CBC 2025 Preview: Resources To Grow Your Brewery with Ross Stensrud (TapWyse)
Episode Overview
In this episode of the #CBC2025 preview series, Chris interviews Ross Stensrud from TapWyse about maximizing brewery revenue at the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC). They discuss taproom strategies, mobile apps, and membership programs, with Ross emphasizing the value of monthly memberships and owned marketing channels.
For more information about Ross and TapWyse, head over to https://tapwyse.com/
-Music Credit-
Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck
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TapwYse at CBC Preview: Revolutionizing Brewery Revenue with Mobile Apps
Welcome to the Get Hoptimized Podcast! In our latest episode, we kicked off our CBC preview series with a fantastic conversation with Ross, co-founder of Tapwyse. We're gearing up for the Craft Brewers Conference (#CBC2025) in Indianapolis, and this chat gave us some incredible insights into how breweries can maximize their revenue and customer engagement.
Meet Ross and TapwYse
Ross, based in Carlsbad, California, shared his journey and the story behind Tapwyse. They provide membership, loyalty, and direct messaging software for craft breweries, all delivered through custom-branded mobile apps. Tapwyse works with a wide range of breweries, from large, top-25 producers to small, local, family-owned spots. This versatility shows how valuable their solutions are for any brewery looking to enhance its customer experience.
CBC Insights and Industry Trends
Ross, a CBC veteran, noted a significant shift in the conference's focus. While past events heavily emphasized equipment, there's now a growing need for marketing and sales strategies. He's particularly excited about the CBC Profit Center, an initiative aimed at helping breweries scale their businesses and boost revenue.
One of the biggest trends Ross anticipates is a strong focus on taprooms. Breweries are increasingly looking for ways to maximize their taproom potential and drive direct-to-consumer sales, which offer higher margins. With rising costs in distribution, taprooms are becoming even more critical for a brewery's financial health.
We also discussed the state of the industry. Ross believes alternative beverages and creative ways to utilize brewery spaces will be hot topics. For example, events like 4/20 can become significant revenue drivers with the right planning and offerings, including cannabis-related products where regulations allow.
Advice for First-Time CBC Attendees
For anyone attending CBC for the first time, Ross advises having a plan. Reach out to people you want to meet beforehand and set clear goals for what you hope to achieve at the conference. He also highlighted the importance of face-to-face interactions, which are often missed in remote work environments. One of Ross's main goals for CBC is to connect with Tapwyse customers in person.
TapwYse and the Power of Mobile Apps
We delved into what Tapwyse offers and who benefits most. Breweries looking to create new revenue streams and bring customers back to the taproom are ideal candidates. Tapwyse's software supports membership programs, which have proven to be highly effective. Ross shared a compelling statistic: monthly memberships generate significantly more revenue per year than annual memberships. On average, annual memberships bring in $140, while monthly memberships equate to $240 annually.
At the Tapwyse booth at CBC, attendees can expect to see live demonstrations of customer apps on a large screen. This will provide a clear picture of the guest experience and the programs breweries have set up. It is a great way to visualize how Tapwyse can enhance your brewery's operations.
Strategic Partnerships and the Future of Brewery Tech
Ross is also keen on forming strategic partnerships. He believes a mobile app is an essential tool for modern breweries, alongside a website, point of sale system, and social media presence. He wants to connect with thought leaders and marketing professionals to share the success stories of Tapwyse customers and advocate for the importance of mobile apps in the industry.
Connect with Ross
If you're interested in learning more about Tapwyse or connecting with Ross, you can reach him directly at ross@tapwise.com. He's eager to talk to anyone interested in enhancing their brewery's revenue and customer engagement.
We're thrilled to connect with Ross and many others at CBC in Indianapolis. If you're attending, be sure to stop by the Tapwyse booth to see their impressive software in action and learn how they can help your brewery thrive!