Event Program

10:00am: Registration Opens

11:00am: Welcome & Opening Address

11:30am: Panel Discussion – Illegal Alcohol: the issue, challenges, and what’s being done

Illegal alcohol is a growing issue in Australia, costing over $860 million annually in lost excise revenue, and rising. Despite our industry being one of the highest regulated in the world, illegal alcohol production persists, driven by high taxation, regulatory barriers, and market demand for cheaper alternatives. It’s production, distribution and sale are a complex issue that poses significant challenges to public health, safety, and the legitimate alcohol industry.

Through this panel discussion, facilitated by Kary Petersen, Retail Drinks’ General Manager Policy & Strategy, you will learn more about the issues and challenges with illegal alcohol and explore the various ways Governments and industry are tackling these head on.

1:10pm – 2:10pm: Breakout Sessions 1 – 3

Delegates to pre-select attendance at one of the three breakout sessions.

1:15pm – 2:15pm: Breakout Session 1

The Selective Sipper: Retail Liquor Market, Category & Shopper Insights

Today’s liquor shopper isn’t disappearing; they’re becoming more intentional. What the industry is seeing isn’t a decline in drinking culture, it’s a shift in mindset. Australians are drinking with purpose, not volume – creating a very different competitive landscape rooted in value, trusted brands, and meaningful occasions.

Circana’s presentation will provide an overview of off-premises liquor performance in Australia, offering insight into the mindsets of consumers which continue to shift towards intentionality, and cover a focused view of category and sector contrasts that are shaped by the evolution of behaviour that we see today.

1:10pm – 2:10pm: Breakout Session 2

Beyond the Register: Benchmarking, Cash Flow, and Profitability Strategies for Independent Liquor Retailers

Australia’s $18 billion liquor retailing industry is at a turning point. Industry revenue has contracted at an annualised 2.7% over the past five years as per capita alcohol consumption declines and cost-of-living pressures squeeze household budgets. The path forward lies in disciplined financial management, smart benchmarking, and operational efficiency.

The session is designed specifically for independent liquor store owners and operators looking to translate industry data into practical decisions that protect margins and build resilience. What this session will cover:

• Industry benchmarking — Understand how your store’s gross margin, inventory turnover, and cost structure compare to the national averages: purchases account for 67.7% of industry revenue, wages average 10.5%, and the industry-wide profit margin sits at just 5.2%. Learn where your numbers should sit and how to close the gap.
• Cash flow management — With purchase costs consuming two-thirds of revenue, inventory discipline is critical to staying liquid. We’ll cover practical approaches to managing supplier payment terms, seasonal cash flow planning, and avoiding the working capital strain of overstocking slow-moving lines.
• Staff profitability — With average liquor retail wages at $58,080 (higher than the broader retail sector) and wage costs rising as a share of revenue, we’ll examine how to structure rosters, manage casual/part-time mix, and lift revenue per employee without compromising customer service.
• Where the growth is — Bottled spirits and RTD mixed beverages are gaining share as consumers favour quality over quantity, while beer sales continue to soften. We’ll discuss how premiumisation, niche product ranges, and zero-alcohol offerings can help independents to capture higher margins.

1:10pm – 2:10pm: Breakout Session 3

Respond to Suspected Domestic & Family Violence Training (certification)

Note: this is a training session; participants will attain a certification

Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) is a serious issue impacting many communities in Australia. Alcohol misuse and abuse can often worsen these situations by fuelling aggression and impairing judgment and understanding how to recognise these signs and respond appropriately can play a critical role in harm minimisation, while keeping yourself and others safe.

Retail Drinks has developed the Respond to Suspected Domestic & Family Violence training in partnership with subject matter experts, 1800 Respect and DV Alert, is designed for retail liquor staff, and alcohol delivery drivers and will give participants essential skills, strategies and reporting requirements to respond to suspected DFV.

By the end of this module, you will be able to recognise situational cues for signs of DFV, promote harm minimisation during the supply and delivery of alcohol, respond effectively to emergencies; and work alongside your team to review practices and meet compliance.

2:15pm – 3:15pm: Breakout Sessions 4 – 6

Delegates to pre-select attendance at one of the three breakout sessions.

2:15pm – 3:15pm: Breakout Session 4

Economic Insights – challenges and opportunities for the drinks industry

The economic backdrop has become more challenging for Australian businesses with higher interest rates and wage cost growth. However, the consumer has remained resilient and both retailers and suppliers are looking at new ways to stimulate sales and manage their profitability.

In this session, Craig will step through the factors that could impact 2027 sales and profitability across the retail industry.

2:15pm – 3:15pm: Breakout Session 5

4 pillars of AI shaping tomorrow’s consumer behaviour

Technology, AI, consumer expectations and competition are transforming retail at extraordinary speed. Standing still is no longer an option. Drawing on global case studies, award-winning strategy and experience, internationally recognised retail futurist Brian Walker (The Retail Doctor) will challenge conventional thinking, cut through the hype and turn future-focused ideas into meaningful commercial action in this provocative, practical and inspiring session. Topics include:

1. AI in retail: the complex evolution of physical retail – Discover how AI is transforming stores into smarter, more responsive and increasingly personalised customer environments.
2. Industry 2030: how AI is transforming legacy retail – Explore how established retailers can modernise their business models, systems and thinking—without losing the trust and strengths that built their brands.
3. The human connection: the evolution of data, AI and technology in retail – Understand how technology can strengthen human connection, empower teams and create more relevant customer experiences—not replace them.
4. The impact of AI: get your business ready for the future – Move beyond AI curiosity and identify the priorities, capabilities and practical actions required to compete in the decade ahead.
5. Being fit for business today – Brian will also reveal the lessons of the world’s best retailers—what they do differently, how they convert insight into execution and how your business can improve sales, margins, customer connection and performance today.

This is not another presentation filled with predictions. It’s a call to think differently, embrace change and act with greater confidence. Come ready to challenge your assumptions, reimagine what is possible and leave inspired to build a stronger, smarter and more innovative business.

2:15pm – 3:15pm: Breakout Session 6

De-Escalation & Conflict Management Training (certification)

Note: this is a training session; participants will attain a certification

No matter your workplace, when working in a customer facing role, it is inevitable that you or your colleagues will be confronted by difficult, aggressive, or even violent people. The choices that your workforce make during these challenging encounters, and their ability to effectively communicate, will either de-escalate, or escalate the interaction, which can lead to serious repercussions on your safety, and the safety of others, including a lasting impact on your teams physical and psychological health.

Workforce Resilience de-escalation and conflict management training is designed to equip your workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to professionally, calmly, respectfully, and kindly manage difficult interactions in or out of the workplace.

Through a practical and relatable training approach, participants will gain proven de-escalation techniques, clear and effective communication strategies, and best practice tools to successfully manage conflict. Every aspect of Workforce Resilience training is grounded in real-world workplace scenarios, helping your team feel prepared – not just in theory, but in practice.

3:15pm: Afternoon Tea & Summit Close