Beyond Trivia Night: Creating Taproom Events that Actually Drive Engagement

In a beer industry facing rising costs, shifting consumer habits, and increased competition for attention, taproom events can no longer exist just to “fill a Monday night.” This talk is for craft brewery owners, managers, and staff who want their events to drive real engagement and revenue, not fade into the background.

We’ll start by looking at how today’s economic realities are impacting foot traffic and guest behavior, followed by an honest assessment of common go-to events like trivia, open mics, and live music, and why they often struggle to differentiate or deliver meaningful returns.

From there, we’ll explore real-world examples of creative, purpose-driven taproom events that actually stand out, including hyper-local collaborations, experiential programming, and events rooted in storytelling, education, and community. You’ll walk away with practical frameworks for evaluating ideas and building events that are scalable, repeatable, and aligned with your brand.

We’ll wrap with an interactive discussion focused on your challenges and how to turn inspiration into next steps.

Chris came to the world of craft beer after spending nearly 2 decades in corporate sales management and training. Since making the leap, he has combined that rich experience with a genuine love for this industry. After spending years in General Manager positions for multiple craft breweries, Chris built and opened Nine Spot Brewing in 2022. He currently hosts a popular NY State craft-focused social media channel called the New York Minute, in which he travels the state to find unique stories, and heads a consulting organization called Horse 2 Water that focuses on affordable, actionable plans for successful taproom management.

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Join us in person for CBP Connects Tampa
December 7-9, 2026
Come get inspired, leave with actionable strategies: https://cbpconnects.com/