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2026 Conference Speakers
Ale Sharpton
Co-Founder - BrewGether
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-
winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker, and travel writer to name a few of his roles. Co-Founder of BrewGether.
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-
winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker, and travel writer to name a few of his roles. Co-Founder of BrewGether.
Allo Gilinsky
Allo Gilinsky is a Certified Cicerone and certified Belgian beer lover with 15 years of front-of-house hospitality experience spanning the hotel, restaurant, and beer industries. He founded his own beer education and events consulting business, widely known as The Craft Beer Concierge. He builds and delivers beer-centric events for taprooms to help boost revenue and deepen customer engagement, while also offering staff training designed to strengthen beer vocabulary and cultivate sharper sensory skills. His Craft Beer Concierge social media accounts host weekly “check-in” videos that highlight beer styles, ingredients, and exceptional places to drink great beer.
He truly believes in the power that beer brings as a social vessel and will linger with a lager, triple down on a tripel, or find as many other ways to drink in an alliterative way as possible. He is currently based in beautiful Sonoma County, California but looking for opportunities to further his beer career across the country.
He truly believes in the power that beer brings as a social vessel and will linger with a lager, triple down on a tripel, or find as many other ways to drink in an alliterative way as possible. He is currently based in beautiful Sonoma County, California but looking for opportunities to further his beer career across the country.
Ally Duffy
Head Innovation Brewer at New Realm Brewing Co.
A former marine biologist with a master’s degree in biology, Ally has been brewing commercially for 6 years and is currently in charge of developing new beverage products as Head Innovation Brewer for New Realm Brewing Company in Atlanta, GA. She specializes in lagers & lower-ABV beers of all styles, but with New Realm, has expanded into spirits, canned cocktails, and THC seltzers as well. When not at the brewery, you can find her at local punk shows, skating down the beltline, snuggling her cat, or hiking & camping around Georgia.
A former marine biologist with a master’s degree in biology, Ally has been brewing commercially for 6 years and is currently in charge of developing new beverage products as Head Innovation Brewer for New Realm Brewing Company in Atlanta, GA. She specializes in lagers & lower-ABV beers of all styles, but with New Realm, has expanded into spirits, canned cocktails, and THC seltzers as well. When not at the brewery, you can find her at local punk shows, skating down the beltline, snuggling her cat, or hiking & camping around Georgia.
Andrea Janise
Co-Founder - BrewGether
Andrea Janise Byron is a food and lifestyle journalist and social media creative under the handle @ATLFoodWriter. As co-founder of BrewGether, she elevates the intersection of craft beer and urban agriculture by curating educational panels and workshops, coordinating volunteer opportunities on local farms, and fundraising grant support for Black farmers. Her work with BrewGether reflects her belief that craft beverage spaces can serve as powerful platforms for
awareness, connection, and economic empowerment.
Andrea Janise Byron is a food and lifestyle journalist and social media creative under the handle @ATLFoodWriter. As co-founder of BrewGether, she elevates the intersection of craft beer and urban agriculture by curating educational panels and workshops, coordinating volunteer opportunities on local farms, and fundraising grant support for Black farmers. Her work with BrewGether reflects her belief that craft beverage spaces can serve as powerful platforms for
awareness, connection, and economic empowerment.
Billie Harris
Vinologist
Billie begin her wine journey after college. She’s always been a foodie and the go-to person for suggestions of some of the best food Atlanta has to offer. Of course food and wine is a match made in heaven, and Billie found herself intrigued by wine and all that it entailed. She immediately fell in love with the science, history and culture of wine. She began her wine studies at Emory University in 2014 under the teachings and mentorship of Nancy Waldeck, and have received several certificates and accolades along the way, with one of the most notable being the Wine Spirit and Education Trust (WSET) Level 1. Billie is currently registered for the WSET Level 2 in September 2017 at the Atlanta Wine School. She continues to increase her knowledge in many ways, hosting wine tasting pop ups around the city, attending festivals, seminars, and conventions around the U.S., as well as cultivating relationships with seasoned wine makers from around the world to include Joseph Carr, Bryan Page, and Bartholomew Broadbent whom all have encouraged her along the way. Billie is also a member of the Wahoo Wine and Provisions Wine Club (Atlanta, GA), Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club (Jacksonville, FL), and the Sommelier Guild of Atlanta. When asked, “What is it about wine that you love so much?”…with a radiating glow in her eyes, she passionately says, “Wine is Life!”
