Thousands of craft brewers to visit Minneapolis for conference

One of the biggest conventions to come to Minneapolis this year is happening this week.

Thousands of worldwide craft brewers will be in town for the Craft Brewers Conference.

While this convention is for industry experts only, brewers tell 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS it is an opportunity to highlight the Minnesota beer scene and a perfect time for craft beer lovers to dive into patio season.

The owners of Union 32 Craft House will be among the more than 9,000 people coming into Minneapolis to talk craft beer.

“We are also now being seen as a really good craft brewing state,” Dan Redpath, co-owner of Union 32 Craft House, said. “We’ve got some chops now, that we can hold our own to some of the more well-known craft brewery states in the country.”

Breweries from every state and 46 countries are gathering to learn more about ales, hops, malts, and more, especially how to grow the ever-evolving industry.

The convention—which runs from May 2-5—is the first time the craft brewing conference has been held in Minneapolis, a nod to Minnesota’s growing brewpub popularity.

“There is going to be a lot of life in Minneapolis and beyond because of this conference,” Kevin Kurtt, of Meet Minneapolis, said.

For those who are serious about craft beer, for the first time this year, there is a “Minneapolis Craft Beer Pass,” giving visitors exclusive offers at breweries across the Twin Cities.