Frequently Asked Questions for Wine & Spirits Australia 2008

1. What is going on?
Wine & Spirits is now part of Fine Food Australia and will feature Australian and international producers of Wine, Beer, Spirits, liqueurs, ready to drinks, equipment and accessories. This event will bring together buyers and sellers of liquor and related products for the On-premise, Off-premise and Hospitality sector.

2. When is the exhibition open?
Monday 22 September 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 23 September 12noon - 9pm
Wednesday 24 September 10am – 5pm
Thursday 25 September 10am-5pm

3. Where is the exhibition being held?
The exhibition will be held at the Melbourne Exhibiton & Convention Centre . This world class venue is only minutes from the city centre and is surrounded by quality accommodation and facilities. 

5. Accommodation & Travel.
Yes. Special hotel packages are available for visitors and exhibitors. You can book online or contact the official travel agents Lido Group directly by email exhibitons@lidoac.com or phone 1800 817 339

6. How many exhibitors are there?
There will be around 100 exhibitors displaying wine, beer and spirits from all parts of Australia and overseas. A full list of exhibitors is available for last years show and the 2008 list will be updated regularly.

7. Will there be any special events?   
Yes. Industry expert Rob Hicks will provide in depth analysis on topics ranging from rare wines to sacred vineyard sites. 

8. Can I exhibit at the show?
Yes. There are still good stands available but you will need to book soon. The cost of a 3m x 3m tasting booth stand is A$4,050. Contact Eliza Whalley on  03 9261 4544 to make a booking or you can also contact us by email ewhalley@divexhibitions.com.au

 9. Who can attend?
Entry is restricted to members of the retail, foodservice and hospitality sector. All visitors must be over the age of 18 and represent a licensed premise. Proof of business identification may be required. Persons not in these categories including children will not be admitted at any time.

10. Can students or apprentices attend?
Students or apprentices over the age of 18 enrolled in a course of study directly relating to the food and hospitality sector at a tertiary level may attend the show. Students will be required to present their student identity card.

11. Can I bring my family?
No. This is a business event and entry is restricted to those people actually working in the industry. The only exception is infants under one year that cannot be separated from their primary caregiver. If you bring a baby we strongly recommend that you carry them in a pouch instead of a pram due to crowds.

12. Are there child-minding facilities?
No. If you are travelling from interstate we suggest you organise a baby-sitter through your hotel or by looking up 'Baby Sitters' in the Melbourne Yellow Pages or http://www.yellowpages.com.au/

13. Do I need a Visa for Australia?
Most visitors will require a Visa to enter Australia. Applications need to be made well in advance at the Australian Consulate in your own country or in same cases can be made online. For more information visit the Australian Government Immigration site at www.immi.gov.au. The application form for a temporary business visa is located at http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/456.pdf

14. Will I need to bring identification with me?
Yes. Proof of industry involvement may be requested at the registration counters or the entrance. We suggest you bring along a business card, invoice or company documentation along with personal identification such as a driver’s license or passport.

15. How much does it cost to attend?
Admission is $30. However you can avoid the entry fee by registering online before 15 September 2008. After this date you will have to purchase a ticket at the door.

16. Can I pre-register?
Yes. You can register online between 1 January and 15 September 2008. If you have been sent a free ticket you will need to register online before 15 September. Entry is $30 at the door if not pre-registered.

17. What happens when I pre-register?
Yes. You can register online between 1 January and 15 September 2008. If you have been sent a free ticket you will need to register online before 15 September. Entry is $30 at the door if not pre-registered

18. Can you check my registration?
Yes. You can contact Diversified Exhibitions on 03 9261 4500 or email food@divexhibitions.com.au to check if your registration has successfully been submitted. If in doubt we suggest you simply register again before 15 September 2008.

19. What if my badge does not arrive in time?
All registrations received by the 15 September cut-off will be mailed out. If you do not receive your badge or forget to bring it with you then you can ask for a replacement badge at any of the entrance counters at the show. If your name is recorded
on the database a new badge will be issued at no cost. If we have no record of your registration you will need to pay the $30 entry fee.

20. What if my badge is not correct?
If you received your badge in the mail and it needs to be corrected please visit one of the entrance counters when you arrive at the show and they will print a new badge at no cost. We regret we cannot make corrections before the show.

21. Who are the Organisers?
The organisers of the event are Diversified Exhibitions Australia, who are one of the leading event organisers in Australia. For further information visit http://www.divexhibitions.com.au/

22. Do you organise any similar events?
Yes. We also run  The Good Food and Wine show. For more information visit http://www.divexhibitions.com.au/