Hospitality heavyweights hatch some big plans

Two hospitality heavyweights have combined, aiming to create bigger and better booze festivals.

A new partnership agreement between the Schwartz Family Company, owners of some of Australia's highest-profile hotesl, and Spectapular Enterprises - organisers of the Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular (GABS) - is designed to lift the energy of several regional craft beer and wine events.

Under the agreement, the Schwartz Family Company’s Hunter Valley, Canberra and Gold Coast events will come into the GABS stable, providing greater national exposure for the regional wine and beer festivals.

The agreement also sees hotelier Jerry Schwartz take up a board appointment and partnership equity in Spectapular Enterprises.

Schwartz is director of the largest privately- owned hotel group in Australia with some iconic hotels in his 14-property portfolio, including Mercure Canberra, the venue for the annual Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival (above).

GABS currently operates some of Australia's largest national beer events, and with the GABS/Schwartz partnership, GABS will now be able to offer exceptional craft beer consumer experiences in regional areas, with the addition of the Schwartz Family Company's Hunter Valley, Gold Coast and Canberra events.

The Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival and the Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival have been operating for over a decade, while the Gold Coast event was added two years ago.

“I am really delighted about incorporating our Canberra, Hunter Valley and Gold Coast events into the Spectapular calendar,” said Schwartz.

“It is a fantastic platform that will help take these events to new heights over the next 10 years and beyond.

"We’re also looking to introduce some new premium events and products, the first being Finer Drop, as we continue to grow and provide consumers and exhibitors with more world-class experiences."

The Finer Drop, a new premium drinks experience, will launch this November at the Winx Stand at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney.

Mike Bray, managing director of GABS, said: “The partnership with Jerry is a natural fit on all levels. He brings a wealth of experience in providing local and international guests exceptional experiences every day.

"I see huge potential to build on the incredible work the SFC team have done with the Canberra Beer & Cider Festival and Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival over the years.”

Spectapular’s flagship event, GABS Festival, is recognised as being one of the premier beer festivals.