At the Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD), our purpose is to empower individuals, globally, to shine on their own terms through industry-leading education and professional development.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a great occasion to stop and reflect, and together celebrate the progress we have made in the world, and in our industry. It is a continuous source of pride for me to see women play more prominent and transformative roles in society, especially in science and leadership.
#EmbracingEquity, the theme this year, is a brilliant opportunity to promote inclusion in the best possible way. Embracing what makes each one of us unique, and working together to enable that distinctiveness to shine and succeed is truly inspirational! We wouldn’t be able to do this without the growing awareness and education on inclusion and diversity, enabling us all to not only be more kind and generous with each other but also support and drive each other to greater heights.
At the Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD), we aim to empower individuals globally to shine on their own terms through industry-leading education and professional development.
We continue to grow as an organisation with women transforming various parts of the organisation, including in leadership, such as our Marketing and Communications Manager - Ana Bonilla, Chair of the Board of Examinations – Deb Kennedy, Deputy President - Megan Sheehy, Board Trustee - Sandra Stelma, and (humbly) myself as the youngest and third female President, amongst other fabulous women.
Megan Sheehy, IBD Deputy President (centre of the picture) in a visit to a microbrewery in Vietnam empowering and supporting young female brewers.
This year, I am particularly proud of Jane Millar, the first female Chair of one of our leading global highlights, the Worldwide Distilled Spirits Conference, in its 40 years history! An absolutely fantastic achievement!
And it doesn’t stop here. Every year we celebrate individuals’ success, championing their ambitions, and their hopes and dreams.
And it won’t stop here. Every year, we will continue to do our best to drive greater success, individually and collectively, for all our members.
Do take a moment to reflect on your trials and triumphs, as whichever way you look at it, you’ve learned, you’ve grown and you are magnificently YOU!
Happy International Women’s Day!
IBD President
Thirteen brewers and cidermakers from four different continents across the globe have been awarded the highest recognition for their outstanding beers and ciders at the world’s most historic international beer and cider competition – The International Brewing & Cider Awards.
New Head of Education and Professional Development at the IBD, Kathryn Thomson outlines how she will design and deliver a CPD programme for the IBD, as the transition to Chartership continues.
The Institute of Brewing & Distilling marked its 138th anniversary on the 17th of March 2024. As we celebrate this milestone, we can reflect on the journey that has brought us to where we are today.