Industry legends Penny Sippe and Sam Bygrave have teamed up to launch Bartenders’ Weekender, a long weekend that aims to showcase Brisbane bars and producers to Australia and the world.

From 16-18 June Brisbane will be brimming with international bar collaborations, immersive hands on workshops, industry tastings, parties and events.

Sipper has spent over 20 years in the marketing and events industry, creating memorable, unique and newsworthy brand experiences for both consumers and trade within the Australian drinks industry, including nine and a half
years managing sponsorship, events and public relations for Bacardi-Martini Australia.

Sam Bygrave is the editor and founder of Boothby, where he writes, shoots, and talks about bars, bartenders and drinks. He hosts the Drinks At Work podcast, and presents the Boothby Drink of the Year Awards and the Boothby Best Bars Awards. He is also the Asia-Pacific co-chair for Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards, as well as regularly judging spirits and cocktail competitions.

Together the pair are looking forward to cementing Bartenders’ Weekender as a must- attend event on the hospitality calendar.

“Bartenders and drinks professionals shouldn’t have to travel to the US or Europe to get inspiring and in-depth knowledge from accomplished bartenders, operators, distillers, and drinks creatives,” said Bygrave.

“We feel now is the time, too, for Brisbane’s bar scene to take a turn in the limelight.”

More than 20 events across three days are planned, with bartenders from across Australia invited to get involved, collaborate with like-minded interstate and international peers, learn, network and celebrate. Bartenders’ Weekender is inviting drinks professionals — whether they’re from Australia’s big capital cities, the regions, or from across the seas — to come
and discover what’s making Brisbane the next big thing in drinks.

Growth within the industry is another passion for Sippe and one that Bartenders’ Weekender is set to champion.

“We have created a scholarship program and are looking for the five most promising bartenders to bring to Brisbane and encourage the next generation of passionate industry professionals to become leaders in their home cities,” she said.

For sponsorship opportunities, reach out to Sippe at penny@australiancocktailmonth.com.au

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