PROGRAM

The 2023 Australian Distillers Conference is back – bigger and better than ever!

We surveyed members who attended last year’s conference, and they said:

92% of respondents rated the conference Excellent or very good

98% rated the event Extremely organized or very organized

97% found the regional tours informative

99% said they will be coming back next year.

You also told us that you wanted more opportunity to network with your colleagues and meet with suppliers to the industry in an informal way. That is why we have updated the program to make this year’s experience even better!

Your Conference ticket is all inclusive, providing access to:

EVENT DETAILS

Sunday 26 March 

The Timber Yard, 351 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne. VIC 3207

Open 1.30pm

REGISTRATION

Collect your conference lanyard and show bag before proceeding to the Trade Show.

2.00 to 5.00 pm

TRADE SHOW & Masterclasses

Your chance to connect with suppliers to the Australian distilling industry.

Make new contacts, catch up with your current suppliers, discover new products, innovations and services, and network with your peers to learn how they are managing their products and services to their business.

**NEW THIS YEAR** - Your chance to attend a series of Masterclasses focused on our industry.

Master practical skills and pick up tips and tricks from a range of quality speakers, who will present on topics including:

• Mental health (Black Dog Institute)
• Export to the US (David Vitale, Founder, Starward)
• Yeast and fermentation (Fermentis)
• Oak chips and taste testing (Grapeworks)
• Process engineering (Gregor Warren, ME Engineering)
• Tastings and mixing advice (Fever Tree)

Masterclass presentations will commence from 2:00 PM Sunday, 26 March, and seating will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

5.00 pm to 8.00 pm

Welcome drinks

Reconnect with your peers at the networking drinks event of the year! A lively atmosphere is guaranteed with pop up bars to sample quality Victorian spirits and food as well as our tasting bar to sample the bottles presented by our members and delegates. 

All distillers are encouraged to bring a bottle (or two) of your favourite products to share with colleagues at the welcome drinks. Showcase your new innovations and the stories behind your spirits!

Monday 27 March

9.00 am - 4.30pm

CONFERENCE

The Timber Yard, 351 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne. VIC 3207

Learn from industry leaders through an informative agenda, which will focus on the themes of the 2023 Conference – Safe, Smart and Sustainable.

The Conference will also include a series of industry updates and a Member Forum to provide you with an opportunity to ask questions of the Australian Distillers Committee of Management.

Stay tuned for speaker announcements!

7.00 pm to 11.00 pm

GALA DINNER 

Glasshouse, Olympic Park Oval, Olympic Blvd, Melbourne VIC 3001.

Pre-dinner drinks from 7.00 PM

VIC distillers are encouraged to bring a bottle (or two) of your favourite products to share with colleagues at the pre-dinner drinks. Showcase your new innovations and the stories behind your spirits!

Gala Dinner from 8.00 PM

The Gala Dinner is the premier networking event of the Conference, celebrating industry achievements and providing an opportunity for you to continue socialising with friends – old and new, in a more formal and elegant setting.

Tuesday 28 March

Regional Tours

The regional tours are an important component of any Australian Distillers Conference, providing a genuine behind the scenes tour, and an opportunity for discussion with some of Victoria’s leading distillers – and the chance to sample their finished products!

Further details will be released in the coming weeks. When the details are announced, please select one regional tour that you wish to attend. Numbers are limited on each regional tour. Coaches will transport attendees to and from the tours. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

DRESS CODE

For the Trade Show, Welcome Drinks, Conference and Regional Tours, you should dress comfortably, wearing branded apparel from your distillery if desired. Please note, closed toed shoes are mandatory for the Regional Tours.

The Gala Dinner is a chance to dress up, so please wear your Monday best!