This presentation explains the various scenarios in which stainless steel equipment can be damaged and how to avoid damaging the equipment by understanding the cause effects. We will also discuss various field examples and how the equipment can be protected and repaired, if necessary.

Born and raised in Cologne, Germany, Dirk graduated in Cologne with a degree in business administration. After working for a BASF subsidiary, he joined the Loeffler family business, where he worked in sales, technical services and research and development. In 1992, Dirk came to the United States to lay the groundwork for the US operations of Loeffler which led to the incorporation of Loeffler Chemical Corporation in 1994. Until 2019, Dirk served as the CEO and Technical Director for Loeffler Chemical Corporation. After the company merged in 2019, Dirk left the new company and took a sabbatical and focused on teaching and enjoying some time with his family. In 2024, Dirk founded SEKA Chemicals together with his wife Alexis. As the Executive Vice President of Technical Operations and Sales he continues to develop new products and process technologies for breweries and distilleries.

Dirk lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Alexis and their twin boys Kai and Sebastian. Dirk has been an active member of the Master Brewers Association since 1992 and currently serves as the President for the MBAA Districts Mid-South and Georgia. Dirk is also an active member of the Brewers Association since 1993 and serves on the Board of the German School of Atlanta as Safety & Security Officer.

Join us in person for CBP Connects New Orleans

December 8–10, 2025

It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

In an industry driven by grassroots grit, passion, and what at times feels like flying by the seat of your pants, professional development often takes a backseat to production schedules and tight budgets. But staying competitive and keeping your staff inspired doesn’t require expensive conferences or high-ticket programs. This session explores how breweries of all sizes—especially small and independent operations—can embrace professional growth on a shoestring budget.

We’ll dive into practical, scalable strategies for skill-building, staff retention, and team morale that don’t break the bank. From peer-to-peer learning and free resources to low-cost certifications and mentorship models, attendees will walk away with actionable tools to grow their teams and invest in better informed staff.

Because in beer, just like in brewing, better outcomes come from continuous refinement—and you don’t need a million-dollar system to make a damn good pint.

Panelists:

• Aaron Gore (Beer30 by The 5th Ingredient)
• Chris Leguizamon (Fonta Flora Brewery)
• Ryan Mayfield (Craft Leadership)

Moderator: Cat Pearce (Raleigh Brewing

Join us in person for CBP Connects New Orleans

December 8–10, 2025

It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

In today’s challenging beverage landscape, most breweries aren’t chasing overnight success as the next big regional or national player. Instead, growth comes from intentional moves that fit the business. In this panel, you’ll hear from owners who have expanded by adding kitchens, stepping away from distribution, and building private event programs — all without losing control. The right next step might not be bigger, just better for your business.

This conversation features:

• Brian Quinn (Atomic Clock Brewing)
• Erin Bullard (ONCO Fermentations
• Jessica Kraus (Lost Way Brewery)
• Steven Fuller (Wackadoo Brewing)

Join us in person for CBP Connects New Orleans
December 8–10, 2025
It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

Uncover where your brewery truly makes money by identifying key profit drivers across products, customers, and channels. In this session, you’ll learn how to benchmark your financial performance against industry standards, spot areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions that lead to stronger margins and sustainable profitability.

Panelists:

• Dan Reineke (Loma Brewing Company)
• Jake Lohse (Presidential Brewing Company)
• Sara Watson (Vacancy Brewing)

Moderator: Kary Shumway (Beer Business Finance)

Join us in person for CBP Connects New Orleans

December 8–10, 2025

It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

A full taproom is a happy taproom, but gone are the days of “If you brew it, they will come.” We need new ideas and strategies. We need profitable marketing programs that are proven to put butts on barstools and make money!

This session is for micro to mid-size brewery owners, GMs, marketing managers and head janitors (because you do all these jobs) who want to implement 10X+ ROI marketing strategies at their breweries. We will look at the most profitable membership programs, proven ways to drive repeat visits and tactics to sell through aging beer more quickly.

No “pie-in-the-sky” or fluffy marketing ideas allowed. Just real-world examples, numbers & best practices. This way you can skip the guesswork and start implementing proven programs right away.

