll celebrate the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shaping the future of the craft beverage industry.

Free to attend.

Join us for an unforgettable 4-Course Wine Pairing Dinner, where expertly crafted dishes meet perfectly selected wines for a night of flavor, elegance, and discovery. Savor each course as our experts guide you through the pairings, enhancing every bite and sip.

Requires pre-registration.

Join us for a night of music and good vibes at the Friday Brews and Beats Interactive Party! We’re bringing you an unforgettable experience with beat sets, DJ sets, records, and so much more. We'll be pairing beers throughout the evening to match the vibe.

Included w/VIP and General registration.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2025

Join BrewGether and SAAFON for a powerful conversation on the intersection of Black farming, urban agriculture, and craft brewing. We’ll explore how breweries can collaborate with Black farmers, strategies for increasing Black ownership in both industries, and ways to build a more inclusive ecosystem. Kick off the morning with a volunteer event, then join us for a dynamic discussion and beer tasting.

Free to attend. Requires pre-registration.

Saturday at Crafted for Action: it’s time to unplug with Outdoor Gear & Beer and REI for summer camp vibes: tents, hammocks, fire pits, a beer garden, wine tasting by the Sweet Auburn Chapter of the Hue Society, and more! We'll be at a local ATL farm with plenty of room to just do you. Bring your folding chairs, something for the grill and your favorite beverages to share. Good vibes only! Fee: Included w/VIP and General registration. Individual event tickets also available.

Included w/VIP and General registration.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2025

Join us for a delightful day of wine tasting and scenic beauty as we embark on the Vino Van Tour to Ellijay . Explore the stunning vineyards of Ellijay with tastings at two of the region’s finest vineyards, each offering a unique selection of wines. Along the way, enjoy a gourmet lunch featuring local, fresh ingredients to perfectly complement your wine experience.

Requires pre-registration.

On Sunday, we give thanks. Join us as we close out the conference with Sunday Service, a laid-back gathering to reflect, connect, and celebrate an incredible week. No RSVP needed—just bring a beverage to share, and let’s raise a glass to the community we’ve built and the conversations we’ve sparked!

Free to attend.

Virtual Conference Sessions

Join us online June 19 - 20 for two days of engaging virtual sessions featuring thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers in craft beer and beyond.

Watch Virtually!

THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Rooted in Craft. Driven by Community. Grounded in Culture. - Virtual Conference Kick Off (Crafted for Action Team + Brewsing Banter Podcast)

1:15 PM - 2:00 PM

Kinda Sober: No, Low & Alternative Drink Options (Susan Hart Wilson)

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

United We Stand, Divided We Fail: How to Be An Ally at Work and at Leisure (Tara Nurin)

3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Champagne Marketing on a Beer Budget: How to Stretch Every Dollar (Julie Rhodes)

4:15 PM - 5:00 PM

Liquid Influence: Building a Career as a Liquor & Wine Brand Ambassador (Angi Thomas)

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2025

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

DEI Burnout in Craft Beer: How to Not Give Up without Imploding (Day Bracey, Lindsay Malu Kido, Ren Navarro, Ruvani de Silva, Alison Wisneski)

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Tapped In: Crafting Influence through Authentic Storytelling (Jess Merritt)

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Hops History: How Hildegard of Bingen Changed Beer (Jim Hodgson)

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

Creating Resilience in the Brewing & Hospitality Industry & Beyond (Tim Chappell, Christopher Glenn, Aaron McGinnis)

2025 Conference Speakers

Aaron McGinnis

Board Certified Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator, providing spiritual and
emotional support to patients, families , and staff under hospice services. Dedicated beer nerd,
connoisseur, and lover of fine wines, whiskeys, and tequilas. Lover of helping people to become
a better version of themselves! Aspiring coach and writer.

Ale Sharpton

Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award- winning
journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker, and travel
writer to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from
automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he
terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and
websites, including USAToday, Thrillist.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, Craft Beer &
Brewing, CraftBeer.com, James Beard, Lifestyle Publications, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Ale
has also conceptualized a beer called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial stout—geared
to support diversity and racial equality, which spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises
funds to support Black farmers in the urban agriculture space embracing the same mission as
Piano Keys.

