Crafted For Action: Elevating Voices and Building Community in Craft Beer

Crafted For Action was launched in 2020 by Jen Price—a seasoned beer educator, author, and passionate advocate for equity in the craft beverage space. After years of attending industry events that often overlooked the broader cultural dynamics of craft beer, Jen identified a critical gap. Traditional beer conferences tended to spotlight brewing techniques, flavor profiles, and trends, but rarely created space for the deeper, more impactful conversations around diversity, representation, and access within the industry.

Determined to change that narrative, Jen created Crafted For Action as a platform where conversations about inclusion, entrepreneurship, and community-building could take center stage. Her vision was to cultivate an event that welcomed not only brewers and business owners but also drinkers, creatives, and change-makers who are often left out of the craft beer conversation.

What sets Crafted For Action apart is its foundation. Built on the pillars of craft, community, and culture, the event is intentionally designed to amplify underrepresented voices and foster authentic dialogue. Rather than simply showcasing the technical side of beer, it invites participants to examine the intersection of identity, storytelling, and equity within the industry. In doing so, Crafted For Action has become more than a conference—it’s a movement that continues to reshape how the craft beer world connects, collaborates, and grows.

At its core, Crafted For Action is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, education, and meaningful connections in the craft beverage industry. Through events, programming, and community engagement, the organization is focused on:

• Supporting underrepresented voices in craft beer
• Creating business and networking opportunities for beverage entrepreneurs
• Bridging the gap between industry professionals and consumers
• Challenging industry norms to build a more equitable and forward-thinking craft beverage space

This commitment is extended even further through Crafted Fellows, the nonprofit arm of the organization. Designed to offer more than just inspiration, Crafted Fellows provides real-world support to early-stage businesses through educational resources, one-on-one mentorship, and funding opportunities. It’s a direct response to the systemic barriers that many aspiring entrepreneurs face—and a testament to Crafted For Action’s ongoing promise: to not just talk about change, but to help build it.

What began as a fully virtual event in 2021—born out of both innovation and necessity—has steadily grown into a dynamic hybrid experience that brings the Crafted For Action community together both online and in person. Hosted annually in Atlanta, Georgia, the conference now serves as a vital meeting ground for an ever-expanding and diverse group of attendees. From craft beer professionals and aspiring brewers to beverage entrepreneurs, community leaders, and advocates, the event continues to attract individuals passionate about reshaping the industry from the inside out.

As the reach and reputation of the conference grew, so did the recognition of an even deeper need: ongoing support for emerging voices in the craft beer ecosystem. In response, founder Jen Price expanded the Crafted For Action brand by launching Crafted Fellows, a nonprofit initiative designed to offer mentorship, education, and financial resources to up-and-coming beer professionals and business owners.

Crafted Fellows embodies the same spirit of inclusion and empowerment that defines the broader Crafted For Action mission. One of the program’s signature events is a “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition held during the annual conference. This high-energy event gives early-stage startups in craft beer and related industries the chance to present their business ideas to a panel of experts—with real opportunities to win funding and strategic guidance. It’s one of many ways Crafted For Action goes beyond conversation and takes action to directly uplift and invest in the future of craft.

Mark your calendars—Crafted For Action 2025 is set to return June 18–22, 2025, bringing its signature blend of community, culture, and craft back to Wild Heaven Beer at Lee + White in Atlanta, GA. With both in-person and virtual options available, this hybrid experience is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and impactful for attendees from all corners of the beverage world.

As always, the conference promises more than just industry talk. It’s a celebration of the people, flavors, and stories that make the craft beverage community so vibrant. Here’s a taste of what attendees can look forward to during the five-day event:

Welcome to Atlanta Opening Night

The energy kicks off with a high-impact opening event that brings everyone together to celebrate the start of the conference. Expect music, drinks, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow attendees.

Engaging Panels & Speakers

Throughout the week, Crafted For Action hosts a range of discussions led by industry leaders, culture shapers, and entrepreneurs. These sessions cover everything from current business trends to social justice topics—always grounded in transparency and community empowerment.

