WHEN IS IT BEING HELD?

This year's conference begins at 11am on Sunday 28 April 2024

• Regional tours begin approx. 11am Sunday 28 April 2024
• Registration opens at 7.30am on Monday 29 April 2024 with access to the Trade Show
  
• Our NEW two day conference starts at 9.00am on Monday 29 April 2024
• Our NEW two day Trade Show begins at 8.00am on Monday 29 April 2024
• Our annual drinks gathering begin at 5.00pm on Monday 29 April 2024
• The Conference & Trade Show second day will start from 8.00am Tuesday 30 April 2024
• Gala Dinner will be from 7.00pm to 11pm Tuesday 30 April 2024

IS IT TOO LATE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2024 CONFERENCE?

No!

With an amazing ticket price of only $600 (+gst) you can register here. 

DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE AUSTRALIAN DISTILLERS ASSOCIATION TO COME TO THE CONFERENCE?

No. The conference is open to all commercial Australian Distillers and the associated supply chain. The conference is an industry event and focused for people that work in or have an interest in the spirits industry. It is not a consumer or public facing event. However, if you are interested in joining the industry, and want to meet some like minded people, it is the perfect opportunity to meet others at a friendly and open event. There are tiered prices. Members of the Australian Distillers receive a significant discount – 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.

WHERE WILL THE CONFERENCE BE HELD?

Sunday 28 April

The Distillery Tours are an important part of the conference and will commence on Sunday 28 April this year. 

Buses will leave the conference venue, The Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills QLD 4006, at approximately 11am.

Registration open 8.00am

Conference from 9.00 am

Venue: International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills QLD 4006

Gala Dinner - Tuesday 30 April 7.00pm

WHEN IS REGISTRATION?

Registration opens at 7.30am on Monday 29th at the Convention Centre

When you register you will need to present your QR booking code at the desk and your badge will be printed. It comes with its own QR code that can be used in the Trade Show and for all aspects of the conference. Your dedicated Event Attendee App will also house your QR code. Full Members of the Association will receive a different coloured name tag from Associate Members and sponsors. If you are now a commercial distiller, and you are an Associate member, now is the time to upgrade your membership to Full Membership of the Association. You can do so by contacting Michael at admin@australiandistillers.org.au

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?

For the welcome reception, conference during the day and the regional tours, the dress code is neat casual. Most delegates will wear their own branded apparel. For the Regional Tours, you will be at a working distillery and closed toed shoes are mandatory.

After the conference close on the Tuesday night there will be a short break for you to freshen up.

The dress code for the gala dinner is cocktail/best!

BRING A BOTTLE.

It is not an Australian Distillers Conference without the opportunity to show off your latest or greatest product to your mates, both old and new. 

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

We will have professional bar staff serve it with a variety of mixers from our sponsors as part of the Monday Drinks at our tasting bar.  

Please bring your bottle when you register and the friendly team will register your product and take care of it until the Monday drinks.  

WHAT IS THE RSA POLICY?

All components of the Australian Distillers Conference will be in licensed venues and we will be complying with the Queensland Responsible Service and Consumption of Alcohol at all times.

I HAVEN’T BOOKED ACCOMMODATION YET, WHAT DO I DO?

We are delighted to announce the main hotel for the conference is the Rydges Fortitude Valley Hotel It is recommended you book promptly as there are limited special conference attendee rates.  

Rydges have provided a corporate rate of $233 (room only) and you MUST click the link on our booking page to secure this rate. There are only a limited number of rooms at this preferred rate. Once the allocation is exhausted, standard rates apply

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

WHAT IS THE TRADE SHOW?

In 2023 our new Trade Show was an outstanding success and we've brought it back, by popular demand, over two full days. Connect with over 40 suppliers and industry providers at the Trade Show, starting at 8.00 AM on Monday, 29 April.

The Trade Show promises to be a feast for the senses, with creative and engaging activations from the industry’s leading suppliers. There will be everything from casks and barrels, racking and shelving, yeast, bottling and labelling, packaging and distribution, machinery and tanks, alcohol testing, professional services, software, product tasting, and so much more.  Plus, there will be great competitions and activities throughout the days – you won’t want to miss it!

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE NEW BREAK OUT SESSIONS.

CAN MY SPOUSE/PARTNER COME TO THE GALA DINNER IF THEY ARE NOT COMING TO THE CONFERENCE?

They sure can. We love family and want you to be able to share an industry highlight. You can book your Partner/Spouse gala dinner tickets through the website via the registration page. 

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE TOURS.

All conference delegates are able to register for one of the regional tours. Please access the regional tours events page on the website  for more information. To book your tour, please go to the registration pages.

Each of the tours will be leaving from the Rydges Hotel at 11am on Sunday 28th April. There is no self drive. You must pre-register. The tours will be to 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 whilst you are there. If you want to purchase anything while you are there, the hosts have agreed that all conference delegates will be able to purchase at wholesale prices.

WILL THERE BE TIME TO MEET WITH THE SPONSORS AND VENDORS?

One of the key successes from the 2023 conference was the new Trade Show. Both Members and exhibitors told us they really enjoyed this new edition. In 2024 we have grown the trade show by over 33% and a re pleased to bring you over 40 stands. Members have told us that they want to be able to meet with the suppliers to the industry and find out the latest products and services from trusted suppliers. That is why some have taken the opportunity to have a stand and there are plenty of breaks in the schedule to allow you time to connect with the suppliers and sponsors. We have worked really hard to bring you an improved conference this year and, without our sponsors we would not be able to bring you two full days of content and experiences at such great value.

THIS IS MY FIRST TIME ATTENDING, WILL PEOPLE BE FRIENDLY?

Lucky for you, you are part of the most engaging, welcoming and supportive industry in Australia. Australian Distillers members have a reliable reputation for being open, welcoming, forthcoming with advice and experience and sharing the spirit.

HOW IS THIS AMAZING CONFERENCE SO AFFORDABLE?

We are part of an incredible and supportive industry that wants to see all responsible participants succeed. That is why we are proud to tell you about the generous and like minded supporters who are sponsoring the conference to ensure the event is as educative, entertaining and engaging as possible – whilst being as affordable.

The Queensland Government is supporting key conference aspects with a particular focus on the regional tours and urban distilleries. The sponsorship recognises that the conference presents opportunity to connect the industry to regional Queensland and elevate Queensland as a distillery capital for the nation.

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

HOW DO I JOIN THE AUSTRALIAN DISTILLERS ASSOCIATION?

By joining the Australian Distillers Association, you are 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. Joining is easy. Just click here and follow the prompts.

I STILL HAVE SOME QUESTIONS. WHERE DO I GO?

You can contact Michael at any time at admin@australiandistillers.org.au