GIM Buddy Spotlight: Craft Beer Networking Group

Updated June 4, 2018

Meet Chicago's Craft Beer Networking Group

The Craft Beer Networking Group (CBNG) is a Chicago-based group of professionals who like to get together and drink craft beer. The idea for CBNG started when founder Andrew found himself talking about craft beer with fellow professionals at networking events, but the event sponsor wasn’t providing any craft brews to drink. With the mission to offer a more relaxed networking ambiance where attendees could talk and sip better brews, the Craft Beer Networking Group was born. CBNG events typically occur monthly and rotate to a new brewery each time. All are welcome to attend and attendance is free. That said, each guest is expected to cover their beer tab. Sometimes breweries throw in discounts and specials for CBNG members - especially those who wear their shirts!

Custom Apparel Designed for Sale Online

CBNG worked with Get It Made to design t-shirts, hats with an embroidered logo, mugs, and other apparel for CBNG members and fans to buy. Because CBNG doesn’t have a dedicated website yet, Get It Made hosts a web page and online shop for CBNG. If you’re interested in designing merch to sell for your craft beer friends, brewery, or restaurant, the CBNG shop is a good inspiration for the types of products you may want to design and sell.

Because CBNG receives partner pricing from Get It Made, Andrew was also able to order the exact amount of promotional gear for CBNG’s second year anniversary brewery crawl instead of having to go to a screen printer or promotional marketing company to order larger minimum quantities. When members would like to purchase CBNG merchandise, Get It Made partners print and ship the items on demand.

Support the Craft Beer Networking Group

Follow CBNG on Twitter, like them on Facebook, and email cbngchicago@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list to receive updates about upcoming events.