The National Beer Wholesalers Association (a.k.a. the NBWA) held their annual convention in San Francisco from September 14-17. The NBWA is a trade organization for beer wholesalers and distributors. After Prohibition, the three-tier system was created and has been an integral part of the beer industry ever since. I don’t normally attend the convention, but since it was in my back yard, I decided I couldn’t miss it this year. I’m glad I went. There were a lot of people there I knew and there was a lot of buzz in the air over some big things happening in the industry.

On Sunday, September 14, there was a welcome reception, along with a few other things going on.

The beer bar at the welcome reception, which was themed for celebrating the 7th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition.

There were “We Want Beer” placards everywhere.

My friend and colleague, Peter Reid, who publishes Modern Brewery Age, with Gary Ettelman, of Ettelman & Hochheiser.

The “REPEAL” theme was everywhere.

Jim Cline, from Rogue Ales, and Daniel Bradford, publisher of All About Beer magazine.

The buffet table featured a bootleg cask as a centerpiece.

Some NBWA luminaries. From left, Jamie Jurado (with Gambrinus), Lucy Saunders (the Beer Cook), Charlie Papazian (President of the Brewers Association), Kim Jordan (from New Belgium Brewing) and Tom Dalldorf (from the Celebrator Beer News).

Earlier in the evening, Market Watch held their “Hot Brands” award ceremony, where MillerCoors president Tom Long took home a handful.

Lucy Saunders and Stacy Williams, Brand Manager for Gambrinus, at the Hot Brands reception.

Jim Young, president of Diageo-Guinness USA, also collected at least three.