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THE CELEBRATION OF AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENT BEER AT THE INDIES ON THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER.

Championing the best of independent brewing, driving quality and celebrating excellence in Australian beer – tickets selling fast!

A highlight of BrewCon 2019 is the Australian beer industry night of nights – the award presentations of the Independent Beer Awards, affectionately known as ‘The Indies’.

Announced on Thursday 5 September at Showtime Events, South Wharf, Melbourne, these annual awards are organised by the Independent Brewers Association and if you want to go, you’d better be quick as less than 50 tickets are remaining.

The Indies are an important platform to drive consumer awareness of the quality, diversity and excellence of Australian independent beer and the Awards night is the night where the industry can celebrate the importance of their work in improving Australia’s beer culture and understanding.

Over a thousand entries were judged by a respected panel of national and international beer professionals to determine the cream of the crop and the Champion Beer for each class.
Alongside the Champion Beer Trophies, this year there will be several other formal recognitions to show appreciation to the depth and diversity of Australian independent beer and those who support it.

AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENT BREWPUB

Presented by Craft Brewery Insurance

This year sees the introduction of the Champion Australian Independent Brewpub category to recognise the significant number of brewpubs in Australia and their integral role in the Australian craft beer segment. A Brewpub is determined as servicing its local community and can be a pub, taproom or restaurant that brews beer on-premises, with at least 75% beer sold onsite.

With the introduction of this new category, the previously separate Small and Medium Breweries categories will now come together, with the Champion Australian Independent Large Brewery unchanged.

STATE TROPHIES

The awards will this year see a State and Territory Champion Brewery recognised for breweries who have entered at least four beers with at least one achieving a gold medal. The Sate and Territory Champions can be from Brewpub, Small/Medium Brewery or Large Brewery categories.

Each year the Indies also recognises individuals who have consistently exceeded expectations in their support, development and promotion of Australian independent beer.

IBA SERVICES TO THE INDUSTRY AWARD

Presented by Australian Brews News

The IBA Services to the Industry Award is presented each year to honour an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the Australian beer industry.

This award will recognise the inspiration, enthusiasm and support of an individual which has fundamentally advanced the industry, whether in a particular region or throughout the country. Awarded to someone who has worked tirelessly to better the beer industry, this award is not limited by industry role and may include brewers, brewery owners, suppliers, journalists, regulators and more.

YOUNG GUN OF THE YEAR

Presented by O-I Glassware

This award is for someone who is an employee of an IBA member and is under 35. This person shows the potential to be a future industry leader and takes a proactive approach to the industry beyond their role. The Young Gun of the Year will be a high achiever who displays the behaviours and attitudes of indie beer with excellence in their field, a great team worker, strong promoter of independent beer, shows a collaborative nature and is community minded.

IBA COMMUNITY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

Presented by Liquex Logistics

This award will recognise an activity or program run by an IBA member that provided support to their community. Celebrating the strong sense of community that independent breweries can nurture in society, the initiative will have raised awareness or funding for a cause that provides a positive impact and would have truly engaged their drinkers in supporting the cause.

TRUE INDIE SUPPORTER

Presented by Thirsty Merchants

The outstanding support of Australian independent beer will be formally recognised this year with the introduction of the True Indie Supporter Award. This accolade will reward a retailer, publican or bar operator who not only supports independent beer through ranging, but also in advocacy, promotion and driving consumer education and awareness in a manner that further enhances the market for Australian independent brewers.

BrewCon doesn’t end with this party though. Beer professionals are invited back to Melbourne’s Convention Exhibition Centre on Friday 6 September for a day dedicated to the BrewCon Trade Expo.

The Trade Expo allows brewers, brewery owners and any beer profession to engage with over 70 exhibitors, all directly involved and familiar with specialised brewery expertise. From raw materials, equipment and lab considerations, to packaging and sanitation, through to branding and merchandise, there won’t be a better opportunity for any beer professional to meet with potential business suppliers and partners in the one spot.

The Friday session of the BrewCon Trade Expo will run 10am to 2pm at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre. A ticket to the Friday session is also available without a purchase of the full access BrewCon conference pass.

Tickets for the Indies Awards are now on sale, including discounted prices for IBA members and BrewCon delegates.

Indies Awards and the reduced rate Friday session only pass are available via the IBA BrewCon website: www.brewcon.org.au.

BrewCon19 is supported by Cryer Malt, Bintani and Kegstar.