VisitPITTSBURGH and the Craft Beverage Expo and Distribution Conference have teamed up to produce CBX, a weeklong festival of events celebrating craft beverage, March 29 – April 2.
Previously held in Louisville, the Craft Beverage Expo and Distribution Conference chose to relocate the event after partnering with VisitPITTSBURGH to launch CBX as an annual community-wide festival, with programming taking place across Allegheny County.
VisitPITTSBURGH has set a goal of attracting 5,000 out-of-town visitors for the festival’s inaugural year, with plans for growth in future years.
“Our region’s craft beverage scene continues to build in scope, quality and reputation, making Pittsburgh the perfect place to establish a signature destination event centered around an industry that is increasing in popularity every year,” says VisitPITTSBURGH President & CEO Jerad Bachar. “We are delighted to partner with the Craft Beverage Expo team and local businesses to grow CBX into an annual tourism event that will become a major economic generator for our community.”
Bachar adds, “CBX was intentionally scheduled to take place in late March/early April to attract visitors to the region during a time of year that is typically quiet for leisure travel to Pittsburgh. Restaurants, hotels, attractions and businesses will benefit from increased traffic and spending, as well as marketing exposure for those participating in special promotions and programming taking place during CBX.”
CBX events will encompass all aspects of the craft beverage industry, from production and manufacture to bottling and branding, and including beer, wine, spirits, cider, sake, mead and more.
“We are thrilled to bring our conference to Pittsburgh and collaborate with VisitPITTSBURGH to launch CBX,” says Kellie Shevlin, Executive Director, Craft Beverage Expo and Distribution Conference. “CBX will showcase the masters of this wonderful craft, from some of the best-known brands, to the emerging stars of tomorrow, in a city where craft beverages and innovation go hand in hand.”
VisitPITTSBURGH will promote CBX through a targeted marketing and paid advertising campaign, digital promotions, media outreach and collaborations with local businesses and attractions. In advance of the event, VisitPITTSBURGH’s communications team also will host a preview press tour for journalists who will help amplify Allegheny County’s craft beverage story.
