The first annual Gluten-Free Craft Brewers Conference (GFCBC) took place at Holidaily Brewing Co. in Golden, Colorado on Wed. Oct 2. With research data showing that the gluten-free beer market is expected to climb 14% by 2022, gluten-free breweries from across the country gathered to collaborate on education, branding and marketing, and innovative ways to continue pushing the gluten-free beer industry forward. Participating breweries included Holidaily Brewing in Golden, Co; Bierly Brewing in McMinnville, OR; Groundbreaker Brewing, Portland, OR; Ghostfish in Seattle, WA; Dos Luces inDenver, CO; N.E.F.F. Brewing in Tulsa, OK; Alt Brewing, Madison in WI; Burning Brothers, St. Paul, MN; Aurochs in Pittsburgh, PA; Mutantis Brewing in Portland, OR (brewery in planning). “[This conference] exceeded expectations in the progress made. [We] made strides in collaborating a united message,” Karen Herz, founder of Holidaily Brewing Co. and organizer of the GFCBC, said. “Our goal is for a strong focus on education for distributors, retailers, and consumers.” Additionally, the group of breweries discussed possibly adding a new certified gluten-free seal to dedicated gluten-free breweries, similar to ones seen on food products. They also also spoke about ongoing messaging to educate all consumers, not just gluten-intolerants, on gluten-free beers. “There will be an ongoing campaign called #GetBeerCurious to educate consumers on the processes of brewing gluten-free beer, including safety procedures and quality ingredients used,” Herz said. Other topics discussed include guiding consumers to understand the difference between gluten-free beers and gluten-reduced beers, slogans and unified messaging, social media techniques, and...