More than 500 of South East Queensland’s hospitality and liquor professionals came together on Monday evening for the return of Paramount Liquor’s Future Proof forum.
Taking over the Fish Lane Precinct and Southside in Brisbane, the event delivered immersive education, brand activations and networking opportunities all tailored to on-premise attendees.
Providing valuable industry insights to a highly-engaged audience, Jane Ryan, writer and content creator for the spirit and cocktail industry, hosted two panel discussions.
For the first panel, Mastering Your Craft, Jane shared the stage with Carmen Hartwich, Master of Bourbon; Jason Williams of House Made Hospitality; and Louella Mathews of Trippas White Group. The group discussed education and career pathways, highlighting the power of expertise, creativity and mentorship in shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Speaking to The Shout after the forum, Jane said: “Jason, Louella and Carmen took a look at personal success and what it really takes to develop that in our industry. The answer was largely time, staying in roles that you can hone a skill and working at it relentlessly.
“Education was also a big topic, with Carmen and Louelle pursuing qualifications that made them better at their jobs but also made them stand out from the crowd. Jason also offered advice on channelling ambition and creativity in employees which the audience was curious about.”
The second panel of the evening, Business Legacies, saw David Flynn, FandaGroup; Patrice Beckmann, Funlab; and Peter Hollands, Frogs Hollow and Alice & The Aliance; unpack the longevity of hospitality businesses – exploring how culture, consistency and clear brand identity can ensure a venue stands the test of time.
Jane added: “Peter, David and Patrice shared insights on day-to-day operations, how to attract and retain great staff, starting a business plan and getting advice from those who have done it all before. The venues they own or operate are hugely different – from mini golf to fine dining restaurants and dive bars but the one message rang through – find your business’s point of difference or its purpose for existing and stick to that through thick and thin, it will mean you’ll not only survive, but find success.”
Jane says that by providing insights into both growth in business and growth in your personal career, the panel discussions successfully dived into tangible takeaways for the audience.
“All in all there were real nuggets of advice, of transparency and shared knowledge which was beautiful to see and be a part of,” she concluded.
In addition to insightful conversations, attendees had the opportunity to explore creative drink strategies and brand activations, with Angel’s Envy hosting a Western-style bar takeover.
In a first for the Future Proof forum, William Grant & Sons and Buffalo Trace Distillery hosted a mini masterclass series showcasing limited and exclusive releases. William Grant & Sons’ National Brand Ambassador Joey Chisholm guided a whisky experience with Glenfiddich and The Balvenie, while Sazerac’s Trade Advocacy Manager Gee David took a deep dive into American whiskey.
With more than 20 suppliers on site sharing samples and highlighting the strategies they’re using to elevate their products, other brands included Ambra Spirits, Altus Brands, Brown-Forman, Campari, Carlton & United Breweries, Lion and Sazerac.
Nathan Rowe, CEO of Paramount Liquor, commented: “Brisbane has always had a tight-knit, incredibly talented hospitality community. Future Proof is about bringing that community together to share ideas, experiences, and inspiration. With its mix of education, entertainment, and connection, Future Proof Brisbane once again proved why it’s one of the most anticipated events on the hospitality calendar.”
Check out photos from the event below:
