1. Press

Media

The Brewers Association (BA) hosts working members of the media for the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) that plan to cover the festival in beverage trade and consumer-focused media outlets. Any individual seeking to attend GABF under media credentials must complete a media application.

Please note:

  • Media outlets are limited to a total of four (4) media credentials.
  • Social media influencers and content creators will be considered for the festival but do not need to fill out a media application. Instead, they will need to fill out the Influencer Interest Form.
  • If you do not fit the ‘Working Media Qualifications’ identified below, your application may be denied.
  • Those who have attended GABF under media credentials in the past will be required to show coverage they produced as a result of press access.
  • A history of being approved at previous Brewers Association events, including GABF, does not guarantee approval for media credentials.
  • Media credentials do not include access to PAIRED. However, if you are interested in covering the event, please note this in your media application.
  • Applications may take up to three weeks to process. Details on purchasing tickets can be found here.
  • Disclaimer: All media credentials will be provided at the discretion of the GABF media staff per the GABF Media Access & Requirements. GABF reserves the right to accept or deny credentials.

If you have any questions, please email Backbone PR or Ann Obenchain.

APply Now

Media credentials are reserved for working members of the press only. This includes editors, reporters, contributors, freelancers, verified bloggers, anchors, and podcasters.

Credentials will not be granted to non-editorial media professionals, including but not limited to, documentary filmmakers, publishers, general managers, account representatives, sales executives, brand executives, video production companies, C-suite executives, brewery social media contacts, and PR/marketing representatives. In addition, anyone whose primary purpose for attending GABF is, in our judgment, for reasons other than covering it as working news media, will be denied.

Bloggers

Blogs must be established and reflect current craft brewing/beer, lifestyle, or food and beverage-related news. New posts must be published at least weekly. Blog traffic must exceed 5,000 unique visits per month. Applicants will be asked to show audience numbers/website analytics, and if audience numbers/website analytics are not provided, applicants will be vetted against the information readily available in Muck Rack. Individual company and unrelated personal blogs will not be considered for credentials.

Podcasters

Podcasters must be established and reflect current craft brewing/beer, lifestyle, or food and beverage-related content. Episodes must be published at least monthly. Applicants will be asked to show audience numbers/website analytics, and if audience numbers/website analytics are not provided, applicants will be vetted against the information readily available in Muck Rack or Podchaser. Podcasters should include details in their application about specific plans for GABF coverage, and may be requested to conduct interviews before the event. The Brewers Association reserves the right to determine whether a podcaster is an appropriate fit for GABF.

Social Media Influencers

Are you an influencer passionate about craft brewing, food and beverage, or Denver and Colorado travel? If so, we invite you to join us at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in exchange for content creation published to your channels. To be eligible, influencers must meet the following criteria:

  • Have an established presence in the craft brewing/beer, food and beverage, Denver/Colorado destination/travel, or related lifestyle niches.
  • Maintain an active account on Instagram, TikTok, X, or Facebook.
  • Have a minimum audience size of 10,000 followers.

The Brewers Association will evaluate each application to ensure a good fit for GABF. To express your interest, please complete the Influencer Interest Form and specify “Great American Beer Festival” under “Area of Focus”. If your primary platform is social media and you do not plan to cover the event through traditional media channels, kindly use our Influencer Interest Form instead of the Media Application.

Freelancers

Freelancers must provide examples of previous, relevant coverage in the past six months and may be required to show a verifiable letter of assignment from a bona fide media outlet.

You must present identification to pick up credentials and to enter the festival. Pickup location and schedule coming soon!

Wednesday, October 8 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday, October 9 8:30 am – 9:00 pm
Friday, October 10 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, October 11 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Credentialed media have access to a workroom space in the Colorado Convention Center. The media workroom offers public internet access to conduct business, and a PR team member is on call.

Equipment storage (unsecured) is available, as space permits, in the media workroom during the sessions, but the room will be locked each night at the close of the festival session. Overnight storage of equipment is not permitted. The Brewers Association is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings.

Media workroom location and hours coming soon.

Thursday, October 9 3:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday, October 10 3:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, October 11 9:45 am – 5:00 pm

Please allow extra time for metal detector screening at the event entrance. These machines are similar to the units used at all major U.S. airports, professional stadiums, and arenas—all items are subject to screening.

Filming of any kind on-site without prior approval is strictly prohibited. Recording interviews on the festival floor without explicit permission or a GABF media escort could result in removal from the festival floor and revoked media credentials. Please reach out to the Backbone PR with any filming questions or requests.