Highlights from the 38th CIBD Asia Pacific Convention in Hobart, Tasmania: 3-7 March 2025
The 38th CIBD Asia Pacific convention took place last week from 3-7 March in Hobart Tasmania! Around 400 industry delegates from Tasmania and overseas gathered at the Hotel Grand Chancellor for 5 days of learning, connecting with industry peers, and sharing incredible stories.
Take a look at the highlights from the conference.
We marked the start of the convention with the Welcome Reception at Cascade Gardens Brewery, Australia’s oldest brewery, nestled in the foothills of Mt. Wellington, Kunanyi. This event was proudly sponsored by Asahi Beverages. Attendees had a great evening socialising, networking, and soaking in the historic surroundings.
The convention has officially started! Keynote speaker Professor Katherine Smart gave the latest sustainability update from Diageo with 2024 data analysis and targets. We also heard from CIBD CEO, Tom Shelston, who reiterated what being Chartered means, the importance of professional development and the value of community.
In the evening there was the Fiesta Night at the Hanging Gardens, sponsored by Ecolab. The dress code was colourful shirts and bush hats!
On the second day, Professor Charlie Bamforth shared the top ten approaches to better foam on beer, and Dr Tim Cooper gave insight into brewing, extracts, and single malt whisky from proprietary malted barley.
During the day, attendees had the opportunity to go on a technical tour to explore local distilling practices and sample some cider and apple whiskey at Willie Smiths and R&R Smith Apple Orchards.
A special moment was captured at the convention – a gathering of five past presidents and our current president! Left to right: Charlie Bamforth, Katherine Smart, Tim Cooper, Megan Sheehy, Alan Barclay, and Bill Taylor.