The 2026 Australian Distillers Conference: will bring more than 400 distillers, brand owners, suppliers, hospitality operators and industry leaders together in Adelaide from 16–18 June 2026.
Hosted by the Australian Distillers Association (ADA), the conference program will range from immersive sessions and trade show activations to deep-dive breakout streams, regional distillery tours and black-tie award celebrations.
ADA President David Ridden said: “This isn’t just another conference, it’s a full-scale celebration of Australian distilling. “Whether you’re a founder, distiller, marketer, venue operator, exporter, supplier or emerging brand, there is something in this program for you. We’ve built an experience that is practical, future-focused and genuinely energising for businesses
operating in a challenging environment.”
The 2026 program features four tailored content streams running across two full conference days. Big-picture thinking will meet commercial reality in sessions covering data, export growth, retail strategy, taxation, legal frameworks, regulation, sales and marketing.
Industry leaders including Circana’s Stephen Nicolin and legal expert Mathew Brittingham of Tributum Law will headline sessions designed to help businesses navigate a rapidly evolving commercial landscape.
Attendees will also hear directly from some of the country’s most respected technical minds and distillers, including award-winning producers and manufacturing specialists shaping the next generation of Australian spirits, on topics ranging from ingredients and equipment through to safety, training, packaging and production innovation.
Hospitality, branding, tourism and consumer experience will take centre stage in sessions dedicated to building stronger spirits brands and visitor experiences. The stream will explore how distilleries are creating memorable customer connections, building destination appeal and standing out in a crowded market.
Another stream will bring together state initiatives, awards, emerging trends, industry conversations and the unexpected ideas shaping the future of Australian distilling.
The conference plenary program will feature thought-provoking sessions and conversations with some of Australia’s leading distillers, researchers and industry experts. Featured speakers will include:
- Phillip Jones, The Martini Whisperer
- Carlie Dyer, Head Distiller and Head Blender at Starward
- Stephen Nicolin, Circana
- Simon Dacey, Applewood Distillery
- Dr Pavlina Jasovska, UNSW Centre for Social Impact
- Dr Sam MacAulay, UQ Business School
- Darren Oemcke, Hydra Consulting & BevSage
- The Honourable Michael Lavarch AO
Beyond the conference room, delegates can kick off the week with immersive “Paddock to Glass” regional distilling
tours through South Australia’s iconic wine regions, coastline and agricultural hubs, featuring behind-the-scenes access to some of the country’s most influential distilleries and producers.
The conference will be hosted at Adelaide Convention Centre. Learn more here.