Following a successful inaugural year, Bartenders’ Weekender is back for 2025.

From 15-18 June the event will showcase Brisbane bars and producers to Australia and the world, via interstate and international bar collaborations, workshops, industry tastings, parties and panel discussions.

Bartenders’ Weekender is the brainchild of Penny Sippe and Sam Bygrave. Sippe has spent more than 20 years creating brand experiences in the Australian drinks industry, while Sam Bygrave is the editor and founder of Boothby and hosts the Drinks At Work podcast. Bygrave also landed at number 90 on the 2023 Bar World 100, the list of the world’s most influential bar industry figures, published by the UK’s Drinks International.

“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 35 events across five 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 from across Australia and around the globe to discover what’s making Brisbane the next big thing in drinks.

Among the drinks brands involved are 78 Degrees, anCnoc, Angel’s Envy, Aquafab, Disaronno, Fever-Tree, Finest Call, Four
Pillars, Heaven Hill, High West, Husk, Jack Daniels, Jura, Kaibutsu, Lark, Marie Brizard, Monin, Monkey Shoulder, Nc’nean, Never Never, Old Pulteney, Planteray, Re’al, Ron Matusalem, Sailor Jerry, Seven Seas, Starward, Strangelove, The GlenAllachie, Waubs Harbour Whisky and William Grants & Sons.

A hero event of the Bartenders’ Weekender schedule is The Better Bars Summit presented by Monkey Shoulder, which will provide inspiring bar and drinks talks. Guests will receive advice and tips to apply to their own drinks careers, whether it’s behind the bar, opening an industry business, or exploring new creative possibilities.

There will be a mix of presentations by individual speakers, panel discussions and one-on-one interviews with Sam Bygrave. Speakers will be announced shortly and tickets will be available to purchase soon.

Bartenders from across Australia have also been invited to apply for the Bartenders’ Weekender scholarship program. The scholarship will encourage the next generation of passionate industry professionals to become leaders in their home cities.

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

“This year we’ve upped the number of places available to eight and added an extra night of accommodation thanks to
our partner, Monin.”

Applications are now open and close on the 31 March 2025. Learn more about the scholarship program and Bartenders’ Weekender here.