New Beer Industry Technology Symposium "BITS" Set For June 30 & July 1 in Napa, California

NAPA, CA, February 20, 2014 (Press-News.org) Leaders of the brewing, distribution and technology industries have formed the new Beer Industry Technology Symposium, BITS, to create a dedicated industry forum where technology and strategy intersect. The first BITS will be held in Napa, California in conjunction with the Wine Industry Technology Symposium - WITS June 30 & July 1, 2014 at the Napa Valley Marriott.

The purpose of BITS is to address the unique information technology, and service needs, of the beer industry. BITS is dedicated to bringing the world's leading beer industry professionals together with the world's leading technology experts, to foster learning and discussion. Panels of experts will discuss specific examples and case studies that will deliver tangible take-home value and create relationships.

SteadyServ Technologies, has built technology to help bars and restaurants, distributors and craft brewers -- even patrons -- keep track of the beer remaining in a keg and more effectively manage their beer inventories. SteadyServ's Founder and CEO Steve Hershberger said, "Given the massive changes occurring in the beer industry, BITS is the right gathering at the right time. Getting the craft beer industry together, to discuss technology solutions and the strategies needed to ensure continued growth and success, is difficult due to both the high number of beer producers and the vast geographic differences in their physical locations. BITS will provide an important venue for the industry's thought leaders to collaborate for the greater good of the industry. SteadyServ will be there in full force."

The growth and importance of craft beer is widely documented. According to the Brewers Association, the number of craft breweries in the US has risen from a low of less than 100 in 1977 to greater than 3,500 in 2013. Over the next 5 years, the growth in craft beer volume is expected to be greater than over the past 25 years combined. Given this explosion in consumer demand, and the number of new operations that have been formed, there is a specific need to understand best practices and strategies within the industry. Many new brewery owners are attempting to reinvent the wheel in terms of processes and systems to run their businesses. BITS aims to be the industry-wide resource to help educate beer industry members and unite them with best-of-class technology providers.

"After owning a rapidly-growing craft brewery from 2010 - 2013, and then working with a number of others to help build their beer businesses, I spent a lot of time networking with other breweries and observed their efforts to manage growth and establish systems that are vital to run an efficient and effective business," said J. Smoke Wallin, BITS Chairman and Founder. "While there are many beer industry events such as NBWA and GABF, there has never been a forum focused on the technology needs of craft brew operators. BITS will fill that void."

Expected attendees include craft breweries, distributors, retailers and on-premise and technology providers. There will be content for everyone from the Owner/GM/President to the Information Technology Manager or CFO to the Brewers to the Sales Managers. Building on the successful model of WITS, with cross-functional workshops and keynote speakers, BITS will draw from industry leaders to present tangible take-home value as a result of a focused gathering.

The agenda includes sessions on: Technology Leadership - Best-of-Class Tools, Consumer Direct Sales - Managing the Tap Room and Online Presence, Trade Sales & Marketing - Craft Beer Route To Market - Gaining & Managing Distribution, Brewery Operations - Hops to Kettle to Keg or Can

Interested sponsors and speakers can contact Waunice Orchid (Tradeshow Coordinator) Waunice@swgnapa.com (707) 261-8716 today. Registration will open March 1, 2014. Space is limited and BITS is expected to sell out, so register early.

The Beer Industry Technology Symposium (BITS) was created to address the unique information technology and services needs of the Beer industry. BITS is dedicated to bringing the world's leading breweries, distributors and retailers together with the leading technology experts to foster learning and discussion. Expert panels and keynotes discuss leading edge case studies involving consumer direct marketing and sales, operations, financial management, trade sales and distribution, brewing and input management.