The Mash

Calling all district leadership, technical committees, and district technical meeting aficionados. As we gear up for Brewing Summit, the National Technical Committee (NTC) would like to recruit a technical abstract from the district ranks. There is an amazing amount of quality content presented at the district level and we want to create a special forum to share some of it on the national level. 

New this year we're hosting a competition of sorts and soliciting nominations for the best district presentation. The winner will have the opportunity to present at Brewing Summit and be given a complimentary registration to facilitate attendance. 

WHO: Any district officer or technical committee chair may submit a nomination. The nominated presenter must be a current district member. Please limit nominations to ≤2 per district.

WHAT: Any district level presentation from the past 18 months.

HOW: Please email nominations to Campbell@pfriembeer.com by June 23rd, 2025 and please include the following:

• Name and contact information of nominee.
• Date of presentation.
•  Link to presentation slides or attached file.
• A short justification of the nomination. Why was this presentation so good!?

Please feel free to reach out with any questions. We're fortunate to have such robust district activity and look forward to bringing some of that energy to the national stage.

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Campbell Morrissy, PhD
Director of Brewery Operations
pFriem Family Brewers

MBAA NTC - Committee Chair
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The NTC is pleased to announce that Sam Thompson of Lagunitas Brewing Company, was selected for the best district presentation award and he will present an updated version at the upcoming Brewing Summit. Sam's presentation was originally given in District Northern California and he was nominated by District President Kyle Somers (Lallemand Brewing). Join me in thanking Sam for his contributions and congratulate him on his success. 

Title: Sustainable Stabilization

Abstract: Brewers spend considerable effort in optimizing processes to facilitate the removal of unwanted compounds that detract from flavor and stability. Through optimization of raw material sourcing and adoption of new brewing technologies, brewers have an opportunity to realize significant reductions in losses, costs, and emissions. Importing of high-quality raw materials may result in fewer total emissions than sourcing lower-quality materials locally, with the additional distance traveled potentially being offset by a shift to a more sustainable mode of transportation. While under-processing of beer and wort can lead to spoilage risk and high destruction costs, over-processing can incur excessive losses, costs and utilities usage. A focus on key product features and detractors can help showcase opportunities for each brewer.

Bio: Sam has been with Lagunitas for a little over a decade, mostly on the Brewing team, including a year-long gig in the UK helping to start up a new brewery. He's back in Petaluma now as the Director of Quality & Innovation, helping to ensure quality from grain to glass, guide trials and new product development, and push for sustainable sourcing and practices. 

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Campbell Morrissy, PhD
Director of Brewery Operations
pFriem Family Brewers

MBAA NTC - Committee Chair
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I can indeed confirm that Sam has a great presentation (and not just because I work with him!). Way go Sam

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Bryan Donaldson
MBAA District Northern California BOG Rep
Brewing Innovation Manager
Lagunitas Brewing Co
Petaluma, CA
(775) 225-0240
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-27-2025 13:18
From: Campbell Morrissy
Subject: Nominate Great District Presentations | Chance to Present at Brewing Summit

The NTC is pleased to announce that Sam Thompson of Lagunitas Brewing Company, was selected for the best district presentation award and he will present an updated version at the upcoming Brewing Summit. Sam's presentation was originally given in District Northern California and he was nominated by District President Kyle Somers (Lallemand Brewing). Join me in thanking Sam for his contributions and congratulate him on his success. 

Title: Sustainable Stabilization

Abstract: Brewers spend considerable effort in optimizing processes to facilitate the removal of unwanted compounds that detract from flavor and stability. Through optimization of raw material sourcing and adoption of new brewing technologies, brewers have an opportunity to realize significant reductions in losses, costs, and emissions. Importing of high-quality raw materials may result in fewer total emissions than sourcing lower-quality materials locally, with the additional distance traveled potentially being offset by a shift to a more sustainable mode of transportation. While under-processing of beer and wort can lead to spoilage risk and high destruction costs, over-processing can incur excessive losses, costs and utilities usage. A focus on key product features and detractors can help showcase opportunities for each brewer.

Bio: Sam has been with Lagunitas for a little over a decade, mostly on the Brewing team, including a year-long gig in the UK helping to start up a new brewery. He's back in Petaluma now as the Director of Quality & Innovation, helping to ensure quality from grain to glass, guide trials and new product development, and push for sustainable sourcing and practices. 

------------------------------
Campbell Morrissy, PhD
Director of Brewery Operations
pFriem Family Brewers

MBAA NTC - Committee Chair
------------------------------

Thanks to all who attended in Palm Desert, what a lovely pool. 

Just saw a new webinar land in my inbox that hopefully will further dive into some of the focus I mentioned around Insulated Shipping. 

On Sept 4, 2025, the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) is hosting a free talk: "How Do Trailer Specs Affect Thermal Performance & A Cleaner, Greener Journey?"

https://ifdaonline.org/webinars/how-do-trailer-specs-affect-thermal-performance-a-cleaner-greener-journey/

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Cheers!

Sam Thompson
Director of Quality & Innovation
Lagunitas Brewing Company
sam.thompson@lagunitas.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-27-2025 13:18
From: Campbell Morrissy
Subject: Nominate Great District Presentations | Chance to Present at Brewing Summit

The NTC is pleased to announce that Sam Thompson of Lagunitas Brewing Company, was selected for the best district presentation award and he will present an updated version at the upcoming Brewing Summit. Sam's presentation was originally given in District Northern California and he was nominated by District President Kyle Somers (Lallemand Brewing). Join me in thanking Sam for his contributions and congratulate him on his success. 

Title: Sustainable Stabilization

Abstract: Brewers spend considerable effort in optimizing processes to facilitate the removal of unwanted compounds that detract from flavor and stability. Through optimization of raw material sourcing and adoption of new brewing technologies, brewers have an opportunity to realize significant reductions in losses, costs, and emissions. Importing of high-quality raw materials may result in fewer total emissions than sourcing lower-quality materials locally, with the additional distance traveled potentially being offset by a shift to a more sustainable mode of transportation. While under-processing of beer and wort can lead to spoilage risk and high destruction costs, over-processing can incur excessive losses, costs and utilities usage. A focus on key product features and detractors can help showcase opportunities for each brewer.

Bio: Sam has been with Lagunitas for a little over a decade, mostly on the Brewing team, including a year-long gig in the UK helping to start up a new brewery. He's back in Petaluma now as the Director of Quality & Innovation, helping to ensure quality from grain to glass, guide trials and new product development, and push for sustainable sourcing and practices. 

------------------------------
Campbell Morrissy, PhD
Director of Brewery Operations
pFriem Family Brewers

MBAA NTC - Committee Chair
------------------------------