BEERX 2024 Programme Schedule

BeerX UK 2024 will feature a packed schedule of expert seminars, panel debates, and expert-led tasting sessions. Full details to be revealed closer to the event.

Stage Sponsors








Fringe Events - Tuesday 12th March 2024

Bundobust Liverpool
From 20.00
Siren Tap Takeover

Siren Craft Brew are taking over the taps at Bundobust Liverpool!

From Tues 12th we'll be pouring both keg and cask from the Reading based brewery, alongside a range of Bundo beers brewed in Manchester.
SIBA ticket holders get 25% discount Tue - Fri. Show your pass to claim!

 

The Head of Steam, Liverpool
From 20.00
Brew York X Sure Shot Launch

Launch for our collaboration with Sure Shot.

Owners and Brewers will be in attendance on Tuesday the 12th of March to chat all things Brew York.

Liverpool Brewing Company Taproom
From 20.00
Try Local Cask Ale

Massive offer for everyone attending Beer X to try some locally made award winning cask ales.

All core range cask £3 per pint with event accreditation.

Offer available all day from Tuesday till Friday

Wednesday 13th March 2024

10:00
Reception Open

10:00 - 18:00
Exhibition Open

THE FUTURE OF BREWING STAGE
11:00 - 11:30
BeerX Official Opening & SIBA Rebrand Launch
SEMINAR

Speakers:
Andy Slee, SIBA Chief Executive & Neil Walker SIBA Head of Comms & Marketing.

Session description:
Chief Executive Andy Slee welcomes you to BeerX 2024, outlining what to expect and how you can get the most out of your time at the show, including the brand new 2024 event app.

SIBA's Head of Comms & Marketing Neil Walker will also be joined by Paul Spirou from Ape Creative to unveil a bold new look for the Society of Independent Brewers... launching exclusively at BeerX 2024.

Andy Slee
SIBA's Chief Executive Andy Slee has a broad range of experience in the beer, drinks, and independent brewing sector and for many years has been a passion champion of quality, independent British beer. At SIBA he leads a team fighting for change and support for the brewing industry, whilst seeking to broaden the opportunities for members of all types and sizes.

THE HOP YARD STAGE
12.00 - 13.00
Hops on the Horizon: An Expedition into Experimental Flavours
TASTING/PANEL

Speakers:
Mark Dredge, Will Rogers, Rob Topham. Hosted by Charles Faram.

Session description:
An interactive Q&A, tasting session with brewers & Charles Faram.

Join us for an interactive session led by hop experts from Charles Faram and a panel of specially selected brewers. Together, we will walk you through the Charles Faram hop development process, unveiling new and exciting flavours.

After the popularity of our panel interview last year, this sequel session builds on the insights into our Hop Development Programme, showcasing a selection of beers crafted with the desirable hops chosen by you last year. Take part in the tasting, ask questions, and share your thoughts on our up-and-coming varieties. So, join us on this flavourful journey, where your opinion plays a vital role in the next wave of the hop revolution.

Mark Dredge
Mark is a James Beard award-winning writer and the beer expert on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch. He's written numerous beer books, including "A Brief History of Lager," "The Beer Bucket List" and "Beer: A Tasting Course," and as the founder of BeerDredge, he has created a series of Beer Flavour Wheels.

Will Rogers
Will Rogers, Group Technical Director at Charles Faram, oversees the Hop Development Program. This program is dedicated to bringing new hop varieties to fruition for brewers worldwide. In addition to managing the program, he provides guidance to growers on agronomy and is responsible for setting Charles Faram’s hop quality standards, which helps drive technical improvements across the industry.

Rob Topham
Rob Topham, Buxton Brewery’s Production Director, who oversees production at their Staden Lane brewing facility, has over 18 years of brewing experience. Previously he has worked for Fullers, Camden Town, and AB-InBev. As a Heriot Watt graduate and IBD Master Brewer, he has experience in all areas, from production, innovation and project management to strategic leadership. Rob is dedicated to advancing the industry through his wealth of knowledge and innovative strategies.

THE FUTURE OF BREWING STAGE
12:45 - 13:30
Building traceability into your brewery
SEMINAR

Speakers:
James Collier (Breww). Hosted by BREWW.

Session description:
Traceability is the cornerstone of running a modern brewery, from raw materials in, to delicious beer out. Having full end-to-end traceability is crucial not only in maintaining the quality and safety of your beer but also for keeping logs of brewery activity across cleaning and maintenance, staff actions, distribution, and more.

In this session, take a deep dive into what full traceability looks like and the depth of knowledge it can provide you about how your business runs. We'll review scenarios that breweries commonly face and how to overcome them, with the aim of making gains through efficiency, greater margins and consumer satisfaction.

