What I Learnt From The

2024 AWDA Conference

As a small business owner, days off are few and far between,

and it can be challenging to justify stepping away from the daily grind,

especially for a multi-day conference. But I’m so glad I did. Spending time at

the annual Australian Women in Distilling Association (AWDA) conference in

Newcastle reminded me of the critical value in offsite business development. It

was a refreshing change to step “off the tools” and invest time in growth

beyond the distillery.

The knowledge I gained and the connections I made are priceless. Thank you to the AWDA committee for organising such a fantastic conference. Running your own distilleries while supporting others in the industry takes incredible dedication. I admire all of you.

2024 AWDA Conference

Here Are My Top Lessons From the 2024 AWDA Conference:

We’re All in This Together

Most craft distilleries in Australia are small operations, often with only a handful of staff. At HM Gin, we’re a close-knit team of three, plus two casuals. Facing challenges or evaluating opportunities with limited resources can be tough, and it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own. Conferences like this are a great reminder that most people in the industry have faced similar challenges. The support and willingness to help each other is truly uplifting. The Australian spirits community is filled with incredible people, all just a phone call away.

Diversify Your Business

When launching a business, we all envision how our products will be received and sold, but reality often differs from our expectations. That’s not a setback—it’s an opportunity for growth. Take Kawal Rock Distillery in the scenic Hunter Valley, for example. Owners Maria and Louise have partnered with Hunter Valley Helicopters to offer a “Picnic in the Sky” experience: a private helicopter ride with a gourmet picnic on a rock formation along Sentry Mountain. A helicopter experience may not have been in their original business plan, but it works beautifully.



This lesson served as a reminder to be open to new, non-traditional ideas that can diversify HM Gin’s offerings. At HM Gin, we’re all about creating authentic experiences, and this has inspired me to stay alert for unique opportunities that can add resilience and depth to our brand.

AWDA Conference

The Power of Staying True to Your Branding & Values

It sounds simple—stay aligned with your brand and values. But as a small business owner, resource constraints and quick fixes can sometimes tempt us to stray. Walking through Farmer’s Wife Distillery, 45 minutes outside Newcastle, was an inspiring reminder of the power of alignment. Every detail, from the product presentation to the decor, reflects founder Kylie’s vision. Keeping HM Gin authentic means holding onto what makes us unique, even when shortcuts might seem appealing. Staying true to our brand allows us to build a consistent experience that resonates with our customers.
AWDA Conference

Risk Management Can Help You Sleep at Night

My previous career in finance involved countless hours of risk management reviews for new projects. At the time, they felt tedious, but I’ve come to appreciate how critical risk mitigation is for smooth operations and ensuring staff and customer safety.

This lesson hit home when I read this morning about a winery facing legal consequences for failing to train staff properly, resulting in severe injuries and trauma. While risk management can be daunting, having clear controls in place is worth it—it lets small business owners sleep at night, knowing they’ve done everything possible to prevent potential issues.

Amy Shaw



Are you a woman in the Australian distilling industry? If you’re not a member of the AWDA, it’s time to join. Click here to learn more about the association.

At HM Gin we have a range of awarded gins, gin gift packs and merchandise.

Click to explore our Gin store

See our comprehensive list of gin cocktails that have been thoughtfully crafted.

Click to explore cocktail recipes

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