2025 CEBC
Program
See below for the exciting line-up of seminars and presenters! We will include tasting seminars, panel discussions and meet the brewer sessions.
Evan Rail
We are pleased to announce that Evan Rail, award winning journalist will once again lead us through a series of seminars and round table discussions from industry leading presenters.
Evan Rail
We are pleased to announce that Evan Rail, award winning journalist will once again lead us through a series of seminars and round table discussions from industry leading presenters.
Presenters
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Nobody Owns Craft: Trends to Know from North America and Around the World
Joe Stange is the executive editor of Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine, the Brewing Industry Guide, and Craft Spirits & Distilling, Also the co-author of the Good Beer Guide Belgium (with Tim Webb) and Around Brussels in 80 Beers (with Yvan De Baets), he’s also an experienced beer judge, mediocre homebrewer, and obsessive foodie. He currently lives in Bangkok.
Beer ON-flavours: Build your flavour vocabulary and become a better beer taster
Natalya Watson is an award-winning beer educator passionate about sharing her knowledge of beer with others because she believes that beer is simply too delicious to remain undiscovered. Natalya joined WSET as Business Development Manager in September 2023 to support the launch of the organisation’s new beer qualifications within Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Prior to joining WSET, she ran her own online beer education business, Virtual Beer School, for which she was named Training Professional of the Year at the British Institute of Innkeeping’s 2022 National Innovation in Training Awards. Natalya is qualified as an IBD Beer Sommelier and Advanced Cicerone®. She is also the author of Beer: Taste the Evolution in 50 Styles (Kyle Books, 2020).
Lena Molnar focuses on circular operations design, helping producers and retailers reimagine their value chains and operations to be more sustainable while capturing improved economic benefits. She is a manager at PwC on the technology-driven transformations team, with expertise at the intersection of technical solution design, selection, implementation, and business operations restructuring. Lena is also a Climatebase Fellow, participating in a San Francisco-based educational program and network aimed at scaling sustainable practices globally.
József Mari is a Manager in PwC’s technology consulting practice who joined PwC in 2016. In the beginning, he gained his experience in the energy sector, especially with projects related to electromobility. Later on, he worked on innovative, technology focused projects that included creating digital customer experience, building business cases for IT systems, coordinating app development, designing payment services or creating feasibility studies and strategies. Recently, he is responsible for IT implementations and company-wide digitisation projects and he also supports his clients in the adoption of new technologies like AI.
Carlos de la Barra has over 20 years of international experience in the food and beverage industry, focusing on production management and technical support. Expertise includes R&D, technical case studies, and sensory evaluation. Having led production teams in premium wine and beer production across the globe, Carlos’ career includes roles such as Head Brewer at Beer52 in the UK, Quality & Technical Brewing Manager at Omnipollo in Sweden, and Winemaker at Pernod Ricard in New Zealand, along with contributions to industry journals and conferences, reflecting a solid scientific foundation and technical expertise
Make your choice for Lager
Gilles Goemaere Hailing from Belgium Gilles graduated from the Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve as a Bio-Engineer with a specialization in Malting and Brewing Sciences and has over ten years’ experience in the brewing industry. Firstly, as a Master Brewer in a microbrewery in Belgium and more recently as technical support for Fermentis where he has acquired a strong experience solving technical and microbiological issues in customers’ breweries.
Malted broad bean and its use in the beer industry
Cayle Lackten is the Business Development Manager Europe at Next Glass (Untappd), responsible for driving growth across Europe and outside the US and Canada. With a decade of experience in the craft beer industry, Cayle has played a pivotal role in nurturing the growth of several businesses in the Netherlands, including a tap room, a bottle shop, and a craft beer import & distribution company. His passion for fostering community connections and his deep understanding of the European market have been instrumental in enhancing the global reach of Next Glass’s innovative products and services. An advocate for sustainable growth, Cayle is dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional brewing methods and modern technology to support breweries in their evolution.
How To Øl has been able to navigate the changing craft beer landscape
Tim Zydek is a brewer and a quality management assistant for To Øl in Denmark. Tim has been brewing professionally since 2019 but he started his flavour journey much earlier as a chef with an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts. He brought this experience into beer when he started brewing at Little Beast Brewing in Portland, Oregon. It was at Little Beast where he learned he had a passion for flavor and brewing. He spent his formative years here, gaining experience with brewing, cellar work, packaging, quality and pub management. In early 2022 he moved to Copenhagen to continue his brewing career at To Øl where he works, alongside his colleagues, to consistently improve the products To Øl offers. As a Certified CiceroneⓇ, chef and brewer he uses his knowledge and discerning palate to educate, define, and push forward what beer can be.
Workshop
Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop led by Fedor Nikolashkin, an esteemed international malting and brewing expert from Weyermann® Specialty Malts. This session will immerse you in the exciting world of malting, where you’ll discover the latest trends and techniques that are shaping the craft beer industry.
What to Expect:
- Exploration of New Malting Trends: Delve into the innovative approaches in malting that are transforming flavor profiles and brewing processes. Fedor will guide you through the latest advancements and how they can enhance your brewing practices.
