MN BREWERS CUP

MN Brewers Cup Awards Ceremony Schedule

6:30 – 7:00 p.m.: Brewers Cup check-in & Cocktail reception
7:00 p.m.: Dinner service
8:00 p.m.: Award Ceremony begins
10:00 p.m.: Last Call/Bar Close
10:30 p.m.: Event ends

First-place winners will be awarded trophies at the ceremony along with a certificate; second and third place winners will also be announced and will receive a certificate at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Member-Voted Awards

In addition to recognizing quality brews, the awards ceremony is intended to celebrate the industry in Minnesota and recognize those who contribute to the high standards we hold in the state. These additional awards are voted on by fellow members of the industry and/or the Board of Directors.

• Most Innovative Brewery – The MNCBG member brewery or brewpub that has shown originality and creativity in its products, branding, marketing, community engagement, or other factors you value to the craft beer industry.
• Best Art/Design – The MNCBG member brewery or brewpub that epitomizes excellence in art and design. Consider the visual appeal of their branding, logo, website, packaging, and social imagery.
• Best Collaboration – Two or more MNCBG member breweries or brewpubs and the name of their collaboration beer. You can vote based on beer quality, the approach the businesses took with the collaboration, or any other factor you deem valuable.
• Best Member Volunteer – A staff member at an MNCBG member brewery or brewpub who you feel has gone above and beyond in helping advance the Minnesota craft brewing industry this year.
• Outstanding Allied Trade Member – The Allied Trade Member business that you consider to be outstanding in terms of industry impact and service.

Voting will close on March 15. Every MNCBG member staff can vote 1 time for these awards.

We are so excited to welcome Anthony, Greg, and Quan of the Black Brewers Podcast to emcee the MN Brewers Cup Awards Ceremony!

In 2023, Anthony and Phill of the BBP emceed the awards ceremony, and they did such a great job and we received so many positive comments about their presenting and energy that we asked if their team could return this year.

The BBP are, “Friends of the same mind working in the beer industry who came together like voltron.”  Since 2021, the BBP has been discussing the beer industry in Minnesota and nationally.

The hosts also have hands-on experience and insight into brewing through their work at member businesses: Anthony at Arbeiter Brewing and Wooden Ship Brewing Company, Greg at Modist Brewing, and Quan at 56 Brewing. We are honored and excited for them to take the stage in our biggest industry event of the year!

The awards ceremony will be held at the Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown at 35 S 7th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402.

Booking a Room
Attendees are welcome to book anywhere that is most convenient. The Royal Sonesta is within blocks of multiple bus stops, and it is easily accessible for ride-share services like Uber and Lyft.

The discounted Group Reservation closed at the end of February. You are still welcome to book at the Royal Sonesta or at any other convenient hotel.

Please note: There is a Timberwolves game at 7:00 p.m. at Target Center on the same day as the Conference and Awards, so transportation options will be particularly busy that afternoon and evening. Please plan accordingly.

Parking at the Royal Sonesta
Overnight Self Parking is available for $32 per night or Valet is available for $54 per night. Both options include in and out privileges. Daily rates may be slightly cheaper and are charged hourly, but they do not include in and out privileges. Find more information on the hotel’s website.

Nearby Parking in Downtown Minneapolis
Click here to see an interactive parking map of the area.

Additional Transportation Options
The Royal Sonesta is in downtown Minneapolis and therefore is accessible by numerous transportation methods.

• Bus/MetroTransit: The Royal Sonesta is a block away from the Nicollet Mall & 7th St stop, which is a stop on many of the major bus routes, including the C and D lines. Visit the MetroTransit site to plan your route.
• Ride-Share Services: The hotel is easily accessible for ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, and there are typically plenty around.
• Walking/Skyway: If you are staying a a nearby hotel, you can also walk to the hotel on the street or via the Minneapolis skyway system (here is a map of all hotels connected to the skyway); just be aware that the skyway does close as early as 6pm on Fridays.

Prepare for the Ceremony: What to Bring

• Bring your ID. Every attendee will need a 21+ photo ID in order to attend.
• Make sure you have your ticket(s). Every attendee must have a scannable ticket to be admitted to the conference.
• If you’d like to feature one of your beers or NA products at the event, we invite you to bring beer to share. You can drop it off at check-in.
• Please also read the MNCBG Code of Conduct and MNCBG Event Terms and Conditions and share with your teams.

Check-In and Cocktail Hour

After you’ve arrived at the hotel, take the elevators to Floor 3: Denmark Commons for check-in. Check-In and Cocktail Hour is between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Dinner service will begin at 7:00 p.m., and the Awards Ceremony will start at 7:30 p.m. Cards with your brewery name and meal selections will be on the table as you enter the ballroom; please be sure to take yours.