Billie begin her wine journey after college. She’s always been a foodie and the go-to person for suggestions of some of the best food Atlanta has to offer. Of course food and wine is a match made in heaven, and Billie found herself intrigued by wine and all that it entailed. She immediately fell in love with the science, history and culture of wine. She began her wine studies at Emory University in 2014 under the teachings and mentorship of Nancy Waldeck, and have received several certificates and accolades along the way, with one of the most notable being the Wine Spirit and Education Trust (WSET) Level 1. Billie is currently registered for the WSET Level 2 in September 2017 at the Atlanta Wine School. She continues to increase her knowledge in many ways, hosting wine tasting pop ups around the city, attending festivals, seminars, and conventions around the U.S., as well as cultivating relationships with seasoned wine makers from around the world to include Joseph Carr, Bryan Page, and Bartholomew Broadbent whom all have encouraged her along the way. Billie is also a member of the Wahoo Wine and Provisions Wine Club (Atlanta, GA), Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club (Jacksonville, FL), and the Sommelier Guild of Atlanta. When asked, “What is it about wine that you love so much?”…with a radiating glow in her eyes, she passionately says, “Wine is Life!”
Bryttany Hyde
Founder & Master Alchemist of The Little Sober Bar
Bryttany Hyde is the Founder & Master Alchemist of The Little Sober Bar, an adult alternative mobile bar and small footprint bottle shop concept built to make everyone feel included at social events. Part flavor nerd, part operator, Bryttany blends creativity with systems—crafting
seasonal alcohol‐free menus, developing house syrups, and turning tasting notes into clear, scalable playbooks. On any given day, you’ll find them behind the bar teaching technique,
updating SOPs, or scouting the next great NA brand—always with an eye on guest joy,
consistency, support, and transparency.
On stage, Bryttany shares practical tools and real stories: how to design craveable zero‐proof drinks, train teams that care, and build community through hospitality. Audiences leave with ideas, frameworks, and a fresh take on inclusive beverage culture.
Bryttany Hyde is the Founder & Master Alchemist of The Little Sober Bar, an adult alternative mobile bar and small footprint bottle shop concept built to make everyone feel included at social events. Part flavor nerd, part operator, Bryttany blends creativity with systems—crafting
seasonal alcohol‐free menus, developing house syrups, and turning tasting notes into clear, scalable playbooks. On any given day, you’ll find them behind the bar teaching technique,
updating SOPs, or scouting the next great NA brand—always with an eye on guest joy,
consistency, support, and transparency.
On stage, Bryttany shares practical tools and real stories: how to design craveable zero‐proof drinks, train teams that care, and build community through hospitality. Audiences leave with ideas, frameworks, and a fresh take on inclusive beverage culture.
Chavonne White
Wine Educator
Chavonne White is a wine educator, facilitator, and experiential presenter who creates immersive spaces where wine, reflection, and human connection meet. Through her event series Uncorked & Conscious, she merges her passion for psychology and wine to guide audiences in exploring emotional awareness, communication, and personal growth through sensory experience. With a background in psychology studies and years of leading interactive workshops, Chavonne is known for making complex emotional concepts approachable, engaging, and practical while introducing audiences to thoughtful, accessible wines.
Chavonne White is a wine educator, facilitator, and experiential presenter who creates immersive spaces where wine, reflection, and human connection meet. Through her event series Uncorked & Conscious, she merges her passion for psychology and wine to guide audiences in exploring emotional awareness, communication, and personal growth through sensory experience. With a background in psychology studies and years of leading interactive workshops, Chavonne is known for making complex emotional concepts approachable, engaging, and practical while introducing audiences to thoughtful, accessible wines.
Crystal DeVone
AKA - DJ C. DeVone
Crystal DeVone, also known as DJ C. DeVone, stands as a prominent figure in the music and audio industry, having graced the international stage in Africa, Croatia,
Hong Kong, and beyond. Renowned for her innate ability to captivate audiences through a seamless blend of musicality and performance, she has earned acclaim as a DJ, Personality, Event Curator, and Mental Health Advocate.
Crystal's influence extends beyond the DJ booth, with features in life and beauty blogs, Essence Magazine, Nylon Magazine, Bravo, and recognition as one of Fox
News DC's "Best Dressed DJ." Her unwavering dedication to continuous learning has captured the attention of industry heavyweights, leading to high-profile engagements such as spinning at the Essence Festival in New Orleans and collaborating with artists like Adele, Kendrick Lamar, SWV, and Janelle Monae.
