By Amelia Ball

More than 170 retailers and supplier partners of the Australian Liquor Stores Association (ALSA) converged on the Novotel Rockford Palm Cove Resort yesterday for the start of the annual ALSA conference.

Delegates gathered last night for the big welcome dinner, which was hosted by Diageo, where a meal and drinks were enjoyed on one of the resort’s terrace, overlooking the golf course.

ALSA chief executive Terry Mott said they were excited about the big week, which kicked off with educational sessions this morning. Eagle Boys founder Tom Potter opened proceedings with a talk about his own small business journey. Nielsen’s Michael Walton also presented delegates with the latest figures that are impacting on the liquor retail sector.

Additional sessions were running this afternoon, including the Retail Liquor Development Foundation (RLDF) module on Best Business Practice Skills, led by trainer Peter Hall. Delegates could also opt to attend a wine masterclass, hosted by Chris Morrison of Pernod Ricard, while Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) was running a workshop on improving profitability in-store.

“It was a great night,” Mott said. “Everyone’s in good spirits and we’re looking forward to a productive week.”