2026 AAEA Annual Meeting, July 26-28, Kansas City

2026 AAEA Annual Meeting, July 26-28, Kansas City

PC11 BEER Section Craft Industry Tour

Fee: $100
Time: 11:30 am – 6:00 pm      
Depart Kansas City Marriott Main Lobby at 11 am

Brief Description of Topic: We will visit three craft breweries in the Kansas City area. Preliminary stops will include (subject to change)

  1. Boulevard Brewing Company: Boulevard Brewing Company, a renowned Kansas City craft brewery, has been committed to quality and innovation since 1989. Blending traditional brewing methods with creative techniques, they emphasize craftsmanship and consistently experiment with new styles and flavors. Their diverse lineup includes classics like Unfiltered Wheat Beer, bold IPAs such as Space Camper, rich stouts, tart sours, and inventive seasonal brews—making Boulevard a true hometown favorite and a proud part of Kansas City’s landscape. A light lunch will also be included during this tour.
  2. Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company: Friendship is the secret ingredient to Rochester’s success. Rochester Brewing and Roasting was created by three friends who were  passionate about the art and science of brewing beer and roasting coffee. They dreamed of a place where they could bring their hobbies and passions to life. And share them with others.
  3.  J. Rieger & Co.: J. Rieger & Co. is a celebrated Kansas City distillery with roots dating back to 1887 and a reputation for excellence and innovation. Reviving a historic legacy, they craft a wide range of spirits—from smooth whiskeys and elegant gins to versatile vodkas and unique liqueurs—using meticulous methods and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their inventive approach and community spirit have helped establish J. Rieger & Co. as a standout name in Kansas City’s vibrant drinks culture

Relevance to AAEA Members/Meeting Attendees: The BEER Section is committed to providing industry experience and relevant insights to section members. The pre-conference craft industry tour has become a staple part of AAEA industry engagement and has sold out or been near max capacity every year. Stops on the tour are chosen based on the variety of business enterprises and relevance to local industry. It is a valuable networking and applied research experience.

Important Dates