THE GREAT EXCHANGE

A Meeting of Minds with

THE EXCHANGE HAVE BEEN THE GO-TO TEAM FOR DRINKS CULTURE, INNOVATION AND EXPERIENCES IN AUSTRALIA FOR OVER FIVE YEARS.

FROM INTIMATE MASTERCLASSES, BRAND POP-UPS AND PRODUCT LAUNCHES, AS WELL AS FLYING BARTENDERS ACROSS AUSTRALIA TO SWAP PLACES IN THEIR BRILLIANT BARTENDER EXCHANGE PROGRAM, CREATING MEMORABLE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES IS AT THE CORE OF WHAT THEY DO.

In 2019 they will be continuing to leverage their expertise to celebrate and support the industry with their new program The Great Exchange, an immersive thought leadership series, designed exclusively for the trade.

Supported by Beam Suntory brands and global industry leaders, the event will tour the nation, discussing the topics and trends that matter.

“In Australia, there are limited opportunities within the trade community to come together and celebrate the trends, innovations and issues in the industry. We hope that The Great Exchange will be an inspirational thought leadership event series, and the opportunity to meet some of the very best minds in the business,” Dan Beale, The Exchange National Business Manager. The first in the series of The Great Exchange will focus on wellbeing and will feature international opinion leader and founder of Healthy Hospo, Tim Etherington-Judge as keynote speaker, joined by a panel of local talent and influencers to discuss, debate and share their experiences of this important topic.

“We have always wanted to create a platform that connects, supports and inspires local industry talent across Australia” explains Beale. “Once we started chatting with Tim, we realised just how prevalent and timely the health issue is, and how little it is actually discussed within the industry. It is something we are really excited to bring to the Australian bartending community.”

Tim chats to us about his experience, his brand Heathy Hospo and The Great Exchange program:

Tim Etherington Judge Healthy Hospo Special Guest Speaker

WHERE DID THE IDEA OF ‘HEALTHY HOSPO’ COME FROM?

Healthy Hospo was born after I had a breakdown in November 2016 in part caused by the hectic and unhealthy lifestyle working in the hospitality industry. Speaking publicly about my struggles with severe depression the response I received from friends, strangers and industry peers was overwhelming. This is where Healthy Hospo was born, with the dream to build a healthy, happier hospitality industry through a platform that helps, educates, inspires and activates hospitality professionals around the world, to thrive and enjoy their lives to the fullest.

WHY IS IT SUCH A TABOO TO TALK ABOUT HEALTH OR THE LACK OF IT IN THE INDUSTRY?

The truth is that I honestly don’t know. The industry is by its nature, one of decadence, hard work and camaraderie and there’s always been an attitude of wearing poor health like some sort of perverse badge of honour that must be earned to show dedication to the cause. Things are starting to change with health and wellness, both physical and mental, is an increasingly frequent topic of conversation.

WHAT INTERESTED YOU ABOUT THE GREAT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME AND BRINGING YOUR THOUGHT LEADERSHIP TO AUSTRALIA?

I’m a sucker for innovative education platforms, and The Great Exchange indeed spiked my interest. I also spent one year living and working in Brisbane and Byron Bay, so Australia has always had a special place in my heart. There’s a fantastic hospitality scene here with some of the best bars and restaurants in the world.

YOU HAVE A PRETTY BUSY SCHEDULE WHEN HERE TOURING WITH THE SERIES. WHAT WILL YOU DO TO LOOK AFTER YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING DURING THAT TIME?

It’s fair to say in the past I didn’t manage my travel well at all from a health and wellness aspect. I’ve now developed much better habits to keep me in check while travelling. I ensure I make as many good decisions as possible including regular morning exercise, ensuring I get the best sleep possible, keeping restaurant visits to a minimum, staying hydrated and laughing as much as possible with friends old and new.

The Great Exchange will tour five states, NSW, VIC, SA, WA & QLD from June 2019.