OVERVIEW

A notable feature of the annual Leaders Forum is the exceptional networking events underpinned by amazing food and wine. 

This year’s Forum promises to be no different, opening with drinks for young and old at the scenic Yarra Botanica – a floating pontoon bar whose mission is to champion Victorian producers. 

Our Arrival dinner sees delegates at the fragrantly spiced Sezar Restaurant, which flaunts its rich influences from the Middle East & Armenian history through its impressive contemporary take on traditional flavours. Nestled down a classic Melbourne laneway, this dinner is the beginning of this exclusive Leaders’ retreat and a delicious start to the Forum.

After a full day of inspiring and thought-provoking presentations, conference drinks return to the stunning Alto Deck atop the Langham Hotel, showcasing magnificent views across the Yarra and the Melbourne skyline. Delegates will debrief their favourite takeaways from the day over a well-earned drink. 

The jewel in the Forum crown is the official conference fine-dining dinner; this year brought to us by the incredible team at the two-hatted ARU – voted Restaurant of the Year at The Age 2023 Good Food Guide Awards – and hosted exclusively in the stunning Grand Ballroom of The Windsor hotel. Wines are matched to each delicious course by Leaders Forum legend Yvonne Wallis (founder and former Chair, Wallis Group), who once again will share her wealth of expertise (and cellar) with the very fortunate delegates at the ADIA Leaders Forum.

The Langham Hotel

A Leader’s Forum favourite, The 5-star Langham Hotel, Melbourne is centrally located at Southbank Promenade on the banks of the Yarra River. Boasting impeccable hospitality and timeless elegance, the magnificent interior includes a grand marble staircase, cascading fountains and beautiful chandeliers.

Delegates will enjoy breakfast in the superb Melba Restaurant or can opt to meet friends and colleagues for a meeting or relaxing drink in the stylish Aria Bar and Lounge.

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Yarra Botanica – Arrival Drinks (Above)

Wednesday, 3 May, 5:00 – 6:30pm

The first of many opportunities for delegates to network and catch up, our arrival drinks, hosted by platinum sponsor Forsta, take place on board the scenic Yarra Botanica.  A five-minute walk from the hotel, this floating pontoon bar and eatery on the Yarra River is the brainchild of Australian Venue Co, whose mission is to champion Victorian producers from artisan cheeses, sustainable seafood, farm-fresh fruit & vegetables, and an all-local lineup of drinks. Cheers!

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Sezar – Arrival Dinner

Wednesday, 3 May, 7:00 pm

From the moment you enter, Sezar flaunts its rich influences from the Middle East & Armenian history through its contemporary take on traditional flavours. The dim lighting, sophisticated cocktails and fragrant spices all add to the charm of Sezar, but the modern interpretations of centuries-old favourites will impress the most.

Nestled inside the old Canary Club down a classic Melbourne laneway, Sezar was opened in 2013 by Chef Garen Maskal and cousins Aret & Sasoon Arzadian. With thanks to our Arrival Dinner Sponsor, CRNRSTONE, the Arrival Dinner will be a delicious start to the Forum.

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Langham Alto Deck – Conference Drinks

Thursday, 4 May, 5:00 pm

The Leaders’ Forum will once again be held in the Alto room with its stunning Alto Deck – showcasing views across the Yarra and the Melbourne skyline – the venue for the well-deserved conference drinks brought to you by our new member (and old friend) Paul Hoger from Enactuate.

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ARU at the Windsor Hotel – Conference Dinner

Thursday, 4 May, 7:30 pm

Named Restaurant of the Year at The Age 2023 Good Food Guide Awards, Aru is the latest venture from the acclaimed team behind Sunda. With celebrated chef Khanh Nguyen at the helm, Aru is an elegant restaurant that draws culinary inspiration from those early days of trade between Indonesian seafarers and northern Australia. Named after the cluster of islands on the pre-colonial maritime route that connected this corner of the world, it’s championing the flavours of Southeast Asia, Japan, China and native Australia, with the menu drawing on dishes from the Asian region and beyond, cooked over the large wood fire hearth and dry-aged and smoked in-house.

Brought to you for the third year running by valued ADIA Partner, GiftPay, the Leaders’ Forum Dinner will be hosted especially for us in the magnificent Windsor Hotel Grand Ballroom. There’s plenty of room, so bring your dancing shoes!

With wines matched to each delicious course by Leaders Forum legend Yvonne Wallis (founder and former Chair, Wallis Group), who will once again share her wealth of expertise with the lucky delegates at the ADIA Leaders Forum.

ABOUT YVONNE

After 25 years as Managing Director and Chairman of Wallis Consulting Group, Yvonne retired to follow her passion for Wine and Food and became the Global Chair of the International Wine & Food Society (IWFS), the longest-established gastronomic Society in the world. She is now the President of the Asia Pacific Zone of IWFS and the Global Branch Ambassador.

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