Hybrid 2026 Program

Brewery Packaging Technology Course

Where precision meets the real world. Master the science of high-speed automation, oxygen management, and line efficiency led by 20+ industry subject matter experts.

April 23 – June 12, 2026
Online + Madison, WI

Registration

Limited capacity for in-person labs at Madison.

Register Now

 

Precision at the Final Stage

Packaging is where precision matters most—and where small improvements can make a major impact on quality, shelf stability, and operational performance.

The MBAA Packaging Course is designed specifically for brewing professionals who are ready to elevate their packaging expertise. Built by brewers and grounded in science, this course delivers practical insights you can apply immediately on the packaging line.

Whether you’re troubleshooting persistent dissolved oxygen issues or optimizing line efficiency, this course equips you with tools that work in real production environments.

2026 Course Schedule

Phase 1: Weekly Virtual Sessions

Live sessions held Thursdays from 2:00 – 5:00 PM Eastern:

Week 1: April 30
Week 2: May 7
Week 3: May 14
Week 4: May 21
Week 5: May 28
Week 6: June 4
Phase 2: In-Person Residency
June 7 – June 12, 2026
Madison, Wisconsin

Hands-on labs, equipment demonstrations, and final capstone presentations held in Madison, Wisconsin.

Meet the Course Director

Jack Albanese

VP of Operations, Kona Brewing Hawaii

Jack Albanese brings decades of operational leadership to the Master Brewers Packaging Course. Currently the VP of Operations at Kona Brewing Hawaii, Jack previously served as the VP of Operations at Terrapin Beer Co., where he oversaw the brewery's expansion from 20,000 to over 100,000 barrels per year. His career has focused on the intersection of engineering excellence and production efficiency, with a specific passion for mentoring the next generation of packaging professionals.

Curriculum Highlights

Filling & Seaming

Bottling, canning, and kegging operations including automation technology.

Line Engineering

Line layout, container movement, and utility management.

Quality & Cleaning

Sanitation, pasteurizing, and flavor stability protocols.

Container Manufacturing

Glass bottle and aluminum can manufacturing insights.

Build Your Professional Network

Beyond the technical training, you’ll connect with fellow brewers and packaging specialists from a wide range of production environments. The connections you form here extend well beyond the course—creating a professional network you can rely on throughout your career.

Share challenges. Compare approaches. Build lasting relationships.

Scholarships

The John Mallett Scholarship covers full tuition plus a $1,200 travel stipend for the 2026 Packaging Course.

The Master Brewer Scholarship covers full tuition for one MBAA member. 

Apply by April 1 →

Industry Expertise

Learn from 20+ Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) representing equipment manufacturers, global brewing groups, and high-growth craft breweries.

Who Should Attend

  • Brewers transitioning into packaging responsibility
  • Packaging managers seeking stronger technical foundations
  • Quality professionals focused on shelf stability and consistency
  • Operations leaders optimizing line performance

"This isn't theory for theory's sake. It's education designed for immediate impact on the packaging floor."

— MBAA Education Team

Protect Your Quality at the Finish Line

Enroll in the 2026 Program
 

Courses

Gain insight and technical experience in specialized classes from SMEs.

Expand Your Expertise

Ask the Brewmasters

Ask questions and receive answers and input from your fellow brewers.

Collaborate Now

Districts

Find your local brewing community and network with other members.

Connect Today

Brewing Resources

Webinars on Tap, Master Brewers Podcast, and our leading publication the Technical Quarterly.

Discover Resources