The High Country Hop Technical Symposium 2026 - Presented by IBA

2026 High Country Hop Technical Symposium: Crafting Excellence in Australian Craft Beer

Join us for the ultimate gathering of independent craft beer professionals, enthusiasts, and innovators. The High Country Hop Technical Symposium offers two full days of thought-provoking sessions, industry-leading speakers, and opportunities to connect with the best minds in Australian craft brewing.

Program

Thursday 26 & Friday 27 March – Beechworth, Victoria

Two days of focused, practical content for independent brewers, bringing together growers, researchers, technical specialists and global industry leaders.

THURSDAY 26 MARCH from 12pm

Hop Sensory Expo & Workshops

(Afternoon Program)

Hop Sensory Expo: Global Hop Showcase 12.30-4.30pm

Featuring Australian, New Zealand & US hop producers

A hands-on hop sensory expo giving brewers access to fresh Australian and New Zealand hop varieties, alongside US hops supplied by Yakima Chief Hops, enabling direct comparison of aroma, varietal expression and regional character.

2pm Lallemand BrewEd Hop and Biotransformation Sensory:

A Lexicon-Building Experience

Richard Chamberlin, Dipl.Brew, MCIBD
Technical Manager – Australia, Lallemand Brewing

A guided sensory workshop using six reference samples to identify biotransformation compounds and build a shared technical language around yeast–hop interaction in beer.

3pm Introduction to Beer Judging & Sensory Assessment

Tina Panoutsos
Chief Judge, Australian International Beer Awards
Senior Sensory Manager & Alcohol Ambassador, Asahi Beverages

An authoritative session exploring structured beer judging, sensory frameworks, balance, fault identification and how beers are evaluated in competition environments.

FRIDAY 27 MARCH

Industry, Technical & Keynote Sessions

Arrival from 8:45am | Program commences 9:00am

Acknowledgement of Country & Official Welcome

9:00 – 9:15

Hosted by James Smith
Founder & Editor, The Crafty Pint

Official welcome and program overview, with James acting as host for the day.

The Indie Beer Movement

9:15 – 10:00

Sabrina Kunz
Chief Executive Officer, Independent Brewers Association

A national overview of the independent beer sector, exploring challenges, opportunities and the role of independent brewers in shaping Australia’s beer culture.

Unleashing the Aroma Potential of Hoppy Lagers:

Harnessing Biotransformation in Saccharomyces pastorianus

10:00 – 10:45

Tom Ashton
Technical Sales Support Manager APAC, Fermentis

A technical deep dive into the biotransformation potential of lager yeast, examining thiol production, enzymatic pathways and practical strategies for enhancing hop-derived aroma in modern lager brewing.

Morning Break

10:45 – 11:15

Using Automation and AI to Cut Energy and Improve Operational Efficiency

11:15 – 12:00

Jassa Amir-Lang
Co-founder & CEO, Frigid Cloud

A data-driven case study on reducing brewery energy use through smarter automation of cooling systems using proven, in-market technology.

Understanding Haze: Yeast, Stability & Sensory Outcomes

12:00 – 12:45

Chris Kim
ANZ Technical Sales Manager, AB Biotek

A research-led examination of haze formation and stability in modern beer, focusing on yeast choice, mouthfeel, flavour perception and shelf-life outcomes.

Lunch Break

1:00 – 1:30

Brewing Regional Growth: Craft Beer’s Role in Regional Identity and Resilience

1:30 – 2:15

Garrett Tyler-Parker
Craft Beer & Place Researcher, Australian National University

A data-driven session unpacking the economic and cultural value of brewery visitation, using insights from a recent study on regional craft beer producers, combined with Tourism Research Australia data, to demonstrate craft beer’s impact on regional economies.

Brands, Data, & Venue Intelligence: A GoTab Case Study

2:15 – 3:00

Presented by GoTab with BetterHospo & Residency Studios

A practical look at how integrated venue technology improves customer experience, data visibility and operational decision-making in brewery and hospitality settings.

Afternoon Break

3:00 – 3:15

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

30 Years of Stone Brewing: Innovation, Evolution, and Hop Exploration

3:15 – 4:00

Jeremy Moynier (He/Him)
Senior Manager – Innovation & Supply Chain, Stone Brewing
President, Hop Quality Group
Co-Chair, Brewers Association Supply Chain Sub-Committee

A rare insider’s perspective on the evolution of one of the world’s most influential craft beer brands, blending brand history, hop innovation and global supply-chain leadership.

Understanding Hop Quality for Consistent Brewery Outcomes

4:00pm

Michael Capaldo
Australia & New Zealand Sales Manager, Hop Products Australia

Gain actionable insights into hop quality management from harvest to brewhouse for reliable performance in beer.

Wrap-Up & Social Beer

Secure your ticket now and be part of the conversation shaping the independent craft beer industry in Australia.