Alison Wisneski

Alison Wisneski wears many hats, but most of them fall under sales and marketing, including content creation, management, and strategy, along with authentic social media. She is the co-owner of Lady Justice Brewing alongside her wife, and is the owner of Alison Wisneski Strategy, LLC.

Her background in journalism and social change make her uniquely qualified to talk about and partner with you on the things that matter most. In her free time, you can find her sipping a local pale ale or Negroni on a patio no matter the season (a true Wisconsinite to the core), preferably surrounded by dogs.

Allo Gilinsky

Allo Gilinsky runs his own events and consulting business as The Craft Beer Concierge
in the Boston area. He is a Certified Cicerone® and loves to dive deep into beer style
history, food and beer pairings, and more. He has taught beer school classes locally
and is always striving to further approachable yet informative beer education to
consumers and beer industry staff alike. He’ll never say no to a thirst quenching Helles
and considers himself somewhat of a Saison savant.

Alsie Parks

Alsie Parks serves as the Co-Executive Director and institutional steward for SAAFON in the
legacy of Cynthia Hayes, anchoring field organizing within our landscape and the development
of base building strategies. Alsie is an Atlanta-native, that advocates and activates the use of
food as an organizing tool for healing and liberation. As a farmer organizer, agrarian cultural
worker, food systems practitioner, land steward and nurturer, she serves by cultivating intimate
and responsive relationships with and for the land and our people that activate remembrance,
honor sacred traditions and shares in the practice of Black land-based lifeways and foodways.

She learned from her grandmothers to always use your skills in service to your people. She is
also an active institutional steward of the historic Black land base, Boggs Rural Life Center in
Keysville, GA. As a child of the South, she is the granddaughter of educators, sharecroppers,
and black land owners with ancestral land in Lincolnton, GA. Alongside her matriarch’s she is
reviving Motherline Farm where her ancestors loved and lived on the land they belong deeply
to.

Billie Harris

Billie Harris is a Vinologist and Founder of The Vino Van, a wine tour company that
journeys to North Georgia’s Wine Country. Billie also hosts unique and informative
WINE101 & Beyond public and private tasting classes and dinners under her sister
company “Goodness In A Glass”. She recently launched “The Posh Nosh” a mobile
charcuterie cart offering locally sourced ingredients from Georgia purveyors, farmers,
and shops. Billie has studied wine for over 10yrs and holds a WSET2 Certification with
Merit. She has acquired several achievements in her career to include the McBride
Sister’s SHE CAN 2019 Scholarship, 2020 Comcast RISE Grant for Minority Businesses,
USA Today’s 10Best 2020 and 2022 Reader’s Choice in travel “Best Wine Tour
Company”, 2024 Gusto Impact Award Finalist, Finger Lakes Wine Alliance Riesling Camp
Alumni (2024), The Hue Society Award for 2024 Wine Tour-Guide of the Year, and a
2024 recipient of SommCon’s Professional Merit Scholarship. Billie is a member and the
Vice President of The Sweet Auburn Chapter of The Hue Society, member of The
Sommelier Guild of Atlanta, and active with Women In Wine Atlanta. She is also an avid
philanthropist, 12yr member, former Arts & Culture Chair, and current Newsletter Editor
of The Atlanta Woman’s Club where she supports and volunteers with local community
non-profits, many with missions that encourage the advancement of women in our
society.

Brewsing Banter Podcast

Lew Belgium
Co-Host
Lewis Cheatwood IV, affectionately known as "Lew Belgium"! With a background as a passionate science researcher and a continuing curiosity of all things beer, Lew Belgium is a true explorer when it comes to brews. Currently, his heart belongs to Goses, Pilsners, Hefeweizens, and Sours, which he delves into with enthusiasm and an open mind. His focus goes beyond just exploring the industry he, along with the entire podcast team, strive to promote and elevate Black craft beer, placing it at the forefront of their discussions.
Lew's advocacy extends to all things positive within the Black community. He actively supports and uplifts Black culture, aiming to break stereotypes and showcase the multifaceted nature of Black men. As a traveler, he seeks inspiration and cultural exchange, while his love for miniature golf, great food, and nature walks adds zest to his life.
Above all, Lew treasures his role as a father to his two children. He recognizes that being their dad is his greatest purpose, and he takes pride in nurturing an environment where they can develop confidently in their own skin.
With a passion for travel, Lew seeks inspiration and connection across different cultures and landscapes. His adventures shape his perspective and add depth to the conversations he shares on the podcast.
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary experience as Lew combines his scientific curiosity, love for beer, dedication to family, advocacy for the Black community, and the excitement of travel. Together, let's break barriers, challenge preconceptions, and create a more inclusive and empowered world.