A graduate of Howard University, Crystal's journey into the music scene evolved organically from her daytime role as an Event Professional, orchestrating high-
profile events across New York, California, Miami, China, and London for private wealth investors. As night fell, she seamlessly transitioned to the DJ realm, leaving an indelible mark on New York City's renowned nightclubs.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Crystal proudly holds membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and is the founder of A Vine & A Vibe Collective, a vibrant music and wine community.
Hong Kong, and beyond. Renowned for her innate ability to captivate audiences through a seamless blend of musicality and performance, she has earned acclaim as a DJ, Personality, Event Curator, and Mental Health Advocate.
Crystal's influence extends beyond the DJ booth, with features in life and beauty blogs, Essence Magazine, Nylon Magazine, Bravo, and recognition as one of Fox
News DC's "Best Dressed DJ." Her unwavering dedication to continuous learning has captured the attention of industry heavyweights, leading to high-profile engagements such as spinning at the Essence Festival in New Orleans and collaborating with artists like Adele, Kendrick Lamar, SWV, and Janelle Monae.
A graduate of Howard University, Crystal's journey into the music scene evolved organically from her daytime role as an Event Professional, orchestrating high-
profile events across New York, California, Miami, China, and London for private wealth investors. As night fell, she seamlessly transitioned to the DJ realm, leaving an indelible mark on New York City's renowned nightclubs.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Crystal proudly holds membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and is the founder of A Vine & A Vibe Collective, a vibrant music and wine community.
DJ darerule
Curator behind the Decks
Effortlessly blending the worlds of music, culture, and style, Atlanta based DJ darerule is the curator behind the decks at the events and parties your friends want to be at. Growing up in the Baltimore club scene and living in NYC, DJ darerule’s taste in music will always remind you of that deep cut you forgot about.
With a monthly residency at Atlanta’s Rose & Rye, DJ darerule is the mastermind behind Girls Love… A Series — a nostalgic, high-energy party where each event is a love letter to the culture. From Girls Love R&B to Girls Love the 2000s, it’s more than a party — it’s a movement that brings people together through the beats that raised us.
Known for genre-blending sets that move from smooth R&B to throwback hip-hop, Afrobeat, and house, DJ darerule doesn’t just play music — he shifts energy. Whether it’s a rooftop moment, a dance floor packed with real ones, or a private event that calls for elevated cool, he always delivers the soundtrack you didn’t know you needed.
Effortlessly blending the worlds of music, culture, and style, Atlanta based DJ darerule is the curator behind the decks at the events and parties your friends want to be at. Growing up in the Baltimore club scene and living in NYC, DJ darerule’s taste in music will always remind you of that deep cut you forgot about.
With a monthly residency at Atlanta’s Rose & Rye, DJ darerule is the mastermind behind Girls Love… A Series — a nostalgic, high-energy party where each event is a love letter to the culture. From Girls Love R&B to Girls Love the 2000s, it’s more than a party — it’s a movement that brings people together through the beats that raised us.
Known for genre-blending sets that move from smooth R&B to throwback hip-hop, Afrobeat, and house, DJ darerule doesn’t just play music — he shifts energy. Whether it’s a rooftop moment, a dance floor packed with real ones, or a private event that calls for elevated cool, he always delivers the soundtrack you didn’t know you needed.
Frances Tietje-Wang
Lab Overlord at Fermly and Chaos Creative at Fermentable Solutions
Frances’ interest in food systems began while working in medicine, eventually leading to a transition to studying fermentation science and starting Fermly nearly a decade ago. Their passion for fermentation expanded into writing to make the science more accessible. In their research, they began discovering little-known stories of fermentation. On a mission to raise awareness and help communities build, they write about where fermentation started, how we got here, and what lessons we can take into the future. They are a marathon runner, artist, poet, and road tripper based in Denver, CO.
Frances’ interest in food systems began while working in medicine, eventually leading to a transition to studying fermentation science and starting Fermly nearly a decade ago. Their passion for fermentation expanded into writing to make the science more accessible. In their research, they began discovering little-known stories of fermentation. On a mission to raise awareness and help communities build, they write about where fermentation started, how we got here, and what lessons we can take into the future. They are a marathon runner, artist, poet, and road tripper based in Denver, CO.
Inga Willis
GA State Representative (District 55
An Atlanta native and respected community leader, Inga has more than 20 years of professional experience as an entertainment guru, business consultant, political strategist and philanthropist.
