About a month ago I stumbled upon an article previewing the first ever Beer Bloggers Conference which was held this past week in Boulder, CO.  The 108 attendees maxed out the available space for the conference and included a mix of brewery-associated bloggers and “citizen bloggers,” those unaffiliated with any business. Growler Fills fits into the later category and is one of an estimated 600 citizen beer bloggers in North America.  Unfortunately, I found out about the conference too late to take part this year, but another is planned in Portland, OR for 2011. It’s hard to think of a better location for the next conference.

Why have a beer blogger conference?  That was the first question I asked, but I was quickly convinced after reading the initial article.  The craft beer industry continues to grow in ways and at a rate that doesn’t make sense in the general state of the economy and demonstrates there is something unique – and certainly accessible and satisfying – with craft beer. The Brewers Association is an excellent organization in support of the industry, but as a whole the industry lacks the major, centralized advertising and outreach such as that in the wine industry. Thus, the “new media” that is citizen bloggers has become a critically important avenue for spreading the word about craft brewing.

The conference featured speakers from the Brewers Association, Stone Brewing, Draft Magazine, and many others with topics ranging from why blogging is important to technology tips to the science of beer and food pairings, to the dos and don’ts of a successful blog. All things I could use as I march forward as a member of the new media. Coming along for the ride?  If so, suggest this blog to your fellow beer lovers, breweries and others in the beer world. If there’s one thing I know I stink at, it’s self promotion.