Thursday Keynote
August 14 • 9:00 a.m.
Kevin Asato
Executive Director • National Black Brewers Association & Managing Partner • Davin Brand Management
Kevin is a 30-year beverage industry expert with diverse experience in Adult Beverages, Non-Alcoholic Beverages, and Carbonated Soft Drinks. He is credentialed as a Certified Spirit Specialist (CSS), WSET Wine Level 1, and working on his Cicerone Certification. His tenure with Anheuser Busch, Miller Brewing, PepsiCo, Dr. Pepper Snapple, Bacardi USA, and Republic National Distributing has enabled him to develop and execute Sales, Marketing, and Distribution plans across multiple channels in both state and national capacities.
Kevin is committed to developing minority leaders and improving racial inequalities in the beverage and CPG industries. His passion for mentoring minority talent and advising beverage companies comes to life through serving on the board of the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund and his role as Managing Partner with Davin Brand Management. Both these entities facilitate the growth of BIPOC or female-owned adult beverage companies.
Leading the NB2A has been an ideal opportunity to cultivate an association's mission that directly aligns with his core values and taps into his experiences and skills. He's honored to be selected as the first Executive Director and to build the foundation that will fuel the growth of Black owned breweries, membership into the organization and celebrate the history and accomplishments of the Black Brewers of America. In his first year, he has been recognized as 2023 Beer Champion of the Year, 2024 Most Influential People in Craft Beer, and 2024 Top 75 People in Adult Beverage.
Closing Keynote
August 15 • 9:00 a.m.
Jason Perrault
CEO and Head Hop Breeder • Yakima Chief Ranches & CEO • Perrault Farms
As a fourth-generation Yakima Valley farmer, Jason is deeply devoted to long-term sustainability and value creation through innovative approaches to hop breeding, farming and business. He is currently the CEO and head hop breeder for Yakima Chief Ranches and CEO for Perrault Farms, his family’s multi-generational hop farm. Born and raised on the farm, he has been working full time in the industry since 1997.