BeerX 2027: UK brewing trade show, Liverpool, 17–18 March
Dates
17–18 Mar 2027
City / country
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Venue
Exhibition Centre Liverpool
Are you the organiser of this event?
Companies exhibiting at BeerX include 6ix Process Design, Aetna Group S.p.A., Air Methods Ltd, Alfa Coil & Condensers (Refrigeration Cooling Experts) and Anton Paar India Pvt Ltd.
Event overview
BeerX 2027 is the UK's biggest beer and brewing trade event, returning to Exhibition Centre Liverpool on 17–18 March 2027.
The two-day SIBA-run show combines a trade exhibition of brewing equipment, ingredients and services with seminars, awards and the SIBA AGM, and drew a record 3,680 trade attendees in 2026.
It is a working trade event for brewers, suppliers and buyers rather than a consumer beer festival.
TL;DR
Visit to compare malt, hop, yeast, packaging, dispense, lab and software suppliers in one hall, to hear SIBA's sessions on cost, duty, sustainability and beer style, and to use the trade-only Indie Beer Champions showcase as a buying shortlist. The AGM and awards add a clear read on where the independent sector is heading.
Exhibit because BeerX concentrates qualified UK brewing buyers rather than general consumers: 125 supplier companies and 3,680 trade attendees in 2026, a 95% exhibitor approval rating, and a two-day programme that keeps delegates on site. A working product, UK support and German-free English sales material are the baseline; the show rewards demonstration and named account conversations.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Exhibition Centre Liverpool, King's Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 4FP, United Kingdom
Parking: The waterfront campus has paid parking; the 2027 event parking charge was not published on fetched pages.
Gate: Use the main waterfront entrance and allow 15–20 minutes to walk from Liverpool Lime Street or James Street station.
Attend
Ticket info
Ticket notes
Delegate tickets are free to SIBA members; the 2027 non-member delegate price and registration deadline were not published on the fetched pages.
What's on
SIBA AGM and Members' Conference
The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates holds its AGM and members' conference at BeerX.
Within the BeerX venue; member access rules apply.
WebsiteIndie Beer Champions showcase
A trade-only showcase of independent beers; 265 beers were available in 2026.
Trade-only tasting area within the exhibition.
WebsiteHeadline Supporter
Ekeg
Three-year headline partnership announced in January 2026 covering 2026 and beyond.
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 3,680
Exhibitors: 125
This edition
2027
Visitors: 3,800
Exhibitors: 130
Next edition
2027
SIBA has confirmed 17–18 March 2027 at Exhibition Centre Liverpool and says it will build on the most successful year in 2026.
Continued three-hall footprint Expanded European and North American participation
Growth over time
Edition recap
BeerX 2026 ran 18–19 March at Exhibition Centre Liverpool and was the biggest edition yet: 3,680 trade attendees, 125 exhibitor companies, 265 beers in the trade-only showcase, 30 seminars and panels, 20 business award winners and 18 fringe events across Liverpool.
New this edition
Impact
BeerX 2026 was the event's record edition: 3,680 trade attendees, 125 exhibitor companies and a 95% exhibitor approval rating. The five-year attendance series shows recovery from 2,672 in 2022 to 3,680 in 2026, with the steepest growth in 2024–2025 when the show expanded into three halls.
Audience quality
The audience is trade-qualified: brewery owners, head brewers, production and quality staff, beer buyers and suppliers. SIBA reports 99% of delegates would recommend BeerX to an industry colleague and 97% of exhibitors call it the UK's best brewing trade show. The small absolute size is a feature: 3,680 attendees over two days is dense, beer-literate traffic rather than consumer footfall.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on named-account selling, not lead volume. With 125 exhibitors and 3,680 attendees, the ratio is roughly 29 attendees per exhibitor, high for a trade show. Suppliers that book meetings before the show, demonstrate a working product and follow up within 48 hours should treat BeerX as their primary UK brewing sales moment; consumer brands without a trade proposition will not recover the cost.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
The UK independent brewing sector is consolidating under duty, energy, packaging and pub-cost pressure, which makes a concentrated trade show more valuable: buyers arrive with a live supplier list and a cost problem to solve. BeerX 2026 recorded 3,680 trade attendees and 125 exhibitors, and the event won Event of the Year at the Trade Association Forum Awards 2026. That combination of density and industry recognition makes it the default UK meeting point for brewing suppliers.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Cost pressure and consolidation
Breweries are absorbing duty, energy, malt, packaging and distribution cost increases while pub closures reduce outlets. Suppliers are expected to prove payback quickly and to offer leasing, servicing or efficiency gains rather than capital-heavy equipment alone.
