GABF 2015 Discussion & Info

Keep drinking tons of water while you're here.

 

Technically, you don't get any drunker at altitude than at sea level. But the air is much dryer, so you can get dehydrated much faster. That can increase altitude sickness. So, as was stated, drink lots of water (good advice for everyone, though).

 

I'm going on Friday night and this is my first year going to a session not as a volunteer (I'm pouring on Island M both Saturday sessions).

What is line etiquette for ticket-holders? My friend offered to get in line early and hold my spot until I get there. Would that be frowned upon? I don't want possible anyone off, but I also want to get in as soon as I can (like everyone else).

 

It happens every year. As long as people aren't obvious or obnoxious about it I don't really care but that's just me.

 

Well I think there are positives and negatives to both. I find the map to be more cumbersome especially after a couple hours. I also think the app, while it has become more user friendly, is cumbersome as you stated. This year I am forgoing the map and trying the app on it's own so I guess I'll find out. I like the feature on the app that shows which breweries I want to check out, which section they are in, etc. Makes it easy for a 1-stop shop.

 

Apologies if this was covered already - going to GABF for the first time this year and I'm wondering how early I should get in line prior to the event? I have tix for Friday night.

 

All depends how quickly you want to get it. Not being sarcastic but if you want to be the first one in the door I think at least a few hours. I'm not sure how much the 2nd entrance will speed things up. If it were me, I would probably show up about 1.5 hours early but thats just me, maybe someone who has waited in line more recently and has experience with 2 entrances can chime in.

I know I'm not much help at all but what I really wanted to tell you was not to be to put off by the length of the line, it moves pretty damn fast but seeing a line stretch blocks and blocks around several bulidings can be off putting. I think one year it took me over 10 mins to reach the back of the line but once the doors opened it was a constant walk back to the entrance.

 

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it! I was figuring at least showing up an hour early so I'll just show up a little earlier yet.

 

Being a slacker, I've been showing up at the time or after the festival begins. The line is still long but moves quickly as cfh64 mentioned. But still, it takes a good 15 minutes to get in. That line is literally a mile long.

I used to show up 45 minutes early a few years ago, and I'd be pretty close (back of the building), but people have been showing up earlier each year. I do think the dual entrance will have a big effect though and expect wait time to decrease pretty dramatically. We'll see!

 

I'll be volunteering as a beer geek Friday and Saturday in the pacific regions maybe I'll meet some of you out there.

 

I will be pouring in the pacific region (looking at rare barrel) so I will be in the area as well!

 

So Denver Post / First Drafts has released a bunch of regional guides to GABF.
Southwest Region
Pacific
Midwest
Mountain Region

 

Yup, not sure if anyone noticed this little bit from the Mountain Region preview...

"Here’s a little news to go with your preview, Colorado people: Denver/Boulder will be Melvin’s first distribution market, with kegs arriving in November and CANS in early 2016, Tofte said. The first releases will be Melvin IPA, 2×4, Hubert Strong Pale and Clinic India Session Ale. Rejoice!"

EDIT: I know we get periodic kegs from them, but this sounds like full time...that excites me

 

^ WUT!?!?!?

 

Holy crap, I think this may be the most exciting thing in this entire thread. Great find. Wu tang bitches.

 

Hey, me too! Zone 4

 

Don't let the line intimidate you. It'll be 6 wide and stretch around the building (it's a big building). But it'll go fast--relatively--once the doors open.

 

Wait, so is "beer geek" an official position? What are the duties?

 

New England Region- Guide to GABF

 

It is official actually, there was training sessions and all sorts of terrible awful things we had to endure like beer tastings and such... This is the first year I'm doing it but basically we'll be roaming the floor and answering questions and helping people find good beer. It's been really fun so far and look forward to the actual event and probably doing it again next year.