Bartenders' Weekender - The Better Bars Summit

Australia's most inspiring bar and drinks talks — get advice and tips to apply to your own drinks careers, whether it’s behind the bar, opening an industry business, or exploring new creative possibilities.

The Better Bars Summit presented by Glenfiddich will be a mix of presentations by individual speakers, panel discussions and one on one interviews with Sam Bygrave - all packed with ideas and inspiration.

THE BETTER BARS SUMMIT 2024 PRESENTED BY GLENFIDDICH

MONDAY

11.00am: Doors open, welcome drinks.

11.20am: Welcome to day one with host Sam Bygrave, and Glenfiddich's Ross Blainey.

11.30am: Creative Collaborations: how to make memorable experiences with Ross Blainey & Sam Bygrave.

12.00pm: Fine Diving: a fine dining approach to systems in a dysfunctional space by Rob Libecans, Caretaker’s Cottage.

12.30pm How to open better bars: Rob Libecans (Caretaker's Cottage), Natalie Ng (Door Knock), and James Irvine (Merivale).

12:50pm: Break.

1.00pm: What makes a great wine list? Influential wine writer and sommelier Samantha Payne interviewed by Sam Bygrave.

1.30pm: How to work the media for your bar (and yourself) — Andy Young (Managing Editor, The Shout, Bars & Clubs) interviewed by Sam Bygrave.

1.50pm: Break.

2.00pm: How To Open a Bar with No Budget by Samuel Ng (Puffy Bois, Singapore).

2.30pm: Designing the perfect bar: Hayden Lambert (Above Board) interviewed by Sam Bygrave.

TUESDAY

11.00am: Doors open, welcome drinks.

11.20am: Welcome to day two with host Sam Bygrave and Glenfiddich's Ross Blainey.

11.30am: Brighter Brisbane: what works (and what doesn’t) in the burgeoning Brisbane bar scene — Pete Hollands (Frog's Hollow, Alice), Jacob Cohen (Savile Row), & Bonnie Shearston (Ruby, My Dear), moderated by Sam Bygrave.

12.00pm: Why The Waratah Works: co-owner and award winning bartender Evan Stroeve interviewed by Sam Bygrave.

12.30pm Honest Hospitality: how to build communities around your business — Shirley Yeung (Foxtrot Unicorn, Mix Haus), Evan Stroeve (The Waratah), and Sam Bygrave.

12:50pm: Break.

1.00pm: Don’t do business with arms dealers: What I learned equipping the world’s best bars by Jason Williams.

1.30pm: Friends With Benefits: how working with brands can benefit your bars — Trish Brew (Fever-Tree), Alice Newport (Beam Suntory), Ross Blainey (Glenfiddich), & Pete Hollands (Frog's Hollow, Alice).

1.50pm: Break.

2.00pm: Team, Culture & Hospitality by Stefano Catino, co-owner of Maybe Sammy, El Primo Sanchez, Dean & Nancy on 22 and more.

2.30pm: How to open your first bar: Stefano Catino (Maybe Group), Dani & Oska Whitehart (Bar Bellamy), Martin Lange (Cobbler, Death & Taxes, Antico, Dr Gimlette).

Guests will also depart with the launch edition of Bottled magazine.