James Collier, Breww
In his role as Breww’s Head of Sales for over three years, James has spoken to hundreds of breweries across the UK. This experience has given him a deep understanding of the challenges that breweries face in their day-to-day operations and the critical role technology can play in solving them. Outside of Breww, James can usually be found cycling around the Hertfordshire countryside.

Room 22 & 23
13:00 - 13:30
Joining SIBA - Meet Members of the Team
MEET THE TEAM

Speakers:
The SIBA Team.

Session description:
Joining SIBA - Meet Members of the Team to see the benefits of being a Member.

THE HOP YARD STAGE
13.30 - 14.30
The next big thing: A tasting of the latest beer-style trends hitting the UK
TASTING SESSION

Speakers:
Neil Walker & Annabel Smith. Hosted by Charles Faram.

Session description:
SIBA’s resident Beer Sommelier Neil Walker is joined by fellow Somm Annabel Smith (Cask Marque) to deliver an expert tasting of the beer styles to look out for in 2024.

From new styles growing in popularity to existing ones set to take off this year, this session isn’t just about the trends you need to watch out for, but an exploration of their flavour and aroma profiles - and how you can educate your customers when trying something new.

Neil Walker
Neil Walker is SIBA’s Head of Comms & Marketing, resident beer sommelier, and a passionate beer and food writer. As well as leading the organization in promoting independent beer and brewing throughout the UK he is also an experienced beer judge and broadcast presenter.

Annabel Smith
Annabel Smith is an award-winning Beer Sommelier, educator, writer, and broadcaster. Annabel has been instrumental in creating several e-learning programmes designed to teach publicans about beer in an engaging and accessible way. In 2021 she won the Nimble Training Course of the Year for ‘Beer Pro’, an on-line training programme for bar staff..

THE FUTURE OF BREWING STAGE
13:45 - 14:30
Can breweries, politicians and responsible-drinking bodies work together to promote responsible drinking?
PANEL

Speakers:
Laura Brodie (International Alliance for Responsible Drinking), Karen Tyrell (Drinkaware), Matt Lambert (Portman Group), Jamie Delap (Fyne Ales). Hosted by Barry Watts (SIBA).

Session description:
As seen during Covid, where people drinking at home led to increased alcohol consumption overall, well-run community pubs and brewery taprooms are an important part of encouraging responsible drinking. So how can politicians, responsible-drinking bodies and breweries work together to promote healthy, responsible drinking habits moving forwards?

Laura Brodie, Director of Partnerships and External Affairs International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD)
Laura Brodie is the Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing harmful drinking and promoting better understanding of responsible drinking. IARD is supported by leading global beer, wine, and spirits producers who have come together for a common purpose: to be part of the solution in combating harmful drinking. To advance this shared mission, IARD collaborates with public sector, civil society, and private stakeholders.

Laura's primary focus is on developing strategic partnerships and establishing alliances to further IARD's objectives in addressing the harmful use of alcohol. With a professional career spanning more than two decades, her expertise centres on effective stakeholder engagement strategies, strategic media relations and public affairs, and handling crisis communications. Laura's career also includes significant roles in the broadcast media landscape, including Senior Producer for BBC1's flagship political programme "Question Time" and current affairs productions for Channel 4. Additionally, she held the position of Deputy Press Secretary to a former leader of a political party in the U.K Parliament.

Karen Tyrell, Chief Executive,Drinkaware
Karen is Drinkaware's Chief Executive Officer and joined the organisation in October 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience across health and social care, most recently in the national alcohol and drug treatment charity Humankind. Karen is also Vice Chair of Trustees at the Avalon Group, a social care charity. She has expertise in strategy and communications and has spent time working in business development, having started her career as a volunteer.

Matt Lambert, Chief Executive, Portman Group
Matt joined the Portman Group as CEO in January 2021. Responsible for providing strategic leadership and developing the organisation’s membership, Matt uses his extensive experience in national and international management and corporate affairs to champion the Portman Group, and to build on its reputation as a strong and independent regulator and a powerful and persuasive voice for alcohol social responsibility..

Prior to joining the Portman Group, Matt held senior roles in corporate affairs, including with Microsoft and Betfair, and is a former CEO of the Federation for Industry Sector, Skills and Standards. Matt has also founded and managed several small companies. Outside of work, Matt’s interests include his family, keeping fit, swimming, skiing and supporting charity work.

