Brews Unite: National Craft Brewery Convention Comes to Indy

The Indiana Convention Center is currently hosting the epicenter of America's craft brewery boom. Thousands of brewers are gathering 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, with more than 9,000 breweries across America and over 200 in Indiana alone.

"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."

One such brewery, Science Project Brewing Company in Logansport, has made the nearly two-hour drive to attend the conference.

"No great stories ever started with a glass of water," said owner Tim Eaton. "Beer and everything associated with it is really just about bringing people together."

The Brewers Association says the craft brewery industry is in the midst of a transition period, shifting from beers being the sole focus to 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."

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," said Whitson.

Eaton shared his enthusiasm for providing both drinks and a place for Logansport's community 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 and also includes the World Beer Cup, a worldwide competition where beers of different styles are judged on their quality.