One of the suggestions we received from attendees of BMTC19, held this past March in Boise, was to bring in more speakers from major breweries so they can share their successes with other attendees.
We have done that for BMTC20. Check out this lineup:
Shelly Claflin | Bell’s Brewery (7th largest craft brewery)
Shelly Claflin is the Tour Manager for Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo and Comstock, Michigan, the 7th largest Craft Brewery in the US. Shelly worked for Larry Bell in 1993 as the first server for Bell’s Eccentric Café. Since that time, she has owned her own sustainable and adventure travel company and has extensive experience in event management and hospitality. These talents paired with her long-time love affair with craft beer brought her back to Bell’s in 2015 to elevate the tour program. As a native of Kalamazoo, she call’s Bell’s home and has found her passion delighting fans and seeing an increase in attendance of 20% year after year.
Neal Stewart | Deschutes Brewery (10th)
Neal Stewart is Vice President of Marketing at Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon, the 10th largest craft brewery in the country. He is responsible for all aspects of marketing, starting at the top with setting the marketing vision and strategy. Prior to working at Deschutes, Neal was the Vice President of Marketing at Dogfish Head, where he led the marketing efforts across the brewery, distillery, two restaurants, hospitality center, and hotel.
Mariah Calagione | Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (13th)
Mariah Calagione is “Co-founder & Communitarian” of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Dogfish Distilling Co., Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, the Chesapeake & Maine restaurant, and Dogfish Inn. Dogfish, which is the 13th largest craft brewery in the United States, is renowned not only for its beers but for its beer tourism, including its restaurant, hotel, and many events. Mariah oversees marketing and social media for the company.
Jeremy Ragonese | Uinta Brewing Company (42nd)
Jeremy Ragonese is President of Uinta Brewing Company in Salt Lake City, the 42nd largest craft brewery in the country. He was formerly Director of Marketing for Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City for ten years and CMO for Uinta Brewing Company for two years. He is also Founder and Past President of Boulevardia, a multi-day festival in Kansas City that draws 40,000 attendees annually.
Pete Slosberg | Pete’s Wicked Ale (Emeritus)
Pete Slosberg started Pete’s Brewing Company in 1986 and created Pete’s Wicked Ale. The company grew over 100 percent annually for 10 years, produced the #2 craft beer behind Sam Adams, went public, and then was acquired. Pete then created Cocoa Pete’s Chocolate Adventures and sold it seven years later. He also wrote a best selling book, Beer for Pete’s Sake, and now teaches at beer conferences worldwide and for a course affiliated with the Small Business Administration.