We all know that the main purpose of attending the convention is to learn and network. But nobody ever said that having a little fun wasn’t part of the equation. Before we tell you about the Electric Expo 2011 or the education sessions, let’s talk about some other ways to get the most out of your convention experience.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tours
As part of the convention, IEC is putting together a tour of Kentucky’s two most famous distilleries: Maker’s Mark® and Jim Beam®. If you enjoy a mint julep, or bourbon straight-up, then you may want to look into registering for this tour.
The tour will take place on Monday, October 10, with buses departing the host hotel at 8:30 a.m. From there, guests will be taken to the famous Maker’s Mark® Distillery for a tour and tasting. The Maker’s Mark Distillery is an important part of Kentucky heritage. It was originally built in 1805, but eventually had to shut down due to Prohibition. Beginning in 1933, America was coming out of Prohibition and the founders of Maker’s Mark® believed it was the perfect time to re-open their distillery. The business wasn’t always an instant success; in fact, it went through many highs and lows including being bought out, trying new formulas, and experiencing the normal ups and downs of running a business. It wasn’t until the late 1950’s that Maker’s Mark® became what it is today. Once on campus, not only will you have a chance to walk through the gardens, tour the many buildings, and see rows upon rows of barrels filled with bourbon, but guests will get to sample various recipes.
After a few rounds of bourbon tasting, guests will then go to lunch in famous Bardstown. Being the second oldest city in the state, Bardstown has its charm and guests will enjoy the home-style cooking of local restaurants and the southern hospitality.
The last stop of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour will be the Jim Beam® Distillery. This distillery is the largest in the world and houses the actual home of Jim Beam himself. After touring the idyllic Kentucky grounds, step instead for a brief history lesson in the Stillhouse Exhibit. Guests will then be taken to the oldest rack house on the grounds. If the sweet, warm smell of bourbon is too delicious, don’t worry because there will be a tasting here as well. In the tasting room, you’ll be able to sample a variety of Jim Beam’s® small batch bourbons.
Once guests have gotten their fill of the famous Kentucky liquor, it’s back on the buses and a return to the hotel around 4:30 p.m., which is just in time for happy hour…or a nap.
LiveWires’ Spouse/Guest Tour
If you are a spouse or guest of an attendee who is looking for a little adventure during the convention, then IEC has something lined up for you. On Friday, October 14, join the IEC LiveWires for a tour of the famous Churchill Downs, shopping, and lunch. Before Churchill Downs, the group will get to see a short movie on Kentucky heritage and culture at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. Then the tour will continue to the beautiful grounds of the Churchill Downs, the site of the Kentucky Derby. You will be able to see the beautiful rose gardens, white stables, large race track, and of course the main feature…the horses!
Once the tour is finished, guests will be taken to lunch at the Wild Eggs Restaurant, which is consistently voted as having the best breakfast and lunch in the city. After filling up on your favorite egg dish, it will be time to pull out the pocket books and begin shopping in Louisville’s Westport Village. This outdoor shopping complex features mostly artistic and eclectic shops such as Les Filles Boutique featuring custom-made accessories; Amazing Green Planet, which is a store filled with 100 percent sustainable and recyclable materials; Croquis Boutique, a women’s apparel store; and more. Guests will return to the hotel at 3:00 p.m., just in time to get ready for the President’s Reception & Awards Gala.
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