- Malt and Beer Tasting Experience: Engage your senses in a curated tasting session where you’ll sample a variety of malts and beers. Learn to identify different malt characteristics and understand how they influence the final product.
- Collaborative Recipe Discussion: Bring your creativity to the table as we discuss several beer recipes that highlight the use of unique malts. This is a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, gain feedback, and refine your brewing techniques alongside fellow craft beer enthusiasts.
Don’t miss this chance to learn from a true expert and elevate your brewing game! Join us for this transformative workshop and take away valuable insights that will inspire your craft beer journey.
Fedor Nikolashkin is an esteemed international malting and brewing expert at Weyermann® Specialty Malts. With a Brewmaster’s diploma from the Doemens Academy in Munich, Fedor’s expertise is complemented by his designation as a Doemens Beer Sommelier, earned in 2015. With over 20 years of experience in malting and brewing, he has made significant contributions to craft beer production globally. Fedor’s deep knowledge and passion for brewing continue to inspire industry professionals, making him a sought-after speaker at craft beer conferences. Join Fedor as he shares insights from his extensive career in the craft beer field.
Workshop
Master the Art of Winning Beer Competitions!
Are you ready to elevate your brewing game? Join us for an exciting workshop with Kilian Kittl, the renowned competition director of the European Beer Star. Discover the insider secrets to navigating beer competitions, from overcoming challenges to securing those coveted medals. In this dynamic session, you’ll dive into the flavor profiles that captivate judges and learn what truly sets award-winning beers apart. Gain valuable insights into the jury’s composition and the specific qualities judges seek in your brews. Plus, find out how winning medals can transform your brewery’s success and market presence! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert knowledge and connect with fellow brewing enthusiasts. Sign up now and take the first step toward competition success!
Kilian Kittl began his brewing journey in a Bavarian brewery, where he honed his craft and developed a passion for beer. Armed with a Master of Science in Brewing and Beverage Technology from the prestigious Technical University of Munich/Weihenstephan, Kilian has built an impressive career as a Project Manager in both the beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Currently serving as the Competition Director for the European Beer Star and a consultant for the Private Brauereien Bayern association, Kilian is at the forefront of the brewing world. His extensive experience and insider knowledge make him the perfect mentor to help you navigate the complexities of beer competitions. Join Kilian in this workshop to uncover invaluable tips and tricks that can propel your brewery to new heights. Don’t miss the chance to learn from a true expert and transform your brewing ambitions into reality!
Workshop
Ivan Boudjema brings over a decade of experience in the global beer industry, specializing in expansion strategies, flow management and technical roles. As a pioneer in the development of Serving Beer Tank technology in France and a distinguished Mueller ambassador for Southwestern Europe, Ivan possesses a deep understanding of industry trends and innovative solutions
Workshop
Advancing Brewery Sustainability: Innovations in Leak Detection, Air Quality, Water Treatment, and Energy Efficiency
This workshop explores cutting-edge technologies and strategies to enhance sustainability in the brewing industry. Attendees will gain insights into innovative leak detection systems that prevent water and energy loss, advances in air quality management to reduce environmental impact, and state-of-the-art water treatment methods for minimizing wastewater. Additionally, the seminar will delve into energy efficiency practices and tools that help breweries reduce their carbon footprint while improving operational performance and saving money. Join us to learn how these innovations are transforming the brewing sector and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Erika Horváth, Join Erika, a sustainability and water treatment expert with over 20 years of experience, for a seminar focused on the brewing industry. As Managing Director of Klarwin Hungary, Erika has led the implementation of advanced water treatment and waste management technologies across multiple countries. With a strong commitment to sustainable practices, she specializes in optimizing water usage, waste reduction, and circular economy principles, helping breweries achieve cleaner, more efficient operations. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Erika’s expertise in driving sustainability and innovation in the brewing sector.
Lucian Pavel is a seasoned expert in water treatment, waste management and carbon footprint reduction. As Head of the Environmental Department at Klarwin Romania, Lucian has pioneered groundbreaking projects in water and waste management across Europe.. Currently focusing on the brewery industry, Lucian is developing innovative solutions to optimize water usage, waste management, and sustainability practices in brewing.
Venue
Why Budapest?
- Budapest is one of the coolest cities in Europe. It’s historical and hip, classical and contemporary, soulful and electrifying at the same time. This vibrant city is the perfect backdrop for the Central European Brewers Conference (CEBC) 2025.
- Imagine networking with industry leaders and exploring the latest trends in brewing amidst Budapest’s awe-inspiring grandeur. With a unique blend of culture and nature, this historical city pulsates with an energy that is impossible to resist.
- Join us from January 29-31, 2025, for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re strolling along the Danube, visiting iconic ruin bars, or attending our engaging workshops and seminars, Budapest offers the perfect setting to inspire and elevate your brewing journey.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the dynamic brewing community.
Accomodation with discount
We recommend the ROOMbach Hotel close to the venue and reasonably priced.
Book your accomodation with a 15% discount until 10th January 2025 based on the availability using the promo code CEBC2025.