Subject Matters: the all-female led symposium that will revolutionise Canberra’s hospitality industry

Posted on 4 September, 2024

Bring your listening ears, your favourite pen, and a brand-new notebook, because you’re about to hear from nine outstanding female leaders in the hospitality industry.

It’s undeniable that hospitality has always been a male-dominated industry, especially in the beverage and owner spectrum. But what about the female powerhouses that have ploughed through the trials and tribulations the food and beverage industry has thrown at them? What are their stories?

Subject Matters seeks to shine a bright spotlight on these women that have shaped the food and beverage scenes in Canberra and beyond with their blood, sweat, and tears, sparking  transparent and compelling discussions on the future of the industry. All bases of the female experience in the food and beverage industry will be covered through three panels: Women in Beverage, Women in Business, and Women for Inclusivity and Safety.

This event has been made possible by Venus Vinifer – a local women’s* education organisation founded by director, Caitlin Baker, and made up of an impressive line-up of board members that will also be part of the symposium.

Humbly beginning in 2022 when a small group of women were simply sharing bottles that they loved, it has now grown to become a formalised educational platform for all women (including AFAB, non-binary, and those with trans experience) who have an interest in wine, spirits, beer, and the world of hospitality in general.

Caitlin highlights that the purpose of Venus Vinifer is about creating meaningful change to an ever-evolving playing field, inspiring her to create the event to elevate voices of women in hospitality, and to inspire and create change for the women of Canberra.

“Canberra’s hospitality industry is growing quickly, and we want everyone to feel empowered and to make it a safer and more inclusive industry overall,” she says.

“Lots of these types of conversations are had country wide but it is not often that the Canberra community gets exposure or access to these chats. Canberra’s hospitality industry is growing quickly, and we want everyone to feel empowered and to make it a safer and more inclusive industry overall.”

Caitlin Baker.

At this point you might be wondering who are these inspiring women that will form the symposium’s three panels? To kickstart the day, the expertise of Sydney-based Nemesia Dale-Cully (from Wildflower) and Coco Retter (from Bombay Sapphire), along with local wine connoisseur Freddie Raimbaud-Gentilhomme (from Dan Murphys) will be shared in the ‘Women in Beverage’ session.

To speak about ‘Women in Business’, taking the stage will be Becky Knanthavongsa (owner of Zaab and Senn), Arika Errington (owner of Tukka by the Bush), Mini Gaundaur (owner of Ramas), and Kylie Preston (owner of Hippo Co). To end the event on an inspiring note, Kylie Preston will also appear in the panel addressing ‘Women for Inclusivity and Safety’ in the hospitality industry beside Jamie Bucirde from Not So Hospitable, who will travel all the way from Adelaide to impart her wisdom. What an ensemble!

If you’re unsure if this symposium is relevant to you – it likely is. Whether you’ve had experience in the hospitality industry or not, attend this event to feel inspired, to learn, and to understand how we can all pave the way for more women in future generations to break barriers in the hospitality industry.

Anyone is welcome – and encouraged – to attend.

“This event is for both industry and the public, we want anyone who cares or is curious about the future of women in hospitality to be present and be part of the change and growth,” says Claire.

“Subject Matters is for every person who is interested in connection, community and mentorship in the hospitality industry. The symposium’s objective is to amplify the voices of people who have fought for success in our industry and to inspire the greater community.”

Bring, friends, parents, distant cousins, and absolutely anyone who would take an interest in learning from esteemed female figures in the food and beverage industry. You can now purchase the full day pass for just $58.51, or purchase tickets for specific panels that spark your interest for just $21.97 per session, with flexible payment options available.

Photography: Cassie Abraham.