Reach Thousands of Buyers and Consumers at the One Event

Breweries, importers and distributors of all sizes will be able to reach key decision-makers, beer buyers and thousands of new consumers when the Beer & Brewer Expo returns to Melbourne bigger and better in May. Following the inaugural expo in 2009, the annual event will be held this year at Federation Square from Thursday, May 20, to Saturday, May 22, with trade-only events kicking it off, with the continued support of major sponsor, Dan Murphy's.

Coinciding with the Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA), the expo will again unite the brewing community with keen beer-lovers who want to learn more about beer production and meet the people behind it.

The growing demands for better beer knowledge among consumers and the need for access to more diverse brews have led to this year's expo having a solid educational focus for both trade and public. Free trade-only seminars will be aimed at all sides of the liquor and hospitality businesses, with topics including building beer lists, how to buy, sell and taste beer, starting a brewery and building a brand. The half-hour forums will be held in The Atrium at Federation Square on Thursday, May 20, and Young & Jackson Hotel across the road on Friday, May 21, from 11am to 4pm on both days.

Seminars for the public will also be held over the expo, covering a wide range of topics including home brewing, beer and food matching, and tasting master classes, costing $5 on the day to attend. Some of the guest speakers include the US's Jamil Zainasheff, Roger Protz from the UK and Australia's own 'Fast Ed' Halmagyi.

From ales to bocks, porters to wheat beers and everything beyond, visitors will sample the many unique brews and talk to the teams behind the exhibitor stands. This then presents the invaluable opportunity to field feedback and questions direct with the trade and consumers, which ideally can convert to more sales, stockists, exposure and, ultimately, brand growth. And with the AIBA drawing hundreds of key local and international industry figures to Melbourne each year, the expo also presents incredible networking prospects for all sides of the business. A strong focus on RSA will be ensured throughout the expo with 50ml, 100ml and 200ml beer samples offered, along with food and public transport options for the CBD location.

Dan Murphy's is continuing its support of the expo as the major sponsor, which ties into its focus of making available more local and international boutique beers through its 100-plus outlets nationwide. Other sponsors include BREW Cellar, Chang and Coopers, with media partners being National Liquor News, TheShout.com.au, the LMAA and Beer & Brewer magazine. Exhibitors and sponsors can also take advantage of the discounted accommodation on offer over the expo through the official accommodation partners The Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure and Mercure Welcome Melbourne.

Entry tickets are already selling fast through Ticketek, BREW Cellar home brew stockists and participating Beer & Brewer magazine stockists, while exhibitor stands are also quickly booking up.