WA Beer & Brewing Conference 2026

The countdown is on for the WA Beer & Brewing Conference 2026, Western Australia's premier gathering for brewers, beer enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Taking place on 3 July 2026 at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, this full-day event promises an exciting program packed with industry insights, sensory experiences, networking opportunities and a vibrant trade hall showcasing the latest products, services and innovations shaping the brewing industry.

Whether you're a seasoned brewer, an industry supplier, venue operator or someone just beginning their brewing journey, the conference offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired by some of the brightest minds in beer.

This year's conference is proud to welcome renowned beer writer, broadcaster and industry commentator Pete Brown from the United Kingdom.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in modern beer culture, Pete will open the conference with a keynote presentation exploring the past, present and future of craft beer. Drawing on decades of experience and storytelling, his session will offer valuable insights into how brewing culture continues to evolve and what opportunities lie ahead for the industry.

Throughout the day, attendees will enjoy a diverse program of speaker sessions covering industry trends, brewing techniques, business insights and emerging opportunities. The conference trade hall will provide the perfect setting to discover new products, technologies and services while connecting directly with suppliers and fellow brewing professionals.

Networking remains a cornerstone of the event, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, build partnerships and strengthen the vibrant Western Australian brewing community.

A major highlight of this year's conference is the 'Taste Like A Brewer' sensory series, presented by Ellerslie and led by Technical Brewer and accredited beer judge Glenn Harrison. Sensory session tickets must be purchased with general admission tickets.

Designed to help participants develop and refine their sensory evaluation skills, these interactive sessions explore how beers can drift from their intended flavour profile and how to identify common faults with confidence.

Lagers demand precision, leaving little room for error. In this session, Glenn will guide participants through the subtle and not-so-subtle off-flavours that can appear in the world's most popular beer style, helping attendees sharpen their understanding of quality and consistency.

Hops may bring excitement and complexity, but they can also mask brewing issues. This session takes a closer look at the sensory characteristics that can impact IPA quality, teaching participants how to recognise flavour faults and better understand what makes a great IPA.

Ready to put your palate to the test? Participants will sample a range of beer styles—some perfectly executed, others intentionally flawed—and determine which is which. This engaging session provides a practical opportunity to apply sensory skills in a fun and interactive environment. It also serves as the ideal finale for attendees completing the full sensory series.

The WA Beer & Brewing Conference 2026 offers something for everyone passionate about beer—from technical learning and professional development to networking and hands-on sensory experiences.

Don't miss your chance to join the brewing community for a day dedicated to innovation, education and celebrating the craft of brewing. Buffet lunch included.

We look forward to welcoming you to Fremantle on 3 July for an unforgettable day of hops, malt, yeast and everything in between.