Sydney Bar Week is once again putting the spotlight on education and inspiration with the return of The Business of Bars, presented by Bartender Magazine and Diplomático Rum.
This year’s program brings together some of the most respected names in Australian hospitality, ready to share the stories, strategies, and lessons that have defined their journeys. Join us for an afternoon of conversation, cocktails, and canapés, surrounded by a community of like-minded peers at the beautiful Baptist St Rec. Club.
Under the theme Growing with Purpose, the first panel brings Jason Williams of House Made Hospitality, Daisy Tulley of Mucho Group, and George Curtis of Milquetoast and Before + After into the same room. Between them, they’ve navigated the highs and lows of scaling operations, attracting investors, and building recognisable brands in a notoriously tough industry. Expect a candid discussion on innovation, resilience, and how to grow without losing sight of quality or values.
The second panel shifts the focus to individual careers with Building Your Bartending Career. Here, three award-winning bartenders – Leah Dunnigan of Savile Row, Alissa Gabriel of Esper Group, and Callum Marra of Old Loves – will unpack how they’ve built personal brands and forged pathways beyond the bar top. From competitions and collaborations to mentorship and media, the conversation will centre on seizing opportunities and creating a sustainable career in the trade.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your bartending journey or looking to take a business to its next stage, The Business of Bars offers insights that blend practicality with inspiration. It’s a rare chance to learn directly from the people shaping the industry right now.
Tickets are already moving quickly, and with this calibre of speakers it’s easy to see why.