Jamie Delap, Fyne Ales
GJamie is the Managing Director of Fyne Ales, a family owned Farm Brewery in the west highlands of Scotland. The brewery was founded in a disused dairy on the family farm in 2001 by Jamie’s parents and Jamie became involved full time in the business following the death of his father, Johnny in 2010. Since then the brewery has become best known for it’s progressive British beers, exemplified by Jarl, and for FyneFest their annual Beer, Food and Music Festival. Jamie has a Masters Degree in Manufacturing Engineering as well as an MBA, and prior to joining the family business worked in manufacturing in a number of countries across Europe and North America.

THE HOP YARD STAGE
14:45 - 15:30
Engaging with your local MP or Parliamentary candidate
SEMINAR

Speakers:
John Grogan (Parliamentary candidate / former MP), Barry Watts (SIBA). Hosted by Andy Slee.

Session description:
We are only months away from a general election which could see hundreds of new MPs elected to Parliament. This session explores how brewers can engage with their candidates ahead of the election and help influence the future decisions made on beer.

John Grogan
John Grogan has won four general elections and lost four as a Labour candidate . He was the MP for Selby from 1997-2010 and for Keighley from 2017-2019. He is standing again in Keighley and Ilkley at the forthcoming general election .John chaired the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group from 2002 to 2010 and played an active role in debates concerning licensing reform and the smoking ban .John currently chairs the Mongolian British Chamber of Commerce and the One Yorkshire Committee . From 2013-2015 August he chaired Hatfield Colliery the penultimate deep coal mine to close . Many years ago he was the first President of Oxford University Student Union to be elected on a Labour platform . John is a member of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and a keen supporter of Bradford City .

THE FUTURE OF BREWING STAGE
14:45 - 15:30
How to talk to journalists, with Matt Curtis
SEMINAR

Speakers:
Matt Curtis. Hosted by Neil Walker (SIBA).

Session description:
Why aren't the beer writers talking about my brewery/bar/bottle shop? If you find yourself sliding into writers' DMs asking these questions late at night, then why not join author, journalist and Pellicle magazine founder Matthew Curtis for the lowdown on how to effectively engage with members of the beer media, and gain valuable insight into how writers work and think. This session is designed to help your beer business stay at the forefront of writers' minds when they're penning their latest article. The 30 minute seminar will demonstrate effective examples of engaging journalists, either through PR or direct contact, and also cover other areas including whether or not you should be sending out beer samples, and how to engage with the growing world of influencer marketing. There will also be time for a 15 minute Q&A session at the end of the talk.

Matt Curtis
Matthew Curtis is a freelance writer and photographer based in Manchester, England. He specialises in writing about beer, pubs and the culture that stems from them, and has written for various publications including Vittles, Novara Media, BEER, Ferment and Good Beer Hunting. In 2019, he founded online magazine and podcast Pellicle with his friend Jonathan Hamilton, for which he is editor-in-chief. He is the author of An Opinionated Guide to London Pubs (Hoxton Mini Press, 2021) and Modern British Beer (CAMRA Books, 2021). His latest book, Manchester’s Best Beer, Pubs and Bars (CAMRA Books, 2023) is out now.

THE FUTURE OF BREWING STAGE
15:45 - 16:30
Are regenerative Barley and low-impact ingredients the future of sustainable brewing?
PANEL

Speakers:
Dr Nigel Davies, Greg Piley (Stroud Brewery),Mark Machin - (Soil Association Certification), Sam McMeekin (Hipsy Hill Brewing Co.). Hosted by Nick Law.

Session description:
Is regenerative Barley really the future of sustainable malt, or has its benefit been over-hyped? Join this panel debate to hash it out with experts in the field and here whether this and other low-impact ingredients are the future of sustainable brewing.

Dr Nigel Davies
Nigel founded Maltdoctor Ltd in 2020, a specialist sustainability consultancy in food and beverages, and is Honorary Associate Professor at Nottingham University, School of Biosciences and on the Scientific Advisory Board for Ateria Health – a business promoting animal nutrition and health and is a Senior Advisor, Technical and Sustainability for First Key, a consultancy specialising in Malting, Brewing and Distilling. Previously he was Director of Manufacturing, Technical and Sustainability with Muntons for 25 years, a research scientist in cereals and a lecturer in cell biology at London University and acts as an expert witness in cases where food safety of cereals is at issue.

Greg Piley
Stroud Brewery was launched in 2006 by Greg Pilley who had an interest in sustainability and a background in environmental biology graduating as a marine biologist. Greg previously worked with the Soil Association in their Local Food Team promoting community led food businesses.

