That, boys and girls, is called a teaser title. Are we saving the world through beer? No. However, we are making a difference in our world. Allow me to explain.
Through all the years and beers, I have developed a fantastic beer community, as have many of you. These people are my tribe … they know my preferences, my favorites, and often know better than I do what I’m going to want next. Two of these guys in particular are the ones I refer to as my Beer Bros. This bond has developed through mutual business interests, lots of travel, tremendous beer sharing, and the subject of this article … fundraising beer tasting sessions.
![](http://babygotbeer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/kill-shot-1024x768.jpeg)
Seven years ago, we developed an idea of offering attendees of an annual conference an optional conference session designed to help people learn how to taste and enjoy a variety of craft beer. We really didn’t know what to expect, but knowing the audience, we figured we could sell out our 25-person session and raise a few dollars for the Foundation. We had no idea what we just created …
A few days later, the conference planner let us know that the session had already sold out and asked if we’d host a second one. Yes, please. Here are the relatively simplistic details of the event:
- we promise 3-4 samples of at least 6 craft beers in a one-hour session
- we instruct everyone on how to properly taste beer using all the senses (except hearing): sight, smell, mouthfeel, taste
- with each beer, we’ll give insights on the style, the beer, and the brewery
- all beers are donated from breweries or a local community representative
- we have 3-4 sponsors at each event
- all other costs are covered by the three Bros so that 100% of all revenue goes to the Foundation
- at each session, we bring some bombers from our private stashes and auction that bag off.
- but wait, there’s more! On the last day of the conference, we auction ourselves off to do a beertasting session for the winning bidder
Results? You Want Results?
Year 1 was more successful than we could have imagined. And so, as you might guess, we were invited back for year 2 … and 3 …
We have just finished year 7 of this amazing journey and have served over 80 beers (we have never repeated a beer in seven years) to a total of nearly 400 session attendees. Most importantly, we’ve raised over $40,000 for the Foundation. Reminder … this is all just about sampling and enjoying great craft beer with our friends and peers – and we’ve raised a tremendous amount of money for a fantastic cause. Maybe we are saving the world.
Unintended Consequences
One thing we didn’t plan on was what has become the most powerful part of the entire adventure. I may have failed to mention that these sessions are the opening session of the conference. What we have learned is that this is the world’s greatest icebreaker/welcome wagon for an event. Imagine walking into a new conference, not knowing a soul; it can be a challenging and daunting endeavor, unless you’re a moron like me who will talk to anyone anywhere.
These sessions provide a shared experience in a relatively intimate environment. For the remainder of the conference, Mr. and or Mrs. First-Timer will see people that they met or saw in the tasting and have a very easy intro into a conversation.
The ultimate opening to the conference + unique networking opportunity + fundraising for a great cause + a nearly endless lineup of great craft beer. Are you ready for us to come host a session for you?