Please, sign up and fill out your brewery's information to attend and join in the camaraderie.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
I am a brewery owner/employee/etc., but not a member of the SCBG. Can I still attend?
Yes! We encourage all breweries to attend, as the information is pertinent to all of us. If you are interested in joining the Guild, please visit: http://www.scbeer.org/join-the-guild.html.
When does the Conference and Tradeshow start?
The Conference and Tradeshow opens for registration at 9:30 a.m. on 9/22. The Tradeshow will run all day.
Will there be a SCBG Membership Meeting?
Yes, it will be held during lunch on the day of the Conference. Here, we will have Board of Directors elections and more.
The registration is not working. Can you help?
If you have any questions, please contact Sam Slaughter, sam@scbeer.org.
How many people from my brewery can attend?
Tickets are required for each attendee, but there is no limit on how many you can purchase.
Is there a discount for registering multiple people from my brewery?
From 7/15-8/15, you can get a $20 discount on four-packs of tickets. Simply select the 4-Pack option on the ticket menu.
What does my ticket include?
All tickets (unless noted) are all-inclusive. Your ticket grants you access to the Tradeshow, all seminars, and the SC Beer Awards, and includes dinner at the ceremony, light breakfast, and lunch on 9/22. There will also be snacks and drinks available during each day.
What seminars can I expect this year?
We will have a total of 9 seminars across both days. These seminars will cover Technical, Operations, Marketing, Peer-led Panels and Educational Seminars. We will update with more information as it is available via email and on the event website.
I want to donate beer to the conference for my fellow brewers to imbibe. How do I do this?
Please reach out to Brittany Jacobsen, brittany@scbeer.org, to see how we can assist getting your beer at the conference.
Why did we change the venue?
701 Whaley is an elegant event space in the heart of Columbia. The private venue provides significantly more space and personalized options at a lower price point.
Are there hotel blocks available?
We are confirming the hotel blocks and will send out the information when available.
What is the next big event for the SCBG?
The Crafted in Carolina Festival will be held at Segra Park, Columbia. We will have a confirmed date soon, but it will be around the same date as this year’s (end of March). Stay tuned for an official date announcement.
Vendors
When is the Trade Show portion of the event?
The Trade Show will take place all day, 9/22.
When can I get in to set up my booth?
You can start setting up as early as 9:30, which is when registration will open.
What comes with a vendor registration?
Vendor registrations come with a six-foot table, two chairs, and two all-access passes. Within your space, you can customize it as you see fit.
I am not a member of the Guild but would like to join as an Allied Trade member. Can I?
Yes! Allied Trade membership costs $750 per year. You can sign up here: http://www.scbeer.org/join-the-guild.html
Note: To be able to utilize the member discount for event registration, you must be signed up beforehand.
Beer Competition
Competition Important Dates & Information
Registration Window: June 1 – July 15
Registration Fee: $35 per entry
Registration Link:https://beerawardsplatform.com/south-carolina-brewers-cup-2026
Beer Entry Drop-Off: July 19 – July 26
Drop-Off Locations: Regionally (exact locations to be announced)
Awards Ceremony: Monday, Sept 21 at 6 p.m. at Craft & Draft Irmo (7583 St. Andrews Road, Irmo, SC).
Do I need a ticket for the award ceremony?
Yes. Your Conference and Tradeshow ticket is your ticket to the award ceremony. For those looking to only attend the awards, a separate ticket is available for purchase.
What is the process for judging beers?
Judges are assigned by the Competition Director to judge beers in their specific area of expertise and do not judge in every category. Judges will seldom taste more than 30 beverages in any one judging session and judges never evaluate their own product or any product in which they have a concern. Judging is blind, with no brand knowledge of any kind provided to judges. Entries are judged solely on their merits.
Judges determine winning entries that meet the stringent award criteria. They are also expected to provide concise, accurate written feedback to entering breweries about their entries, describing positive attributes as well as defects noted during the competition. This communication to entering breweries adds value to their judged entries and provides a glimpse into the judging process.
Can I be a beer competition judge?
The competition judges are recognized as experienced tasters through the BJCP, Cicerone Certification, or comparable certification or experience. If you feel you qualify, want to gain additional experience, and volunteer as a judge, email competition organizer Jordan Skeen at jskeen@serggroup.comor scbrewerscup@gmail.com
Will there be a competition after party?
Yes, details to follow.
Hotel Information
Tru by Hilton Columbia Downtown
Rate: $139.00 (2 Queen Beds)
Book online:SCBG Book Your Room
Reservations Deadline: September 6, 2026
400 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina, 29201
1.3 miles to 701 Whaley Street
Hampton Inn Downtown Columbia Historic District
Rate: $189.00
Book online:Book your group rate SCBG
Reservations Deadline: August 21, 2026
822 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201
1.2 miles to 701 Whaley Street
Aloft Columbia Downtown
Rate: $142.00
Book online:Book your group rate for SCBG Conference & Trade Show
Reservations Deadline: August 21, 2026
823 Lady St., Columbia, SC 29201
1.7 miles to 701 Whaley Street
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC
Rate: $149.00
Book online:Book your SCBG room
Reservations Deadline: August 21, 2026
630 Assembly St., Columbia, SC 29201
1 mile to 701 Whaley Street