Stroud Brewery was the chance to bring those values into enterprise and the first commitment was using malting barley grown on the Cotswolds. In 2017 they became a dedicated organic brewery, and an accredited B Corp in 2018 which has provided a holistic measure of the business’s environmental and social performance.

Mark Machin
After a decade of cooking, Mark’s first encounter with regenerative supply chains and the issues facing farmers came about when briefed to create an 100% organic restaurant.

His work now involves supporting businesses understand the organic sector, from commercial insights to developing marketing messaging with integrity.

Sam McMeekin
Sam is the co-Founder and CEO of Gipsy Hill Brewery. Gipsy Hill is London's Largest Independent brewery, making Hepcat as it's biggest brand. In summer 2023 GH launched the World's First carbon negative beers without using offsets, relying instead on in-house innovations and regenerative barley. Before Gipsy Hill, Sam worked for an NGO in sub-Saharan Africa.

THE HOP YARD STAGE
15:45 - 16:45
Beer and Music pairing: Does sound affect flavour?
TASTING

Speakers:
Pete Brown. Hosted by Charles Faram.

Session description:
Beer industry legend Pete Brown delivers a beer-pairing session like no other, marrying a varied range of beers with an eclectic selection of music.

Whilst the full playlist is still under-wraps you can expect pairings such as Duvel with “Debaser” by the Pixies - chosen because Belgium isn’t just the birth place of strong, tasty beers, but also surrealism - the subject of the song.

Expand your mind and open your ears in this not-to-be-missed tasting session!

Pete Brown
Pete Brown is a British author, journalist, broadcaster and consultant specialising in food and drink, especially the fun parts like beer, pubs, cider, bacon rolls and fish and chips. Across twelve books, his broad, fresh approach takes in social history, cultural commentary, travel writing, personal discovery and natural history, and his words are always delivered with the warmth and wit you’d expect from a great night down the pub. He writes for newspapers and magazines around the world and is a regular contributor to radio and podcasts. He was named British Beer Writer of the Year in 2009, 2012, 2016 and 2021, has won three Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards, been shortlisted twice for the Andre Simon Awards, and in 2020 was named an “Industry Legend” at the Imbibe Hospitality Awards.

THE FUTURE OF BREWING STAGE
16:45 - 17:45
Brewing Resilience: A Business Oriented Approach to the New Era.
KEYNOTE

Speakers:
Bob Pease, Brewers Association (US). Hosted by Andy Slee (SIBA).

Session description:
Bob Pease of the US Brewers Association joins BeerX 2024 to deliver a not to be mised keynote talk.

Bob Pease
Bob Pease is the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Brewers Association. The Brewers Association is the trade association representing small and independent American Craft Brewers with over 5,300 brewery members. Pease was named President and CEO in 2014 after five years as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Along with the BA’s Senior Team he has led the charge to raise the awareness of small and independent brewers in Washington, and beyond.

18:00
Bar Closes

Last orders at 17.45

18:30 - 19:15 (TBC)
SIBA Business Awards 2024

Session description:
Please note complimentary drinks will be available during the awards. So grab a seat and get ready for the awards!

Fringe Events - Wednesday 13th March 2024

Bundobust Liverpool
From 20.00
Siren Tap Takeover

Siren Craft Brew are taking over the taps at Bundobust Liverpool!

From Tues 12th we'll be pouring both keg and cask from the Reading based brewery, alongside a range of Bundo beers brewed in Manchester.
SIBA ticket holders get 25% discount Tue - Fri. Show your pass to claim!

 

The Dead Crafty Beer Company - 92 Dale St, Liverpool L2 5TF
From 20.00
YCH x DCBC - Annual BEER X After-Party

Join us at Dead Crafty Beer Company for our annual after-party. Live DJ, Free Tacos, and a stellar lineup of U.S. East Coast breweries. Featured breweries include Other Half, Maine Beer Co., Kane Brewing Co., Fidens Brewing Co., plus a selection of carefully curated beers from the DCBC team.

Pump House
From 20.00
BFBi Pump House Evening

Sponsored by Charles Faram, Core Equip, KegStar Keg Logistics, Murphys & SSV. Get your wristband from their stands or representatives. A great start to the evening with beer and food. What is not to like!

The Head of Steam, Liverpool
From 20.00
Brew York X Sure Shot Launch

Launch for our collaboration with Sure Shot.

Owners and Brewers will be in attendance on Tuesday the 12th of March to chat all things Brew York.

Liverpool Brewing Company Taproom
From 20.00
Try Local Cask Ale

Massive offer for everyone attending Beer X to try some locally made award winning cask ales.

All core range cask £3 per pint with event accreditation.

