Master Brewers Association of the AmericasEducationCoursesBrewery Packaging Technology Course

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2024 Course Dates & Format

The Brewery Packaging Technology Course consists of six weeks of virtual instruction (self-paced with weekly live discussion sessions) and a week of in-person instruction with tours, group projects, and hands-on practice. Attendees must complete the virtual and in-person components of the course.

Orientation: February 22, 1:00 - 2:00 pm Central Time
Virtual Learning: February 22 - April 4, 2024
In-Person Learning: April 14 - 19, 2024 in Minneapolis, MN

​Go to Your Course

Registration for this course is closed.

​Course Summary

Course Testimo​nials

"This course by far exceeded my expectations and I have met lifelong friends because of it."
— Eric Allen, Eureka Heights Brewing

"...tremendous for anyone learning and wanting to elevate their knowledge in packaging"
— Danny Wang, Fermly

"...anyone from entry-level to industry veteran can gain knowledge and network to help their professional development."
— 2023 Course Attendee

"You have to do this course."
— Ryan Buettner, Empyrean Brewing Co.

As a student in the Brewery Packaging Technology Course, you will benefit from the experience and wisdom of more than 20 Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in the field.  SMEs will guide you through all of the phases of the packaging process to strengthen your technical knowledge with practical tips and resources that you can bring to immediate use in your brewery.

In this hybrid course, you'll learn, discuss, and interact with instructors and classmates for six weeks online, and then gather in person for five days of collaborative learning, demonstrations, and tours at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN.

Key Takeaways

  • Greater understanding of the scientific principles and operational guidelines associated with beer packaging.
  • Actionable plans and resources to improve your​ brewery packaging systems.
  • Broader network of support within the brewing industry to continue collaboration and problem-solving long after the course ends.

Skill Building through Real-Life Scenarios & Expert Collaboration

  • Learn to conduct guided discussions and solve common packaging system problems through real-life examples and scenarios led by SMEs.
  • Gain best practices from brewery experts that you can immediately apply within your own brewery. ​ 
  • Takeaway a more complete perspective on your industry with greater confidence to tackle on-the-job issues​ by developing a clearer understanding of brewing, utility, packaging systems, engineering, maintenance, and technology.
  • Expand your peer network and foster relationships with Subject Matter Experts that can assist and support you long after the course ends.

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Course Topics, Presenters ​& Schedule

Click the button below to view the detailed​ 2024 course schedule. ​

2024 Course Schedule​​

*Please note that the topics and presenters are subject to change. 


Course Requirements

  1. ​​​Both the virtual and in-person components of the course are required to receive a certificate of completion.
  2. ​The virtual portion of the course requires a significant time commitment. Students must be able to:
    • ​Dedicate 10-12 hours per week for virtual coursework.
    • Set aside time from work to participate in the live, online discussion sessions taking place 1:00 - 4:00 pm Central Time on Thursd​ays during the six weeks of virtual learning (it is not possible to work while attending these interactive virtual sessions)​.
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  3. By registering for this course you agree to abide by the Master Brewers Behavior Policy.

Virtual Requirements

  • Independent learning: virtual lesson videos and assignments (8-10 hours per week*)
  • Participation in the Packaging Course Community: interact with classmates and subject matter experts (1-2 hours per week*)
  • Live virtual discussion/ Q&A sessions
    • 1:00- 4:00 pm Central Time on Thursdays
    • Students are expected to take time off from their job to participate in the live discussion sessions

In-Person Requirements

  • Travel to Minneapolis, MN
    • Travel costs are covered by the student
    • A hotel room and two meals per day are included in the tuition
  • Participate in collaborative learning, demonstrations, networking, and facility tours
  • Summative small group project: synthesize and apply learning

* Time commitments are estimates. The actual time may vary from week to week and person to person.
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Course Cost

Included with Tuition

  • Lodging accommodations at the in-person class site in Minneapolis
  • Two meals per day during in-person class times​
  • On-site tours​
  • Opening and closing banquets for the in-person week​
  • Educational materials and job aids
  • Networking and relationship-building activities​


​Registration Type​

​Tuition (Room & Board Inclusive)​

Master Brewers Members

$3,999

Course + New Membership

$4,156

Non-Members

$4,399

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Is This Course Right for Me?

Students that are the most successful in learning from and completing this course are:

  • willing to invest time and effort to deepen their understanding of brewery processes and equipment
  • open to sharing their own experiences
  • interested in expanding their professional network​
  • dedicated learning in a virtual and in-person classroom environment.

Our course curriculum assumes that you have at least some experience working in or supporting the brewing industry as well as a high school-level understanding of mathematics and science, and a basic understanding of engineering and operational technologies. If this doesn't describe you – no worries! You can still benefit from the course if you are willing to engage with new material, ask for support from your instructors or peers, and dedicate extra time to the educational materials (as needed).
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Recommended Resource

BeerPackaging_web.jpgBeer Packaging, Second Edition, is the first comprehensive book on the beer packaging process since the early 1980s. This thorough, one-of-a-kind guide and reference represents the many new innovations and best practices developed since MBAA published the best-selling first edition. It is a must-have resource for all of today’s brewers up and down the production line and includes perspectives for both the small craft brewers and those managing small-scale pilot runs for large breweries averaging more than 10 million barrels per year. Learn more.


Cancellations & Refunds

Only the first 55 applications accompanied by the tuition fee, paid in full (US funds o​nly), will be accepted. Course tuition includes educational materials, breakfast, and lunch on days of instruction, opening and closing banquets, and accommodations. Cancellations received by Master Brewers Headquarters on or before February 9, 2024, will be issued a credit equal to the registration fee, less the $100 processing fee, which will be good for two years toward any Master Brewers continuing education program. Notices of cancellation after February 9, 2024, will not be eligible for a credit. Master Brewers reserves the right to cancel the course if a sufficient number of registrations are not received by February 9, 2024. If Master Brewers cancels this course, your registration fee will be refunded in full. In the event Master Brewers cancels this course, Master Brewers is not liable for nonrefundable airfares or ticket change penalties imposed by the airlines. By registering for this course, you agree to the cancellation and refund terms and conditions.

Questions? Email mbaa@mbaa.com or call +1 (651) 454-7250.