ACME — This year, the Great Lakes Hop and Barley Conference is sporting a fresh name and expanded scope as a new collaborative conference.

The Great Beer State Conference and Trade Show will unite the former Great Lakes Hop and Barley Conference and Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Conference, providing content focused on beer, hops, barley and malt. This will expand opportunities for brewers, growers and processors to develop relationships and share information. The conference will be held on Jan. 12-14 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in downstate Acme.

Hop and barley sessions will include research updates from Michigan State University faculty, grower panels on important topics and time for discussion. Featured hop topics include a spotted lanternfly update by Rufus Isaacs, a Diaporthe presentation by Tim Miles and a panel addressing the status of the hop supply chain. Featured barley topics include variety and management trial reports from Michigan State University and Cornell University, a look at alternative barley markets with Alyssa Hartman of the Artisan Grain Collaborative and updates from representatives of the American Malting Barley Association and Michigan Craft Beverage Council. Attendees will also have access to brewer topics of interest.

Registration includes access to all educational tracks, materials and meals as indicated in the draft agenda. Registration starts at $300. Contact Rob Sirrine, sirrine@msu.edu; Erin Lizotte, taylo548@msu.edu; or James DeDecker, dedecke5@msu.edu for registration information, sponsorship information or trade show booth information.