Offer available all day from Tuesday till Friday

Liverpool Brewing Company Taproom
From 20.00
Hackney Church Brewery tap takeover

Tapdoor presents - The Tap Takeover.

Guided tasting with Head brewer Jacob from Hackney Church Brewery.

5 different beers on draft.

Get your tickets here (£20).

+ more cans available

Hosted by Kam from Beer Guide Worldwide. Limited space so grab your tickets online

The Baltic Fleet
From 20.00
Magic Rock Tap Takeover

EY UP! - We’re taking over the taps at one of our favourite Liverpool venues, and you’re all invited!

SIBA BEER X FRINGE EVENT: 10 min walk from Exhibition Centre.

TAPS POURING 13/14th MARCH: 3 cask including finalists Dark Arts and Ringmaster + 3 keg lines.

MEET TEAM MAGIC: Weds 8pm-11pm

The Ship and Mitre
From 20.00
Deya Tap Takeover

Deya is having a 4 Keg and 2 Cask line Takeover, as well as a meet the brewer and tasting. There will be many Deya staff in the pub alongside the Ships own wonderful staff to look after you for all your beer needs :)

Black Lodge Brewery
From 20.00
Loughran Brewers Select BeerX Afterparty

BEERX AFTERPARTY

Supported by Loughran Brewers Select, Crosby Hops, Bairds Malt & Lallemand Brewing.
8PM WEDNESDAY at BLACK LODGE BREWERY

Chat to one of the lovely folk on the Loughran Brewers Select stand to request a wristband for a night of:
Free Beer
Burgers
Music
PLUS an exclusive special offer

Thursday 14th March 2024

09:00
Reception Open

09:00 - 18:00
Exhibition Open

THE FUTURE OF BREWING STAGE
10:00
SIBA AGM

Session description:
The SIBA AGM is a chance for Members to discuss and vote on resolutions, as well as hear updates on the past year and strategic future of the organisation from the Chairman and Chief Executive.

THE HOP YARD STAGE
13:00 - 13:45
Top tips on cask-conditioned beer
SEMINAR

Speakers:
Eddie Gadd (Ramsgate Brewery), Jon Stringer (Charles Faram). Hosted by Charles Faram.

Session description:
For many in the beer industry, brewing, conditioning and serving cask beer perfectly represents the pinnacle of British brewing art. But delivering a perfectly conditioned beer into a pint glass is about so much more than the raw ingredients and recipe.

In this session cask beer expert Eddie Gadd of Ramsgate Brewery is joined by former Ramsgate brewer Jon Stringer (now at hop experts Charles Farms), to give their Top tips on cask-conditioned beer.

Whether you’re an experienced cask brewer or looking into producing cask for the first time, this session promises to help you deliver the best cask possible to your customers.

Eddie Gadd
Eddie Gadd started his career as a mining engineer in the 80s before swapping his pick and shovel for a Firkin Brewery dipstick in the early 90s. Founded The Ramsgate Brewery 20 years ago, and still runs it.

THE STEEP STAGE
13:00 - 13:45
Making malt and creating lasting partnerships
SEMINAR

Speakers:
Mike Benson & Steve LePoidevin (Crisp Malting) . Hosted by Barry Watts.

Session description:
In this session, Mike and Steve from Crisp will be delving into all things malt from field to glass with our processes in between. Looking at then challenges and opportunities within the malt industry and how maltster and independent breweries can continue to work together to deliver even better tasting, more interesting beers.

Mike Benson
Mike is Sales Manager for Brewing in Wales, the North and the West and is a hugely experience brewer who has been there and done that in all things brewing and packaging.

Steve LePoidevin
Steve is Crisp’s Chief Operating Officer and is a familiar face in the brewing and malting industry. Steve is a Master Maltster who is still fascinated by al things barley, malt & beer and happy to share that enthusiasm and knowledge with whoever dares to ask!

THE FUTURE OF BREWING STAGE
13:15 - 14:00
Stronger brewery financial management, funding options and succession planning for brewers
SEMINAR

Speakers:
Adam Hardie (Johnson Carmichael), Kieran Donovan (Napthens Solicitors). Hosted by Andy Slee (SIBA).

Session description:
Stronger brewery financial management, funding options and succession planning for brewers.

Finance experts Johnson Carmichael are joined by SIBA’s own legal team at Napthens Solicitors to deliver an in-depth look at developing stronger brewery financial management systems, how to explore funding options and even succession planning for established breweries.

Covering a broad range of subjects and aimed at brewers of all sizes this session is a musta attend session for professional brewing businesses - whether you’re looking to expand your business with funding, or simply improve profitability and financial management.

