TWSA AGM & Conference 2026: Momentum
Description
AGM & Conference 2026: Momentum
As we enter a new era of growth, this year’s conference is centred on building momentum. In 2026, Tasmanian spirits claimed prestigious global awards, commanded international media attention and secured meaningful Government investment. The progress is real, but there is more to do, and our greatest opportunity lies in building as a category, together. Be in the room on 26 October and help write the next chapter.
Whatever the size and stage of your business, the program offers practical ideas for growth, from building resilience and strengthening distribution to insights on retail, tourism, trade, export and storytelling.
Expect the latest retail data from Circana, practical guidance on building a more resilient, profitable distillery from Cheval Rouge’s Will Pitchforth, and a Cheval Rouge panel on domestic distribution. Tourism Tasmania and Trade Tasmania will present the state of trade and tourism, with export insights from Starward’s David Vitale and a brand-refresh case study from LARK’s Emma Richardson. The day closes with the Gala Dinner at Hobart’s newest restaurant, PIER at Elizabeth Street Pier.
Agenda
TWSA AGM, President's Address & Official Opening
The AGM and Year in Review, election of office-bearers and an address from the incoming President. TWSA Executive Committee
Proof Positive: What the Latest Retail Data Reveals
Retail data and consumer trends shaping the category. Alistair Leathwood, Circana
Momentum Starts at Home: Building a More Resilient & Profitable Distillery
Practical frameworks for cost control, resilience and margin health. Will Pitchforth, Cheval Rouge
Sponsor Spotlights: QDOS & CCL Label
Back-of-house software and packaging trends from two TWSA partners. Gavin Byers, QDOS · Tanya Doecke, CCL Label
The State of Trade & Tourism
An update on the visitor economy and 2026-30 State Trade Strategy. Trade Tasmania & Tourism Tasmania
Momentum to Market: Perspectives on Domestic Distribution
Wholesale, distributor and premium venue perspectives on getting to market. Panel by Cheval Rouge
Spotlight on Export: What Does It Take?
Export strategy and brand positioning from an Australian trailblazer. David Vitale, Founder, Starward
The Full Measure of a Good Story: Building Momentum through Media
Tips and tricks for sharing your story with media and an editor’s insight into the new platform for spirits storytelling, The Full Measure. Luke McCarthy, Editor, The Full Measure
Inside Scoop: Delivering an Award-Winning Brand Refresh
Inside LARK’s recent brand redesign and what it means for their next era of growth. Emma Richardson, Marketing Director, LARK
The Next 10 Years: Tasmanian Whisky Week
Hot off the heels of delivering our biggest Tasmanian Whisky Week yet, members will collaborate in a forum discussion that answers the question, what next? Members forum discussion
Conference Concludes: Transition to Gala Dinner
Formal proceedings close ahead of the evening at PIER.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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