By Amy Looker – editor National Liquor News
The Australian Liquor Stores Association (ALSA) has confirmed the line-up and program for its 20th consecutive annual conference taking place in August at Hobart's Wrest Point Hotel.
An estimated 200 delegates from across the retail liquor industry including bottleshop owners, managers and staff along with key industry suppliers and skateholders are expected to attend this year’s conference, which features a revamped program tailored to offer invaluable insight to the state of the industry.
The conference will kick off on Sunday 25 August with a welcome dinner at the Museum of Old & New Art (MONA) before being officially opened the following morning by the Premier of Tasmania, the Hon. Lara Giddings.
Each day of the conference will take on a different theme, with Monday focusing on regulatory and policy issues, Tuesday taking stock of the market and Wednesday exploring convenience liquor retailing.
Confirmed speakers include Woolworths Liquor Group’s Brad Banducci, ABAC chief adjudicator Professor Michael Lavarch, Nielsen’s Michael Walton, GfK’s Norrelle Goldring, and Dennis Brown from the Australian Institute of Management.
In addition, delegates will hear from leading suppliers and industry stakeholders in a range of panel discussions and forums.
The social aspect of the program is also jam-packed, with delegates set to see some of Hobart’s leading landmarks and experience the tastes of Tasmania at a range of dinners, cocktail events and the ALSA Expo and Trade Day.
For more information on the conference program and delegate packages, visit the ALSA website.