CiderCon and Craft Brewers Conference to Co-Locate in San Antonio in 2027
The Brewers Association (BA) and the American Cider Association (ACA) have announced that CiderCon® and the Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America® (CBC®) will co-locate in San Antonio, Texas, from April 5–7, 2027. The partnership brings together two of the most important annual gatherings for independent beverage alcohol producers in the United States.
What the Co-Location Means for Attendees
Both events will maintain their separate identities, programming, and communities while sharing a venue. Craft brewers attending CBC will still have access to world-class educational seminars, the largest brewing trade show in North America, and peer networking. Cidermakers attending CiderCon will retain dedicated cider-focused education tracks, the popular Cider Share event, and the community-driven programming the conference is known for.
The arrangement is designed to expand value for both audiences through broader cross-industry networking, greater trade show exposure, and access to educational content spanning adjacent beverage alcohol segments.
Why the Two Events Are Joining Forces
Both the craft brewing and independent cider industries are facing overlapping pressures — shifting consumer preferences, operational challenges, and the need for continued category innovation. Bringing the two events together creates a larger platform for learning and business development without requiring either community to give up what makes their conference unique.
Bart Watson, president and CEO of the Brewers Association, said the co-location is about creating more opportunity while preserving each event’s distinct culture and purpose. Christine Walter, president of the ACA Board of Directors and owner of Bauman’s Cider in Gervais, Oregon, noted the move reflects the increasingly collaborative nature of the independent beverage alcohol industry.
About the Events
Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America® is the largest beverage alcohol conference and trade show in the U.S., hosted annually by the Brewers Association. It features educational programming, hundreds of exhibitors, and the World Beer Cup®, the most prestigious international beer competition in the world.
CiderCon® is the premier annual conference for independent cider producers, organized by the American Cider Association. It focuses on technical education, industry networking, and community building for cidermakers across North America.
What’s Next
Full details on registration, programming, special events, and how the two conferences will operate together in San Antonio are expected to be released in the coming months. Interested attendees and exhibitors can follow updates through the Brewers Association at craftbrewersconference.com and the American Cider Association’s official channels.
About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to supporting small and independent American craft brewers. Representing more than 9,500 U.S. breweries, the BA advocates for the craft brewing community, promotes the independent craft brewer seal, and serves as a hub for industry education, research, and publishing. Its flagship publication, The New Brewer® magazine, and Brewers Publications® — the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. — reflect the organization’s deep commitment to advancing the knowledge and culture of craft beer. Beer enthusiasts and industry professionals alike can explore the world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com.
The Brewers Association organizes some of the most prestigious events in the beverage alcohol industry. The Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America® is the largest beverage alcohol conference and trade show in the United States, drawing thousands of brewing professionals each year for world-class education, supplier exhibits, and peer networking. The Great American Beer Festival®, held annually in Denver, is one of the most celebrated beer events in the country, offering the public a chance to sample beers from hundreds of American breweries. Crowning the BA’s event portfolio is the World Beer Cup®, widely regarded as the most prestigious international beer competition in the world, recognizing brewing excellence across hundreds of style categories.
About the American Cider Association
The American Cider Association (ACA) is the national trade association representing the U.S. cider industry, dedicated to advancing the interests of independent cider producers across the country. The ACA supports its members through advocacy, education, and market development, working to grow consumer awareness of and appreciation for American craft cider. From small farm-based cideries to larger independent producers, the association serves a diverse and growing community united by a passion for quality cidermaking and the long-term health of the industry.
The ACA’s flagship event, CiderCon®, is the premier annual conference for cider professionals in North America. Held each year, CiderCon brings together cidermakers, orchardists, distributors, and industry suppliers for a concentrated program of technical education, business development sessions, and community networking. The conference is known for its cider-specific curriculum, the beloved Cider Share tasting event, and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the collaborative spirit of the independent cider community. Through CiderCon and its year-round programming, the American Cider Association continues to strengthen the foundation of a craft industry that is as rooted in agricultural tradition as it is driven by innovation.
