Beer & Trades Show in Pictures

The 2026 CIU Beer & Trades Show proved as popular as ever — and it’s easy to see why. Check out the official photos now live on Facebook. The CIU NEC and Club Journal team were out in force at the UK’s biggest club trade show. Were you there? Enjoy! 

What a night! CIU Showcase 

This year’s not-to-be-missed CIU Entertainment Showcase in Blackpool delivered a packed night of talent, from AC/DC classics to a vibrant Elton John tribute, all hosted by the multi-talented John Gillan, proving once again why live acts remain top of the club charts. 

AGM 2026 - report in May issue

For clubs unable to attend Conference, the recording of the AGM - which covered everything from CIU structures, to key concerns on the Gambling Commission’s consultation - has been transcribed and will appear in May's Club Journal. Out soon.

Outstanding support from Beer & Trades Show exhibitors 

A big thank you to all who attended the CIU Beer & Trades Exhibition — clubs and suppliers alike. As the UK’s largest trade event for private members’ social clubs, it showcased a wide range of products, services, and expert advice designed to boost operations, increase trade, and reduce costs. 

Preferred Suppliers including BOC, Dransfields, Greene King, Brown & Brown Insurance and Pure Purchasing were delighted to attend, soaking up the atmosphere and  sharing best practice with club officials, all committed to securing the strongest possible future for clubs and for members.

Greene King - Preferred Supplier

Greene King and Belhaven provide CIU members with Value for Venues, a wholesale drinks supply service with everything you need in one place - a full composite drinks service and a one-stop-shop delivery service across beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.

Gemini Parking Solutions

Managing a club comes with its own challenges — parking shouldn’t be one of them. At Gemini Parking Solutions, we help clubs eliminate unauthorised parking, reduce operational workload, and create new revenue streams.

Dransfields - Preferred Supplier

Dransfields celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, and will be showcasing gaming machines, pool tables, juke boxes and its state-of-the-art Spotlight and Dart Shark. Plus: visit the team to meet European Pool Champion Clint l'Anson.

Club Control

Club Control is the largest supplier of EPOS and management systems to the club sector in the UK, trusted by over 1800 clubs nationally. They only work with clubs and their systems are designed specifically for the sector.

BOC - Preferred Supplier

BOC Sureserve® is the leading dispense gases supplier in the UK. BOC Sureserve® offers a full range of food grade dispense gases and dispense systems to ensure you have the right gas for the right beverage, giving your customers the perfect drink every time.

TNT Sports 

TNT Sports is supporting the Blackpool Beer & Trades Exhibition for its 10th year. Enjoy UEFA  Champions League football, UEFA Europa League. Plus: LIV Golf and rugby.

Brown & Brown 

As the only preferred and trusted CIU insurance partner, Brown & Brown will provide your club with the appropriate insurance cover you require.

Ace Furniture

ACE Furniture is a family business with over 43 years’ experience in manufacturing both fixed and loose furniture, based centrally in Northamptonshire.

Pure Purchasing - Preferred Supplier

Unlock hidden savings and maximise value with Pure's expert club consultancy services. Whether you're looking for guidance, want to check out the competition, reduce waste, or negotiate better contracts, they can help.

Arena Racing Company

The CIU has teamed up once again with Arena Racing Company to give CIU club members great-value offers to enjoy great days out at the races. With over 500 racedays in 2026, watch out for latest offers at clubjournal.co.uk.

Crystals

Crystals are market leaders in club supplies and their range include various bingo books and  machines, Club Payment cards raffle books, lottery tickets & machines, wristbands, rule books, membership cards etc..