Don't go expecting scotch. It's an Australian whiskey show with a very small representation from other types of whiskey.
I've never been to a Whisky Live before. Friends and I decided to go yesterday. I've been to a handful of other whisky/spirits shows throughout Australia and I feel like Whisky Live have been very cagey with their event advertising. $150 AUD for a ticket, no mentions of who is attending until 1 week before when ticket holders were sent an email with the booth holder list. I couldn't believe it, literally no Islay at an alleged premier international whisky show. Surely that was a mistake? Turns out you could try Uigedail, Corryvreckan or Octomore at an special 'one off' purchase booth.
This event was mostly Australian whiskey with 1 scotch booth (Aberlour), one Japanese booth (Nikka), and some bigger corporate brands who had their own stand (Chivas, Ezra Brooks bourbon) but otherwise this felt really underwhelming if you're a seasoned whisky drinker. Virtually nothing from Scotland, Nothing from England or New Zealand, no independent bottlers. Not even a token Diageo stand. At least Midleton were there with some Redbreast and some Midleton Very Rare.
Credit where credit is due, the free food was plentiful, lots of free water stations, almost everyone working there (booth holders, reps, floor staff, etc) were extremely nice and easy to talk to. Most of the Australian distillery workers (and you can tell the workers from the Sales reps) are incredibly down to earth and affable however I really hope they weren't overcharged to participate in this touring event.
If you're a scotch fan or don't get along with the red wine twang of a lot of Australian single malts then this is will be a disappointing event to go to.