Join us at the Rackhouse Tavern inside The Campbell House.

Join us at the May 19thBTMA Happy Hour designed for real conversations, fresh connections, and a little bit of fun. Enjoy light bites, your first drink on us, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for expanding your circle.

Join us at Infinity Rooftop Restaurant + Bar

Spring is in the air, and there’s no better place to connect than high above our city! Join us this April at Infinity Rooftop for a BTMA Happy Hour designed for real conversations, fresh connections, and a little bit of fun. Enjoy light bites, your first drink on us, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for expanding your circle.

Join us at The Hudson in March to hear from Stacy Roof, President and CEO of Kentucky Restaurant Association!

Join us at Main Event in February to hear from Greg Gerard, President of Baptist Health Richmond!

Join us for the annual BTMA Holiday Party and Gift Exchange—a celebration you won’t want to miss!

Join us for the annual BTMA Holiday Party and Gift Exchange—a celebration you won’t want to miss!

Whether you're a current member, former member, or just curious about BTMA, everyone is invited to join the festivities at the member rate of $35. Bring a friend and a wrapped gift, and be ready to dive into our lively gift exchange!

Here’s how the gift exchange works:

• Bring a wrapped gift valued at around $25, and you’re in the game!

• You’ll start by drawing a number. When it’s your turn, choose a gift from the pile or “steal” one from another participant.

• If your gift gets taken, you can choose another from the pile or steal from someone else.

• Remember, each gift can only change hands three times (once unwrapped and twice stolen) before it’s out of play—and no taking back the gift just stolen from you!

This event is always a highlight of the year, so come ready for some friendly competition, lots of laughs, and holiday cheer!

About The Melroy

Located at 144 North Broadway, Lexington, KY 40507, The Melroy offers a stylish downtown gathering space designed for connection, conversation, and shared experience.

Housed in a historic building (previously home to a Masonic Lodge and other uses) in the heart of downtown, The Melroy spans approximately 6,000 square feet and has been crafted as a “city club” for professionals, creatives, and community-minded individuals.

While The Melroy operates as a membership-based venue, it welcomes curated events like ours and offers an atmosphere that feels warm, refined, and grounded. During the day, it serves as a calm co-working or café setting; by evening, it shifts into a place of elegant social energy.

Why we chose The Melroy:

• The central downtown location provides easy access, making it convenient for both members and guests alike.

• Its architecture, exposed brick, large windows, and warm lighting provide a backdrop that adds character and a sense of occasion (without feeling stiff or overly formal).

• The space aligns with the spirit of our Holiday Party and Gift Exchange — lively, engaging, and community-oriented — while giving us a venue that stands out.

We look forward to sharing this special space with you as we celebrate the season together.

BTMA Presents:

Taps & Tails

a fundraiser benefiting

Lexington Humane Society

Join BTMA for Taps & Tails, an afternoon of cold drinks, good company, and adoptable animals, all in support of the Lexington Humane Society!

Rescue animals will be on-site, including a puppy pit where you can get up close and playful with some of the sweetest pups around.

Tickets are $35 and include:

• One drink ticket

• Light refreshments

• Full access to the event and all the puppy love you can handle

Raffle:
Bring an item from the Lexington Humane Society’s Wish List to receive a free raffle entry for a chance to win one of three gift baskets. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event.

Want to do more?
Sponsorship opportunities are available through mid-September for individuals or businesses who want to support this cause in a bigger way.

All proceeds go directly to the Lexington Humane Society and their mission: to advocate the compassionate treatment of animals; educate the community on responsible, lifelong pet ownership; and promote adoption as the best option when searching for a new pet.

Come raise a glass—and some funds—for our furry friends.

Registration closes Friday, October 31, at noon.

Celebrate the coming of cooler weather with us at the Keeneland Race Meet on Wednesday, October 8th! 

Your ticket includes the following:

• general admission to Keeneland

• $20 food & beverage voucher

• program 

• BETologist – Teaching Betting 101 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (invaluable when betting!)

You’ll pick up your ticket and voucher at Will Call, the top of parking row 7, and then head to Elevator B behind the painted jockeys in the Paddock.

We’ll meet you on the second floor starting at 12:30 pm. Gates open at 11:00 am.

Feel free to come and go as your schedule allows!

A Note About Parking

Parking is an additional fee of $10 per car if purchased for the Green Lot. Put your confirmation of payment on your dashboard.

Free parking is available in The Meadow. See map below.

Join us for our September meeting at Legends Field, home of the Lexington Legends, one of the city’s most beloved sports and entertainment venues. We’ll gather in the Lexington Lounge, a private space overlooking the stadium.

We’ll start with networking at 11:30am, followed by a catered lunch at noon during our program. This month, the Lexington Legends Sales & Events team will share how they bring the ballpark to life, creating memorable experiences that go well beyond the game itself. It’s an opportunity to hear directly from the team that ensures large-scale events, community gatherings, and corporate outings run smoothly.

When you arrive, please park in the lot to the right of the stadium. Enter through the glass VIP door next to the box office, then take the elevator up to the suite level. The Lexington Lounge will be on your right.

We hope you’ll join us for delicious food, engaging conversation, and an inside look at one of Lexington’s premier event venues.

Join us for a unique August meeting at the iconic Spendthrift Farm, one of the most historic and influential Thoroughbred operations in Kentucky.

Registration is Closed.

We'll begin with networking at 11:30am, followed by a catered lunch at noon in the Visitor Center. After lunch, attendees are invited to stay for a guided tour of the farm, which will conclude around 1:45pm.

Spendthrift Farm spans more than 1,200 acres and has been home to legendary racehorses since the 1930s. Founded by industry pioneer Leslie Combs, the farm has hosted celebrities, innovators, and champions alike. Today, Spendthrift stands 29 stallions, including 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic, #1 general sire Into Mischief, and 2024 Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch.

Please note: Upon arrival, all attendees will go through a security checkpoint. Let the guard know you are attending the BTMA event at the Visitor Center, and they will direct you accordingly.

We hope you'll join us for a memorable afternoon of connection, good food, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of Lexington’s most storied horse farms.

Join us for the June BTMA meeting at one of Lexington’s newest hot spots—The Willow!

Registration is Closed

Located in the heart of the Warehouse Block, The Willow is a women-founded collective designed to foster creativity, community, and connection. With its cozy wellness bar, sophisticated wine bar, and versatile event space, it’s the perfect place to gather, collaborate, and unwind. (Fair warning—you might feel like you're on a tropical vacation during this meeting!)

Lunch will be catered by Seasons, and we’ll hear exciting updates from 250Lex about the lineup of events planned for Coming Home month—a city-wide celebration of Lexington’s 250th birthday.

You’ll also meet the women behind The Willow—Avena Kiely (The Grove), Dani Dunmire (First Dance Lexington), and Erin Goins (Bites of the Bluegrass)—as they share the heart behind the concept. Erin will offer a brief look at the defining moments that have shaped Downtown Lexington over the last 250 years.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Join us at The Sound Healing Center of Lexington for a Sound Bath Social in May!

Join us at The Sound Healing Center of Lexington for a unique and immersive Sound Bath Social! This is a rare opportunity for BTMA members to experience sound healing at the only dedicated sound healing center in Kentucky.

As the tourism landscape in the Bluegrass region continues to expand beyond traditional attractions, wellness tourism is becoming a sought-after experience for visitors seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and deeper connections to their well-being. This event will highlight how The Sound Healing Center of Lexington is paving the way for holistic tourism in the region.

Due to limited capacity, we are offering two sessions, so please read the following carefully and choose the time that best suits your schedule. Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon!

Agenda:
3:00pm – Doors Open/Networking
3:30pm – Doors Close for Sound Bath #1
4:00pm – Doors Open/Networking
4:30pm – Doors Close for Sound Bath #2

In addition to your sound healing experience, light food and beverages will be provided.

Parking Instructions:
Free parking is available in front of the building and the lot across Short Street. (Yes, you may park there without a permit.) Street parking is also an option.

Please enter through the large, wooden front door. The studio is on the third floor at the back of the building.

Please note: several stairs lead up to the front door, and no elevator is available once inside. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

What is a Sound Bath?

A sound bath is a guided meditative experience where you are surrounded by calming sounds that help your mind and body relax. Participants typically lie down or sit in a comfortable position while listening to the soothing tones of crystal singing bowls, drums, and other resonant instruments. These sounds create gentle waves that encourage deep relaxation, quiet the mind, and promote overall well-being.

Used for centuries in cultures around the world, sound healing is known to help reduce stress, improve focus, and support emotional balance. No experience is necessary—just come, get comfortable, and let the sounds wash over you. Benefits include:

• Deep relaxation – Induces a calming state, reducing stress and anxiety.

