SIBA’s BeerX trade show is relocating to Liverpool next year.
Since its inception in 2013, the exhibition was held in Sheffield but in the build up St Patrick’s Weekend, it will be held at the ACC arena on March 14 and 15.
Over the past five years, the trade show has continued to grow and 2017 saw it’s highest attendance to date with an increase of 59%.
This year’s festival also saw an increase in trade stall sales by 19% with 148 businesses taking part during its final year in Sheffield.
SIBA operations director Nick Stafford said: “SIBA is very pleased to be taking BeerX to the vibrant city of Liverpool, which, like so many cities across the UK, has seen an explosion in independent craft brewing and thirst amongst drinkers for quality beer.
“It was a tough decision to move the event as Sheffield has been BeerX’s home for five years, but we think the time is right for a change and look forward to hosting our key event at this very professional exhibition centre in Liverpool.”
Over the two days, craft beer fans can go to seminars, debates and also network with the Business and Retail Awards taking place on March 14 during Member’s Day.
Popular attraction ‘BeerAlive!’ will not be returning as the business focuses on the trade and brewing side of the event. The BeerX Trade Show will conclude with the National Brewing Awards.
Nick added: “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.
“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 days work at the conference!”