Nominations for the 2026 Women in Beer® Awards Are Open!

The time has come to nominate the most talented women in the beer industry! After a successful first edition, the Women in Beer® Awards are back and are now open to submissions.

With more than 280 submissions in its very first year in 2025, the Women in Beer® Awards are celebrating excellence and highlighting the women who shape the beer industry. Launching in 2026: a brand-new category, Women Collective of the Year, sponsored by CAMRA.

Who will succeed Kate Hyde, Lily Waite-Marsden or Melissa Cole, who were among the winners for the inaugural edition of the awards? With categories across all parts of the industry, the Women in Beer® Awards are open to anyone who identifies as a woman, regardless of background, age, or role within the beer world, and include those working professionally, independently, or as a volunteer. These awards aim to celebrate and uplift women’s contributions across all areas of beer, not just brewing.

About the Women In Beer® Awards, Amélie Tassin, founder of Women in Beer®, said: “It’s been brilliant to see how well these awards were welcomed last year. But it also confirmed how needed this kind of celebration is for the beer industry. The support we found from the industry and beer drinkers alike has been fantastic, and I am very proud to bring the event back again this year.”

Jonny Garrett, co-founder of the Craft Beer Channel and Chair of the British Guild of Beer Writers, who was part of last year’s judging panel, added: “It was really eye-opening to judge the Women In Beer® Awards last year. There was so much great work being done that I wasn’t aware of, and this is the chance to celebrate and shine a light on lots more examples. So make sure you enter or nominate someone who deserves it. Recognising and supporting the work and achievements of women in beer raises the whole industry higher.”

Taking place in Manchester on the 20th of October 2026, the Women in Beer® Awards Ceremony will kick off the 4th edition of the Women in Beer® Festival, featuring an array of celebrations, networking, and learning opportunities that highlight women in the industry. The awards ceremony and the festival are open to everyone, regardless of gender.

Sponsoring this year, the Women in Beer 2026 - Industry Icon, Charlie Gorham, Head of Marketing, PR & Events at Charles Faram, said: “The Women in Beer® Awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on individuals who are driving progress through their expertise, leadership and long-term contribution, shaping the future of brewing and inspiring the next generation. Brewing thrives on creativity, innovation, passion, collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge. As the Industry Icon Sponsor, Charles Faram is proud to champion excellence across our industry and support an initiative that celebrates those making a lasting impact on our brewing community.”

The Women in Beer® Awards Categories are:

BREWER OF THE YEAR - SPONSORED BY SIBA: Recognising a professional brewer with more than 3 years of experience who has demonstrated technical excellence, creativity, and leadership within their brewery and the wider industry.

RISING STAR AWARD - SPONSORED BY SIMPSONS MALT: Celebrating someone with under 3 years in the beer industry (between now and 01/01/2023) who shows exceptional promise and early impact. Open to all roles — including brewing, marketing, sales, logistics, events, lab work, and more.

COMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR - SPONSORED BY CRISP MALT: Honouring someone who has made a significant impact by communicating about beer through writing, podcasting, video, PR, education, marketing, or social media. Recognises influence, reach, and clarity of voice.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - SPONSORED BY THOMAS FAWCETT & SONS: For someone who has launched or led a successful business in beer, from breweries and bottle shops to service providers or platforms. The winner will demonstrate creativity, measurable growth, and leadership in their venture.

BEER EXPERT OF THE YEAR - SPONSORED BY YAKIMA CHIEF HOPS: Recognising deep expertise in any area of beer — including brewing, tasting, quality control, sensory analysis, cellar work, welding, commissioning or anyone working on the supply chain. The winner will have strong evidence or testimonials to support their achievements.

MENTOR OF THE YEAR - SPONSORED BY MURPHY & SONS: Celebrating someone who uplifts others in the beer industry through guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. This includes managers, educators, trainers, and facilitators who have played a key role in supporting others’ personal or professional development. The winner will be a role model and mentor whose impact is supported by stories or testimonials.

INDUSTRY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR: Awarded to someone who actively champions the beer industry through advocacy, volunteering, organising, community initiatives, or public engagement. Recognises those waving the flag for beer and positive change.

BEER CREATIVE OF THE YEAR - SPONSORED BY WHC LAB: Recognising creative talent in the beer world — from graphic designers, illustrators, and photographers to filmmakers, content creators, and brand developers. Celebrates those elevating beer through visual or artistic impact.

HOSPITALITY LEADER OF THE YEAR - SPONSORED BY BBPA: Honouring someone working in beer hospitality — including bars, pubs, taprooms, festivals, and events — who demonstrates excellence, innovation, and leadership in creating welcoming and memorable spaces.

WOMEN COLLECTIVE OF THE YEAR - SPONSORED BY CAMRA (NEW): Honouring a group of women who have made an impact in their communities or fostered positive change in the industry. Recognises the power of a group to exert positive influence and drive the community.

WOMEN IN BEER 2026 – INDUSTRY ICON - SPONSORED BY CHARLES FARAM: Selected by the judging panel, this award honours a trailblazer whose work, influence, and legacy have shaped the beer industry for the better. A true icon and inspiration to others.

Enter or submit someone for an award before the 30th of August 2026 on the Women in Beer® website.

The Awards Ceremony will be hosted at Cloudwater Brewery Taproom in Manchester, with tickets going on sale in September.

About Women in Beer®

Women in Beer® is a community. We are a group for women who like good beer and good company. We meet up in local pubs, attend events and festivals, visit breweries, and learn from other women in the brewing industry. We’re here to support women in their beer journey, whether it’s their passion, their career, or they are just looking for a new hobby.

Our activities are: The Group; The Festival (WiB Fest); The Mentorship Programme; The Awards; Website and social media.

Instagram: @womeninbeeruk | Facebook: /womeninbeer | Bluesky: @womeninbeer.bsky.social

Notes to Editors

All media queries, please contact Amelie at press@tipplemarketing.com.

For more information:

Amélie Tassin, Tipple Marketing — press@tipplemarketing.com

Third-party news items are published as received for informational purposes. Publication does not imply endorsement by the Guild. Please use the contact details within the post for any enquiries.