‘Bigger and better’ SIBA’s BeerX 11th -15th March 2014
Our celebration of British beer: BeerX – which was staged for the first time earlier this year, is set for a triumphant return to Sheffield in March 2014. Once again, our event will represent all facets of British brewing by gathering brewers, licensees, hop growers, barley farmers and other suppliers, industry friends, politicians and, finally, beer drinkers.
We are expanding BeerX in duration and in size, in response to the success of this year’s event. BeerX 2014 will run for five days, from 11-15 March, and is relocating to a new, larger venue in iceSheffield, to accommodate an anticipated 1000s of visitors including delegates, exhibitors and drinkers enjoying the 300+ beers on offer at the BeerX Festival of Beer.
BeerX kicks off on Tuesday 11 March with the judging of our National Beer Competitions for cask, bottled and keg beers. Our 120 judges will taste more than 300 beers, all served exactly as their brewer intended, thanks to SIBA’s investment in the cellar and dispense at BeerX.
Wednesday 12 March is Members’ Day, starting with our AGM and followed by a programme of seminars designed to help SIBA members to grow their business. We have secured some of the industry’s top names, such as Fullers’ head brewer John Keeling and Roger Ryman of St Austell Brewery, to share their brewing expertise, while a panel of brewers already running successful pubs will give advice to delegates considering the move.
On Wednesday and Thursday, suppliers to the industry will be showcasing their products and services in a much-expanded Exhibition Arena, offering brewers a valuable opportunity to research, discuss and place orders for a variety of supplies, all conveniently sited under one roof.
Industry Day on Thursday 13 March has become a ‘must attend’ fixture for anyone involved in brewing, inside and outside SIBA. One of the day’s confirmed speakers is Nicky Morgan, the new economic secretary to the treasury, taking on the role previously held by Sajid Javid, who delivered the historic cut in beer duty in this year’s Budget. And we are also delighted to welcome Charles Bamforth, Professor of Brewing Science from the University of California.
On Friday 14 March, we have a new event for SIBA members. In conjunction with UK Trade & Investment, we are holding a forum on the key subject of export. As well as listening to seminars covering export-related issues, brewers will also be able to meet buyers from across the globe, who have been invited to taste the beers at BeerX and discuss trade opportunities.
Tickets for BeerX go on sale in January, but you can register your interest now. http://beerx.siba.co.uk
