Statement on Edmonton International BeerFest

March, 13th 2024:
The Cicerone Certification Program has determined that it will not participate in any events or activities associated with the Edmonton International Beer Festival scheduled for March 21-23. We decided not to participate because the images and language used to promote the festival do not align with Cicerone's values. We informed the organizers of our decision on February 28, 2024, and on that day, we refunded the deposit they had paid to us for the March 21 class. At that time, and repeatedly since, we have asked them to remove all Cicerone events and branding from their website. Unfortunately, they have not done so. As we have now given them ample time to communicate with the public about this issue, and they have not, it is time for us to make clear to the Edmonton beer community that we will not be in attendance.

Finally, please be aware that the Cicerone program has not collected any funds or fees for the class scheduled for March 21.