WATERLOO, N.Y. — New York State reached 400 breweries in 2018, surpassing the previous high of 393 set in 1876; in addition there are now 65 cideries operating in New York. To support the producers in these businesses, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County is hosting its 7thAnnual Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Conference Tuesday, March 26th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the del Lago Resort and Casino in Waterloo, NY. For those involved in an existing craft beverage company, considering starting one, or just wanting to learn more about the industry, this conference is for you. More information about the event and how to register can be found at www.flcraftbevcon.com.
Keynoting the conference will be Dave Mansfield, President of Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, War Horse Brewing Company and Red Apple Bombshell Hard Cider. Dave is known for his marketing expertise, building his Fayette, NY business into a destination experience, not just another stop along a wine or beer trail. His talk will focus on “Marketing and Building a Successful Brand.” Wondering what is happening on the Upstate New York Craft Beverage scene? Don Cazentre, writer for The Post Standard and NYup.com will answer this and more. The Secretary to the NYS Liquor Authority Thomas Donahue will present industry updates. Following lunch the afternoon will kick off with “Growing a 21st Century Farmstead Brewery & Cidery: One Farm’s Story” by Indian Ladder Farms Cidery & Brewery in Altamont, NY. Emily Cook from NYS Ag and Markets will provide information on the New York Grown and Certified program followed by considerations when expanding your brewery or cidery from Beardsley Design Firm. Manager of the Vinification & Brewing Laboratory at Cornell AgriTech, Extension Associate Chris Gerling will talk about how Cornell AgriTech supports the Craft Beverage Industry. Seneca County IDA Executive Director Bob Aronson will give an overview of state and local economic development assistance. The afternoon sessions will end with a panel of breweries and cideries on how they are setting themselves apart including OSB Ciderworks, Young Lion Brewing Company, Rohrbachs Brewing Company, and CB Craft Brewers moderated by Glenn Clark of Crafting a Brand. A social hour featuring tastings of several craft beverages will follow the last session. An optional Dutch treat dinner will take place at Parker’s Grille and Tap House in Seneca Falls. The conference also features a Trade Show with over 20 vendors.
“We feel this year’s conference will give participants an opportunity to learn how to set themselves apart as well as providing updates on state and other programs that can provide assistance to their business. There will be plenty of time to network and visit our vendors all in a great environment at del Lago,” stated Seneca County CCE Ag Economic Development Educator Judy Wright.
Waterloo Container, sponsor of the FLCBC, has been the major sponsor of the Conference from its beginning. Registration by close of business March 20th is $100 and includes materials, continental breakfast, lunch, breaks, post-conference social hour plus a 2019 Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Conference glass. After March 20th the registration cost will increase to $115.
Wednesday March 28th, will feature a field trip to both War Horse Brewing Company and Red Apple Bombshell Cidery at Three Brothers Winery and Estates on Seneca Lake just south of Geneva, NY hosted by owner Dave Mansfield to get a behind the scenes look at the two operations. Participants are invited to stay afterwards and enjoy lunch in the Iron Heart Coffee Company’s Café for a small additional fee. Space is limited for the field trip, so please register early. Registration for the field trip costs $25.
More detailed information and registration links are available on the Seneca County Cornell Cooperative Extension website: www.senecacountycce.org. If you have questions, call 315-539-9251 or email Judy Wright, jlw24@cornell.edu.
The Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Conference, organized by Seneca County Cornell Cooperative Extension, began in 2013 as the Brewery and Cidery Startup Workshop. The main purpose was to provide a place where someone could get the information and contacts they needed to start a brewery or cidery in New York State. In 2015, the name changed to reflect the addition of a new objective – to provide people involved with existing craft beverage businesses with information they can use to improve their business.
With over 100 years of serving the people of the County, Seneca County Cornell Cooperative Extension puts to practical use the scholarship and research of Cornell University and the national land grant system in the areas of agriculture and food systems sustainability; nutrition, food safety and security, and obesity prevention; 4-H youth development, and children, youth , and families; environment and natural resources, sustainable energy and climate change; and community and economic vitality. The office is located at 308 Main Street Shop Centre in Waterloo and the telephone number is 315-539-9251.
–Seneca County Cornell Cooperative Extension
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