What does it take to become a homebrewer? Is it complicated, expensive, or time-consuming? How can an association thrive by making a bold move towards independence?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Julia Herz, Executive Director of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA). Julia discusses:
- How the American Homebrewers Association has been representing homebrewers since 1978 and played a crucial role in birthing the craft beer movement.
- The association’s membership base, which consists mostly of individual hobbyist brewers but also includes supplier partners.
- The accessibility of homebrewing: if you can make soup or bake bread, you can brew beer!
- The AHA’s transition to becoming an independent organization in 2025, incorporating in Colorado and working towards 501(c)(3) status.
- The strategic reasons for independence, including the need for dedicated staff and resources focused solely on homebrewing interests.
- The worldwide reach of homebrewing and how AHA supports homebrewers globally.
- The factors behind the large number of craft breweries in states like California, Colorado, and Pennsylvania.
- The importance of storytelling for the craft of homebrewing and how the AHA plays a vital role in promoting the hobby.
- AHA’s resources, including a database of over 1,400 homebrew recipes and the publication Zymergy Magazine.
- The association’s event strategy, including National Homebrew Day, Learn to Homebrew Day, and plans to bring back an in-person annual conference in 2026.
References:
- AHA website
- AHA’s Sense of Beer Style Podcast
About Julia Herz
Julia Herz is executive director of the American Homebrewers Association® (AHA)—the nation’s largest hobbyist not for profit organization for homebrewers and fermented beverages.
Julia is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), BJCP Certified beer judge, Advanced Cicerone®, medal-winning homebrewer, and experienced zymurgist having made beer, mead, and fermented foods since 1994. Julia is the co-author of Beer Pairing: The Essential Guide from the Pairing Pros (Voyager Press, 2015), the CraftBeer.com Beer & Food Guide and Co-host of Sense of Beer Style Show.
Prior to joining the AHA, Julia was the craft beer program director and publisher of CraftBeer.com for the Brewers Association, where she led the development of the Brewers Association’s Independent Craft Brewer Seal.
Julia has been a guest on national media outlets including National Public Radio, Sirius/XM, CBNC Squawk Box and Closing Bell, Fox News, Good Morning America, the Food Network, and American Public Media’s Splendid Table.
Julia has been at the helm of the 43-year-old membership organization since December 2021 and is available for interview or speaking opportunities to help your audiences discover the joy and ease of the hobby of homebrewing.
About American Homebrewers Association (AHA)
The AHA is dedicated to protecting, uniting, and educating homebrewers while empowering an equitable homebrewing culture and showcasing the fun of fermenting. Our members are a part of the AHA membership community, benefiting from unmatched reasons and rewards to brew. The AHA is an individual membership group, and its members have been a catalyst for today’s full-flavored craft beer movement. To learn more and join the AHA, see HomebrewersAssociation.org.
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About Associations Thrive
Associations Thrive podcast is hosted by Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International. Joanna’s personal mission and the mission of Matrix Group is to help associations and nonprofits increase membership, generate revenue and thrive in the digital space.
We believe that every association has a unique mission and unique story that demonstrates how they’re serving their members, impacting their industry, and ultimately changing the world. Every guest is an association Chief Executive, Executive Director or President. We’re here to help amplify their stories so all associations can learn and thrive, together.
If you and your organization have a great story, apply to be on Associations Thrive!