Max Finnance is both a Certified Pommelier from the American Cider Association and a BJCP Certified Cider Judge. He currently serves on the ACA's Education Committee, and is the Northeast Representative on the BJCP's board of directors. He is also a Master Cicerone and Grand Master BJCP judge, as well as a Certified Spirits Specialist. Following a decade of experience in sales, quality, and education roles for breweries and cideries, Max currently works as an independent beverage consultant, and lives in CT with his wife, son, and two dogs.

Mark Gryska has been an amateur cider maker for the past few decades and has been an active participant for Franklin County Cider Days from its beginning. He is a Certified BJCP judge and is the organizer of the Cider Days Amateur Cider Competition and has judged cider at Big E, GLINTCAP and other competitions.

Claire is the founder of Blind Bear Beverages, offering immersive beverage workshops, bartending services, and a product line of cocktail ingredients. Her passion is sharing her expertise and love of craft beverages with consumers and fellow industry professionals. Beyond her business, Claire supports and advocates for the hard cider industry by presenting at craft beverage conferences and judging cider and perry competitions.

Claire is proud to be Philadelphia’s first Certified Pommelier and Pennsylvania’s first female Certified Pommelier. Claire’s industry experience includes roles as Taproom Manager at Hale & True Cider Co. and Brand Ambassador for Graft Cider.