SIBA to stage third BeerX
): SIBA managing director Mike Benner and commercial director Nick Stafford with Emma France, business tourism manager at Marketing Sheffield, and members of the SIBA team, preparing for BeerX 2015
Celebration of beer returns to Sheffield
The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) is returning to Sheffield next March to stage its third annual celebration of British beer, BeerX.
BeerX 2015 is being held from 17-21 March, at iceSheffield, where last year’s event was staged, to great success. It will once again attract brewers of all sizes, as well as licensees, retailers, suppliers, politicians and beer drinkers, drawn to its unique combination of events designed to showcase the best of British beer and brewing.
SIBA managing director Mike Benner said, “We are delighted to be returning to Sheffield for the third year with BeerX. The event has grown in size and stature since its launch in 2013 and we have exciting ambitions for it going forward.
“BeerX is an unrivalled opportunity to present all that is great about British beer to an audience who are eager to find out more about it, whether by sampling some of the fine beers from SIBA members, listening to speeches and seminars from leading figures in the brewing industry or visiting the trade exhibition.
“BeerX plays a crucial role in achieving SIBA’s vision to build the future of British beer and we are looking forward to welcoming our guests to this bigger and better event next March.”
SIBA will once again be taking over both ice rinks at iceSheffield and most of its meeting rooms, as well as constructing a 30-metre bar to dispense 250 of its members’ award-winning beers in perfect condition. As in previous years, BeerX will include the judging and presentations of SIBA’s National Beer Competition and Business Awards
BeerX Industry Day, on Thursday 19th, is now established as a ‘must attend’ event for the industry. Two speakers already confirmed are Bob Pease, chief executive officer of the American Brewers Association and Katherine Smart, the group chief brewer at SAB Miller, with further names to follow.
BeerX already has the largest trade show dedicated to British brewing and SIBA is planning a 30% increase in exhibitors in 2015, with more than 200 suppliers showing their wares to an estimated 1,500 industry delegates.
BeerX also offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice for SIBA brewers, delivered via its seminar programme. Experts will share their knowledge on a raft of topics, which will once again include export, as part of SIBA’s continued drive to help its members sell their beers abroad.
Finally, the BeerX Festival of Beer will present around 250 beers from SIBA brewers – cask, keg, bottled and canned – to an anticipated 4,000+ consumers. All will be award-winning beers, having progressed through SIBA’s 10 regional beer competitions. The Festival of Beer will also feature live bands and screening of the Six Nations rugby matches.
Tickets to attend BeerX will be on sale from January via the SIBA website.
