NEWS
Hop Forward Equality Career Fair: Enhancing Diversity in Craft Beer
BOSTON — To strengthen diversity in the craft beer industry, Mass. Bay Brewing Company’s Harpoon Brewery and the Mass Brewers Guild are bringing back the Hop Forward Equality Career Fair this December 2024. The event aims to connect underrepresented job seekers with breweries seeking to build diverse and inclusive teams.
Building on Past Success
The inaugural event, held in October 2019, attracted over 200 candidates to Harpoon Brewery’s taproom, demonstrating a high demand for opportunities in the brewing industry. Although initially planned as an annual event to be replicated across the state, the pandemic disrupted these efforts. However, the organizations adapted by launching HopForwardEquality.com, an online resource hub providing HR tools, training materials, and a platform for ongoing support. With the return of the career fair, they are reaffirming their commitment to expanding access and opportunities in the brewing community.
Bridging Gaps in Brewery Hiring
“Many brewery owners express a desire to diversify their workforce but struggle to attract diverse applicants,” says Katie Stinchon, Executive Director of the Mass Brewers Guild. “This career fair is designed to bridge that gap by connecting qualified candidates and breweries actively seeking to build more inclusive teams.”
Positions and Participating Breweries
The fair will feature a wide variety of roles, ranging from taproom staff and sales representatives to brewers, marketing professionals, and quality control specialists. The participating breweries include:
- Aeronaut Brewing Co.
- Boston Beer Co./Samuel Adams
- Castle Island Brewing Co.
- Democracy Brewing
- Jack’s Abby Brewing/Springdale
- Lord Hobo Brewing Company
- Mass. Bay Brewing Co./Harpoon
- Night Shift Brewing
- Thirsty Robot Brewing Co.
- Timberyard Brewing Co.
- Trillium Brewing Company
Special Guest Speaker: KeyAnna Schmiedl
Recruiters and HR professionals will have the chance to learn from KeyAnna Schmiedl, Global Head of Diversity at Wayfair. Schmiedl is known for her expertise in building inclusive work environments and will share insights on integrating diversity, equity, and belonging into organizational strategies. She will discuss practical methods to observe trends, implement tailored approaches, and drive impactful change within teams.
Educational Resources and Workshops
The Hop Forward initiative doesn’t stop at recruitment. Throughout the year, the program will offer ongoing training sessions on key topics such as bystander intervention, de-escalation techniques, and addressing employee concerns. “Continued education is essential to not only attract top talent but also retain them,” says Rich Ackerman, AVP of Human Resources at Mass. Bay Brewing Co.
Event Details and What to Expect
The Hop Forward Equality Career Fair will take place in December 2024 at Harpoon Brewery, located at 306 Northern Ave, Boston, MA. The event will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., offering candidates an excellent opportunity to meet representatives from various breweries and learn about the different career paths available within the Massachusetts brewing community.
What Attendees Can Expect
Job seekers will have the chance to explore multiple roles in the brewing industry, from entry-level positions to advanced career opportunities. During the event, participants will:
- Meet face-to-face with hiring managers and HR teams.
- Learn about the skills and qualifications breweries are seeking.
- Discover open positions across a range of departments, including brewing, sales, marketing, and operations.
- Engage in discussions about career development, workplace culture, and inclusive hiring practices.
In addition to meeting potential employers, attendees will gain insights into what it takes to succeed in the craft beer industry, the growth opportunities available, and the different ways breweries are working to create more inclusive workspaces.
Opportunities and Participating Breweries at a Glance
| Brewery | Open Positions | Key Skills Required |
|---|---|---|
| Aeronaut Brewing Co. | Sales Representative, Taproom Staff | Customer Service, Sales Experience |
| Boston Beer Co./Samuel Adams | Brewer, Quality Control Specialist | Brewing Knowledge, Quality Assurance |
| Castle Island Brewing Co. | Marketing Specialist, Packaging Operator | Marketing, Packaging Operations |
| Jack’s Abby Brewing/Springdale | Brewery Sales Representative, Taproom Manager | Sales Management, Team Leadership |
| Night Shift Brewing | Cellar Operator, Logistics Coordinator | Mechanical Aptitude, Problem Solving |
| Trillium Brewing Company | Shift Brewer, Operations Director | Brewing Experience, Strategic Planning |
| Lord Hobo Brewing Company | Brewer, Graphic Designer | Creative Design, Brewing Knowledge |
| Timberyard Brewing Co. | Beertender, Events Coordinator | Event Planning, Customer Engagement |
Transportation and Accessibility
Harpoon Brewery is easily accessible by public transportation via the MBTA Silver Line, making it convenient for attendees traveling from different parts of Boston. For those driving, free parking is available onsite, with additional options in nearby lots and garages. There is also metered parking along Northern Avenue.
The Future of Diversity in Craft Brewing
The Hop Forward Equality Career Fair is just one part of a broader movement to transform the craft beer industry into a more diverse and inclusive space. Events like this serve as a platform to bring awareness and create meaningful opportunities for those who have historically been underrepresented in the industry. By connecting passionate candidates with breweries ready to diversify their teams, the initiative is paving the way for a more inclusive future.
Breweries that embrace diversity are not only strengthening their internal culture but also broadening their appeal to a wider customer base. As more businesses take these steps, the entire brewing community stands to benefit from the creativity, talent, and new perspectives that diverse teams bring.