Get in touch with us at events@siba.co.uk
Schedule
This year, the BeerX team is excited to announce that they are hard at work planning a series of thought-provoking seminars, interactive tasting sessions, and lively panel debates that will highlight the best the craft beer industry has to offer.
Wednesday 19th
Opening Hours 9:30am - 8pm
Exhibition Hours (9:30am - 6pm)
Seminar
11:00-11:30
Future of Brewing
9:00am
BeerX Official Opening & Indie Beer Update
Join SIBA's Chief Executive Andy Slee and Head of Comms & Marketing Neil Walker for the Official Opening of BeerX 2025. Here's how you can get the most out of the event, what's in-store over the next two days, and how SIBA's hugely successful Indie Beer campaign is aiming to grow independent beer's market share by reaching out to new consumer audiences.
Speakers: Andy Slee (SIBA), Neil Walker (SIBA)
Tasting
11:30-12:30
The Hop Yard
10:00am
Tasting: Full flavoured and alcohol free
Is 2025 the year that the alcohol free IPA goes mainstream? Join beer sommelier and educator Annabel Smith for a tasting of four flagship IPAs and Pale Ales that have relaunched as Alcohol Free (0.5% abv) products in an attempt to capture the growing no and low market.
The tasting will include:
Thornbridge - Jaipur AF
St Austell - Proper Job AF
Siren - Soundwave AF
Northern Monk - Faith AF
Speaker: Annabel Smith (Beer Sommelier Programme)
Seminar
11:45-12:30
Future of Brewing
9:00am
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
Join us for a practical seminar on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and its impact on small businesses. This session will cover who is obligated under current regulations, including businesses over £2m turnover and 50 tonnes of packaging, versus those below £1m and 25 tonnes - who make up the majority of small breweries. We’ll explore what EPR means for smaller businesses, the steps you need to take, and what changes are on the horizon.
Speaker: Rick Fisher – Bottling Operations Manager at Frederic Robinson Limited
Seminar
12:45-13:30
Future of Brewing
11:00am
Calculating Carbon Emissions
As part of its sustainability strategy, SIBA has partnered with leading experts to develop carbon calculators that can help your business meet the growing environmental standards. In this session you will hear from leading company Zevero and Windsor and Eton Brewery on the latest tools available.
Speakers: George Wade, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Zevero
Will Calvert, Co-founder and Director, Windsor and Eton Brewery
Seminar
12:45-13:30
The Hop Yard
12:00pm
Preparing a brewing business for sale
An overview of the legal and financial considerations when preparing your business for sale and ensuring succession success together with taking a closer look at exit strategies when selling to trade buyers, management or an employee ownership trust.
Speaker: Napthens Solicitors
Seminar
13:45-14:30
Future of Brewing
13:00pm
Retapping the Potential of Public Aroma Hops
Public aroma hops now make up just 35% of the US market, but they remain an essential, cost-effective choice for brewers looking focused on quality and stability. Join us to discover how Crosby Hops is redefining what's possible with public varieties like Centennial, Comet, and Chinook through its Estate Grown program, leveraging modern farming techniques and Oregon’s unique terroir. Learn how incorporating public hops into your brewing program can lower costs, enhance flavour, and strengthen the hop supply chain— ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for craft beer.
Speaker: Digby Fulham
Tasting
13:45-14:45
The Hop Yard
14:00pm
Flavour Frontiers: Faram’s sensory journey with Abstrax and Brewing Experts
Abstrax and a panel of hop and hands-on brewing experts will openly discuss how groundbreaking cannabis-inspired, fruit-forward, and advanced hop products can unlock new dimensions of flavour while streamlining production costs. Collaborate, learn, and share practical tips in Faram’s usual welcoming environment designed to spark creativity, discussion, and innovation. Perfect for brewers eager to push boundaries and deliver unforgettable beers that stand out in today’s competitive market.
Speaker: Charles Faram
Seminar
14:45-15:30
Future of Brewing
15:00pm
Brewery capacity expansion: Planning and execution
Growing can be challenging, but it doesn’t need to be painful. In this session we discuss how to increase production capacity without wasting money or sacrificing quality and sustainability. We cover the key aspects of capacity expansion including equipment specification, recipe scaling, project management, recruitment and compliance. Each is discussed for a range of scales, with some tips from those who have been there and done that.