Whether your goal is to grow weekday traffic, launch a paid membership, or turn first-time guests into lifelong fans, you’ll leave with a clear action plan tailored to your brewery.

Ross Stensrud accidentally graduated from UCSD while studying lacrosse and spending plenty of time at O’Brien’s. After a brief stint designing pool cleaners (yes, really) in an effort to justify the cost of his degree, he pivoted and began recruiting smart friends to help build app marketing tech for local businesses—starting with music, then golf, and now craft beer with TapWyse. He lives in Carlsbad with his wife Laurel and their two boys, Roscoe (11) and Mason (9). When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him biking down PCH or shuttling his kids to basketball, golf, music, and skateboarding.

Join us in person for CBP Connects New Orleans
December 8–10, 2025
It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

Your beer may bring them in, but your food might be what keeps them around (and spending more). Join MarginEdge and two innovative breweries for a conversation on how to turn your food program from a necessity into a revenue-driving asset. From menu design and cost tracking to staffing, pricing, and guest experience, we’ll explore what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next.

Panelists:

• Chris Pal-Freeman (Breakway Brewing),
• Jason Green (Wilding Brands)

Moderator: Andre Elam (MarginEdge)

Join us in person for CBP Connects New Orleans

December 8–10, 2025

It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

We’re all trying to get more guests in our taprooms. This session dives into creative, real-world tactics breweries are using right now to increase foot traffic and build consistent taproom momentum. We’ll look at smart event ideas, unexpected partnerships, local outreach, and simple tools that are often overlooked. It’s all about finding innovative ways to stay visible, relevant, and busy.

Panelists:

• Adrian Pawliszko (Kegshoe/Sippo)
• Ryan Hetzer (Frothy Beard Brewing Company)
• Victoria Howell (MoMac Brewing Company/Nansemond Brewing Station)

Moderator: Andrew Coplon (Craft Beer Professionals/Secret Hopper)

Join us in person for CBP Connects New Orleans

December 8–10, 2025

It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

The modern guest expects more than just beer. In this panel hosted by Go Brewing, we’ll explore the growing demand for non-alcoholic beer and THC beverages. Learn how to educate both your team and your customers, understand the latest consumption trends, and discover how these products help create a more inclusive and welcoming taproom. Whether you're already offering them or just getting started, this conversation will help you stay ahead and serve more of your community.

Panelists:

• Leigh Gall (Cannabis Beverage Certification)
• Matt Steinke (Go Brewing)
• Meagen Coester (Go Brewng)
• Katie McNulty (Revolution Brewing)

Moderator: Andrew Coplon (Craft Beer Professionals/Secret Hopper)

Join us in person for CBP Connects New Orleans

December 8–10, 2025

It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

In this session, we’ll dig into the hard work behind two of beer’s essential ingredients: malt and hops. You’ll hear directly from barley growers and hop producers about what matters most, how each harvest impacts the final product, and where the industry stands today. We’ll also talk with brewers who are leaning into the agricultural side of beer and using ingredients to tell a deeper, more meaningful story.

Panelists:

• Eric Sannerud (Sannerud Hop Consulting)
• James Howdeshell (HOB Brewing Co.)
• Nathan Boll (Boll Farms)
• Tim Schnars (Meadowlark Brewing)

Moderator: Jared Stober (Two Track Malting)

Join us in person for CBP Connects New Orleans

December 8–10, 2025

It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/

As the industry evolves, breweries are embracing tools like QR code ordering to streamline operations, boost tab sizes, and maximize efficiency. But how do you keep the soul of the taproom alive when guests order with their phones instead of chatting with a bartender or server? In this panel, brewery leaders and Arryved experts discuss how to use technology without losing the personal connection that keeps people coming back. We’ll explore the sweet spot between operational efficiency and guest experience, discuss flexible service models—and share real-world strategies for integrating tech without compromising on hospitality.

Panelists:

• Adriane Hodges (Bold Republic Brewing Company)
• Kent Steeves (Braeloch Brewing)

Moderator: Nick Komisar (Arryved)

Join us in person for CBP Connects New Orleans

December 8–10, 2025

It’s never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/