MA backs SIBA conference

The Morning Advertiser has teamed up with SIBA to hold the second SIBA Pub Retail Conference after the success of last year's inaugural event.

The Morning Advertiser has teamed up with the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) to hold the second SIBA Pub Retail Conference after the success of last year's inaugural event.

The event, which is sponsored by Enterprise Inns, will be held on Tuesday 16 November at the Crowne Plaza in the City of London.

The conference is to be held in conjunction with the SIBA Business Awards event.

Confirmed speakers include Peter Coulson, Morning Advertiser legal editor, who will give an overview of licensing changes this year. Beer Writer of the Year 2009 Pete Brown will gives his take on what's happening in the beer market.

Christie+Co head of pubs Neil Morgan will give an overview on what's happening in the pub property market. SIBA commercial director Nick Stafford will provide an update on the Direct Delivery Scheme, while SIBA chief executive Julian Grocock will present "10 things I learned as a pub retailer".

Enterprise Inns chief operating officer Simon Towns-end will talk about "A pub company's approach to business with SIBA members".

Three brewers will talk about their approach to pub retailing: Joule's area manager Phil Britton, Mike Inman, director of Ossett Brewery, and Ed Mayman, owner of Freedom Brewery.

In the afternoon, Matthew Kirby, boss of Fishbowl Marketing and owner of two pubs, explains how digital marketing can drive traffic to pubs. Also Peter Amor, owner of Wye Valley Brewery, will talk about what he's learned in relation to pub retailing and marketing.

Ben McFarland, the youngest ever winner of the Beer Writer of the Year award, talks about the great microbrewer retailing he came across while writing The Good Beer Guide West Coast USA.

BII Licensee of the Year Richard Pope, who runs the Bull's Head, Repton, Derbyshire, will explain how he's turned a derelict pub into a business taking £30,000 per week. And Steve Alton, sales director at Brulines, explains how the company's revolutionary i-draught technology can ensure better understanding of draught yields.

Morning Advertiser editor The PMA Team said: "It should be fantastic day for those involved in brewing and running pubs to pick up ideas."

Members can book two free conference places by emailing Rikki Mudie on rikki.mudie@william-reed.co.uk.