When will the 2025 Conference be held?

The 2025 Conference and Trade Show is scheduled from Tuesday 1 April to Wednesday 2 April 2025.

An additional day of Distillery Tours is scheduled for Monday, 31 March 2025.

Further details will be published as the Conference agenda is finalised.

Do I have to be a member of the Australian Distillers Association to come to the Conference?

The conference is exclusively for distillery professionals and those planning a career in the Australian spirits industry. It is not a consumer or public facing event. For 2025 this is a member only event. So, if you are not a member, there has never been a better time to join. Click here to find out some of the benefits of membership.

How do I join the Australian Distillers Association?

Joining is easy - just click here and follow the prompts.

By joining the Australian Distillers Association, you will be part of one of the fastest growing and most diverse industries in Australia. You share in the passion, commitment and ethical standards required to unleash the potential of you and your business.

When will details of the Conference Program be published?

The full program will be announced soon, featuring plenaries and specialised breakout sessions to enhance your professional development. Stay tuned for more information.

This is my first time attending the Australian Distillers Conference. Will people be friendly?

Lucky for you, you will be joining one of the most engaging, welcoming and supportive industries in Australia. Australian Distillers Members have a reliable reputation for being open and generous with sharing their advice, experience and expertise.

What is the dress code?

The dress code is neat casual for the Welcome Drinks, Conference and Distillery Tours. Most delegates will wear their own branded apparel. For the Distillery Tours, you will be visiting working facilities and closed toed shoes are essential.

After the Conference concludes on Wednesday afternoon, there will be a short break for you to freshen up.

The dress code for the Gala Party is ‘bring your Gold Coast vibe!’

Bring a bottle

It isn’t an Australian Distillers Conference without the opportunity to show off your latest or greatest product to your distilling mates, both old and new. 

That’s why we strongly encourage every distiller to bring a bottle (or two maximum) to share with your colleagues.

Please bring your bottle to the registration desk, and our friendly team will ensure it is included in the networking events.

What is the RSA and Conference Code of Conduct policy?

All components of the Australian Distillers Conference will be in licensed venues, and will be subject to Queensland licensing laws and the Conference Code of Conduct.

The Responsible Service of Alcohol will be enforced at all events where alcohol is served.

The Conference Code of Conduct is linked here. Australian Distillers reserves the right to manage participation in the event in accordance with the Code.

I haven’t booked accommodation yet, what do I do?

There are a limited number of rooms available at exclusive Conference attendee rates at The Dorsett Hotel and The Star Grand.

Once these allocations are exhausted, standard room rates will apply. Further details are included on the accommodation page.

Hotel contact information is included on the accommodation page. Please direct ALL accommodation queries directly to the hotels.

Can my spouse/partner come to the Gala Party if they are not coming to the conference?

Yes. You can book your Partner/Spouse Gala Party tickets through the website via the registration page. 

Will there be time to meet with the sponsors and vendors?

One of the key successes from the 2024 Conference was the expanded Trade Show. In 2025 we have an additional 400sqm of space to accommodate over 40 exhibitor stands.

Members have told us that they want more time to meet with trusted suppliers to the industry and find out more about their latest products and services. That’s why there will be plenty of breaks in the schedule to allow you time to connect with suppliers and sponsors.

We have worked hard to bring you an improved Conference this year, which will be supported by the generous sponsorship of our industry partners. So make sure you make time to meet with them at the Trade Show!  

Tell me more about the Distillery Tours

All conference delegates can register for one of the Distillery Tours. To book your tour, please go to the registration page (to be released soon).

Each of the tours will be leaving from the Star Grand hotel at 11am on Monday 31 March 2025. There is no self-drive and registration is essential. The tours will visit working distilleries, so you must wear closed toes shoes and appropriate clothing. 

Refreshments and lunch will be provided at the distilleries. You will also be provided with tasting samples while you are there. If you want to purchase products from featured distilleries, our generous hosts have agreed that all conference attendees can purchase at wholesale prices.

When does the Registration Desk open?

Registration opens at 7.30am on Tuesday, 1st April 2025 at The Star Events Centre.

When you register, you will need to present your QR booking confirmation at the registration desk and your badge will be printed, with a unique QR code that can be used throughout the Trade Show and conference.  

If you are now a commercial distiller, and you are an Associate Member, now is the time to upgrade your membership of the Australian Distillers Association. You can do so by contacting Michael via email.  

How is this amazing conference so affordable?

The 2025 Australian Distillers Conference is proudly supported by our Headline Partner, the Queensland Government, and generous industry sponsors.

With their support, we are able to keep conference ticket prices at an accessible rate to encourage participation from all Members – established and emerging.

Please support the brands that support you! VISIT our conference partners page and meet up with our amazing sponsors at the Trade Show.

I still have some questions. Who should I contact?

You can contact Michael at any time via email.