With the warm weather and sunny days finally approaching, there’s no better time to get out there and plan a one-of-a-kind local beer tour. There are plenty of cities across the US with an infamous craft beer scene like Boston, Portland, and Boulder. From selecting the right breweries to finding a fantastic host and arranging transportation, a successful beer tour requires careful planning and attention to detail. Read on to learn essential tips to not only plan a successful local beer tour, but also to become the best craft beverage tour operator.
Do Your Research
The first step in planning a beer tour is deciding which breweries will make it on your list. Dedicate some time to exploring the unique spots in your area. When making the final selection, consider the location of the breweries, the type of beer they offer, and their capacity for visitors. You'll want to reach out to each brewery beforehand to discuss their availability and any special considerations they may have for larger groups. Select breweries that offer a variety of different beer types to hit on everyone's unique tastes and have a welcoming atmosphere for your group.
Create a Detailed Itinerary
To make sure that guests know what's going on during the duration of the tour, you'll need to create a detailed itinerary. This should include the full list of breweries you’ll be visiting, duration of each stop, transportation logistics, and any additional activities that you have planned out. You can do this the old-fashioned way by handing out a paper itinerary at the beginning of the tour, or create an online version through apps like Travaa. Plan for guests to have ample time at each brewery to sample beers, conversate with the brewers, and soak in the atmosphere. As noted above, be mindful of travel time between locations, considering factors such as traffic and the distance between breweries, to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone. There should be clear communication regarding meeting points, departure times, and any other specific instructions needed to minimize confusion among guests.
Hire an All-Star Host
The person who will be hosting your beer tour is also a valuable asset that can make or break the experience. Remember that a tour is not only about tasting incredible beers, but also educating participants on the brewing process, different beer styles, and the history of breweries. Along with being highly knowledgeable in their area of expertise, your host should also be lively and energetic to create a welcoming atmosphere for all. Finding the right balance between both education and entertainment enhances the tour's value and gives participants a more immersive experience.
Arrange Transportation
Depending on the size of your group and the location of the breweries, you may need to arrange transportation to ensure that guests make it safely to each of the locations. Consider renting a bus or van to transport your group, working with a local transportation company to arrange shuttles, or encourage guests to utilize ride-sharing services. Whatever you decide to go with, transportation should be comfortable, safe, and reliable.
Keep Your Guests Energized
Without the right accommodations, beer tours can quickly become tiring. Due to the constant travel, it's important to keep your attendees energized and engaged throughout the event. One way to do this is through providing plenty of snacks for nourishment and options for hydration. This can be an excellent opportunity to collaborate with local food vendors to offer light snacks or organize a meal pairing experience at select breweries. Water should be available at all times to keep participants hydrated and palate cleansed between tastings. By keeping these in mind, you'll ensure attendees are comfortable and their needs are being met.
Offer Memorable Takeaways
Conclude your beer tour and create a lasting impression on guests by offering something that they can take home with them. Provide branded souvenirs such as beer glasses, bottle openers, or other pieces of custom merchandise that serve as reminders of the experience. This will end the tour on a high note and doubles as a marketing tool for future events or tours.
Set Up Online Ticketing
Now that you’ve got all of your planning in place, it’s time to get people to buy tickets and come! With cash sales and paper tickets becoming less common, online ticketing is the way to go for your beer tour. In addition to singular admission tickets, also consider offering group and bundled tickets for the convenience of your guests. Finding the right online ticketing company that aligns with your needs doesn’t have to be difficult. See just how easy it is to set up online ticketing for your beer tour by scheduling a demo with our team.
Promote, Promote, Promote
To have a successful turnout, it's essential to develop a well-rounded promotional strategy. Tap into areas where you can engage with local beer enthusiasts to spread the word. This can be leveraged on social media through online communities, or by attending local beer festivals or other tasting events to meet potential attendees face-to-face. You can also look into creating partnerships with local businesses that align with the beer tour experience. For example, partnering with the breweries or bars that you’re planning to visit, or even restaurants or hotels in the area. Cross-promote your tour by distributing promotional materials, such as flyers or brochures, at their establishments. In return, explore opportunities for joint promotions, such as offering tour participants exclusive discounts at these partnering establishments. Promotion doesn’t have to stop here! Check out this blog for 11 more ways that you can promote your event.
Wrapping Up
Organizing a unique local beer tour requires careful planning, attention to detail, engaging experiences, and effective promotion. At the end of the day, all of your hard work is bound to pay off. Following these steps will help you create an unforgettable beer tour experience that captures the spirit of your local beer scene and leave participants with a deep appreciation for the craft. You deserve a toast for your efforts, so cheers to a successful and memorable beer tour!