302Yoda
Co-Host
Joshua "302Yoda" Gunter, is a multi-talented force hailing from Delaware! With a passion for comedy, rap, and all genres of music, Joshua is a true entertainer at heart. He dedicates himself to the art of captivating audiences, bringing laughter and joy to both him and others.
Born and raised in Delaware, Joshua's love for craft beer knows no bounds. Whether he's sipping on a bold stout or indulging in a tangy sour, he appreciates the intricate flavors and unique experiences that each craft beer brings to the table.
But Joshua's talents extend far beyond the stage and the beer tap. He takes immense pride in being a loving and devoted father of three and a dedicated husband. Family is at the core of his being, and their love and support fuel his creative endeavors.
302Yoda embraces the "crazy" label with pride, recognizing that it takes a certain spark of madness to create truly unforgettable moments. With his magnetic personality and infectious energy, he invites you to join him on a journey of laughter, beer, and all-around entertainment.
Whether he's cracking jokes, spitting rhymes, or delivering wild commentary, 302Yoda is committed to making every moment count. Let's come together and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Rob G.
Creator / Host / Producer
Robert Gunter, aka Rob G., the dynamic force behind Brewsing Banter! Born and raised in Delaware, Rob's passion for everything beer runs deep. It all began in 2007 when he was introduced to the world of craft beer, and ever since, he has immersed himself in its delightful flavors and vibrant culture.
As Rob embarked on his beer journey, he couldn't help but notice a recurring theme whenever he stepped into taprooms across the country: he often found himself being the only person of color present. Determined to make a difference and be a catalyst for change, Rob knew he had to act.
In 2018, fueled by his desire to promote inclusivity and diversity within the craft beer community, Rob gathered his family and friends for lively beer-fueled conversations. And thus, Brewsing Banter was born—a podcast where Rob and the crew discuss an array of engaging topics, all while enjoying their favorite brews.
Beyond his passion for beer and podcasting, Rob cherishes his role as a husband to his wonderful wife and as a devoted father to two amazing children. His dedication to continuous learning led him to earn an MBA in Marketing Management, equipping him with the skills to navigate the ever-evolving world of beer.
Rob's commitment to the craft is further demonstrated by his certification as a Beer Server, a testament to his knowledge and expertise in the field. With every episode of Brewsing Banter, Rob aims to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for beer enthusiasts of all backgrounds.
Join Rob G. on Brewsing Banter, where you'll be treated to captivating discussions, insightful perspectives, and a genuine passion for beer. Let's raise a glass together and savor the flavors of a diverse and united craft beer community!

Bryttany Hyde

Bryttany Hyde is the founder of The Little Sober Bar, a mobile dry bar serving up zero-proof cocktails and community across Atlanta. Passionate about redefining social spaces, Bryttany created The Little Sober Bar to celebrate connection without compromise. Through her work, she’s building an inclusive movement that centers wellness, joy, and the power of choice.

Chavonne White

Chavonne White is a passionate Personal Development Coach and Wine Enthusiast who
blends self-discovery with experiential learning. Through innovative workshops and tastings, she
helps individuals embrace transformation and authenticity. She is the creator and founder of a
nonprofit organization called I Am ME (My Essence), which assists individuals in discovering
their true essence. She has created workshops that guide individuals in releasing limiting beliefs
and reconnecting with their core values so they can create a life that feels genuine, joyful, and
true to who they are.

Chavonne also created Mahogany + Merlot, a wine tasting experience to assist those new to
wine, showing them that wine doesn't have to be expensive to be enjoyed. She helps people
transition from mass-produced wine to quality wine from family-owned and operated vineyards
that care about quality, allowing them to experience different cultures without leaving their
community.
Chavonne is also an Author and is finishing her degree in Psychology, incorporating her
knowledge into her work to support personal growth and self-discovery.

