Subject Matters | Venus Vinifera

Venus Vinifera and Subject Matters Presents

Subject Matters is a one-day deep dive into building a sustainable career in hospitality. Back-of-house energy on stage. Real talk. No filter.

Across conversation panels and specialist sessions, we’ll cover the stuff that doesn’t make it into training manuals. We’re bringing together industry leaders and local legends to ask the tough questions, share what’s worked (and what hasn’t), and talk honestly about what it means to make hospo a long game.

Plus, there’s plenty of time to talk, meet your people, and enjoy good food and drinks.

Tickets

PANEL TALK 01

Beyond the floor

There are a few well-beaten paths in the industry: ownership, management, and the adage “sick of service? Become a sales rep!” But how many options are out there, and what do they look like? Beyond the Floor brings together industry leaders who have carved out individual pathways to discuss how you can grow, shift and pivot without leaving the industry behind.

PANEL TALK 02

The sh*t they don’t teach you

It is no secret that hospitality is tough. For a long time, the sense of belonging, creative freedom, and love of crafting experiences have balanced the challenges of the industry. This has changed: people want financial stability, to work consistent hours, and prioritise their health. So how do you have balance in hospitality? The Sh*t They Don’t Teach You will serve some hard truths and stellar advice from industry leaders, discussing the challenges we currently face.

PANEL TALK 03

Choose your own adventure

There is no rulebook for integrating individual passions and skills into the industry. It’s a double edged sword: the world is our oyster, but many people aren’t sure how to eat it. Choose Your Own Adventure is all about de-mystifying the unique success a person can have by sharing experiences and advice from those who have succeeded, and made mistakes along the way. Industry leaders will discuss goal setting, education, working with brands, and carving out your unique narrative.

Specialist Sessions

Dollars and sense

Payday hits different when you actually know where your money’s going. This session is about getting confident with your cash. We’re talking budgets, bank accounts, and backing yourself with the numbers to match.
Syncing now: Hard Conversations

This session is about the tricky stuff: speaking up, setting boundaries, and knowing your rights. Whether you’re a worker, manager or just trying to be a better teammate, this one’s for you.
Bush Tukka

Ever wanted to cook with native ingredients but didn’t know where to start? This session covers the why, how, and who behind using bush foods the right way. We’ll talk culture, ethics, and how to build real connections with First Nations producers.

Tickets

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

Kat HughanMC

Katrina MarsonPanel Host

Daisy TulleyPanelist

Liz CareyPanelist

Sherri DillPanelist

Mads Park-NelsonPanelist

Bridget RaffalPanelist

Hannah CostelloPanelist

Alicia ClarkePanelist

Nic LewisPanelist

Tom OpiePanelist

Hany EzzatPanelist

Ash St GeorgePanelist

Dash RumblePanelist

TERRACE TUCKSHOP

At every event, we always find ourselves yearning for a breather and some free time. The terrace will be the space for chillin’ out, meeting new people, and trying something new. We have amazing producers and Bar Rochford poppin’ up, and a Such and Such tuckshop.

SYMPOSIUM KNOCK-OFFS

Venus Vinifera will be welcoming symposium guests to Such and Such for Symposium knock-offs. Less networking more vibes.