Michigan Craft Beverage Summit Speakers & Sessions

Learn more below about the various speakers and sessions happening during the 2025 Michigan Craft Beverage Summit. More information coming soon!

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Registration and networking breakfast

9:30 a.m. - 9:35 a.m. | Welcome

• Speakers: Dr. Tim Boring, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
  

9:35 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Michigan Craft Beverage Council Panel

10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. | Retail Industry Update 

• Speaker: Sean Black, Director of Alcohol Merchandising, Meijer

10:15 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. | State of the Industry Panel #1 – Navigating consumer trends in a complicated craft beverage landscape

• Speakers: Taylor Simpson, Aurora Cellars and Good Harbor Vineyards, Jason Spaulding, Brewery Vivant and Broad Leaf Brewery and Spirits, and Richard Anderson, Iron Fish Distillery, moderated by Paula Englin, Michigan Cider Association 
  

10:50 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Break

11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Official Launch of Michigan Craft Beverage Brand

• Speakers: Brooke Gieber and Sara Krebaum, Güd Marketing

11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m | Lunch

12:15 p.m. - 12:55 p.m. | MLCC Roadshow

• Speakers: Kerry Krone and David Marvin, Michigan Liquor Control Commission

12:55 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Craft Beverage Agricultural Research Update

• Speakers: Dr. James DeDecker, Dr. Tim Miles, Dr. Rob Sirrine, Michigan State University

1:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Break

2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | State of the Industry Panel #2 – Collective (and collaborative) impact of the craft beverage industry

• Speakers: Ginny Sherrow Fenton Winery and Brewery and Dream Machine Distillery, Scott Newman-Bale Short's Brewing Co., Jon O'Connor, Long Road Distillers, moderated by Scott Graham, Michigan Brewers Guild
  

2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Closing Statements

2:45 p.m. | Adjourn

4:00 p.m. | Legislative event