Four years ago before I went to flight attendant training I was working at a brewery over the summer. I don’t know when I would have quit that job if it wasn’t for that opportunity because I loved it.

I always liked beer and had developed a taste for hops probably from my mom who loves a good IPA. However, working in the brewery changed my mindset and opened my eyes to so many styles of beer and allowed me to learn more and expand my knowledge and love of beer.

Then a couple of years later I still love beer, and now I’m flying all over the country and having the opportunity to visit all of these different breweries popping up all over the place. The microbrewery scene has been booming and no matter what city I am in I know there is most likely a brewery nearby. I decided to combine my love of running and drinking beer, created my blog, and laurenrunstheworld.com was born.

This year when the opportunity was presented to me to go to Great American Beer Festival, I was beyond thrilled. I had an absolute blast and I cannot wait to make it a yearly tradition.

I’m very excited to make this a yearly thing, and the best part of my first time at the festival have I learned some tips for the future! Here are my 5 tips if you ever get the chance to attend the GABF!!