Speaker: CIBD
Seminar
15:00-15:45
The Hop Yard
16:00pm
Reducing your carbon footprint whilst increasing your bank balance
We'll explore innovative solutions from Pneumatech, Fridgid Cloud, McDi, and Murphy's range of processing aids, alongside how to go ahead with applying for local council grants. Discover how to implement energy-efficient technologies that not only benefit the environment but also enhance your profitability. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn practical strategies for sustainable growth and financial success!
Speaker: Murphy & Sons
Panel
15:45-16:30
Future of Brewing
17:00pm
Panel: Can diversity and inclusivity be at the centre of a future beer industry?
In this vital panel debate curated by Women on Tap's Rachel Auty, our expert industry panelists tackle the question 'Can diversity and inclusivity be at the centre of a future beer industry?'.
Speakers: Rachel Auty (Women On Tap CIC), Annabel Smith (Beer Sommelier), Kate Hyde (Hand Brew Co.), Laura Emson (CAMRA), Catherine Webber (Attic Brew Co), Laura Mackie (SIBA)
Tasting
16:00-16:50
The Hop Yard
17:00pm
Tasting: Understanding Thiols & Biotransformation
This tasting uses a novel spike kit produced in collaboration with the Siebel Institute of Technology to highlight some common compounds produced through biotransformation in beer. From trendy thiols to terpenes and beyond. How are these compounds created? And how do we get more of them?
Speakers: Andrew Paterson & Alix Blease (Lallemand)
Seminar
17:00-17:45
Future of Brewing
17:00pm
Keynote talk with broadcaster and TV beer expert Marverine Cole
In our Headline Keynote talk for BeerX 2025 join multi-award-winning journalist and broadcaster Marverine Cole. Bringing her unique perspective and expert beer knowledge, Marverine can currently be seen as a newsreader on ITV1’s Good Morning Britain, is the resident beer expert on ITV’s ‘Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh’, and is one of the first women in the UK to become an accredited beer sommelier.
Speaker: Marverine Cole, Good Morning Britain Newsreader and TV Beer Expert
Wednesday Awards
Future of Brewing Stage
Chairman's Reception
Craft Report Winner Announcement - Presented by Chairman
18:15-18:30
SIBA Business Awards 2025
Presented by Pete Brown
18:30-19:15
Thursday 20th
Opening Hours 9am - 8pm
Exhibition Hours (9am - 5pm)
Tasting
9:00am
13:00-14:00
The Hop Yard
Hops on the Horizon: The Next Generation of Hop Flavours
We’re back for a third year with Buxton Brewery and our panel of experts.
Join us for an interactive sensory session led by Charles Faram and the creators of the Hop Heats Challenge.
This session builds on the brewer and consumer perspectives by showcasing a selection of beers crafted with the desirable hops chosen by you last year during the AromaFest® events. Ask questions and share your thoughts on our up-and-coming varieties, and be part of the Hop Heats project. Come along on this flavourful journey, where your opinion plays a vital role in the next wave in hop innovation.
Speaker: Charles Faram
Seminar
10:00am
13:00-13:45
The Steep Stage
Flavour and Stability: Exploring the Impact of Malt Characteristics on Beer Quality
What compounds in malt contribute towards the flavour and haze stability of your beer? How can you avoid unwanted hazes, flavour changes and staling? Sarah Marshall from Crisp Malt talks about common beer quality problems that are derived from malt and how best to avoid them.
Speaker: Sarah Marshall, Crisp Malt
Seminar
11:00am
13:15-14:00
Future of Brewing
Tackling energy use and the transition to Net Zero
As energy intensive businesses, independent breweries will have to address their energy use to help achieve Net Zero. To assist, Assistant Professor Rod White from the University of Nottingham and Chris Lewington from Brew Resourceful have been developing a new guide for SIBA members as part of the sustainability strategy. In this session they will give you an advanced look at the five key areas they are focused on which could help you to reduce your energy use and costs. They will also ask the audience what you want from the guide, so bring your suggestions along too!
