The Future is Now

I was honored to be invited to a luncheon at USF Sarasota-Bradenton last week where the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management students presented their final projects alongside a great spread and a beer tasting! The beers were all brewed by students, and the lunch was prepared in the school’s cafe. Six different groups presenting on this year’s topic: How craft breweries are using auxiliary products to drive total revenue.

Each group visited and interviewed a different brewery in the Tampa Bay Area and put together an analysis on what they thought each did well, and where they could improve when it came to their non-beer offerings. Ideas ranged from the growing non-alc beverage space, increasing events, and expanding merchandise options. It was fascinating to listen to these young adults and to get a glimpse of what our industry looks like through their eyes.

Thank you to Joe Askren, Director of the Brewing Arts Program, for including us in this celebration and sharing the great food and beers with us!