By Shane T Williams
Independent Liquor Group (ILG) members and suppliers have wrapped up the latest study tour for the group, which this year took in Seoul and Busan.
As well as hearing about the overall state of the group and insights into how the various drinks categories are performing through presentations and panel discussions, attendees were able to experience the cultural diversity of the two cities and re-ignite old friendships.
ILG’s Deputy Chairman, Chris Grigoriou explained to The Shout why he thinks these study tours are so important for the group and its members.
“I think that [the tour] gives members the opportunity to go somewhere in a group where they wouldn’t go by themselves. Seoul has been wonderful.
“We’ve got senior management and four directors here, and it gives members the opportunity to interact with them: to sit down and have a lovely dinner and nice glass of wine and discuss not only business but also what you’ve seen for the day. It brings the ILG family together.”
He added: “Having lunch at the Seoul Tower was a real highlight. It’s outstanding to see Seoul from the top of the town. It’s wonderful to see how much the Koreans have achieved in such a short period of time. Also, Nami Island, the tranquillity they’ve got there balances their busy career culture.”
Retail and Procurement Manager at the Coogee Bay Hotel Steve Clark told The Shout that he found the tour to be enlightening and important.
“I think that a week away from a shop or a business that you work pretty hard in is a well-earned break,” he said. “The social aspects have always been pretty lively, and I think there’s a few of them that play harder than the others. I think it’s that side of things where it’s the balance between work and social life as well. It’s good for them, they’re thriving.
He added: “Pat Pignataro from the Royal Oak Hotel at Lidcombe is at the conference. I called in there some 34 years ago as a young, sprightly Penfolds sales rep. After 34 years I met him again and it was good. So I think that’s a nice side of the trip. You get to see some old friends and it’s a good networking opportunity to meet new people. The conference is a great opportunity for both suppliers and customers.
See below for a gallery from Seoul Tower:
