You’re invited to join wine industry leaders from across Australia in Adelaide this October for what’s shaping up to be the country’s national wine week.

The centrepiece is the Outlook 2014: Taking Charge of Our Future conference organised by the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia.

Speakers include International Federation of Wine & Spirits President Jim Finkle (US), Organisation of Vine and Wine Director-General Jean-Marie Aurand (Paris), Australia Small Business Commissioner Mark Brennan, Nielson’s Consumer and Business Intelligence Executive Director Michael Walton, Wine Intelligence Chief Executive Lulie Halstead (UK), ALM CEO Scott Marshall and Ciatti partner and broker Steve Dorfman.

There’s also panel sessions and workshops daily with some very familiar winemakers exploring topical issues around sustainability, marketing and supply chain relationships including with retailers.

Register and find more program details here.

About the conference
Federation President Tony D’Aloisio AM said Outlook 2014 would bring winemakers, analysts, exporters, marketers, retailers and politicians together over the two days to consider what must be done to lift profitability.

“The strong Australian dollar, rising costs of production and intense global competition continue to challenge our export performance but there are many reasons to remain optimistic,” he said.

Outlook 2014 will be an opportunity to review our progress, consider the latest data and innovation in markets and production, and to align around what further actions are required.

“We have around 50 speakers over two days which makes this an important forum to learn about the latest developments, to meet leading figures in the industry from here and overseas, and to exchange ideas.

“The conference program has deliberately included panel discussions with questions from the floor to ensure we explore issues to their fullest and learn from the significant amount of experience delegates bring.”

Federation Chief Executive Paul Evans said Outlook 2014 would also bestow the inaugural Life Member of the Australian Wine Industry Award – important recognition to be announced at the conference welcome reception.

“This is shaping up to be industry’s national wine week as industry celebrates achievements with the presentation of this important new award,” said Mr Evans.

The 2014 Maurice O’Shea Award and dinner will be held on the evening of the opening day of conference and WCA’s Royal Adelaide Wine Show Awards Lunch will be held on the Friday.

Supporting Outlook 2014: Taking Charge of Our Future are: leading manufacturer of grape harvesters Pellenc Australia, wine industry brokers and advisors Gaetjens Langley, Australian distributor for the world’s largest cork company Amorim Australasia Pty Ltd, leading publisher Winetitles and global service Wine Intelligence.