Adam Hardie
Adam Hardie brings a particular expertise in the understanding of clients' issues, unlocking routes to market and the development of strategic plans. His early career was in Business-to-Business Sales Management in blue chip corporates in London and Scotland before setting up and running his own small business. He also has a particular expertise in commercialisation of Intellectual Property and Franchising.

Kieran Donovan
Kieran is Partner and Head of Napthens Liverpool office and leads the corporate team across the Liverpool City Region. He has over 20 years’ corporate transactional experience advising large corporates, owner managed businesses and family companies on mergers and acquisitions, buy and build strategies, business and share disposals, succession planning, joint ventures and shareholder reorganisations.

THE STEEP STAGE
14:00 - 14:45
Creating inclusive environments in hospitality
SEMINAR

Speakers:
Amelie Tassin. Hosted by CRISP

Session description:
Creating inclusive environments is essential for brewing businesses seeking to widen their appeal, create a more diverse customer-base, and appeal to a broad spectrum of beer drinkers. Join this session with Amelie Tassin of Tipple Marketing (beer industry event organisers and marketeers) and SIBA's own Head of Comms & Marketing Neil Walker to hear how the industry and SIBA are embracing inclusivity head on.

Amelie Tassin (Tipple)
Amelie Tassin is the Founder and Director of Tipple Marketing, a marketing and strategy agency based in Edinburgh, Scotland. With over 15 years experience, Amelie has worked across several European sectors from retail banking and property development to cosmetics and food and drink. Her agency's work is truly 'the Swiss Army knife of marketing' and offers tailored services for all needs thanks to Amelie's wealth of cross-industry experience.

In 2018 she founded Women In Beer, a 'women who beer' group in Edinburgh, in 2019 the successful Women In Beer Festival (WIB Fest), and in 2023 launched the Women in Beer Mentorship Programme. Aimed at women who work in the beer and brewing sector, the programme allow them to be paired with experienced women of the industry who will share advice, skills, and access to a wider network.

THE HOP YARD STAGE
14:15 - 15:15
A tasting of "ON flavours" with beer sommelier Natalya Watson
TASTING

Speakers:
Natalya Watson. Hosted by Neil Walker.

Session description:
Does NEIPA really smell like mango or is it all in our head? Join accredited beer educator and sommelier Natalya Watson for this inverted 'off-flavour' training session, exploring the positive aromas and flavours present in various beer styles and how they compare to real-world ingredients.

Natalya Watson
Natalya Watson joined WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) as Business Development Manager in September 2023 to support the launch of the organisation’s new beer qualifications within Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Prior to joining WSET, she ran her own online beer education business, Virtual Beer School, for which she was named Training Professional of the Year at the British Institute of Innkeeping’s 2022 National Innovation in Training Awards. Natalya is qualified as an IBD Beer Sommelier, Advanced Cicerone® and WSET beer educator and has her WSET Level 2 Award in Beer. She is also the author of Beer: Taste the Evolution in 50 Styles (Kyle Books, 2020).

THE FUTURE OF BREWING STAGE
14:15 - 15:00
Measuring the real impact of lost and idle kegs and casks for a better world
SEMINAR

Speakers:
Christian Barden (Konvoy). Hosted by Barry Watts (SIBA).

Session description:
Cask and keg management is a packaging headache for breweries of all sizes, but the impact is bigger than just multiple financial pain points, there is significant carbon impact that is little-measured or understood. .

Christian Barden (Konvoy)
Christian is a seasoned leader in the global beer industry, passionate about triple bottom line business. He’s a UK and Europe founder of both Konvoy and Kegstar, where he served as global CEO. With almost 16 years at AB InBev and experience in various beverage, hospitality, and technology-enabled companies, he has held several senior executive roles in both large corporations, smaller enterprises and start-ups.

Room 22 & 23
14:30 - 15:00
Joining SIBA - Meet Members of the Team
MEET THE TEAM

Speakers:
The SIBA Team.

Session description:
Joining SIBA - Meet Members of the Team to see the benefits of being a Member.

THE STEEP STAGE
15:00 - 15:45
Sustainable brewing – techniques for getting the most out of your kit and ingredients
SEMINAR

Speakers:
Stephanie Brindley (Murphy & Son) & Chris Lewington (Brew Resourceful). Hosted by CRISP.

Session description:
Sustainability is as much about your environmental impact as it is about your profitability. In this session focusing on the brewhouse, Stephanie Brindley and Chris Lewington will explain how to get better efficiency from your ingredients on any type of brew kit, the underlying science behind it and emphasising the importance of effective monitoring.