Committed to social justice and impact, Inga also serves on the board of directors of the United States Hemp Growers Association, Howard University Alumni Association, she also serves on the advisory council for U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Chair of the Georgia Democratic Party.
Understanding the critical role HBCU’s play in diversity and inclusion in business, government, media, and entertainment. Inga currently serves as a branding and marketing executive.
18 years ago, Inga launched The Mogul Group - an international consultancy and publishing firm, that develops marketing strategies, brand sponsorships, global business development initiatives and campaigns for issues and candidates. The Mogul Group aided The Carter Center (1998-2001), Shirley Franklin for Mayor (2001), Kamala Harris for President (2019), Stacey Abrams for Governor (2018), Ceasar Mitchell for Mayor (2017) and has worked with Audi, Calvin Klein, Rocawear, Atlantic Records, Jack Daniels, BET, Epic Records, MTV, and Viacom.
An Atlanta native and respected community leader, Inga has more than 20 years of professional experience as an entertainment guru, business consultant, political strategist and philanthropist.
Committed to social justice and impact, Inga also serves on the board of directors of the United States Hemp Growers Association, Howard University Alumni Association, she also serves on the advisory council for U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Chair of the Georgia Democratic Party.
Understanding the critical role HBCU’s play in diversity and inclusion in business, government, media, and entertainment. Inga currently serves as a branding and marketing executive.
18 years ago, Inga launched The Mogul Group - an international consultancy and publishing firm, that develops marketing strategies, brand sponsorships, global business development initiatives and campaigns for issues and candidates. The Mogul Group aided The Carter Center (1998-2001), Shirley Franklin for Mayor (2001), Kamala Harris for President (2019), Stacey Abrams for Governor (2018), Ceasar Mitchell for Mayor (2017) and has worked with Audi, Calvin Klein, Rocawear, Atlantic Records, Jack Daniels, BET, Epic Records, MTV, and Viacom.
Jaleesa Taylor
Personal Chef + Event Curator
Jaleesa Taylor is an Atlanta based personal chef and event curator. As a food, wine and spirits enthusiast dedicated to connecting Black culture and alcohol through history, storytelling, and lived experience, her work centers on uncovering the cultural roots behind what we eat and drink and creating more inclusive conversations.
Jaleesa Taylor is an Atlanta based personal chef and event curator. As a food, wine and spirits enthusiast dedicated to connecting Black culture and alcohol through history, storytelling, and lived experience, her work centers on uncovering the cultural roots behind what we eat and drink and creating more inclusive conversations.
Jossette “Josie” Footmon-Smith
Co-owner of Our Culture Brewing Company
Josie is a licensed master social worker and nonprofit professional who specializes in community care and healing centered practices in her work. She brings that framework to her role as an owner at Our Culture Brewing, focusing on community engagement, marketing and storytelling, and general operations. In her free time, she is an avid homebrewer who enjoys experimenting with different herbs, spices, and multicultural ingredients. Her favorite days entail travelling, hiking with her dog, and all manner of video games.
Josie is a licensed master social worker and nonprofit professional who specializes in community care and healing centered practices in her work. She brings that framework to her role as an owner at Our Culture Brewing, focusing on community engagement, marketing and storytelling, and general operations. In her free time, she is an avid homebrewer who enjoys experimenting with different herbs, spices, and multicultural ingredients. Her favorite days entail travelling, hiking with her dog, and all manner of video games.
Kevin "Swirv" Irvin
Craft Beer Leader and Advocate
Kevin “Swirv” Irvin is a Georgia-based craft beer leader working at the intersection of strategy, community, and culture. He serves as President of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild, where he supports and advocates for breweries across the state.
Swirv is the Director of Operations at Atlantucky Brewing and Director of Strategy for Crafted for Action, helping shape one of the country’s leading craft beverage conferences focused on community and inclusion. He is also the co-founder of Draught Season, a lifestyle brand rooted in craft, culture, and connection.
A Pittsburgh, PA native, Swirv brings a background in nonprofit and advocacy work, including initiatives supporting fathers and families. His work across beer and community spaces reflects a commitment to building more connected, representative, and sustainable industries.
Kevin “Swirv” Irvin is a Georgia-based craft beer leader working at the intersection of strategy, community, and culture. He serves as President of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild, where he supports and advocates for breweries across the state.
Swirv is the Director of Operations at Atlantucky Brewing and Director of Strategy for Crafted for Action, helping shape one of the country’s leading craft beverage conferences focused on community and inclusion. He is also the co-founder of Draught Season, a lifestyle brand rooted in craft, culture, and connection.
