BeerX, UK’s biggest beer and brewing event is leaving Sheffield and will be held next year in Liverpool. Nick Stafford, operations director at SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) justified the step with the size of the event, which has outgrown the location in Sheffield, which hosted the trade show for the last five years.
"In recent years SIBA BeerX has grown in size and numbers spectacularly, reaching attendance from over 2,000 visitors, and the Exhibition Centre Liverpool on the iconic docks by the River Mersey has all that is required for SIBA to host every activity under one roof, in one massive space,” said Mr. Stafford. And he added: "Travel by road, rail and air is exceptionally easy, especially for our international visitors, and accommodation is available for all size of budgets within walking distance of the venue and then there is the superb beer scene in the city centre for delegates to enjoy after a hard day's work at the conference!"
The last BeerX in march 2017 saw an impressive turnout with delegate attendance up by 59% compared to last year, SIBA members visiting up by 69% (Brewing and Supplier Associate members), trade stand sales increasing by 19% with 148 exhibiting businesses present.
Next year’s BeerX will be held on 14th & 15th March 2018 at the exhibition center in Liverpool. The event will be shortened by one day and will be held without the accompanying beer festival, called BeerAlive!, which featured this year craft brewed beer, street food and live music in a pop-up beer hall outside the conference center.
