James B. Beam Institute Industry Conference

James B. Beam Institute Industry Conference

2026 Beam Institute Industry Conference

March 16–18, 2026

The University of Kentucky James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits Industry Conference brings thought leaders from around the world together to share best practices, introduce cutting-edge research, explore new discoveries and advance the sustainable growth of the spirits industry. 

Conference topics range from innovation and technical research to marketing and tourism as well as workforce education and corporate citizenship.

The annual conference will be held at the University of Kentucky Bill Gatton Student Center, 160 Avenue of Champions, Lexington, KY 40506. Such a venue creates an opportunity for conference-goers to network and build collaborative partnerships that further advance the growth and sustainability of Kentucky’s signature industry and the spirits sector worldwide.

Join us for the next conference March 16-18, 2026. Attendee registration is now open.

We partner with multiple hotels in town to offer discounted rates to our conference attendees.

If your organization is interested in supporting the conference, please reach out to ilka.balk@uky.edu.

Register for the Conference

Register today to secure your ticket for the 2026 Beam Institute Industry Conference.

View Conference Registration

Plan Your Trip

Find discounted hotel rates and things to do in Lexington.

Plan Your Trip

Conference Partnerships

Become a 2026 conference partner. Vendor booths are sold out.

See Partner and Vendor Information

Questions?

Ilka Balk

Associate Director

(859) 218-6655 ilka.balk@uky.edu James B. Beam Institute for KY Spirits 1320 Nicholasville Road Lexington, KY 40546

Connect With Us

Keep up with the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits on Facebook, X, Instagram and Linkedin.

Contact Information

Seth DeBolt, Ph.D.
Director

309 Plant Science Building Lexington, KY 40546-0312

beaminstitute@uky.edu