The Australian Distillers Association has outlined the full program for its 2025 Conference, which this year will feature 20 practical workshops and an impressive line-up of speakers, industry insiders and experts.
Taking place on the Gold Coast over Tuesday 1 and Wednesday, 2 April, each day of the conference will see keynote presentations to help attendees improve their knowledge on building successful brands and navigate challenging headwinds.
Speakers and presentations include:
- International guest speaker, Bill Harper (Brand Boss HQ) on how to unleash your brand’s growth potential
- Cirana’s Jarna McLean, on leveraging consumer insights to help your business succeed in challenging economic times
- Former ADA president and co-founder Stu Gregor on the Four Pillars of business success
- Panel session on leading and building brands in a challenging economy, facilitated by Husk Farm Distillery’s Harriet Messenger
- Visionary co-founder of Thankyou, Daniel Flynn, on purpose-driven innovation and bold storytelling that pushes boundaries and creates real impact.
The practical workshops are designed to help distillers take working knowledge back to their distillers. Topics include:
- The latest and greatest yeast innovations from Fermentis, AB Biotek & IMCD
- Building practical resilience strategies with Full Colour Life’s Jayne Lewis
- Dr Derv McGowan & Seb Reaburn of Anther Spirits on Methanol Myth-Busting
- Building stronger teams and better workplaces with tips from the ADA HR Advisory
- Practical export advice from Austrade and Queensland Trade & Investment
- Sam Slaney on how Starward’s rebrand helped kick brand and sustainability goals
- Drinks sales strategies and distribution masterclasses from Sipnomics & Wholly Spirits
- King of Sydney’s small bars, Karl Schlothauer, on doing a lot with a little to build a successful hospitality offering
- Tips for trademarking your brand with resident legal eagle, James Ormond of By George Legal
- Unpacking the art of packaging with Ball & Doggett and TricorBraun
- Plus, new research from the University of Queensland on the flavour and composition of sugarcane varieties, and leveraging place as a resource in the distilling industry, delivered in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney.
Attendees also have the option to attend one of several distillery tours taking place on Monday, 31 March, plus events including the Welcome Drinks, and the Association’s 21st birthday celebrations.
You can find full details of the program and how to secure your ticket are available on the Australian Distillers 2025 Conference website.
