The Pub Leaders Summit, brought to you by Australian Hotelier and Coca-Cola, returned to the esteemed Eatons Hill Hotel in North Brisbane on Monday, drawing a strong crowd of publicans, operators and industry stakeholders for two days of insights, practical strategies and networking.
The event kicked off on Monday with a full-day program tackling some of the industry’s most pressing opportunities and challenges. Backed by a lineup of leading pub operators and hospitality experts, the sessions explored workplace culture and leadership wellbeing, and the evolving role of technology in the pub landscape – with a focus on AI and the steps operators can take to ensure their venue is noticed.
Opportunities across entertainment, food and beverage, and gaming were also central themes at this year’s Pub Leaders Summit, with panelists unpacking the latest trends and sharing how they’re futureproofing their pubs to stay ahead of shifting consumer expectations.
With a range of suppliers on hand to showcase products and services, and networking opportunities throughout the day, the event once again provided a platform for publicans to share ideas, hear from peers and explore the latest tools and strategies shaping the pub sector.
The Pub Leaders Summit continued on Tuesday with the Study Tour, visiting three major projects across Brisbane, including Comiskey Group’s $35m Dakabin Hotel development; the Grand View Hotel in Cleveland, which is currently undergoing a major transformation by Kickon Group; and finally the Lord Stanley Hotel, which reopened earlier this year after a significant renovation by Hakfoort Group.
Australian Hotelier will share more insights from the 2025 Pub Leaders Summit tomorrow in an exclusive newsletter for Australian Hotelier subscribers. For an in-depth review of the event and more exclusive content, subscribe to the weekly newsletter here.
Check out the photo gallery below for a snapshot of the event. Imagery by O’Neill Photographics.
Dream Culture CEO Shelly McElroy opened the Summit with a keynote about creating a culture of purpose within your venue. 
Ghanem Group MD Adonis Ghanem, Story Bridge Hotel owner Richard Deery, JLL Hotels’ senior vice president – investment sales Will Connolly and Hakfoort Group director Albert Hakfoort shared insights into the investment landscape. 
Future Leaders Scholarship finalist Euan Logan was keen to get involved in the blind beer pour challenge. 
MC Bianca Dye with Paul Comiskey, co-founder and director of the Comiskey Group. 
Attendees from across the country came together to learn from their peers. Pictured: Dynn Szmulewicz from the Bat & Ball Hotel, Sydney. 
Craig Woolford, senior research analyst at MST Marquee, took a deep dive into macro-economic factors affecting the pub landscape, a keynote brought to attendees by Coca-Cola. 
The Future Leaders Scholarship finalists gathered on stage for the announcement of the winner. 
Suzie Quinsey, assistant venue manager of the Morphett Arms Hotel, was named the winner of the Future Leaders Scholarship. 
Kevin Peters, beverage director of cocktails & spirits at Australian Venue Co, connects with Odd Culture’s group operations and entertainment manager, Sabrina Medcalf. 
Attendees enjoying networking drinks, presented by Coca-Cola. 
Peter Appleby and Dylan Tudor of the Grand Hotel Warrandyte, and Tom Francis of Francis Venues (centre) join their peers to network post-event. 
Anna Hurley, project manager at Hurley Hotel Group, explores the Dakabin Hotel on the first stop of the Study Tour. 
Study Tour attendees got to take a look at the works taking place at the Grand View Hotel in Cleveland. 
Albert Hakfoort offered insights into the renovation of the Lord Stanley Hotel on the last leg of the Study Tour.