The High Country Hop isn't just about delicious beer and music, with the Technical Symposium offering the chance for the industry to come together and learn.
Details have just been released, with the full media release and registrations below.
Media Release: High Country Hop Technical Symposium To Provide Beer Industry Insight
Bridge Road Brewers have announced the date and full lineup for their Technical Symposium, part of the annual High Country Hop Festival, presented by the Independent Brewers Association.
Held Friday, March 22 in Beechworth, this year's symposium will be headlined by a keynote presentation from Matt Wilson of Moffat Beach Brewing Co. Recognised as the 2023 Brewer of the Year, Matt will give invaluable insight and advice from his experience at the helm of one of Australia’s most-awarded breweries.
The carefully curated program aims to provide the brewing industry with meaningful information, promote dialogue, and provide inspiration from their peers as well as suppliers.
Kylie Lethbridge, CEO of the IBA, will provide an update on their activity and future priorities in their representation of Australian indie brewers.
Hop Products Australia, the country's largest hop producer with their largest hop plantings located less than 30km from Beechworth, will talk to HPA’s quality improvements and hold an interactive sensory session of their latest experimental hop varieties.
Special guest Steve Ansermino of Cloud Culture will provide insights into using digital transformation to drive brewery growth, whilst Sam Bethune of Bintani presents a sensory and technical exploration of their newest malt product in Tritordeum.
Bringing together leaders in the industry, the Crafty Pint team will lead multiple panel discussions featuring a diverse range of industry operators. Discussing the steps to building a lasting independent business will be Katherine Brown of Brown Brothers winery, Stuart Whytcross of Voyager Craft Malt and Ben Kraus of Bridge Road Brewers.
In a second panel discussion, Bess Nolan Cook of Tourism North East, Jimmy Krekelberg of Good Land Brewing Co and Josh Donohoe of Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours will discuss the impacts of Beer Tourism and its impacts on economic development.
Bridge Road Brewers founder, Ben Kraus, said the event is essential knowledge for those in the industry.
“There are not a lot of industry-focused learning opportunities for operators in the independent craft brewing space. By bringing together industry leaders in brewing, supply, tourism and technology, the shared knowledge that exists in the room is invaluable to those looking to thrive.”
“We have focused on bringing together a diverse range of speakers that will bring meaningful insights and information for industry. We believe this to be Australian Independent Beer’s most informative event.”
“Matt Wilson is an exciting guest to have headlining as keynote speaker. He has been recognised as 2023’s brewer of the year and Moffat Beach Brewing wins accolade after accolade under his leadership. The insights he can offer will be worth the price of admission alone.”
Spaces will be extremely limited, with a discount available to IBA members. Tickets include lunch and refreshments.