A 3 day long weekend for bartenders & drink nerds.
June 16th - 18th 2024 Brisbane.
We’re inviting bartenders and drinks professionals — whether you’re from Australia’s big cities, the regions, or from across the seas — to come and discover what’s making Brisbane the next big thing in drinks.
Three days of big ideas, exclusive tastings and launches — and big industry parties.
Get a taste of what’s in store below.
The Better Bars
Summit Brisbane
11:00am - 3:00pm
Monday 17th & Tuesday 18th June
Elizabeth Picture Theatre, Brisbane City
20 speakers, 15 talks, and two days: The Better Bars Summit is 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. Limited tickets available — get yours now.
On The Card!
Sunday 16 June
Night one of the Bartenders’ Weekender is Brisbane’s night to shine. You’ll see some of Brisbane’s finest in action behind their bars, and experience them as they really are — no guest shifts, no takeovers, the On The Card sessions sees sponsor brand ambassadors welcoming guests to town and shouting a few drinks.
Spirits Platform at Frog's Hollow Saloon
Moet-Hennessy at Savile Row
Starward at Antico
Elijah Craig at Alice
Fever-Tree at The Gresham
Never Never Distilling Co. at Dr Gimlette
Four Pillars at Maker
Score a travel & education scholarship
Win one of five scholarships to score flights, accommodation for three nights, and $500 spending money to learn, connect and create in June in Brisbane. Applications are now closed.
Interstate & International
Bar Collabs
Have we reached peak guest shift yet? Maybe, but they can be a lot of fun when there's a two way exchange of ideas. That's why we're encouraging genuine collaboration between bars — create something memorable, that you can't find anywhere else, for one night only. Interested in getting involved? Let us know.
Get in touch.Day One.
Sunday 16 June
12.00pm - 2.00pm
Fever-Tree Bartenders’ Brunch
Agnes Restaurant
Indulge in a decadent culinary experience at Agnes Restaurant where we’ll showcase the ultra-premium, Fever-Tree dark spirit mixer range. Expertly paired with dishes from the renowned Agnes kitchen, with cocktails crafted by Rob Libecans of Caretakers Cottage, one of the world's best bars! Join us as we lead you through an immersive flavour experience. Spaces are strictly limited, so please express interest as soon as possible to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
RSVP to: richard.irwin@fever-tree.com.
12.00pm - 3.00pm
The Blend Presents: Jim Beam Mentor "Speed Dating"
The Alliance
Learn from some of the industry's best BA’s, venue owners, chefs and somms, one-on-one, at Jim Beam Mentor "Speed Dating."
RSVP here.
2.00pm - 4.00pm
Proof & Company Rum Event
3.00pm - 6.00pm
The Unexpected Cartron Tour Cocktail Competition
Seven bartenders will gather at The Gresham and go head to head before a lively industry audience in the Unexpected Cartron Tour Cocktail Competition national final — come and cheer them on!
RSVP to unexpected@boothby.com.au.
4.00pm - 6.00pm
Burdekin Rum Event
6.00pm - 9.00pm
On The Card! BA Shout Sessions
...
Starward at Antico (6pm - 9pm)
Moet-Hennessy at Savile Row (6pm - 9pm)
Fever-Tree at The Gresham (6pm - 9pm)
Never Never Distilling Co. at Dr Gimlette (6pm - 9pm)
Four Pillars at Maker (6pm - 9pm)
Spirits Platform at Frog's Hollow Saloon (7pm - 8pm)
Elijah Craig at Alice (8pm - 9pm)
9.00pm - 12.00am
The Balvenie Bartenders’ Weekender Launch Party
Day Two.
Monday 17 June
11.00am - 3.00pm
The Better Bars Summit presented by Glenfiddich Day One
Elizabeth Picture Theatre, Brisbane City
Join Sam Bygrave and Ross Blainey as they host day of inspiring talks and drinks with Rob Libecans, Natalie Ng, James Irvine, Samantha Payne, Andy Young, Samuel Ng, and Hayden Lambert.
Get your tickets here.
