This year there’s more space and more to taste!
Bigger Festival Footprint
This year we added 100,000 square feet bringing the grand total to 584,000 square feet. (That’s +17% more space, if you’re counting. ?) There’s more space to hang out with brewers and fellow beer lovers, discovering new breweries, learning more about beer at educational and experiential programs, playing games, and just having fun.
Goodbye Regions, Hello Alpha Order
Ready to have your world rocked? Breweries in the festival hall will be arranged in alphabetical order this year. Pro Tip: Breweries with “the” in the title will be listed under the first name following “the.” (i.e. The Bruery will be under B)
New Collaboration Competition and Booth
In recognition of the collaborative spirit of the craft brewing community, we’ve added a new competition this year. Up to 48 collaboration beers will be evaluated in a Best of Show format. Many of the competition entries will be served during GABF at the Collaboration Competition Booth. Don’t miss this chance to sample these very unique and limited-edition beers!
Bigger Meet the Brewer Section
You asked for it, you got it. Meet the Brewer is 40% bigger this year. These booths are a special opportunity for passionate beer fans to start conversations with their beeroes and talk shop. Look for two Meet the Brewer booths located in the center of the festival hall.
Additional Hangout Spots and Pavilions
Joining the floor this year will be the 12,600 square foot Jameson Caskmates Barrel-Aged Beer Garden, featuring 17 small and independent Jameson craft brewery partners and their limited-edition Jameson barrel-aged beer.
Across the hall, you’ll find the 3,600 square foot Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bar, where attendees can kick back, relax and enjoy independent craft beer and wings while cheering on their favorite teams on a lot of TVs.