ACA Seeks Guest Country for CiderCon® 2025

CiderCon® is one of the most robust, diverse, thorough and connected professional cider conferences in the world. We pride ourselves on being a host to international attendees year after year.  The 15th annual CiderCon® will take place in Chicago, Illinois from February 4-7, 2025. We expect well over 1,000 people to attend. We are requesting proposals from other countries to send a diverse representation of their regional cidermaking community to be featured guests of honor at CiderCon® 2025. Previously featured countries are Spain, France, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Sweden and Norway. Guests from these countries continue to attend future CiderCons because of the quality programming and because CiderCon® is an exchange of ideas, understanding and knowledge that enriches the global cider community. 

Costs: The American Cider Association will waive CiderCon® registration fees, provide up to 5 nights hotel for up to 4 cidermakers, and pay for and help coordinate cider imports for educational sessions. Guest countries are asked to further fund cidermaker expenses (airfare, taxi, per diem). Cidermakers may also fundraise through sponsorships, and we are happy to brainstorm strategies. ACA will also provide professional photos of cidermakers participating in CiderCon®, suitable for PR uses by their home country. 

Proposals will be considered on the following priorities: (A) evidence of guest country financial commitment (B) compelling cider story (C) depth of cidermaking knowledge for proposed speakers (D) diversity of proposed speakers, in cider style, cider opinions, and demographics. We are also prioritizing countries that have not been featured before. 

Countries in close proximity to each other may want to team up if there are less cideries available in their own country. We welcome creative proposals. 

Proposals are due June 1, 2024 at 5 PM Pacific Time. Please contact Michelle@ciderassociation.org if you have any questions.

CiderCon® 2025 Request for Speaking Proposals

Mark your calendars for an unparalleled gathering of minds and talents at CiderCon® 2025, set to transform the vibrant city of Chicago from February 5-7, 2025. As the world’s leading event dedicated to advancing the craft of cidermaking, CiderCon® offers an exceptional platform for networking, learning, and sharing the rich traditions and innovative techniques that define our industry.

This year, we’re casting a wide net to bring together the most knowledgeable, passionate, and visionary individuals among us. We’re looking for presentations that will enlighten and inspire, covering a wide array of topics from best practices and emerging trends to groundbreaking research and process improvements.

To make a successful proposal, please specify:

  • Target audience: Role in industry as well as business model
  • Skill Level: Is material appropriate for beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert level audience members
  • Key Takeaways: What skill, tool or new understanding will attendees walk away with?

The topics we’re particularly excited about this year include:

  • Compliance
  • Branding
  • Marketing
  • Distributor Relationships
  • Sales Strategies
  • Market Trends
  • Human Resources
  • Finance
  • Safety
  • Leadership
  • Equity & Inclusion.

If you have insights or experiences in these areas, we want to hear from you!

At the heart of CiderCon® is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and strengthens our community. That’s why we encourage proposals from individuals of all backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and those with disabilities. Furthermore, we’re eager to hear from voices in related fields outside of cider to enrich our discussions and broaden our horizons.

Please submit your proposals to the CiderCon® committee by June 1, 2024 by filling out the Google Form. If selected, you’ll receive a complimentary pass to CiderCon® 2025, including lunches and access to all the fantastic non-ticketed events we have planned.

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the cider industry. Together, we can make CiderCon® 2025 a milestone event that celebrates our craft, fosters innovation, and builds a more inclusive and vibrant community. We can’t wait to see you in Chicago!