Briggs of Burton was the Diamond Sponsor of the Worldwide Distilled Spirits Conference (WDSC) 2026, held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre from 4-7 May, reinforcing its position as a leading distilling engineering company within the global spirits industry. The company also contributed to the overall conference experience, including participation in key networking activities.
Recognised as a leading international forum for science, technology, and innovation in distilled spirits production, WDSC brings together producers, suppliers, researchers, and industry experts from across the distilled spirits sector. The 2026 edition attracted a strong international audience representing whisky, gin, rum, vodka, and emerging craft spirit markets.
Supporting a Global Platform for Innovation
BRIGGS’ sponsorship reflects its continued commitment to supporting industry dialogue and advancing technical excellence in distillation. Events such as WDSC provide a valuable platform for sharing expertise, exploring emerging technologies, and addressing key challenges facing producers worldwide – from sustainability targets to evolving consumer expectations – while aligning BRIGGS with forward-thinking distillers and decision-makers navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.
Against a backdrop of shifting consumer preferences, tightening regulations, and increasing sustainability demands, the conference serves as a vital forum for knowledge exchange and innovation.
Showcasing Innovation in Distilling Technology
During the conference, BRIGGS showcased its latest advancements in distillation and process engineering, including modular and turnkey systems designed to meet the needs of both established producers and emerging brands.
Key technologies highlighted included:
- Modular distillery concepts – offering flexibility and scalability for new and expanding operations.
- Advanced process integration – optimising energy use and improving operational efficiency.
- Sustainable engineering solutions – designed to reduce water, energy, and carbon footprints.
With growing emphasis on decarbonisation and resource efficiency across the industry, BRIGGS’ solutions demonstrated how distillers could meet environmental goals without compromising performance or product quality.
CLPT Group Expertise
At Stand #20, BRIGGS welcomed delegates to explore the latest distilling equipment, technologies, and global project experience delivered by our CLPT Group.
Experts were available to discuss solutions across the entire distillery process and project lifecycle, including:
- Raw material handling and processing.
- Distillation and maturation systems.
- Utilities and hygienic process systems.
- Large-scale stainless steel vessel design and manufacture.
- Integrated engineering and automation solutions.
Group Capabilities on Display
- Briggs of Burton (BRIGGS) – specialist distilling process engineering and turnkey project delivery.
- McMillan Coppersmiths & Fabricators – traditional copper craftsmanship combined with modern distilling engineering.
- CLPT Group expertise – insights covering distillation, maturation, utilities, hygienic and sustainable processing, digitalisation and systems integration.
Whether focused on process equipment, integrated solutions, digitalisation strategies, or sustainability, delegates were able to engage directly with technical experts across multiple disciplines.
Featured Technical Sessions
Conference attendees also had the opportunity to attend BRIGGS technical sessions:
- Latest performance of MVR at The GlenAllachie Distillery – presented the latest developments in Thermo Energy Recovery.
- ProLeiT Demo: The Digital Backbone of a Modern Distillery – ProLeiT presented the latest approach to process automation of distilleries.
These sessions highlighted trends in distillery automation, digital transformation, and energy efficiency technologies.
Supporting Industry Growth and Knowledge Sharing
Alongside our presence at the exhibition, Briggs of Burton and the wider CLPT Group took an active role in the WDSC technical programme, delivering both e-Poster presentations and panel contributions across key industry topics:
- Process Modelling of Distillation Column Systems – From Simulation to Design Validation.
- Total Carbon Ownership (TCO₂): Balancing Embodied & Operational CO2, and Payback in Process Equipment Decisions.
- Copper Contact and Condenser Design: Material Compatibility and Sustainable Innovation in Distillation.
- Co-Product Utilisation – Zeroing your distillery: Valorising Draff for Fossil-Free Heat Supply.
- Distillery Sustainability Panel – MVR in the real world.
A Standout Networking Experience: 80s Retro Rewind!
As Diamond Sponsor, BRIGGS also proudly hosted the WDSC Wednesday evening social, themed ‘80s Retro Rewind’ – a highlight of the conference networking programme.
Held at Dynamic Earth, the event combined entertainment, industry engagement, and nostalgia, celebrating a decade defined by bold innovation and engineering progress. Guests were welcomed with cocktails provided by Glenmorangie, followed by an evening of food, entertainment, and interactive experiences.
The event paid tribute to an era when engineering pushed boundaries, including milestones such as the installation of early MVR systems in Scotland, while offering a memorable and informal setting for industry professionals to connect.
Strengthening Industry Relationships
The conference provided an important opportunity for BRIGGS to strengthen relationships across the distilled spirits value chain. Its presence at WDSC 2026 enabled engagement with clients, collaborators, and prospective partners, reinforcing its role as a trusted engineering partner from concept through to commissioning.
Drawing on decades of experience, BRIGGS continues to support both established global producers and innovative new entrants across the sector.
Looking Ahead
As the global spirits market continues to expand, particularly in premium and emerging segments, BRIGGS’ involvement in WDSC 2026 underscored its ambition to remain at the forefront of engineering excellence.
With a strong heritage in brewing and distilling and a growing portfolio of advanced process solutions, BRIGGS is well positioned to support the next generation of distilleries worldwide.
