By Annette Shailer
The Independent Liquor Group (ILG) European Study Tour came to a spectacular close on Sunday night (September 21), with delegates celebrating the success of the eight-day tour in true Venetian style.
Delegates were welcomed at Venice’s Westin Excelsior Resort with Venetian masks and private invitations to the night’s gala dinner ball.
The female ILG delegates donned formal gowns and masks and the men wore black tie, masks and caps.
Transferred by private boats and gondolas, guests were formally introduced by the sounds of trumpets on arrival to the Palazzo Pisani Moretta, the most exclusive palace in Venice.
A four-course dinner was enjoyed by the 230 delegates as final speeches and recognitions were made.
ILG executive director, Bob Bourne, ended the tour by announcing that next year’s study tour would be in Thailand. He also thanked the team behind the European Study Tour and those that had supported the trip.
“Thank you to those that have made this possible it’s very important to us that you enjoy these trips. I look forward to you joining us on the next tour,” he said.
Pre-dinner drinks were sponsored by Diageo and the gala dinner ball was sponsored by Tooheys and Pernod Ricard. Pernod Ricard state manager, John Chapman, paid tribute to Bruce James Thiele who sadly passed away last October while conferencing in Hong Kong.
Delegates were treated to a live performance at the palace and praised the once in a lifetime experience.
“ILG have outdone themselves with the detail and organisation of this fabulous final night. The wow factor was certainly achieved for all the guests,” said Rodney Carra, key account manager for McWilliam’s Wines.