2beerguys beer blog

BBC13: A Faux Newbie’s Perspective

Inspired. Thankful. Motivated.  These are a few words describing my reaction to the Beer Bloggers Conference in Boston this year.

I am not new to the conference, but this was my first time as a full-fledged participant.  I was at BBC10 in Boulder, CO.  I meet a few bloggers, went to a few breweries, but mostly just went touring around town with my fellow beer wives Amber and Kristen while the boys did their “blogging thing”.  I was also pregnant with my second child Zoe, so I was easily down for the count on a few occasions.  I had fun and met some great people, and was looking forward to future conferences where I could fully engage.

Well, I had to work during BBC11 while the 2beerguys “brew krew” got to frolic in the hop fields of Portland, OR. For BBC12, I caught the cancer bug and enjoyed the humorous #BBC12 tweets from my chemo chair. BBC13 felt like it was a long time coming.

Me and Ryan at BBC10 and BBC13

I had an advantage this year. The conference was in my backyard, and I got to play tourist.  I enjoyed exploring comfortable places through a new lens. I am proud to say that Portland, Portsmouth, and Boston did a fantastic job at something that I place a high value on: Hospitality.

My recommendation to any future conference attendee is this: talk to and meet as many people as you can.  They have amazing stories to share, and great ideas and advice to give.  As far as program content, I gleaned useful info on using social media from Tamre Mullins (@tamremullins), and tips on how to write like a pro from Norm Miller (@Real BeerNut) and John Holl (@John_Holl).  I was inspired to get out there and be creative by Zach Rosen (@pairbeer).  He  presented during “Blogger Reports” on how to orchestrate a beautiful beer pairing event.  I learned how to balance my work life and beer life from Alan McCormick (@GrowlerFills), how to be fearless from Nora McGunnigle (@noradeirdre), and how to never give up from Tiffany Adamowski (@99pours). Cindy Molchany (@beerbloggers) exuded humble confidence and was super organized, keeping us all in line–I was impressed.  These and countless others are generous in spirit and are without guile (especially when consuming and discussing their favorite topic!).  They are your fellow beer lovers—like minded ambassadors of craft beer championing brewers to keep brewing, and imbibers to keep imbibing.

BBC13 was all I hoped it would be and more.  I am thankful to have had the opportunity to be part of this quirky and generous group, and look forward to reading all of their beer adventures over the next year. See you at BBC14!

Cheers!

Jenny

Check out some of my favorite hospitable moments below:

Sebago Brewing Co rolled out the red carpet for some famished bloggers

My first tour of Portsmouth Brewery, one of my favorite hangouts. Thanks JT!

Rare footage of 2beerguys family in one place. Drinking Utopias and Kosmic Mother Funk with Jim Koch.

Heavy Seas Beer “Pyrates, Pints & Poets Party” with founder Hugh Sisson at Stoddard’s Fine Food & Ale

Global Draught Master Franck Evers schooled Sean on the perfect pour

Lunch courtesy of National Beer Wholesalers Association

Live Beer Blogging at Burke Distributing. Night Shift Brewing’s Ever Weisse was my standout for it’s tarty goodness

Harpoon treated us well. Many missed this tasty treat for dessert—IPA Beer Donuts stuffed with UFO Hefeweizen Jelly.

Beer Social: I enjoyed meeting the folks from Florida Beer Co and drinking their Key West Southernmost Wheat—a Belgian style Wit Bier with just the right hint of Key Lime. So refreshing.

Sean interviews @activebeergeek Benjamin Moore. Newbies beware! You may be in the hot seat for BBC14. See you then!