Adaptability - Crafting great beverages in a changing market

Welcome from the Convenor

Brendan Flanagan
Brewing Manager & IBD Convention Chair
Cascade Brewing Co, Tasmania
On behalf of the Asia Pacific Section of The Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) and as Chairman of the 38th IBD Asia Pacific convention Hobart, we invite you to be part of this memorable event in Tasmania.
This convention will provide a wonderful opportunity to connect face to face with old friends and colleagues and create new friendships among members of our brewing and distilling community, whilst being enlightened with knowledge and new technologies associated with our industry.
Our theme for the 2025 Asia Pacific Convention is “Adaptability – Crafting great beverages in a changing market”. Exploring the sub themes of innovation, provenance, local to global, premiumisation and quality and the impact of a rapidly changing world.
Our main agenda is to deliver an exciting technical and social programme for local, national, and international delegates involved in the brewing, distilling and associated industries. This will be a three-day convention from Tuesday 4th to Thursday 6th March 2025, with opportunity to visit the Tasmanian hop harvest in progress and experience local distilleries during the week.
The last Hobart convention was held in 2006 and since then our city and Island has grown and developed a vibrant scene of distilling and craft brewing that is on par with, if not the best in Australia.
Tasmania has a lot to offer delegates at the 2025 IBD Asia Pacific Convention. Rich food, amazing scenery and nature plus a smorgasbord of beers and distilled spirits that is second to none. We invite people from the region and overseas to plan ahead and make the most of being in Tasmania in March 2025.
We’re looking forward to sharing the deep history of Tasmania’s brewing and distilling scene. Cascade is Australia’s oldest brewery, established in the foothills of Kunanyi (Mount Wellington) and continues to produce fine brews in Hobart. The Godfather of Australian distilling, Bill Lark established the now famous Lark Distillery in Hobart in 1992 and the historic hop fields of Tasmania’s Derwent Valley will be flourishing at the time.
This history sits alongside the dynamic emerging beverage scene in Tasmania, that has grown from the creative minds of cutting-edge brewers, distillers and cider makers in Australia’s Island State. There is certainly no shortage of opportunities to experience this incredible emerging scene.
Tasmania stands as a unique and captivating attraction. Its unparalleled natural beauty is a prominent draw, with pristine wilderness, rugged coastlines, and ancient rainforests that shelter unique flora and fauna, including the elusive Tasmanian devil. The island’s diverse landscapes range from snow-capped mountains to white sandy beaches, making it a paradise. Tasmania’s rich cultural heritage, reflected in its convict history, indigenous traditions, and vibrant arts scene, adds a distinctive layer to its appeal.
The island’s culinary scene is celebrated for its fresh, locally sourced produce, and its wine makers, distillers, and brewers are known for producing world-class beverages. Whether you seek adventure in the wilderness or a taste of Tasmania’s rich culture and cuisine, this island offers a diverse array of experiences for travellers.
The home for the event will be in Hobart at the Hotel Grand Chancellor on the banks of the Derwent River, with trips out to some iconic venues in Hobart surrounds.
We look forward to welcoming you to the event.

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Key Dates
Call for Presenters Open March 2024
Early Bird Open April 2024
Call for Presenters Close August 2024
Notification to Presenters August 2024
Program Launch October 2024
Early Bird Close November 2024
Standard Registration Open November 2024

IBD 2025  COUNTDOWN

Program Schedule

MONDAY 3 MARCH
Pre Convention Tours
Welcome Reception
TUESDAY 4 MARCH
Convention Open
Plenary Sessions
Concurrent Sessions
Poster Presentations
Trade Night
WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH
Convention Day 2 Open
Concurrent Sessions
Panel Sessions
Explore Hobart
THURSDAY 6 MARCH
Convention Day 3 Open
Concurrent Sessions
Convention Dinner
FRIDAY 7 MARCH
Post Convention Tours

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