What it changes: Exhibitors must lead with total cost of ownership and a clear payback story.
SourceQuality, consistency and data
Brewers are adopting production data, dissolved oxygen control, lab testing and traceability to protect shelf life and brand consistency. Keg and cask tracking, the core business of 2027 headline supporter ekeg, sits inside this trend.
What it changes: Software, lab and dispensing suppliers can position around measurable quality outcomes.
SourceInternational and low/no diversification
BeerX 2026 hosted a keynote from the American Brewers Association and the first joint report from the Independent Brewers of Europe, while UK brewers continue to diversify into low- and no-alcohol beer and new serve formats to replace lost volume.
What it changes: Suppliers with export-ready or low/no capability can use BeerX to reach an audience actively looking beyond cask and keg ale.
SourceLatest updates from across the market.
BeerX is the UK national brewing trade show. Suppliers with European ambitions pair it with BrauBeviale in Nuremberg, while London-facing brewers use BrewLDN and the Great British Beer Festival for consumer and trade visibility.
Spring
Mid-March UK national brewing trade window.
Autumn
European capital-equipment buying window in Nuremberg.
Circuit framing is editorial; only BeerX dates and 2026 statistics are sourced in this run.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Closest airport; short taxi or bus ride to the waterfront.
About 12 km
to venue
25–30 minutes
by car
Manchester Airport
Largest long-haul gateway for the region; direct trains to Liverpool Lime Street.
About 55 km
to venue
50–60 minutes by car or direct rail
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 90–130 / night
Planning band for mid-March 2027; book early because the show and city events tighten supply.
USD 140–200 / night
Walkable to Exhibition Centre Liverpool; rates are estimate bands, not live quotes.
USD 220–320 / night
Premium band for suites, breakfast and flexible cancellation.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Train
About 15–20 minutes on foot via the waterfront; James Street station is closer to the arena campus.
Taxi / ride-hail
About 10 minutes outside peak traffic; use the designated drop-off on the waterfront.
Bus
Merseytravel day tickets are available; check the latest fare on the operator site.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | Visa-exempt nationals including EU, US, Canadian and Australian visitors | $25.00 | Usually within days; apply before travel | |
| Standard Visitor visa | Nationals who are not visa-exempt or ETA-eligible | $150.00 | Typically around three weeks |
Irish citizens do not need permission to enter the UK. EU, US and many Commonwealth visitors need an ETA rather than a visa.
The UK accepts ATA carnets for qualifying temporary imports; confirm the procedure with the freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
Mid-March is early spring in Liverpool: roughly 5–11°C, breezy and showery, with a real chance of rain off the Mersey. Pack a waterproof shell and layers.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is typically available at the venue; mobile coverage is good across the waterfront.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Trade dress, not festival dress
BeerX is a working trade show; smart-casual with comfortable shoes is the norm, and exhibitors staff a stand for two long days.
Liverpool hospitality
Conversations often continue in the city's pubs and taprooms after the show; the 2026 edition had 18 official fringe events.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: Liverpool John Lennon (LPL) or Manchester (MAN)
Book six to eight weeks out; Manchester has more direct European flights, Liverpool is closer to the venue.
Most EU, US and Commonwealth visitors need a UK ETA; nationals outside the visa-exempt list need a Standard Visitor visa. Irish citizens do not need permission.
Estimated cost: USD 25 for an ETA; USD 150 for a Standard Visitor visa (planning figures)
Processing: ETA usually days; visitor visa typically around three weeks
Check GOV.UK before booking; rules and fees change.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: LPL: taxi about GBP 18–25 in 25–30 minutes. MAN: direct train to Liverpool Lime Street then walk or taxi.
Hotel → venue: Most city-centre hotels are 15–25 minutes on foot or a GBP 6–10 taxi ride.
Ride-hail: Uber and local private hire operate across Liverpool; use the waterfront drop-off.
Public transit: Merseyrail to James Street or Lime Street, then a short walk; buses serve the waterfront.
Parking: Paid parking on the waterfront campus; charge not published for 2027.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March
Temperature: 5–11°C
Seasonality: Changeable, windy and showery early-spring weather.
Packing: Waterproof jacket, layers, comfortable shoes for the waterfront walk, and a phone charger for long days.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Wednesday 17 March 2027
Both days are full trade days, but the opening day gives the best access to supplier staff before stand teams are tired and before the awards crowd arrives. Thursday 18 March is the stronger second choice if you want the awards and final-day programme.