Stephanie Brindley
Stephanie Brindley is a Technical Sales Manager at Murphy and Son, helping brewers to perfect their pints. Following an MRes in Sustainable Bioenergy and a PhD in Brewing Science, Steph cut her teeth in the commercial brewing world at Round Corner Brewing collecting two International brewing awards for their lagers.

Chris Lewington
Chris Lewington, Founder of Brew Resourceful, draws upon over a decade of brewing expertise at the UK's top breweries to enhance brewery efficiency while maintaining beer quality. Dedicated to advancing sustainability in craft brewing, he champions resourcefulness across the industry aiming to elevate industry practices and reduce environmental impact.

THE FUTURE OF BREWING STAGE
15:15 - 16:00
An Eye on the Future: Developing & Introducing New Hops to Market
SEMINAR

Speakers:
Gareth Moore (DEYA), Jim Solberg (Indie Hops). Hosted by Charlie Docherty.

Session description:
There's a huge amount to consider when developing and brewing with new hop varieties. What flavour does the new hop bring to the table? How viable is this hop to grow for a farmer? How demanding is it on resources? Can it cope with a changing climate? And what's it like brewing with a brand new hop variety? Join Jim Solberg from Indie Hops and Gareth Moore from DEYA for a unique insight into bringing new hops to market.

Jim Solberg
Jim Solberg started his career at Nike, where he focused on product development in the apparel division. His time at Nike included seven years in Asia-Pacific, where he was eventually promoted to VP of International Apparel and returned to World Headquarters in Oregon, USA. After sixteen years, Jim left Nike to realize a lifelong dream of building an ocean-going sailboat. Upon completing the 11-meter vessel, he began working on small business startups with friends and picked up the hobbies of hop growing and home brewing, which led to co-founding Indie Hops in 2009 with childhood friend Roger Worthington.

Gareth More
DEYA brewing have establihed themselves as one of the leading breweries in the UK with a mix of modern, hop-forward hazy pales and ales and IPAs, alongside delicious pilsners, lagers and other World beer styles. As Head Brewer Gareth has developed and dialled in the DEYA beers, to create an eclectic mix of truly World-class beers.

THE HOP YARD STAGE
15:30 - 16:150
US Craft Beer Industry Trends
SEMINAR

Speakers:
Bob Pease (BA). Hosted by Charles Faram.

Session description:
Brewers Association President & CEO will present an update on developments within the US craft beer industry including looking at performance by business model, changes in market share by beer styles, packaging, and how to adapt to the changing demographics of the craft beer drinker.

Bob Pease
Bob Pease is the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Brewers Association. The Brewers Association is the trade association representing small and independent American Craft Brewers with over 5,300 brewery members. Pease was named President and CEO in 2014 after five years as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Along with the BA’s Senior Team he has led the charge to raise the awareness of small and independent brewers in Washington, and beyond.

THE STEEP STAGE
16:00 - 16:45
Join the Crisp Malt Team for beer on us!
SEMINAR

Speakers:
Crisp Malting. Hosted by CRISP.

Session description:
In this informal networking session join the CRISP Team for a friendly beer ahead of the evening's awards. The Crisp Malt team will be on hand to ask any burning questions you may have... and would love to invite existing customers and new brewers alike to join the session and have a free beer on us!

The Crisp Team
At Crisp Malt we have lived and breathed malting since 1870. With our passion and expertise, we produce and supply the finest UK malt to the brewing and distilling industry across the globe.

 

THE FUTURE OF BREWING STAGE
16:15 - 17:00
Untappd Potential: UK exclusive talk from CEO of Untappd parent company, Next Glass
SEMINAR

Speakers:
Next Glass / Untapped. Hosted by Neil Walker (SIBA).

Session description:
The Untappd platform divides opinion amongst brewers and in this session we'll hear both sides of the argument, examining the pros and cons of a technology which has had an undoubtable impact on the independent craft beer industry.

In this UK exclusive talk join Trace Smith from Next Glass - the company behind beer rating and menu platform Untappd - to hear the about the origins of the platform, the pitfalls and power of consumer reviews, and whether your brewery could benefit from some taproom tech.ut their plans for the future.

Trace Smith
Trace Smith began their career in 2009 as a Summer Analyst, Analyst, and Senior Analyst at Fennebresque & Co. In 2012, they joined Quad-C Management, Inc. as an Associate. In 2013, they joined Next Glass as Chief Executive Officer, Member of the Board of Directors, President & Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Operating Officer. At Next Glass, Smith was part of a team on a mission to advance the global beverage industry through innovative technology, engaging content, and world class experiences. Trace was also proud to be backed by PSG.

