For the past few years, non-alcoholic beverages have been gaining in popularity and taking up a lot more space on menus and store shelves. Non-alcoholic beer is currently the only beer segment experiencing double-digit sales growth. So why now? What's the point of NA? And why is today's non-alcoholic drinker a lot different than your grandparents drinking O'Doul's? This panel, moderated by Samer Khudairi, offers insight into numbers and also breaks down the appeal of drinking without a buzz.

After having spent fourteen years building and growing Odell Brewing into a a true regional craft brand, Gus Briggs started looking toward healthier alternatives. Wanting to get involved in the non-alcoholic movement, he joined Spiritless and continues to bring an elevated and inclusive experience to consumers.

Ryan Hanson is the Founder and CEO of Surely. During an extended break from drinking, Ryan was disappointed with the lack of quality non-alcoholic options available. Inspired to create inclusive social environments, Ryan launched Surely in late 2020. Ryan previously served as President of Perfect Keto and has a passion for building brands that empower people to own their health.

Samer Khudairi is a freelance journalist and Marketing Manager from Boston MA, now living in San Diego. He has written on topics such as action sports, design, music, and the intersections of industry and culture in the food and beverage world with a special focus on craft beer. His work has appeared in both national and international publications with bylines in Adweek, Eater, VinePair, Good Beer Hunting, and more.

Sally Selwan is a Certified Cicerone® who has been part of the Chicago beer community for almost twenty years. From running the downtown sales route for Louis Glunz Beer, to a role as a Craft Beer Specialist with Breakthru Beverage, to her current position with Athletic Brewing Company where she is part of the explosive growth of non-alcoholic Craft Beer, Sally has found her passion in building beer brands and helping people discover their favorite beverage. Besides her life in the beer business, Sally enjoys movies, reading (esp. beer history or Neil Gaiman), and spending as much time as possible with her family and her dog.