The Independent Brewers Association (IBA) and Melbourne’s Good Beer Week (GBW) has announced a merger that brings the complementary teams together and will help both support the growth of both parties.
The merger improves the presence of the IBA in the two largest Australian markets, Victoria and New South Wales, which account for around 60 per cent of the association’s members and 75 per cent of its Associate members.
As part of the agreement, GBW Chair Kate Paterson will become the IBA’s Head of Industry Relations and GBW General Manager Siobhan Kerin will take on the role of Head of Events for the IBA, both based at the GBW offices in Melbourne.
“As Australia’s premier Beer Week, GBW has an unparalleled reputation with venues and beer lovers, evolving into a global festival in just eight years,” said IBA Chair Ben Kooyman.
“Kate Paterson and Siobhan Kerin are accomplished operators who, with the backing and support of the GBW Board, have achieved great success. They are rightly held in high esteem by our sector and we welcome them to the IBA.”
Following the launch of the IBA’s Independence Seal in May 2018, the IBA Board resolved to expand the IBA’s strategic focus into trade and consumer markets. Over 10 days each May, GBW offers 300 diverse events in venues across Melbourne and Victoria, attracting 75,000 attendees from Australia and internationally.
The merger offers GBW the support of a wider team environment, the chance to deepen its relationships with the independent brewing sector and to develop new ways of showcasing innovation and excellence in Australian beer culture.
Kate Paterson said: “Good Beer Week has grown into a globally recognised celebration of craft beer through the passion and determination of our small team and the amazing people who make up Australia’s craft beer industry.
“Our philosophy, and that of the IBA, is to support the growth, creativity and passion of those who work so hard to bring great beer to market in Australia. This merger will help Good Beer Week to fully realise its vision, as well as building a new IBA team with the skills and knowhow to deliver on these principles across Australia.”
With the GBW 2019 program currently being put in place, partners and sponsors will continue to work with GBW as usual. The new IBA team will collaborate on plans for BrewCon and the Indies, which will be held in Melbourne in August 2019.