Mid Atlantic District

MBAA Planning Meeting Notes

Friday, October 11, 2002

Objective for the day was to break into groups for brain storming sessions and plan action items. Topics and suggestions were as follows:

Meetings

1. Review the length of technical presentation
2. Bring in speakers (3 of 4 people) that make it interesting
3. Offer Mix of Brewing Technology, International, Economy
4. Have a sales or marketing person speak or a local/state/federal representative
5. Offer Monthly after dinner meetings or Mini 1 Day meeting
6. Offer meetings at locations other than the host meeting location
7. Make the location of the meeting interesting and fun
8. Have visibility around upcoming meetings via posters, emails, mailings
9. Sponsor Independent Brewers/Pubs through member/vendor donations to attend meetings and/or present information
10. Have a two day roundtable meeting

Membership

1. Create a database of potential members
2. Build or enhance relationships with current members
3. Offer reduced rate to attend technical sessions to potential members
4. Survey current members as to why they do or they don't attend meetings
5. Participate in local beer fest (in person, on program or application) and ask for a list of brewery attendees for follow up
6. Create a membership brochure or directory (in house on email or print)
7. Offer a gift to paid members in January (MBAA shirt, bottle opener)
8. Participate in Micro Trade publication - either with an article, ad or membership application insert
9. Attend small meetings offered at microbreweries
10. Reward current members who recruit new members with money off golf fee, etc.
11. Offer networking opportunities for new and current members - offer surplus equipment, information, etc.
12. Develop a "What's in it for me?" brochure - Be sure to include
1. Involvement in the Brewing Industry
2. BEER!
3. Relationship building for Vendors and Breweries
4. Technical information
5. Networking/Job Opportunities - Looks good on a resume
6. FUN!
13. MBAA to sponsor events to recruit - Beer Festival, Football Games, educational opportunities
14. Acquire membership lists from groups we're members of to recruit

Benefits of Organization

1. Surplus equipment
2. Round table - Problem Solving
3. List of what we offer vendors
4. Arrange time for members to meet vendors
5. Encourage Vendors to join

Values & Goals

1. Interesting
1. Variety
2. Industry Overview
3. Historical
4. Political
5. Current World Events i.e. - Drought
6. Taste Sessions
7. Non-Brewing related topics
8. New Technology
2. Solves Problems
1. Address specific problems and solutions
2. Raw Materials
3. Environment / Safety Compliance
4. Taste defect - cause & effect
3. Other Key Success Factors
1. Support from brewing companies
2. 4 session / meetings - 20 minutes each
3. Presenters understand target audience
4. Technical chair
5. Utilize technical quarterly authors

ACTIONS:

• Person Chairs
• Committee to develop/maintain website
• Chair (open)
• Andy Rathmann (St. George)
• Ernie Finnigan (Coors)
• Term: 2 years
  Contact Ian Stanners to make him aware we have a group working on a MBAA Website for the District Mid-Atlantic

Website to include:

1. History of the District - with Text and Photos
2. Names, locations and companies - past hosts
3. Member listing, contact information
4. Message Board
5. District Activities - Happenings and Events
6. Social or Roundtable information
7. Vendor links
8. Industry News
9. Q & A "Ask the Brewer:
10. Webmaster for district and committee
11. Welcome New Members Section

Other:

New Members:

1. Offer publicity to new members and attract them to join
2. Invite small brewers to attend or help organize

Meetings:

1. Offer Interesting meetings - Interesting location for members and spouse
2. Offer mini meetings - in addition to formal meeting
3. Social VS Business Meetings with district to support

Website

1. Emails Identification

Technical presentations