Speaker: Barry Watts, SIBA Head of Public Affairs
Seminar
17:00pm
14:00-14:45
The Steep Stage
Managing your company effectively
Covering a number of crucial areas including Legal, Tax and Accounting Considerations, Business Structure, Employment Law and much more - this expert session sets out all you need to know as a brewery owner to manage your business effectively.
Speaker: Napthens
Seminar
14:00pm
14:15-15:00
Future of Brewing
Is the future of the pub secured?
What do CAMRA think pubs will look like in the future, if the Government don't fix market access issues? A seminar on the possible outcomes for pubs as we know them, consumer attitudes and the role of independent beer in a future thriving pub sector.
Speaker: Ash Corbett-Collins, CAMRA Chairman
Tasting
16:00pm
14:30-15:30
The Hop Yard
Tasting: A systematic approach to tasting beer
Discover WSET’s new beer qualifications and their unique approach to tasting training. You’ll learn how to calibrate your palate and to taste, describe, and assess the quality level of a beer with confidence.
Suited to anyone looking to develop their beer tasting skills and technique, whether you are new to beer, new to formally tasting beer or that want to find out more about the WSET approach and new beer qualifications.
Speaker: Natalya Watson (WSET)
Seminar
15:00pm
15:00-15:45
The Steep Stage
Growing your business through exports
Wouldn’t it be great to see your beers being enjoyed in other countries? Experts from the Department for Business and Trade will guide you through the support available for those looking or already exporting.
Speaker: Buddy Steiner-Lawson, Export Growth Manager, Department for Business and Trade
Seminar
13:00pm
15:15-16:00
The Steep Stage
Making the most of the Scottish Guest Beer Agreement
In April Scotland’s first Pubs Code will come into force which includes a new Guest Beer Agreement. This allows pub tenants to choose a guest beer from small independent breweries. SIBA’s Head of Public Affairs, Barry Watts, will guide you through the new arrangements and the opportunities for tenants and small breweries.
Speaker: Barry Watts, SIBA Head of Public Affairs
Seminar
12:00pm
15:45-16:30
The Hop Yard
Practical management top tips in a small brewery
Most of us didn’t get into brewing because of our passion for management systems. However, irrespective of the size of our operation, providing consumers with consistently excellent beer relies on our ability to get the best out of our teams and processes. In this session we outline the principles of the effective management of people, quality and the beer production process. These principles are reinforced with practical tips from brewing professionals. We promise zero management BS or buzzwords.
Speaker: CIBD
Panel
17:00pm
16:00-16:45
Future of Brewing
Panel: How is tech going to define the future of the beer industry?
How important will technology be in shaping the future of the brewing industry, and how can small breweries take advantage of current tech advances? Join our expert panel who'll be tackling the big questions facing breweries of all sizes in taking advantage of new technology in all its guises.
Speakers: Christian Barden (Konvoy), Henry Eccles (Google), Julian Bourne (Sellar)
Seminar
15:00pm
16:00-16:45
The Steep Stage
People management & apprenticeships - training for growing brewing businesses
Ever thought of taking on an apprentice? In this session you will hear from some of those brewers who have embarked on an apprenticeship and how it has improved their knowledge and skills as well as helping to take breweries to the next level.
Speaker: Jeremy Scorer (Licensed Trade Director) Amber Postlethwaite
(Rigg & Furrow Brewery), Sam Martyn (Leigh on Sea Brewery), Cameron O’Neil (Shipstones Beer Company)
Tasting
17:00pm
16:45-17:45
The Hop Yard
Tasting: A Grand Tasting Of Historic Ales
Get a taste of Kirkstall's historic beer festival 'A Great Exhibition of Prize Ales'where they challenge breweries across the UK to dig deep into their local history, and exhibit one or more beers that provide a link to the past. Expect to be transported back in time, and taste beers recreated from recipes decades or even hundreds of years old.
Speaker: Chris Hall (Kirkstall Brewery)
Thursday Awards
Future of Brewing Stage
SIBA Independent Beer Awards
Presented by Pete Brown
18:15-19:15