Wine-Focused Programming

Curated by Goodness In a Glass, this new addition to the lineup highlights voices in the wine space and continues the mission of expanding conversations beyond beer alone.

Crafted Happy Hour

A laid-back social mixer where attendees can enjoy curated beverage offerings while building relationships with peers, collaborators, and potential mentors.

Photography provided by Crafted For Action

Annual Atlanta History Beer Dinner

A beloved staple of the conference, this experience—hosted by the legendary Ale Sharpton and sponsored by New Belgium—pairs local history with expertly crafted brews and bites for a one-of-a-kind dining event.

Juneteenth Party and Celebration

Honoring culture and legacy, this event—sponsored by NB2A and hosted at Atlantucky Brewing—celebrates Black excellence in the beverage industry and beyond.

Photography provided by Crafted For Action

Crafted Fellows Pitch Competition & Awards

One of the most exciting and inspiring moments of the week, this “Shark Tank”-style competition showcases emerging beverage entrepreneurs as they pitch their ideas for funding and support. It’s all about championing the next generation of leaders.

Brews + Beats Pairing Experience

A multisensory event that combines carefully selected beers with curated music, creating an immersive vibe that connects flavor with sound.

BrewGether Community Service Project

Crafted For Action’s commitment to community extends beyond the conference walls. Attendees can roll up their sleeves and support local farms and agricultural efforts through this hands-on service initiative.

Unplugged Summer Camp

Sponsored by REI, this outdoor experience offers attendees a chance to relax, connect with nature, and enjoy a “chill” summer camp atmosphere—with craft beverages, of course.

Sunday Service Finale

The conference wraps with a heart-centered closing event designed to reflect on the week, recharge spirits, and reaffirm the power of community.

What’s New in 2025?

• Expanded Crafted Fellows programming with more mentorship opportunities
• Increased focus on taproom trends and shifting consumer preferences
• Integration of craft spirits into programming and special events
• New sponsorship and partnership opportunities to strengthen industry collaborations
• More in-person networking to ensure valuable face-to-face interactions

Whether you’re a returning attendee or experiencing the Crafted For Action magic for the first time, the 2025 conference is shaping up to be the most intentional, inspiring, and inclusive gathering yet.

Ready to be part of one of the most forward-thinking craft beverage events in the country? Registration for Crafted For Action 2025 is officially open, and now is the perfect time to secure your spot.

Whether you’re planning to join in person at Wild Heaven Beer at Lee + White in Atlanta or tuning in virtually from across the country, registration is your first step toward connecting with a vibrant, mission-driven community that’s redefining the craft beverage landscape.

Secure your spot today at craftedforaction.com.

As Crafted For Action continues to grow in impact and visibility, the organization remains focused on building a more inclusive and innovative future for the craft beverage industry. The mission doesn’t stop at the close of the annual conference—in fact, the vision for what’s ahead is bigger and bolder than ever.

One of the key areas of expansion is the Crafted Fellows program, which aims to evolve from a once-a-year initiative into a year-round platform for mentorship, education, and funding. By offering ongoing support to emerging entrepreneurs, the program will become an even stronger pipeline for fresh talent and underrepresented voices in beer, wine, spirits, and beyond.

Crafted For Action also plans to broaden its scope across the craft beverage ecosystem, making space for voices from growing sectors like non-alcoholic beverages, kombucha, cider, and craft soda. As the industry diversifies, so too will the conversations, opportunities, and communities represented at the conference.

To sustain this momentum, the organization is also focused on deepening partnerships with breweries, distributors, and community organizations who share its values. These relationships are crucial for expanding resources, amplifying underrepresented stories, and driving collective progress throughout the industry.

And perhaps most exciting of all, regional Crafted For Action events are on the horizon. Designed to bring the energy and ethos of the flagship Atlanta conference to new cities and communities, these satellite gatherings will extend the platform’s reach—ensuring that more people, in more places, can be part of the movement.

From a single virtual conference to a growing national force, Crafted For Action is proving that when craft, culture, and community come together, real change is not just possible—it’s inevitable.