• Nervous system reset – Helps regulate the body’s response to stress, supporting emotional balance.

• Enhanced focus and clarity – Encourages mindfulness and mental clarity.

• Energy alignment – Supports the body’s natural healing processes by promoting energetic balance.

• Improved sleep – Aids in releasing tension and preparing the body for restorative rest.

Meet Amy Hudson

Amy Hudson, a Sound Healer and Reiki Master, owns The Sound Healing Center of Lexington. This thoughtful and relaxing sanctuary emphasizes sound and frequency to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Her journey to opening Kentucky’s only sound healing center is a testament to her diverse background and passion for creating meaningful experiences.

Amy graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology, where she honed her skills in creating immersive environments for the stage. She spent 11 years as an Event Coordinator at The Thoroughbred Center, managing intimate private gatherings and large-scale events of 300+ attendees. In 2016, she designed and built a tiny house, transforming it into a successful Airbnb and gaining deeper knowledge of tourism and guest experiences. Her combined expertise in design, event planning, hospitality, and holistic wellness culminated in creating The Sound Healing Center of Lexington—a sanctuary where individuals can find balance, restoration, and a sense of peace.

Don’t miss this chance to explore an emerging sector of Kentucky’s tourism industry and experience firsthand the profound effects of sound healing! We look forward to seeing you there.

Join us at RD1 Distillery at The Commons in April to hear from Daren Turner and Mike Tetterton!

Registration is closed.

Join us for an exclusive sneak peek at Lexington’s newest distillery, RD1, located in the heart of The Commons—a luxury development transforming the north end of Downtown.

This is your chance to explore the next chapter for one of Lexington’s historic bourbon brands before its official opening.

We’ll kick off the event with charcuterie and networking at The Commons before hearing from Daren Turner about the vision behind this exciting development. Weather permitting, we’ll take a short 500-foot walk to RD1 Distillery, where Mike Tetterton will lead a bourbon tasting and share insights into RD1’s unique approach to craftsmanship, tourism, and Kentucky’s growing bourbon industry.

Event Schedule:

11:30am: Networking & Charcuterie
12:00pm: Daren Turner Presentation & Walk to RD1
The talk will be held indoors at RD1 if the weather is inclement.
12:30pm: Tasting & Talk with Mike Tetterton at RD1
1:00pm: Event Ends

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect with fellow tourism and marketing professionals and experience the newest addition to Lexington’s bourbon scene.

DUE TO A LARGER THAN EXPECTED RESPONSE FOR TUESDAY'S MEETING, THERE HAS BEEN A VENUE UPDATE

Due to the unexpected popularity of this meeting, please head to the second floor of Marriott City Center. We will meet in “Meeting Room A: The Lexington” to hear from Chenelle McGee of Kentucky Tourism. After that, we will take the elevators up to Infinity to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Join us at Infinity: Rooftop Restaurant + Bar in March to hear from Chenelle Mcgee with the Kentucky Department of Tourism!

Join us for a networking event at Infinity: Rooftop Restaurant + Bar in downtown Lexington. This gathering will provide valuable insights into the impact of international tourism on Kentucky and offer an opportunity to connect with fellow tourism and marketing professionals.

Join Chenelle Mcgee for an insightful presentation on the growing impact of international tourism in Kentucky. Learn who our global visitors are, what draws them to the Bluegrass State, and how local businesses and communities can enhance their experience. We’ll share key market trends, visitor expectations, and strategies to help you engage with and benefit from Kentucky’s expanding international presence. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how global travel is shaping our local economy and culture!

About Chenelle Mcgee:
From fine art at the Art Institute of California to military boots in the United States Marine Corps, and now the travel industry as the International and Domestic Sales Director, Chenelle Mcgee thrives on focusing attention on partnerships and data to showcase the Commonwealth of Kentucky to visitors, sightseers, and wanderers alike.

Attendees will also enjoy the ambiance of Infinity: Rooftop Restaurant + Bar, a rooftop dining experience in downtown Lexington. Located atop the Residence Inn Lexington City Center hotel, Infinity offers breathtaking views of the city skyline in an open-air setting, with the flexibility of an enclosed space as needed.

Join us at LEX Studios in February to hear from Tim Sabo of LEX Studios!