Confirm SIBA membership status and register for a delegate ticket — Membership can make the ticket free; check the current policy.
Book travel and a refundable hotel near the waterfront — Mid-March is busy; aim for Albert Dock or Lime Street.
Download the exhibitor list and mark 12 target suppliers — Prioritise gaps in malt, packaging or dispense.
Check the seminar programme and pick sessions — Leave room for the AGM and awards.
Pack business cards, charger and a waterproof layer — Trade dress, comfortable shoes.
Confirm train times and venue entry point — Allow 20 minutes from Lime Street.
Arrive at Exhibition Centre Liverpool and collect badge
Main waterfront entranceWalk the supplier exhibition and book follow-ups
Exhibition hallsAttend a brewing or business seminar
Seminar stageIndie Beer Champions tasting and buyer conversations
Trade-only showcaseAwards, then dinner or a fringe event in the city
Venue and Liverpool city centreAlbert Dock and the Beatles Story
Waterfront Culture
On the venue doorstep; 1–2 hours
Combine the show with Liverpool's maritime and music heritage.
Liverpool Cathedral
Landmark
About 20 minutes by taxi or bus
One of the UK's largest cathedrals and a city panorama from the tower.
Anfield stadium tour
Sport
About 20 minutes by taxi
A bookable tour for football fans with a spare half-day.
Albert Dock bars and restaurants
Waterfront
Walkable from the venue for post-show dinners.
Ropewalks and Bold Street
City centre
Independent bars and restaurants for small-group conversations.
Official fringe events
Show programme
18 fringe events ran across Liverpool pubs and taprooms in 2026.
BeerX runs two days and the 2026 edition drew 3,680 trade attendees, so follow-up speed is the main differentiator. Suppliers who wait a week lose the conversation to a competitor who emailed from the train.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 300–450 / m²
Raw space
USD 250–380 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Estimate bands converted at about USD 1.27 per GBP. Confirm with SIBA before budgeting.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell scheme
USD 2700–4050 / 9 sqm stand
hotel
both · mid
USD 420–600 / 3 nights
per diem
both · standard
USD 240 / 3 days
visa
visitor · ETA
USD 25 / per person
flight
both · Europe
USD 130–220 / return
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell scheme | USD 2700–4050 / 9 sqm stand | estimate | 2026-11-05 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 420–600 / 3 nights | estimate | 2026-11-05 |
| per diem | both | standard | USD 240 / 3 days | estimate | 2026-11-05 |
| visa | visitor | ETA | USD 25 / per person | estimate | 2026-11-05 |
| flight | both | Europe | USD 130–220 / return | estimate | 2026-11-05 |
Decision
Six questions to decide whether BeerX 2027 is a visit, an exhibit or a skip for you.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You buy, specify or report on brewing and can commit one to two days.
Best for
Brewers, buyers, press and students who want supplier comparison, seminars and awards.
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
Book 4–6 weeks out
Risks
Trade-only access
Limited value without a target list
exhibit
You have a working product, UK support and a named-account plan.
Best for
Suppliers of malt, hops, yeast, equipment, packaging, dispense, lab, software or services to UK breweries.
Min. budget
$4,500.00
Timeline
Book 3–6 months out
Risks
No published 2027 stand rate
High follow-up workload
Consumer brands without a trade offer
skip
The show cannot produce a qualified trade conversation or a buying decision.
Best for
Consumers, hobbyists and brands with no UK brewing trade proposition.
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing brand exposure
No consumer ticketing
Book with
Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA)
The UK trade body for independent brewers runs BeerX, its AGM, awards and seminar programme.
Official organiser website.
Exhibition Centre Liverpool
Waterfront exhibition centre on King's Dock hosting the 2027 trade show.
Venue name and address confirmed on beerx.org.
ekeg
Keg and cask management business named BeerX headline supporter for 2026 and beyond.
Partnership confirmed in SIBA release.
Beer Guild
Brewing-industry publication that reported the 2026 post-show attendance and exhibitor figures.
Source of 2026 statistics used in this listing.
Recommended providers
Official UK government guidance.
Comparison resource; book a refundable rate.
Comparison resource, not an official BeerX partner.
Freight forwarder with exhibition experience; not an official partner.
Exhibition and public-liability cover options; not an official partner.
Official city visitor resource.
CRM option for consent-based follow-up; no official show integration published.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
4 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
3
References
3
Publishers
3
Date checked
BeerX / SIBA
Society of Independent Brewers and Associates
Beer Guild
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
