Which brings me to the final element of paradigm shift in FoBAB this year. Apart from the growing size and location shift, and the intense competition coming from new breweries fresh out of the gate, there is the influence of a more diverse crowd of festival goes to consider. It's one thing for a new craft beer convert to show up at a Hoptacular or any of the innumerable seasonal beer festivals and find their respective ways. Often, these young bloods follow a friend who can show them the ropes, explain styles and offer direction on how to build up to more intense beers throughout a day of drinking. But FoBAB? This is enough to upend even the most seasoned of craft drinkers. Things happen in barrels, and not all of them can be well-tracked or prepared for. In fact, some offerings aren't even tasted by the breweries until it's time to crack the seal on their experiment day-of. This creates an opportunity for some unique way-finding for all audiences.

Since most of the tables are manned by volunteers doing the actual pouring, that leaves most of the brewers free to roam, taste and chat with the audience, and they greatly value the freedom they get, and the interactions this supports. But it also eliminates the connection between drinker and brewer for anyone that doesn't know who's who. Now, I wouldn't want to eliminate the incredible efficiency that's been achieved by the festival of late — it's an impressive, precision operation. But as more and more eager novices attend such events, I'd love to seize the moment and introduce them to what it is they're actually drinking. Perhaps some brief 30 minute sessions off to the side (there's plenty of space in adjoining rooms) where short introductions could be made by breweries, especially those that have travelled far to attend. A quick backstory on their business would be fascinating for everyone. Or a barrel-aging 101 that introduces mainstream audiences to the beautiful mysteries of the dark art. Even a simple history of the festival itself would help newcomers understand their experience in more context, and further engage them in the proud Chicago beer history they're now a part of. And with the talent pool Chicago has, and the beer education backgrounds, there's no doubt this could quickly become a serious attraction for the event (not that getting more people in the door is a problem — this thing sold out in about 14 minutes).