THE HOP YARD STAGE
16:30 - 17:30
A tasting flight into the Stratasphere
TASTING SESSION

Speakers:
Gareth Moore (DEYA), Jim Solberg (Indie Hops). Hosted by Charles Faram.

Session description:
The Strata® hop takes its name from the multiple layers of flavour it brings to beer. It can hit hard in a DIPA, or sit smoothly in a low gravity pale, making it an increaisngly popular choice with brewers. In this expert tasting of beers showcasing this game-changing hop expect aromas of passionfruit, melon, strawberry, grapefruit, and even rock concert cannabis or dried chili peppers.

Jim Solberg
Jim Solberg started his career at Nike, where he focused on product development in the apparel division. His time at Nike included seven years in Asia-Pacific, where he was eventually promoted to VP of International Apparel and returned to World Headquarters in Oregon, USA. After sixteen years, Jim left Nike to realize a lifelong dream of building an ocean-going sailboat. Upon completing the 11-meter vessel, he began working on small business startups with friends and picked up the hobbies of hop growing and home brewing, which led to co-founding Indie Hops in 2009 with childhood friend Roger Worthington.

Gareth More
DEYA brewing have establihed themselves as one of the leading breweries in the UK with a mix of modern, hop-forward hazy pales and ales and IPAs, alongside delicious pilsners, lagers and other World beer styles. As Head Brewer Gareth has developed and dialled in the DEYA beers, to create an eclectic mix of truly World-class beers.

18:00
Exhibition Closes

18:15 - 19:15 (TBC)
SIBA Independent Beer Awards

Session description:
This SIBA Independent Beer Awards 2023 represent the culmination of 12 months’ of regional awards across the UK in cask, keg, bottle & can - with the best-of-the-best moving forwards to fight it out at BeerX UK 2023.

Please note the bars will close during the awards but free beer, both draught and packaged, will be available free of charge on the tables. So grab a seat and get ready for the awards!

21:00
Bar Closes

Last orders at 20.45, BeerX UK closes at 21.00

Fringe Events - Thursday 14th March 2024

Liverpool Brewing Company Taproom
From 20.00
Beer X After Party

Free entry - Beer X after party at Liverpool Brewing Company Taproom on Lime st (2 min walk from train station)

3£ on Liverpool Brewing Company Cask ales

Bogof on Hackney Church Brewery beers

DJ + free gifts

Hosted by Kam from Beer Guide Worldwide

Bundobust Liverpool
From 20.00pm
Siren Tap Takeover

Siren Craft Brew are taking over the taps at Bundobust Liverpool!

From Tues 12th we'll be pouring both keg and cask from the Reading based brewery, alongside a range of Bundo beers brewed in Manchester.
SIBA ticket holders get 25% discount Tue - Fri. Show your pass to claim!

 

Dead Crafty Beer Company
from 20.00
Battle of the Taps: North V South

The Battle of the Taps is back for SIBA Beer X for it's 6th year!

North return to take on southern superstars, Disruption IS Brewing for one night only! With 6 beers from each brewery, you decide who wins the Battle of the Taps!

The Head of Steam, Liverpool
From 20.00
Brew York X Sure Shot Launch.

Owners and Brewers will be in attendance on Tuesday the 12th of March to chat all things Brew York.

Launch for our collaboration with Sure Shot.

Liverpool Brewing Company Taproom
From 20.00
Try Local Cask Ale

Massive offer for everyone attending Beer X to try some locally made award winning cask ales.

All core range cask £3 per pint with event accreditation.

Offer available all day from Tuesday till Friday

The Baltic Fleet
From 20.00
Magic Rock Tap Takeover

EY UP! - We’re taking over the taps at one of our favourite Liverpool venues, and you’re all invited!

SIBA BEER X FRINGE EVENT: 10 min walk from Exhibition Centre.

TAPS POURING 13/14th MARCH: 3 cask including finalists Dark Arts and Ringmaster + 3 keg lines.

MEET TEAM MAGIC: Weds 8pm-11pm

Fringe Events - Friday 15th March 2024

Bundobust Liverpool
From 20.00pm
Siren Tap Takeover

Siren Craft Brew are taking over the taps at Bundobust Liverpool!

From Tues 12th we'll be pouring both keg and cask from the Reading based brewery, alongside a range of Bundo beers brewed in Manchester.
SIBA ticket holders get 25% discount Tue - Fri. Show your pass to claim!

 

Liverpool Brewing Company Taproom
From 20.00
Try Local Cask Ale

Massive offer for everyone attending Beer X to try some locally made award winning cask ales.

All core range cask £3 per pint with event accreditation.

Offer available all day from Tuesday till Friday