Event Detail



Bourbon, Bites, & Bluegrass

Getting Ready for Louisville
November 1st-3rd, 2023

We want you to join us for Bourbon, Bites & Bluegrass, IFEC’s annual conference in Louisville, KY November 1 – November 3, 2023 at the sophisticated Omni Louisville.  Join industry colleagues at the premier foodservice communications event fall of 2023 in downtown Louisville. Picture youself staying in the middle of Kentucky's Urban Bourbon Trail, a  mouthwatering cocktail and culinary experience highlighting the city’s best Bourbon bars and restaurants. Don't forget to sample local specialties such as the Hot Brown, Benedictine spread, burgoo and Derby Pie between sips of bourbon cocktails or a refreshing mint julep.

Early bird registration is $595 for members - the fee shown on the registration form includes a 3% convenience fee. If you wish to pay with a check or ACH email the IFEC office for a revised invoice.


Bourbon, Bites & Bluegrass

  • The annual conference has the full complement of IFEC signature events: Welcome Reception, Office Hours, Chef Showcase, Activity Stations, New Member/Family Activity, the Annual Meeting, the Betty and TerrIFECer awards, plus countless networking, tasting and learning opportunities. Chef Showcase to be held in Fall City Market, a food hall attached to the hotel.

  • Virtual Meet the Press session prior to the conference - get the down low on the editor's needs BEFORE you leave for KY! Interested in sponsoring this? Let us know!

  • Food Tours: explore Louisville's one-of-a-kind food scene and rich bourbon history. Hint: it is all about the water.

  • Editor’s Roundtable–a media-only, directed discussion on the hot button topics related to challenges in the B2B world, including strategies for digital content.
     
  • Getting in early?  Click here for a one day itinerary on the Urban Bourbon Trail, the Omni is included on their list of nightlife suggestions. If sports are more your thing the Lousville Slugger Museum and Muhammed Ali Center are a 20 minute walk from the hotel.

Registration will include 2 key steps:

  1. The Office Hours box must be checked off if you wish to schedule office hours. As always, only 1 set of appointments are available per client. If you are unsure how this works, just ask. 
  2. Food tours will be on the afternoon of the last day. You must select either Yes or No for food tour participation. Details for the tours should be available in the next few weeks.

Conference highlights include:

  • Keynoter Chef Sara Bradley from Bravo's Top Chef and owner of Freight House, KY - and sample her cooking at Chef Showcase

  • Moonshine University's Chief Spirit Educator,Colin Blake will teach us all about the local bourbon scene and give us a deep dive into flavor trends in the bourbon industry

  • Editor's Media Roundtable-a media-only, directed discussion on the hot button topics related to challenges in the B2B world, including strategies for digital content.

  • Betty and TerrIFECer Award Derby lunch

  • Annual meeting with board elections

  • Trend sessions are back, 20 minute mini-classes selected by an advisory committee

Early bird registration (July 16 through August 31) $595 for members; $1090 for non-members
Regular registration $750 for members; $1,245 for non-members

You must be logged in as a member to receive the member rate. Log in, go to the Member Center and the Events tiles to see the member rate. Once you register you can add other colleagues to your registration as well as non-member guests with meal only options. Everything would be combined on a single invoice. You can pay with a credit card or request an invoice to pay with a check.

Full registration includes all meals, classes, and activities.

Click here for full agenda. 

Click here to reserve your stay at the Omni Louisville.