Join us for the annual Halliday Trade Forum taking place Thursday August 8, 2024 at Sophia in the Prahran Arcade, Melbourne. This is sure to be an inspiring day of valuable insights from an impressive roster of thought leaders and innovators making waves in the wine and media industries.
Who is it for?
No matter which sector of the wine industry you work in – from winemaker to retailer, distributor to brand marketer – the Halliday Trade Forum is the essential conference to attend in 2024.
Secure your tickets for this unmissable opportunity happening the day after the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion Awards. Be sure to extend your trip if you're attending the Awards night so you don't miss this fantastic opportunity to collaborate with industry experts.
Event details
Where: Sophia, 282 Chapel St, Prahran
When: Thursday August 8, 2024
Time: 9:00am–3:00pm
Price: $200 + booking fee
Schedule
9.00–9.25am: Registration, coffee and light refreshments
9.25am: Official welcome
9.30am–11.00am: Session 1: Australian Wine Trends: A Deep Dive. Halliday Tasting Team member, Jane Faulkner will present the trends report and will discuss the trends that have emerged throughout the year. Our expert panel will provide insights into consumer buying habits and preferences, viticultural trends and innovative winemaking techniques and the impact of sustainability practices on consumer choices.
Featured speakers
Jane Faulkner
Host | Halliday Tasting Team
Jane is a journalist by training and wine writer by vocation. A long-time contributor and columnist for Halliday magazine, she has been reviewing for the Companion since 2016.Nathan Rowe
Panellist | CEO Paramount Liquor
Nathan Rowe, CEO of Paramount Liquor, Australia's top independent liquor wholesaler, leverages vast industry knowledge to innovate and propel growth in the on-premise sector.
Darren Rathbone
Panellist | Rathbone Wine Group
Darren leads winemaking and global business at Rathbone Wine Group, focusing on Yering Station, Xanadu, and Mount Langi Ghiran. His teams emphasise quality and distinction across nearly three decades.
Mike Bennie
Panellist | Halliday Tasting Team
Mike Bennie is a freelance wine writer, journalist, and presenter. He co-founded P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants in Sydney, champions artisanal beverages, and chairs the Australian Organic Wine Awards.
11.00am–11.20am: Networking break
11.20am–12.30pm: Session 2: Navigating China's Evolving Market: Opportunities for Australian Wine. China's wine market is changing. We'll explore the current trends, what lies ahead for Australian wine, and how wineries can adapt and thrive in this new environment.
Featured speakers
Alex Caillard
Panellist | Pure Wine Co
Alex currently works as a National Key Account Manager with Pure Wine Co based out of Sydney and has seven years experience working in China for Summergate Fine Wine & Spirits.
Ian Ford
Panellist | Founding Partner, Nimbility
Ian has dedicated his career to expanding the China market for brands like Concha y Toro, Penfolds, Villa Maria, Lafite, and Perrier. He's a frequent presenter on China's market dynamics globally.
Dave Brookes
Panellist | Halliday Tasting Team
Dave is a seasoned wine journalist from New Zealand, has nearly 30 years' diverse experience in the industry, spanning retail, wholesale, wineries, the secondary market, and brand management across global publications.
William Dong
Panellist | DMG Fine Wine
William Dong was brought up in Hong Kong but has lived in Australia with his family since his early 20s. He established DMG with the dream of building a thriving for the highest quality regional Australian wine in both local and export markets.
12.30pm–1.30pm: Networking lunch
1.30pm–3.00pm: Session 3: Workshops
The afternoon will be broken up into two streams which you can select from:
Stream 1: Using AI for your brand
Join us for a fun and informative AI workshop. Have you heard of AI but aren't sure how it applies to your winery or brand?
Tim O'Neill, a leading AI expert, will guide you through the exciting world of generative AI. This innovative technology is transforming marketing, promotion, and even internal operations.
Stream 2: Australia's number one grape: A chardonnay masterclass
Chardonnay is experiencing a renaissance. According to Wine Australia's National Vintage Report 2024, chardonnay has had the largest crush with 332,643 tonnes, overtaking shiraz, which has held the title for over a decade.
Australian chardonnay achieves a remarkable balance of richness, refinement, and complexity. This masterclass will take you beyond the glass. You’ll explore the factors propelling these wines to the forefront of the fine wine world.
Key takeaways for trade professionals:
- Discussing Halliday Wine Companion rating system: Toni Paterson MW, a renowned Halliday Tasting Team member, will provide an insider's perspective on the rating system. You’ll learn how tasters evaluate wines and what sets 95+ point chardonnays apart.
- Beyond the score:
- We'll delve into the specific winemaking techniques and regional influences that contribute to the elegance and complexity of top-tier chardonnay wines.
- Gain valuable insights into the nuances that elevate wines to 'exceptional' status.
- Charting the course: Chardonnay trends
- Explore the evolving landscape of Australian chardonnay – discover the trends influencing styles and consumer preferences.
- Chardonnay and beyond
- While the focus is on chardonnay, the insights gained extend beyond the grape.
- We'll discuss Halliday Wine Companion ratings, identifying quality markers, and unpack market trends.
There are strictly limited places available. Choose your preferred afternoon workshop and reserve your place.
The Halliday Trade Forum is brought to you in partnership with...