2.00pm - 4.00pm
Teremana: It’s about People & sharing the “Spirit of the Earth”
Teremana Tequila is launching in the Australian market. Join us as we take you on a tasting journey and understand the brand's ethos and direction to sustainability, bringing the Mana to the Australian bartender community.
3.00pm - 5.00pm
Four Pillars & The Collaborative Spirit
Collaboration is defined as the act of working with someone to produce something and this is exactly how the Four Pillars story came to be. Join Nick Tesar, our Creative Drinks Director, as he explores what collaboration means for Four Pillars as our 10 year journey extends from humble beginnings in the idyllic country-side of the Yarra Valley, Victoria, and extends across not only Australia but across the globe to Germany, Sweden, Japan, Singapore and beyond. This is the story of how a small distillery's spirit is transformed by the relationships that feed it.
3.00pm - 5.00pm
Act of Treason Australian Agave Showcase
4.00pm - 6.00pm
Starward Event
5.00pm - 8.00pm
The Boothby Best Bars QLD Awards Party
Alice, Brisbane City
The second annual Boothby Best Bars QLD awards are here — join us for one big hospo party as we count down the 30 best bars in Queensland, and award the Person of the Year, All Time Great, Best New Bar, Best Cocktail Bar, and the number one Best Bar in Queensland.
7.00pm - 10.00pm
Bar Collabs & Takeovers
multiple venues across Brisbane
....
Bar Bellamy (Melbourne)
at Before + After
9.00pm - 12.00am
Moet Hennessy Party
Day Three.
Tuesday 18 June
11.00am - 3.00pm
The Better Bars Summit presented by Glenfiddich Day Two
Elizabeth Picture Theatre, Brisbane City
Join Sam Bygrave and Ross Blainey as they host day two of inspiring talks from Stefano Catino, Evan Stroeve, Pete Hollands, Shirley Yeung, Jason Williams, Trish Brew, Jacob Cohen, Alice Newport, Bonnie Shearston, Dani & Oska Whitehart, and Martin Lange.
Get your tickets here.
2.00pm - 4.00pm
Celebrating 300 Years of the House of Remy Martin
Death & Taxes, Brisbane City
For over three centuries, dating back to 1724, the House of Remy Martin has crafted exceptional Cognac. We invite you to commemorate 300 years of Remy Martin brands with us, including an exclusive luxury tasting to mark this historic milestone.
4.00pm - 6.00pm
Saint Felix & StrangeLove Event
4.00pm — 6.00pm
Jack Daniel's Bonded & Triple Batch Experience
6.00pm - 9.00pm
Moister than an Oyster
Martinis, Snacks & Shellies with Never Never Distilling Co.
Alba Bar & Deli, Brisbane City
7.00pm - 10.00pm
Bar Collabs & Takeovers
multiple venues across Brisbane
...
Mix Haus All Star Female Bar Takeover
at Dark Red, Fortitude Valley
Join Mix Haus for a night of shenanigans and good times as they host an all-stars line up party at Dark Red in Fortitude Valley. The all-stars line up will be showcasing some of Australia's best bartenders together for 1 night in Brisbane as they stir up a mess for a good cause. Come along and show your support!
The Waratah (Sydney)
at Maker, South Brisbane
9.00pm - 12.00am
Jagermeister Arctic Adventure -18°c
Alice, Brisbane City
Come and kick off winter with us at -18°c, where you’ll enjoy ice-cold pours of jagermeister perfectly accompanied by the sounds of The Chats. The festivities kick off at 6;00pm and continue until Alice shuts her doors, so don’t miss out on a night filled with Jagermeister.
11.00pm - late
The 86 Club Party (venue TBC)
Accommodation
Our official accommodation partner, Crystalbrook Vincent is located in the vibrant Howard Smith Wharves precinct: home to 12 bars and restaurants, and a lift ride away from Fortitude Valley, with easy access to the CBD via a 5-minute Uber ride or a leisurely 20-minute walk along the river boardwalk to Elizabeth Picture Theatre and the bars of the city. We’ve negotiated “mates’ rates” for attendees – simply pop BARTENDER in the promo code box for a 20% discount and flexible booking conditions.
Visit the Crystalbrook Vincent site to book now.
Partners
