What is hospitality actually for? It’s the question at the centre of this year’s Subject Matters Symposium, returning on 30 August with a one-day program focused on reconnecting the industry with its purpose.
Held at Mill Theatre in Dairy Road, Fyshwick, the symposium will bring together hospitality professionals, industry leaders, academics and creatives for three panel discussions exploring the culture, community and future of hospitality.
Rather than focusing on the familiar conversations around wages, staffing shortages and profit margins, Subject Matters is looking at the bigger picture: why people choose to work in hospitality, and why hospitality matters.
“We have the opportunity in front of us to make our industry better for future generations,” says Venus Vinifera founder Caitlin Baker. “Subject Matters is the vehicle for these conversations and to shine light on the voices that are making real change.”
The first panel examines hospitality venues as ‘Third Places’ – spaces outside of home and work where people gather to connect. In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, many venues have spent years focused on survival, but the discussion will explore how hospitality can reclaim its role as a place for community.
The panel features Amelia Birch (Famelia), architect Mark Brook (MYMYMY), sociologist Beck Pearse (ANU) and Josh Viljoen (Canberra Food Co-operative).
The second discussion shifts the focus to one of hospitality’s oldest traditions: sharing food and drink. The panel will unpack why eating together remains central to human connection, how different cultures approach communal dining, and how venues can create more meaningful guest experiences.
Chef and Karkalla owner Mindy Woods will join Mínima’s Mork Ratanakosol and Brett Nebauer, formerly of 11e Cave.
“Food is the vehicle, but connection is the destination,” says Woods. “When we share the stories of the people, places and cultures behind a dish, we create something much deeper than a meal.”
“As First Nations people, we’ve always understood that food is never just food. It’s culture, identity, memory, responsibility and connection to Country. In a world where many people are feeling increasingly disconnected, hospitality has an incredible opportunity to create spaces where people feel seen, welcomed and part of something larger than themselves.”
The final panel looks at putting ideas into practice, bringing together established industry figures and emerging leaders to discuss where hospitality goes from here.
Joining the conversation are Meira Harel (Tasting Australia), Jono Murphy (Squeaky Clean), Ryan Smith (Bar Rochford) and Chantalle Narith (Caretaker’s Cottage).
“Bars serve as vital third spaces, our sanctuaries where people can celebrate, share burdens or simply reconnect away from the demands of home and work,” says Narith.
The afternoon will finish with an open networking session designed to encourage further discussion between speakers and attendees.
The symposium is presented by Venus Vinifera, the Canberra-based not-for-profit founded by Caitlin Baker in 2021. The organisation supports women, AFAB, non-binary and trans-experienced people working in drinks and hospitality through education, events and leadership opportunities. Alongside Subject Matters, it also produces the annual Frenzy event.
Lucy Pallett-Jones from Venus Vinifera says the timing feels right for a different kind of industry conversation.
“I think we’re all ready to reclaim hospitality as the stomping ground for creativity, innovation and counter culture.”
Subject Matters Symposium
Date: Saturday 30 August
Time: 2pm–7pm
Venue: Mill Theatre, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick