We Are Beer Industry | Expo & Conference – A call to action for good beer
February 12, 2025
A decade ago, when we founded We Are Beer, few predicted craft beer would disrupt the industry as it has. From 0% to 10% market share, its influence extends far beyond—reshaping consumer perceptions, redefining beer culture, and transforming both on- and off-trade channels.
Yet today, despite immense opportunity, the challenges are greater. Slower growth, fierce competition, and rising costs demand sharper strategy and greater discipline.
The problem? Good beer—especially craft beer—feels like it’s on the defensive. The industry is looking inward, questioning its model, and innovating sideways rather than forward. It’s reacting, not leading. The sense of community is fading, and in an era of shifting consumer habits and market pressures, many struggle to see the opportunity amid the noise.
The solution? Get back on the attack. The UK beer market is worth £20bn, and craft remains its second-fastest-growing segment. Now is the time for fresh thinking. We need ideas. Entrepreneurialism. Craft. Strategy. Above all, we need inspiration to fuel business growth, product development, and market expansion.
Enter the inaugural We Are Beer Industry Expo & Conference—a gathering of industry leaders committed to shaping the future of our category and equipping businesses with the tools to win.
Across two dynamic days, speakers will engage under four key themes, all designed to drive sustainable commercial success. Tailored for brewery founders, management teams, marketing and sales leads, and production heads, the event will spark robust, inspiring debate.
Theme 1: What’s the Destination? Success starts with clarity. What’s your business’s ultimate goal? Whether it’s M&A, employee ownership, the family brewer model, or building a highly profitable independent brewery, our expert speakers will help attendees define their path forward with purpose and precision.
Theme 2: What Does Success Look Like? With so many models and metrics, benchmarking in craft beer can be complex. What defines strong financial performance? How should we invest? What does quality look like—both in product and in a diverse, modern workforce? Attendees will leave with a clearer picture of their business health and the key performance indicators needed to grow.
Theme 3: Show Me the Future Where is beer headed? Leading founders, suppliers, and agencies will explore emerging trends across production, innovation, and marketing—delivering actionable insights into the future opportunities that businesses and brands can seize now.
Theme 4: Today in the Trade This theme delivers immediate commercial impact. Buyers from top on- and off-trade retailers will share data-driven insights into what’s selling, how consumer demand is shifting, and how breweries can win in these critical channels. Commercial teams will gain clear strategies to drive sales and expand market presence.
We started this journey by creating the UK’s best and most dynamic beer festivals, shining a light on the incredible work of breweries. Now, we’re expanding our mission—bringing the same passion and expertise to this Industry Expo & Conference that will shape the next era of great beer.
Get involved. If you lead a team and see the value, buy tickets. If you’re an emerging professional and know this event could benefit your career and company, convince your boss to send you. We’re building something unique, desperately needed and unmissable. Be part of it.