The American Cider Association has released its first schedule-at-a-glance for CiderCon® 2027, providing the clearest look yet at how the conference will unfold during its first year co-located with the Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America.
The conference will take place April 5-7, 2027, in San Antonio, Texas, with tours and travel scheduled for Sunday, April 4.
While the full education program and keynote speaker have yet to be announced, the schedule reveals several changes from previous CiderCons.
The conference will officially begin on Monday morning with the Certified Pommelier™ Exam and pre-conference bootcamps and workshops. A keynote address will follow at noon before the opening of the combined CiderCon and BrewExpo trade show, which will run from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day of the conference.
Hospitality suites will open Monday afternoon and remain available through Wednesday. Monday evening concludes with the traditional CiderShare, one of the conference’s signature networking events.
The conference will wrap up on Wednesday, April 7, with a World Beer & Cider Award Ceremony Happy Hour followed by the World Beer and Cider Awards Ceremony, reflecting the new partnership between the cider and brewing conferences.
During a recent interview with Cider Chat, American Cider Association Board President Christine Walter said the organization hoped to have much of the conference programming in place before the fall harvest season. The release of this schedule marks the first major public step in that process.
Walter also emphasized during the interview that, despite the new venue partnership, the organization’s goal remains unchanged.
“Our focus is still CiderCon. We’re still creating a cider conference for the cider industry.”
The American Cider Association has indicated that the complete conference schedule, including educational sessions and speakers, will be released in the coming months.
CiderCon 2027 Schedule at a Glance
Sunday, April 4
- Tours and travel
Monday, April 5
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Certified Pommelier™ Exam
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Pre-Conference Bootcamps and Workshops
- 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Hospitality Suites Open
- 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. — Keynote Speaker (To Be Announced)
- 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. — CiderCon and BrewExpo Trade Show
- 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. — CiderShare
Tuesday, April 6
- 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Hospitality Suites Open
- 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. — CiderCon and BrewExpo Trade Show
Wednesday, April 7
- 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Hospitality Suites Open
- 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. — CiderCon and BrewExpo Trade Show
- 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. — World Beer & Cider Award Ceremony Happy Hour
- 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. — World Beer and Cider Awards Ceremony
What’s Changed from Previous CiderCons?
Several differences are immediately apparent in the first published schedule:
- The conference shifts to an early April timeframe.
- Programming begins on Monday, with Sunday reserved for travel and tours.
- The trade show is integrated with BrewExpo America and spans all three conference days.
- The conference concludes with the World Beer and Cider Awards Ceremony, replacing the traditional cider-only closing events.
Additional details, including educational sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities, are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Why This Matters to Ciderville
For cider makers, orchardists, suppliers, and attendees planning their travel, this first schedule provides the clearest picture yet of how CiderCon 2027 will operate in its new format.
While questions remain about the education program and other conference details, the schedule confirms that CiderCon will maintain many of its familiar elements, including the Certified Pommelier™ program, CiderShare, and hospitality suites, while introducing a new trade show partnership and revised conference timeline.
eCiderNews will continue following CiderCon 2027 as additional programming and announcements are released.
Continue the Conversation
For more background on the American Cider Association’s decision to co-locate CiderCon 2027 with the Craft Brewers Conference, listen to:
Cider Chat Podcast Episode 508
The American Cider Association Responds to Questions About CiderCon 2027
In this interview, ACA Board President Christine Walter discusses the reasons behind the decision, how attendee feedback shaped the process, what the partnership means for the future of CiderCon, and why the association believes the move can strengthen the cider community.
About eCiderNews™
eCiderNews™, published by Cider Chat®, delivers independent reporting, industry insights, and global cider stories for the people who grow, make, sell, serve, and enjoy cider.
Stay Connected
Subscribe to the eCiderNews newsletter for the latest cider news and analysis.
Listen to the Cider Chat podcast for conversations with cider makers, orchardists, and industry leaders.
Share a story tip: news@ciderchat.com
Because cider deserves its own newsroom.
You must be logged in to post a comment.