The California-based American Distilling Institute will hold its annual Craft Spirits And Vendor Expo in Louisville March 30- April 2 at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The event will draw spirits industry visitors from all over for a target attendance numbering over 1000.
It makes perfect sense for such an event to be held here. If you recall, the economic impact study of the bourbon industry that was released last fall found that not only is distilling our largest industry these days, but also Kentucky’s distilling industry provides 40% of the distilling industry jobs in the entire United States and 50% of the wages.
The conference will begin with workshops and distillery tours, many of which are already sold out. Hotel rooms in the first hotel are also already filled. This conference will bring a lot of visitors to our city, which presents a huge economic benefit in itself. But what’s more, it gives us an opportunity to showcase our bourbon industry to those who may not already be familiar with it. Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s bourbon, so it follows that the majority of out-of-town visitors both are interested in and know little about bourbon. This is a huge opportunity to spread the love of bourbon and its culture far and wide.
For more information about the Craft Spirits Conference and Vendor Expo, click here. Tickets to a few of the events are still available. And if you know anyone outside of Kentucky in the industry, consider this an opportunity to lure them to Louisville to learn about all the awesomeness we have to offer.
Photos Courtesy of The American Distilling Institute
