The National Homebrewers Conference kicked off Thursday with a special—new!—event, the Welcome Reception. Much like the Pro-Brewers Night of years past, the Welcome Reception featured a host of delicious craft beers from some of the best professional breweries.

But here’s the twist: these breweries all hailed from the Mitten State. Thanks to terrific support from the conference’s official Michigan beer sponsor, the Michigan Brewers Guild, homebrewers were treated to great beer from more than 50 Michigan brewers. Plus, many pro brewers were on hand to mingle with attendees, answer questions about their beers and celebrate the start of the conference with the welcome toast.

The conference kicks into high gear on Friday, with the keynote address, presented by Dave Engbers, and Mike Stevens, of Michigan’s own (see a pattern here?) Founders Brewing Company. Plus, Friday night features Club Night, which promises to be bigger, better and wackier than ever.