1st VLB Draft Beer Conference – Cleaning, Filling & Tapping from 31 August to 2 September 2026 in Bergamo, Italy.

The international conference will focus on key aspects of draft beer production and keg filling, including:

• Keg filling and cleaning technology
• HACCP and hygiene management
• Process monitoring and quality assurance
• Dispense systems and draft beer quality
• Handling of different beer types, including non-alcoholic beers

The programme will feature practical insights from international breweries and technology providers.

Three technical visits will complement the conference:

• Monday afternoon & evening: Technical Visit to Comac / Welcome evening
  The conference will begin with a visit to Comac, a leading supplier of keg filling solutions. Participants will tour the company’s manufacturing facilities and see a high-capacity keg filling line in its final stage of completion, ready for delivery and installation.
  The technical visit will be followed by a welcome evening hosted by Comac in a local beer garden.
• Tuesday afternoon: Technical Visit to Heineken Italy
  The technical visits will continue on Tuesday afternoon with a short bus transfer to the Heineken brewery in Comun Nuovo. The main focus will be a 600-keg-per-hour filling line in operation. The day will conclude with a standing reception hosted by the Heineken Italy team.
• Wednesday afternoon: Technical Visit to PolyKeg

  The conference will conclude on Wednesday with a visit to PolyKeg, a leading manufacturer of PET kegs. We will visit the production site in Grumello del Monte (close to Bergamo). At approx. 1:15–p.m., a bus transfer will depart from Starhotels Cristallo Palace to PolyKeg. The visit will include a guided tour of the production facility, followed by refreshments and networking. Return transfer to Bergamo at approx. 4:00 p.m
  Important notice: Participants must bring and wear safety footwear during the technical visit. Please also note that taking photographs or recording videos anywhere on the production site is strictly prohibited.

The conference will be held in English.