I have wanted to go to the NHC for the last two years but it has just not happened. With it being in Minnesota this year, a days drive from Michigan, I’m really thinking about going. My question is, what package is best. I don’t really want to spend 500 bucks for my wife and I to go to events we really don’t care about so I’m looking for some info about what goes on. I am real interested in the presentations but not so much the social events. Just looking for some insight. Thanks
This will be my 6th NHC and I can tell you that if you don’t do the whole package, you’ll very likely end up regretting it. Club night is one of the most incredible events you’ll ever see.
I second what Denny said. Granted, I have only been to one here in Denver (since it was local for me). It was a great time. The presentations are great and informative. I, like Denny had a blast at Club night. By far the best event of the conference. Amazing homebrew everywhere at Club night.
This will be my 5th. The presentations will help improve your brewing. The only problem last year was with 3 tracks of presentations, there was always 2 or even 3 at the same time that I wanted to attend.
Club night is a blast. Pro Brewers night is great.
The banquet and awards ceremony are good if you know people in the second round, and even better if you are in the second round.
Thanks guys, you just made my decision harder 
I hope to see some of you there.
But you probably won’t remember much of it.
I’ve been to 5 of them. The last 2 that I went to (Baltimore 05, Cincy 08) I skipped the Banquet and opted to go out on the town. While the banquet was OK, the food wasn’t exceptional, and I didn’t really know anyone who had a shot at a medal, so we hit a great restaurant and some really good pubs instead. I may have spent a bit more than I saved on the package, but it was worth it.
So if you’re not all that enthused about the banquet, get the package that includes everything else. Don’t miss the seminars, Club night, or Pro Brewers night.
At last year’s conference in Oakland, with Sean Paxton cooking, the food at the banquet was one of the highlights of the conference, AFAIAC.
And since Pax is cooking again… well you do the math!
Man, that is SO great! I hadn’t heard that, but I’m really excited about it!
I’m trying to convince the guys who run the Sasquatch Brewfest here to hire him for the Brewer’s Dinner.
If nothing else persuades you, I’ll be there…SWMBO just gave me the green light and I bought the ticket!
Good to hear, Mike. I’m sure you’ll be able to benefit from my talk on beginning AG brewing! ;D
What’s to know ;D
OK … being in the Eastern timezone I didn’t make it to Oakland, so didn’t get to experience Sean’s cooking. But any who were at Baltimore, Vegas, or Chicago has to admit that the food served at the Grand Banquet was not of the highest caliber.
I’ll be there.
That should keep the numbers down.
Nope, before Sean got involved it was standard hotel banquet chow.
Pax though brought the whole thing to an amazing level. I don’t think I heard one person say that it wasn’t worth it.
One great thing (for me) is that Paxton is offering a vegetarian meal option, as well. It’s a win for me, and leaves more of the good stuff for the rest of you guys!