Join us for the February BTMA meeting at LEX Studios, where Kentucky’s vibrant tourism and marketing opportunities intersect with the dynamic world of film and television production.

Located in Lexington, LEX Studios is leading the charge to position Kentucky as a premier production hub beyond the traditional hotspots of Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York.

Discover how LEX Studios is leveraging Kentucky’s rich landscapes, unmatched tax incentives, and cutting-edge facilities to attract national and international productions. With over 35,000 square feet of customizable indoor space and access to Kentucky’s unique urban and natural settings, LEX Studios provides endless possibilities for filmmakers.

Attendees will learn about:

• The impact of film and TV production on regional tourism and marketing.

• How LEX Studios collaborates with local organizations to showcase Kentucky’s hospitality and scenic backdrops.

• Opportunities for partnerships within the tourism and media industries to amplify Kentucky’s presence on the global stage.

Experience firsthand the state-of-the-art facilities, from production offices and conference rooms to green screen stages and post-production suites. Explore how these amenities, combined with Kentucky’s generous 30-35% cash refund incentive for qualifying productions, are transforming the Bluegrass region into a sought-after destination for content creation.

Whether you’re in tourism, marketing, or media production, this meeting is a must-attend event to see how Kentucky is taking center stage in the entertainment industry.

Join us for the annual BTMA Holiday Party and Gift Exchange—a celebration you won’t want to miss!

Registration is Closed

Join us for the annual BTMA Holiday Party and Gift Exchange—a celebration you won’t want to miss!

Whether you're a current member, former member, or just curious about BTMA, everyone is invited to join the festivities at the member rate of $35. Bring a friend and a wrapped gift, and be ready to dive into our lively gift exchange!

Here’s how the gift exchange works:

• Bring a wrapped gift valued at around $25, and you’re in the game!

• You’ll start by drawing a number. When it’s your turn, choose a gift from the pile or “steal” one from another participant.

• If your gift gets taken, you can choose another from the pile or steal from someone else.

• Remember, each gift can only change hands three times (once unwrapped and twice stolen) before it’s out of play—and no taking back the gift just stolen from you!

This event is always a highlight of the year, so come ready for some friendly competition, lots of laughs, and holiday cheer!

Join us at LexArts in November to hear from Ame Sweetall, President and CEO of LexArts!

At this meeting, our speaker, Ame Sweetall, will provide insights into the state of Lexington's arts sector, the role of LexArts, and the impact of community-wide arts initiatives.

Join us for the Bluegrass Tourism Marketing Association's November Meeting at LexArts in downtown Lexington. Our featured speaker will be Ame Sweetall, President and CEO of LexArts, who brings a lifetime of passion for nonprofit work paired with a strategic business approach. Since taking the helm of LexArts in February 2020, Ame has driven significant growth in the organization, including navigating the pandemic with remarkable fundraising success, securing a permanent home for LexArts, and championing arts advocacy across the region.

During her presentation, Ame will provide insights into the state of Lexington's arts sector, the role of LexArts, and the impact of community-wide arts initiatives. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the local arts council and the importance of the United Arts Fund in supporting Lexington's vibrant creative landscape.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow tourism professionals and learn about the vital role the arts play in enriching our community!

LexArts is Lexington’s official local arts agency and United Arts Fund, creating opportunities for quality arts experiences in central Kentucky through leadership, funding, advocacy, programming, and communication. 

LexArts is a catalyst for creating a progressive and innovative community inspired by the arts.

LexArts provides annual funding to over 50 arts organizations and individual artists through General Operating Support grants, Community Arts Development grants, Arts Equity Grants, and more.  Additionally, LexArts provides a wide range of programs, initiatives, and services designed to integrate the arts into our daily lives, including the LexArts Gallery Hop, LexArts Network, Arts Everywhere for Students: A Teacher’s Guide, institutional art purchases, public art, and more.

LexArts also owns and operates ArtsPlace, a former YWCA turned cultural edifice, which offers rehearsal space and office space for nonprofit arts organizations. ArtsPlace is also home to LexArts Gallery, one of Lexington’s premier visual art galleries, dedicated to showcasing high-quality works by Kentucky artists.

Celebrate the coming of cooler weather with us at the Keeneland Race Meet on Wednesday, October 9th! 

Registration is Closed

Your ticket includes the following:

• general admission to Keeneland

• $20 food & beverage voucher

• program 

• BETologist – Teaching Betting 101 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (invaluable when betting!)