Chef Leslie Gordon

I hail from St. Louis and went to College at Xavier University in New Orleans, my introduction
to international flavors and cuisines.
Mind you I began cooking for my family at age 8 and then many years later and attended
Culinary Arts School at the Art Institute of Atlanta. I had the opportunity to work for some fabulous chefs and restaurants in Atlanta (some were before Atlanta’s time). My self claimed mentors really help me to understand the culinary business; how to build flavors and how to conduct myself in a male dominated industry.

Moving forward- I started Penelahpe’s Culinary Services in 2002 because I wanted go to Miami
beach. I began hustling lunches and friends started asking and paying me to do small catering gigs. I found my first niche in intimate catering for parties 100 and less.

Moving forward 12 years, an Atlanta food blogger Shana Lee and I sat down to discuss what our ideal “event” looks like... we made a list and checked it twice and created Penelahpe’s Dinner Party Series. Our unique dinner parties offer seasonal foods, good conversation and
craft cocktails that you cannot find anywhere else in Atlanta.

A few summers ago I had the opportunity to work with Chef Enita from Mouthfeel Co. doing
brunches. There was one requirement, all culinarians involved had to source ingredients locally.

Yes, She pushed me to really use all parts of my foodbrain. I began to evolve my craft cocktail
flavors and concoctions. Farm to Booze was born and we focus on using locally sourced fruits,
vegetables and herbs to make really good drinks. What makes us unique is we make the mixers, the rim salt and sugars and syrups that are used in our drinks. In addition the spirits do not always have to be added- our mocktails are equally amazing.

Today I cater, produce dinner parties and make a mean crafted cocktail and offer culinary
education opportunities I thought I threw that in there.

Chris Farmand

Chris Lemons

Chris Lemons is an Atlanta native and a Master Gardener. He comes from a long lineage of
farmers in Georgia and has maintained and managed Gratitude Botanical Farm for years. Chris
has more than 10 years of experience as a grower. Gratitude Botanical Farm’s mission is to
grow, educate, feed, serve and protect the history of the people of Atlanta through the art of
organic urban agriculture.

Chris McLloyd

Chris, also known as "The Hip Hop Somm,"is a dynamic wine professional based in Atlanta who has excelled across all facets of the industry--- from restaurants and retail to distribution. As the co-founder of Select Few Dinner Club, Chris is known for making wine approachable and enjoyable at every level.

Christopher Glenn

Christopher Glenn is a resilient mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and visionary who has transformed some of life’s darkest moments into fuel for growth, innovation, and impact. After surviving a catastrophic car accident in 2018 caused by a drunk driver, Christopher was left with a traumatic brain injury and a long road of healing ahead—one marked by major depressive disorder, multiple hospitalizations, and an ongoing battle with complex mental health challenges, including PTSD and schizoaffective disorder.

But rather than letting those diagnoses define him, Christopher chose to fight back—with therapy, medication, mindfulness, and purpose.

Out of that struggle, Bottleshare was born. As founder of the nonprofit, Christopher helped raise and distribute nearly $400,000 to members of the craft beverage industry facing emergencies, mental health crises, and personal tragedy. Bottleshare became a symbol of resilience and hope—a community rallying behind those who needed it most.

Today, Christopher is blazing a new trail at the intersection of decentralized finance, AI, and accessibility. He’s actively building with several investors aimed at making AI-integrated crypto mining more approachable for people without coding or technical backgrounds. His mission is to empower the underdog, whether they’re recovering from mental health struggles or learning how to participate in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Christopher’s story is one of grit, grace, and a relentless belief in what's possible—even when everything seems impossible.

Claire Trindle

Claire is the founder of Blind Bear Beverages, offering immersive beverage workshops, bartending services, and a product line of cocktail ingredients. Her passion is sharing her expertise and love of craft beverages with consumers and fellow industry professionals. Beyond her business, Claire supports and advocates for the hard cider industry by presenting at craft beverage conferences and judging cider and perry competitions. Claire’s industry experience includes roles as Taproom Manager at Hale & True Cider Co. and Philadelphia Brand Ambassador for Graft Cider. She is proud to be Philadelphia’s first Certified Pommelier and Pennsylvania’s first female Certified Pommelier.

Corey Hinton

Soul Brothers Brewing is a brewery in planning that specializes in crafting artisan ales and lagers. We combine old world practices with modern day techniques.

