SIBA unveils BeerX event speakers

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has unveiled its keen lineup of speakers for BeerX, its celebration of British beer taking place in Sheffield this March.

Bob Pease, CEO of the American Brewers Association, one of the key speakers at BeerX 2015 (Photo: SIBA)

Speakers addressing delegates on BeerX Industry Day, Thursday 19 March, are: Bob Pease, chief executive officer of the American Brewers Association; Katherine Smart, group chief brewer at SAB Miller and David Cunningham, director of There’s A Beer For That.

Speeches will be followed by a panel of politicians, including Andrew Griffiths MP, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, who will debate what the next government should do to support independent brewers, including any implications from the 2015 Budget, held on the previous day.

BeerX also includes a programme of 30+ seminars on a range of topics, delivered by more leading industry figures. There will also be sessions on kegging beers, running a pub, export and meetings with buyers from on- and off-trade retailers.

SIBA managing director Mike Benner said, “The calibre of speakers we have attracted to share their experience and opinions at BeerX speaks volumes for the stature of the event and of SIBA. The programme covers everything that is important to our delegates, from technical aspects of brewing to finding export markets, to the political, social and health aspects of beer.

“Our vision for BeerX is to present British beer at its best to a broad audience. With this outstanding line up of speakers, as well as our National Beer Competition, Business Awards and Festival of Beer, this third BeerX looks set to be the most successful yet.”

BeerX takes place from 17-21 March, at the iceSheffield arena. It includes the UK’s biggest brewing trade show, with stands from more than 100 suppliers.

The finalist cask, bottled and keg beers from SIBA’s regional beer competitions will be judged and the winners unveiled, while the Festival of Beer is expecting up to 4,000 consumers from the UK.

BeerX is open to SIBA members and other industry delegates. To see the full programme and to buy a ticket, visit beerx.siba.co.uk.