Mass Brewers Guild Hosts First New Brewery Bootcamp

60 attendees sell out Conference to Learn from Experts 

Yesterday, at the Springdale Barrel Room in Framingham, MA, a crowd of 60 new breweries and breweries in-planning gathered at the "New Brewery Bootcamp," a full day seminar offered through the Mass Brewers Guild. 

The afternoon covered topics such as employee law, insurance risks, taxes, distribution, real estate leases, waste water management and more. Experts from Bowditch and Dewey Attorneys, Bernstein Shur Law Firm, Edelstein & Company CPAs, GHM Insurance, and Weston & Sampson shared their best practices and advice for navigating the industry. 

Co-founder of Jack's Abby Craft Lagers and Mass Brewers Guild treasurer, Sam Hendler, presented on the challenges of getting beer to market, and president of the Mass Brewers Guild and co-founder of Night Shift Brewing, Rob Burns, spoke candidly about his growing pains as an experienced brewer and entrepreneur. 

"This conference was born out of popular demand and a need in the Massachusetts craft beer industry," says Rob Burns, co-founder of Night Shift Brewing and president of the Mass Brewers Guild. "There are 30 breweries in-planning slated to open this year and we want to provide these budding entrepreneurs with the resources they need to remain successful, independent businesses. Opening a brewery is about more than brewing great beer." 

The sold out, ticketed event helped to raise $1,000 for the Mass Brewers Guild, a nonprofit organization that works to protect and promote the interests of craft brewers across the Commonwealth. Due to its success organizers say it will become a yearly program. 

To date, more than 122 breweries exist across the state and employ more than 3,000 locals. MA craft breweries drive traffic and tourism to the Commonwealth and pour world-class craft beer to thirsty locals and travelers. Massachusetts’ breweries are ranked among the best in the world, country and region, with accolades and awards being announced weekly.

For more information about the Mass Brewers Guild, or its upcoming events, visit MassBrewersGuild.org.