When Haley Smith brought her energy and years of marketing experience to Belching Beaver Brewery back in 2016, she was excited to be a part of the beer industry but had very few personal connections within it. As a people-person whose favorite part of her job was connecting with people, sharing ideas and working together to create opportunities and achieve like-minded goals, she got straight to work remedying the situation. Volunteering with the San Diego Brewers Guild did the trick. Before she knew it, Smith, a personable individual whose positivity is rivaled only by her industriousness, had scores of craft-beer contemporaries with which to confabulate and collaborate. After a half-decade as an active member of the Guild and its Board of Directors, she is now the volunteer organization’s President for 2023. We caught up with her early in her term to find out what she has in store for Guild members and craft-beer fans this year and gain insight on what San Diego breweries are currently contending with.
What roles have you served in for the Guild since getting involved in 2016?
Initially, I joined the Golf Committee because I had experience in my previous industry putting on golf tournaments and I loved that it was helping raise money to promote San Diego breweries. After being on that committee for two years, [outgoing Guild president] Rick Chapman of Coronado Brewing encouraged me to run for the Board, and I did! From there I’ve been a Director, Secretary, Vice President, and now, President.
What does it mean to you, personally, to serve as president of the Guild?
I don’t want to be too cheesy, but it truly means the world to me. Never did I think I would be able to be part of this amazing group of individuals and help lead the way for craft-beer in San Diego. I’m going to give this role everything I have and really try to make some impacts. It’s not going to be easy, as the past few years have changed the way the Guild will look, but I think we’ve come up with some new ideas to reignite the Capital of Craft.
What have you learned from the outgoing president?
Where do I start!? [Coronado Brewing co-founder] Rick Chapman took me under his wing when I joined the Guild and introduced me to so many people. He knows this industry inside and out. At the Craft Brewers Conference he showed me how to work the room, get new members, sponsors and supporters. I am so lucky to have him as my predecessor and President Emeritus.
What initiatives will you be working to advance in 2023?
The biggest thing for me this year is spreading the story of craft beer in San Diego and continuing to show people why we are the Capital of Craft. The past few years have had their ups and downs, but at the end of the day this industry is so special, employs a lot of people and creates unique experiences for locals and tourists alike. Our brewery members pour so much into their businesses, and I want to help drive people to their establishments to experience it. I also want to help educate the public as to the differences between craft beer and Big Beer. I do believe there is space for both of us, but the line has been blurred as to what being “craft beer” really means, and it is a unique title to carry.
What are the biggest challenges facing the brewing industry coming into 2023?
I think the biggest challenge facing craft beer this year is all the new beverage options being offered, like ready-to-drink cocktails. Don’t get me wrong, I love these beverages too, but it is a threat for shelf space in grocery stores and in peoples’ refrigerators. I love trying new, innovative products and they are the buzz right now, but that said, craft beer isn’t going anywhere. We’ll need to work hard to keep innovating our own products, but I believe the sensation you get cracking open a craft IPA or sitting down at a local craft brewery for a pint will never go away, and it can’t be replaced.
What are some of the biggest opportunities for breweries in 2023?
The biggest opportunities for breweries in 2023 will come from the challenges I just described. There will always be something new on the market that will compete with beer, but it makes us look at our own portfolios of products and get creative. One thing I love about beer—and we do it a lot at my company—is playing with flavors. I know we’ve seen so many renditions, and it seems like everything has been done, but I promise there is more! Being able to brew seltzers helped breweries compete when those were the hottest new beverages. Breweries can now carry a wine license and brew hard cider. The biggest opportunity is diversifying your portfolio because, as much as I would like to think beer trumps all, that’s just not reality for everyone.
What are good ways for members of the industry to get involved with the Guild?
Think about what you’re passionate about. Is it education? We have a committee for that! Events? We have a committee for that! Legislative? You get the idea. Reach out and we’ll help you get connected to the right people.