Following a successful launch last year with Sierra Nevada, Sydney’s International Brewers Collective gala dinner will return in 2024, with a guest speaker from the “world’s oldest brewery”, Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan.
Australian and international brewers will meet on 30 May at ICC Sydney’s Parkside Ballroom for the gala dinner, with a keynote address from Weihenstephan’s Vice President Sales Export, Marcus Englet.
With almost 1,000 years of brewing history, Weihenstephan continues to impress, winning gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2023 World Beer Awards.
Since joining the brewery in 1998, Englet increased the export department turnover sixfold and increased the number of established export countries from 10 to 59. He will share insights into how this was achieved, what plans Weihenstephan have for the future, and where opportunities lie in the beer market. Englet will also be participating in a Q&A session after his address.
Other guests include the German Consul General Felix Schwarz and more than 100 representatives from leading Australian breweries. As well as networking opportunities and live entertainment, attendees will also be able to enjoy a German inspired two-course meal alongside a range of Weihenstephan beers.
Carolin Steibl from GABS spoke to the importance of the gala.
“The International Brewers Collective is aimed to grow our craft beer industry’s position on the global stage and to foster international relationships. This year it provides the unique opportunity for all local breweries and suppliers to send their brew and brand team members to hear directly from Weihenstephan, the world’s oldest brewery and one of the most successful German brands in the global beer industry. The goal is to share experiences, network with some of the best minds in the industry and gain, up close and personal, firsthand knowledge that is not necessarily accessible every day,” she said.
The event is open to business owners, entrepreneurs, brewers, hospitality professionals, cicerones, and others interested in developing their knowledge and networking with industry leaders.