Attending a conference for the first time can seem intimidating, and Master Brewers wants to help its first-timers navigate the waters. For the 2019 Master Brewers Conference, the Membership Task Force will pair first-time attendees with experienced conference-goers for informal conversation and casual networking. We are seeking both mentors and mentees for the 2019 Master Brewers Conference.
We are now at capacity for first-time conference attendees in this program but are still seeking mentors.
What is the Meistersud Mentor Program?
One of the last things many brewing apprentices in Germany do before becoming a master is to create their masterpiece brew, or "Meistersud." The beer made for the Meistersud may not last very long, but the transition to becoming a master brewer lasts a lifetime. The Master Brewers Meistersud Mentor Program will pair up veteran Master Brewers members with first-time conference attendees, so that they can get as much as possible out of their time and the conference. While the Meistersud Program will only last as long as the conference, we're sure the tips learned, insights gained, and contacts made will all last much longer and will be the first step toward a lifelong relationship with the Master Brewers.
This program is hosted by the Membership Task Force and is open to both first-time conference attendees and those interested in showing new attendees the ropes of the meeting.
This is not your traditional mentor-mentee program. The 2019 Meistersud Mentor Program is limited to a small group to ensure positive interactions for all involved. Sign up when you register for the 2019 Master Brewers Conference or contact Susan Kohn at mbaa@mbaa.com.
Participant Expectations
- The Membership Task Force will make the mentor-mentee pairs and send contact information to each pair.
- Mentors and mentees should contact each other by email prior to the conference and tell each other a little about themselves. Either the mentor or the mentee can initiate the email exchange.
- Agree to attend the Meistersud Mentor Program Meet-and-Greet on October 30 at 4:00 p.m. We suggest that mentors and mentees arrange to meet in the registration area and attend the October 31 Opening Session and Keynote together. We also suggest arranging a third meeting place and time during the conference. For example, make specific plans to meet in the exhibit hall over lunch or attend a poster session or specific technical session.
- Mentors will share reflections on their experiences at Master Brewers conferences and try to introduce their mentees to other attendees they know. The point is to develop ideas and strategies for these first-time attendees to get all the benefits of attending the conference. Some potential discussion topics:
- What sessions do you plan on attending that are relevant to my professional interests?
- Who should I try to meet before the end of the conference?
- Is there a strategy to visiting the exhibit hall or posters, making the rounds at networking events, or getting the most out of technical sessions or workshops?
- How do you use the conference as a springboard for new ideas, new projects, or professional development in general?
- It is appropriate for mentees to prepare a few questions in advance for their mentor about areas of interest and networking.
- Some mentors and mentees stay in contact after the conference, but this is not an expectation.
