With less than two weeks till the sold out event, Women in drinks is looking forward to celebrating International Women’s Day 2016 through its annual luncheon on Wednesday, 2 March 2016.

“Tickets to the event sold out in early January with ticket holders swift in securing their seat to an event that is fast becoming an industry must do,” said Sandra Przibilla, CEO, the drinks association.

Men are encouraged to attend and celebrate the role of women in the drinks industry and to contribute to what will be an entertaining and insightful panel and Q&A session.

Commenting on last year’s event, Michael McShane, Managing Director, Brown Forman said, “I walked away from last year’s event with new motivation, understanding and insights. A fantastic luncheon that everyone in the drinks industry should attend.”

Worldwide, International Women’s Day events centre on encouraging effective action for advancing and recognising women. The day represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, while calling for greater equality. This year the event is proudly supporting the Got Ya Back Sista charitable initiative, supporting women and children in refuge.

“This year’s panel, selected by the Women in drinks Board, will bring their skills, experience, enthusiasm, in depth liquor industry knowledge and career learnings to the event for what will no doubt be a fantastic discussion. I look forward to Angela Catterns facilitating the panel and driving the entertaining and thought provoking discussion,” said Sandra Przibilla.

“Women in drinks would also like to thank its beverage sponsors for their support of the event. Their support goes towards not only helping create a stand out industry event, but to the continued strengthening of the Women in drinks Board as they continue to connect, promote and support women in the drinks industry to strive for excellence in their various fields.”

Thank you to the following beverage sponsors:

Accolade Wines - Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Carlton & United Breweries - Pure Blonde Ultra Low Carb & Strongbow Crisp Apple

Casella Family Brands - Portrait Eden Valley Riesling

Coca-Cola Amatil - Sprite, Diet Coke & Mount Franklin Lightly Sparkling

Lion - James Boag's Premium Light & XXXX Summer Bright with Natural Lime

Pernod Ricard - Jacob's Creek Lightly Sparkling

Taylors - Taylors Estate Pinot Noir 2015

Treasury Wine Estates - Seppelt Fleur de Lys

Yalumba - Yalumba Roussanne & Patchwork Shiraz

The Panel

This year’s event features an exclusive panel of influential drinks industry women who will share their experiences of breaking down barriers on their road to leadership as they stimulate the discussion - ‘Empowering Women to Lead’.


Alison Watkins

Group Managing Director, Coca-Cola Amatil

Alison brings a variety of experience at the top level as CEO, Managing Director, President and Board Member across a range of industries. Alison’s financial and accounting acumen together with her skills as a Director will provide a valuable high level resource on the panel.

Rose Scott

General Manager Merchandising and Marketing, Woolworths Liquor Group

Experience spanning nearly 20 years working within the Australian alcohol beverage industry has enabled Rose to thrive in her current role. Her strong strategic, commercial and business skills, combined with her wealth of marketing knowledge and passion for the business will provide great insight for the panel.

Lisa McGuigan

Lisa McGuigan Wines

Lisa may be the fourth generation of one of the Hunter Valley’s most distinguished winemaking families, but did you know she forged her hospitality career from the ground up? Training as a chef and in hotel management, Lisa worked in hotels and restaurants for more than a decade. Lisa's love of wine and hands on approach are just two of the key factors that have led to her success.

Simone Allan,

Director and Founder, Mondo Search

Recognising an enormous need for a specialised recruitment and human resource consultancy in the global wine and drinks sector in 1998 brought Simone to her path at Mondo Search. Personally interviewing over 21,000 Senior Executives, Simone offers amazing insights on the current talent in the market and is passionate about maximising the careers of top talent and contributing to the long term success of organisations.

Angela Catterns

Australian media personality and radio presenter

Angela has presented Mornings on Triple J, the National Evening Show on ABC Local Radio and Breakfast on 702 ABC Sydney, and is currently a freelance journalist.

Women in drinks facilitates a network of women who come together to educate, empower and inspire members in their career, by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences.


2016 International Women’s Day Luncheon


Wednesday, 2 March 2016


Sydney Cricket Ground


Noble Dining Room


Noble Bradman Stand


12pm – 3pm

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