Future Proof Sydney brings hospitality leaders together again

More than 600 of Sydney’s leading hospitality and liquor professionals gathered on Tuesday evening for the return of Paramount Liquor’s Future Proof forum, held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

The event delivered a mix of immersive education, dynamic panel discussions, supplier activations, and networking opportunities, all curated for Australia’s on-premise industry.

Nathan Rowe, CEO of Paramount Liquor, said: “Future Proof Sydney is about curating the conversations and connections that matter most. By bringing together industry leaders, liquor professionals, operators, and those who live and breathe hospitality every day, we were proud to be a part of an exhibition of ideas and innovations that will shape the next chapter of the industry.

“At Paramount, our commitment is to evolve with hospitality and share knowledge that helps us all learn, grow, and move forward together.”

Future Proof Sydney brought back its popular Future Panels, featuring nine leading voices from across the drinks and hospitality sectors who tackled three of the industry’s most pressing topics:

• Adapt to Thrive – exploring the power of shifting concepts, with Jason Williams (House Made Hospitality), Oliver Brown (Big Easy Group), and Lee Potter Cavanagh (Trippas White Group).
• Growing the Spend – looking at how to increase venue spend without compromising atmosphere, featuring John Ross-Jones (Lucas Group), Leah Dunnigan (Green Point Hospitality), and Reece Griffiths (Solotel).
• Creating Your Own Thing – for the creative-minded, with Amelia Birch (Famelia), Lauren Bonkowski (Marionette & Small Fortunes), and George Curtis (Before + After & Milquetoast).

These sessions offered candid insights and practical strategies, giving attendees solid and practical ideas to take back to their venues.

Alongside the panel discussions, guests explored Future Proof’s Gallery of Brands, a showcase of more than 20 supplier activations and experiences that highlighted innovation and connection across the industry.

Participating brands included Altus Brands, Asahi Premium Beverages, Campari, Brown Forman, Lion, Vanguard Luxury Brands, William Grant & Sons, Moët Hennessy, Sazerac, Pernod Ricard, Red Bull, Diageo, Amber Beverages, Treasury Wine Estates, Proximo, Vinarchy, Samuel Smith & Sons, Robert Oatley Wines, Fever-Tree, EzTenda, and Frntlne.

Attendees were also given a first look at Paramount Liquor’s sensory wine installation, Notetakers: an immersive experience created in collaboration with Vinarchy, Samuel Smith & Sons, Robert Oatley Wines, and Moët Hennessy. The installation guided guests through aroma, taste, and storytelling, underscoring the event’s focus on creativity and innovation.

With its blend of education, inspiration, and collaboration, Future Proof Sydney 2025 reaffirmed its reputation as a must-attend event for Australia’s hospitality and liquor community.