A Pittsburgh, PA native, Swirv brings a background in nonprofit and advocacy work, including initiatives supporting fathers and families. His work across beer and community spaces reflects a commitment to building more connected, representative, and sustainable industries.
Michelle Turner
Certified Cicerone; Certified BJCP
Michelle Turner is a Certified Cicerone®, BJCP Certified Beer Judge, and founder of Excited to
Feast. As an educator, she is redefining how people experience flavor, using it as a lens to
explore culture, identity, and connection. Through her work, she creates experiences that help
people engage with food and drink in deeper, more meaningful ways. She is endlessly curious
about the world and often finds inspiration through music, shared meals, and a good saison.
Michelle Turner is a Certified Cicerone®, BJCP Certified Beer Judge, and founder of Excited to
Feast. As an educator, she is redefining how people experience flavor, using it as a lens to
explore culture, identity, and connection. Through her work, she creates experiences that help
people engage with food and drink in deeper, more meaningful ways. She is endlessly curious
about the world and often finds inspiration through music, shared meals, and a good saison.
Nia Andrews-Eagle
Beer Enthusiast
A true beer enthusiast that enjoys making beer approachable, engaging, and memorable. As a biology graduate I enjoy the science behind understanding the microorganisms that come together to produce a great beer. I enjoy all of the different varieties that beer has to offer and the unique people it brings across my path .
A true beer enthusiast that enjoys making beer approachable, engaging, and memorable. As a biology graduate I enjoy the science behind understanding the microorganisms that come together to produce a great beer. I enjoy all of the different varieties that beer has to offer and the unique people it brings across my path .
Toni Williams
Culinary Storyteller
Toni Williams is a culinary storyteller, craft beverage lover, and digital creator behind Blasian Bon Vivant- a lifestyle platform exploring the intersection of food, beverage, culture, and community. A member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, Toni is a recipe developer, food writer, and partners with food, beverage, and restaurant brands to bring their stories to life through digital content. She also curates immersive experiences that encourage curiosity, connection, and mindful enjoyment. Her work blends creativity, sensory exploration, and a welcoming approach to food and beverage discovery.
Toni Williams is a culinary storyteller, craft beverage lover, and digital creator behind Blasian Bon Vivant- a lifestyle platform exploring the intersection of food, beverage, culture, and community. A member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, Toni is a recipe developer, food writer, and partners with food, beverage, and restaurant brands to bring their stories to life through digital content. She also curates immersive experiences that encourage curiosity, connection, and mindful enjoyment. Her work blends creativity, sensory exploration, and a welcoming approach to food and beverage discovery.
Zan Cooley
Licensed Wealth & Protection Strategist and Certified Financial Educator
Zan Cooley—an Atlanta, GA native, is a Licensed Wealth & Protection Strategist and Certified Financial Educator with more than 20 years of experience designing engaging learning experiences that promote clarity, confidence, and long-term impact. A WSET Level 1–certified wine enthusiast, she thoughtfully integrates wine education into financial conversations in creative and meaningful ways.
By day, Zan serves as a senior federal workforce strategist leading large-scale talent development and modernization initiatives. She is the Founder of Motus Abundance Group and creator of Pour & Prosper, an experiential platform that blends guided wine tasting with financial literacy and wealth planning.
Zan is also the Founder of the Savvy ReadHer Book Club, a women-centered financial literacy community focused on building confidence and generational wealth. As a member of the Hue Society, she uses wine as a cultural connector and storytelling medium—creating welcoming spaces where complex financial topics feel approachable, inclusive, and empowering.
Zan Cooley—an Atlanta, GA native, is a Licensed Wealth & Protection Strategist and Certified Financial Educator with more than 20 years of experience designing engaging learning experiences that promote clarity, confidence, and long-term impact. A WSET Level 1–certified wine enthusiast, she thoughtfully integrates wine education into financial conversations in creative and meaningful ways.
By day, Zan serves as a senior federal workforce strategist leading large-scale talent development and modernization initiatives. She is the Founder of Motus Abundance Group and creator of Pour & Prosper, an experiential platform that blends guided wine tasting with financial literacy and wealth planning.
Zan is also the Founder of the Savvy ReadHer Book Club, a women-centered financial literacy community focused on building confidence and generational wealth. As a member of the Hue Society, she uses wine as a cultural connector and storytelling medium—creating welcoming spaces where complex financial topics feel approachable, inclusive, and empowering.
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