Day Bracey

Founder of Barrel & Flow. Hobbies include: Drinking, talking sh*t, and paying Black people. Co-host of the award-winning Drinking Partners podcast and the Emmy Nominated TV show ‘Ed & Day in The Burgh’ on Very Local TV.

Emily Wines

Emily Wines, Founder & CEO of Trunk Tea Spirit-Free Cocktails.

Emily Wines is a Birmingham native who knows her way around the bar.
During her tenure at Auburn University, she had the opportunity to study wine through a study
abroad program in Napa and Sonoma Valleys. So, there’s no wonder that she naturally
progressed to bartending as her trade.
After years in the food and beverage industry, she’s developed a love for simple things like food,
drink, and company. In fact, that’s what Trunk Tea Spirits is all about. Providing simple pleasures
crafted with quality ingredients for those who don’t want to imbibe but still deserve a quality
beverage.

Erin White

Erin White is a business strategy and process improvement consultant with experience across CPG, Technology, and Hospitality sectors. As CEO & MastHER Strategist of Hexagon Strategy Group, she leverages deep business acumen to help professionals and entrepreneurs develop innovative business solutions while delivering strategic organizational transformations. Her enterprise-wide expertise spans organizations from startups to Fortune 500 companies across four continents, where she's supported diverse global teams. A Howard University and Vanderbilt MBA graduate, Erin specializes in helping founders and organizations document and articulate clear business strategies that drive bottom-line results and keep customer needs at the forefront.

Isaiah Smith

Isaiah Smith has spent 36 years on this planet and learned many things. Chief among them is the importance of finding your purpose. Isaiah believes his purpose in life is to spread peace, love, and positivity one pint at a time. In service of this goal, he co-founded Our Culture Brewing Company with his beautiful wife Josie, his twin brother Isaac, and his best friend of over 20 years Shakeel. Tapping into his decade-long professional career in the supply chain industry, coupled with his passion for craft beer, Isaiah thought that the position of CEO for Our Culture Brewing would be the best way he could create a scenario where passion and purpose aligned and channel that energy into a better tomorrow. Until Our Culture Brewing’s taproom opens, his talents are dedicated to building a world class supply chain for Creature Comforts Brewing in Athens GA where he has served as Director of Supply Chain since 2023.

Jamie Toney

Jamie Toney has been exploring the world of craft beer for 15 years, with a passion for
mixed fermentation and a curiosity that leads her to try new brews wherever she travels.
A true beer adventurer, she seeks out unique flavors and hidden gems, always eager to
expand her palate. When she’s not exploring the latest craft beer scene, she’s indulging
her love of music—because for her, the perfect night out is a great beer and a karaoke
mic.

Jen Blair

Founder & creator, Under the Jenfluence and Aroma: Explore the Wheel.

Jen is a Master Cicerone and National BJCP beer judge. She is the Exam Manager
for the Cicerone Certification Program and co-host of False Bottomed Girls, a podcast
about beer and brewing. Jen is the creator of Under the Jenfluence and Aroma: Explore
the Wheel. She is an international beer judge and judges for the Great American Beer
Festival, Festival of Barrel-Aged Beer, and World Beer Cup.

Jen Price

Founder, Crafted for Action

Jen's passion for beer was ignited through memorable experiences shared with her dad, leading to an enduring appreciation for the craft. As a Cicerone Certified Beer Server, she authored The Chick’s Guide to Beer: 7 Simple Rules for the Beer Novice, aiming to simplify the world of beer for newcomers. Her mission is to foster genuine connections in welcoming environments for all who share a love for beer. Through her work, Jen continues to champion inclusivity and collaboration within the industry.

Jess Merritt

As one of the pioneering female craft beer influencers and bloggers from Chicago, I have dedicated myself to making the beer community more inclusive and accessible
by creating spaces for individuals from all walks of life to talk and taste beer. Over the years, I have been published nationally and spoken on beer podcasts across the
country. My initiatives include hosting beer meetups, guest brewing for special causes,
and engaging in fundraising efforts for domestic violence. Additionally, I now collaborate with beer-centric restaurants and hotels, showcasing their offerings through my blog and social media platforms.

Jim Hodgson

I'm a filmmaker and beer lover. I also like wine.