American Hop Convention
62nd Annual Hop Convention slated for January 18-20, 2018 in Palm Desert, California
December 28, 2017 - Author: Rob Sirrine, Michigan State University Extension
Hosted by USA Hops, the 62nd Annual American Hop Convention returns to Palm Desert, California, January 24 to 26, 2018, after a one year hiatus in Bend, Oregon. The 2018 convention appropriately named “Game of Cones”, offers multiple educational sessions, market updates and opportunities for networking with hop producers, merchants, brewers and hop industry experts. Confirmed presentations include: cover crops, hop drying technology advancements, quality control and food safety, succession planning for family businesses and brewer and merchant panels as well. The Brewers Association will present the results of their annual hop usage survey and delve into craft brewing and hop usage trends. Hop Growers of America will also hold a research and educational poster session at the convention on January 25 and the winner of the 2017 Cascade Cup will be revealed at the National Convention.
Attendees will be in for a special treat at the Palm Springs Air Museum where there will be plane rides and an exhibition. More details on the convention can be found here. Vendors interested in sponsoring the convention should visit this website. The deadline for sponsors is December 15, 2017.
The convention coincides with the Hop Research Council (HRC) Winter Meetings and convention attendees can attend the Hop Research Council Reports on January 18. The HRC directs and funds hop research for the benefit of the U.S. hop industry.
The 2018 convention will take place at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. Due to the popularity of the convention, attendees are encouraged to book their hotel rooms as soon as possible. Alternative room blocks are available at the Fairfield Inn and shuttles will be provided during the convention between the two locations.
As a reminder, planning is underway for the Great Lakes Hop and Barley Conference, which will take place March 12-14, 2018 in Kalamazoo, MI. Keep an eye out for registration details. Please continue to visit Michigan State University Extension’s hop webpage or the MSU Hops News Facebook site for up to date information.