You’ll pick up your ticket and voucher at Will Call, the top of parking row 7, and then head to Elevator B behind the painted jockeys in the Paddock.

We’ll meet you on the second floor starting at 12:30 pm. Gates open at 11:00 am.

Feel free to come and go as your schedule allows!

A Note About Parking

Parking is an additional fee of $10 per car if purchased for the Green Lot. Put your confirmation of payment on your dashboard.

Free parking is available in The Meadow. See map below.

Join us at Harper Hall in September to hear from Eric Frankl, President and CEO of Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport!

At this meeting, our speaker, Eric Frankl, will discuss the current state of the aviation industry, considerations for recruiting air service, and updates on Blue Grass Airport.

Eric Frankl is the President and CEO of Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport. In this capacity, Eric has overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the airport, including airport operations, finance and administration, development, and community relations. He has worked in the airport industry for over 30 years. Prior to his appointment at Blue Grass Airport, Eric served as the Executive Director at the airport in Toledo, Ohio, and the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois.

Eric is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management in 1986. He received his professional accreditation in 1996 from the American Association of Airport Executives and served as President of the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives in 2004/2005. In 2010, he was awarded an Industry Excellence Award by the National Air Transportation Association for his efforts in fostering relationships with local aviation businesses and was also named Airport Manager of the Year by the Federal Aviation Administration Southern Region. He recently concluded a three-year term as the Chair of the Airline Economics and Air Service Committee for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and currently serves as Chair of the National Leadership Development Committee for AAAE.

Eric is also an active member of the local community and has served on numerous local Boards, including the Kentucky Blood Center, Bluegrass Care Navigators, LexArts, and Kentuckians for Better Transportation. He currently serves on the Lexington Business Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland.

Harper Hall is a unique 2-story venue located in the heart of downtown Lexington.

Offering open concept space on both floors allowing you the ability to create the ideal layout for your event.

The first floor is perfect for conferences, seminars, ceremonies, training and luncheons, while the second floor is designed for celebrations, dinners, presentations, cocktail receptions and so much more.

Join us at Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm in Midway in August for a Social Networking & Bourbon Tasting Event!

Bluegrass Distillers’ journey to Elkwood Farm began in 2018, but the farm itself was constructed nearly 200 years ago in the mid-1830s. The primary residence on the property now serves as the Visitors Center with tasting rooms, a gift shop, and a main bar. They are constructing the distillery building, which will also house a lab, bottling facility, and bar, in addition to ten barrel warehouses around the property. Once completed, the new distillery will be able to produce over 30,000 barrels per year, a 100% increase from the 300 barrels made at their Downtown Lexington facility. In addition to the new Visitors Center and Distillery, they will utilize most of the 62 acres surrounding the mansion to cultivate their blue and yellow corn, which is used in producing their award-winning bourbons.

The historic grounds, where you’ll immerse yourself in an authentic grain-to-glass distillery experience, are located just 10 minutes from Frankfort, KY, and 15 minutes from Lexington, KY. Production began in Summer 2024. Guided Tastings and Visitors Center are now open to the public.

BTMA Putt-Putt Tournament

presented by

TravelHost of the Bluegrass

Join us for a day of fun and philanthropy at the Bluegrass Tourism Marketing Association's Putt-Putt Tournament on June 4, 2024, at Malibu Jack's in Lexington, KY! Tee off for a cause and help support two vital local non-profit organizations: The Nest Lexington and Natalie's Sisters.

By participating in this exciting event, you'll not only enjoy a thrilling round of putt-putt with friends and family, but you'll also contribute to the crucial missions of these organizations. The Nest Lexington works tirelessly to prevent abuse and neglect, offering support and resources to families in crisis. Meanwhile, Natalie's Sisters extends hope, support, and God's love to women affected by sex trafficking and exploitation, providing them with respite, relationships, and referrals to essential community resources.

Your involvement in the BTMA Putt-Putt Tournament will make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need within our community. So mark your calendars, gather your putters, and join us for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and fundraising. Together, we can make a positive impact and support these vital causes. See you on the greens at Malibu Jack's!

Registration closes Friday, May 31 at noon.

Join us for an immersive experience: the Bites of the Bluegrass Distillery District Food & History Tour!

Meet us in RELIC at 11:30 am. The tour starts promptly at 11:50 am.

Registration is Closed.

Join Bites of the Bluegrass in the lively Distillery District for an experience you won’t forget!