UK to Host Inaugural James B. Beam Institute Industry Conference
By Aimee Nielson Jan. 2, 2020
The conference will address key topics those in the industry deal with on a regular basis. UK and industry representatives will lead sessions focused on fermentation, spent grains, warehouse issues, maturation, white oak and a grains panel.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 2, 2020) — Bourbon is an $8.6 billion industry in Kentucky and boasts more than 21,000 jobs and rising, accounting for a third of all distilling jobs in the United States. The James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits at the University of Kentucky will offer an inaugural industry conference Feb. 27 in the UK Gatton Student Center.
The Beam Institute is a collaboration between the UK colleges of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Arts and Sciences; Business and Economics; and Engineering. Its vision is to educate the next generation of distillers through a curriculum that develops skills for undergraduates, graduate students and professionals to succeed in the distilled spirits industry.
"We wanted to offer an information-rich learning experience for those who work every day to produce the top-quality products Kentucky is known for worldwide," said Seth DeBolt, UK horticulture professor and Beam Institute director. "We are hoping this first conference will be educational, memorable and ultimately provide information and resources industry professionals can use in their jobs."
The conference will address key topics those in the industry deal with on a regular basis. UK and industry representatives will lead sessions focused on fermentation, spent grains, warehouse issues, maturation, white oak and a grains panel. Exhibits and vendors will offer interactive displays and opportunities for networking. Attendees will also earn a certificate of continuing education for participation.
Manager of environment, health and safety, Tony Ising
Health and safety manager, Tate Preston
Director of maturing inventory and barrel performance, Phil Luddeke
Whiskey blending scientist, Tyler Gomez
UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Professor Seth Debolt, Department of Horticulture
Professor Dave VanSanford, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
Associate Professor Jeffrey Lehmkuhler, Department of Animal and Food Sciences
Extension Professor Mike Potter, Department of Entomology
Independent Stave Company
CEO Brad Boswell
Director of spirits research and innovation, Andrew Wiehebrink
U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station project leader, Dana Nelson
Sazerac Buffalo Trace master distiller, Harlen Wheatley
Associate Professor Steven Schafrik, UK College of Engineering Department of Mining Engineering
Jeptha Creed CEO and master distiller, Joyce Nethery
Heaven Hill master distiller, Connor O'Driscoll
Brooks Grain LLC president, Erica Fields
South Fork Malthouse maltster and owner, Russell Case
Wilderness Trail co-owner and master distiller, Shane Baker
Walnut Grove Farms owner and farmer, Sam Halcomb
Buzick vice president and chief engineer, Kevin Aldred
Brewing and Distilling Analytical Services owner and manager, Gary Spedding
The day will begin with registration at 7:30 a.m. EST and wrap up with closing remarks at 4 p.m. Early bird registration is $95 through Jan. 15. Student registration is $25. Beginning Jan. 16, registration is $195. The price includes the full day of educational sessions, exhibits, breakfast, lunch and snacks. Organizers are accepting vendors through Jan. 31. To register as a participant or vendor, visit the Eventbrite page at https://beam-institute-conference.eventbrite.com.
For more information, visit the Beam Institute website at http://beaminstitute.ca.uky.edu. Participants are welcome to stay after the conference and attend the Bourbon and Distilled Spirits Career Fair, which requires a separate registration, https://dwb.ca.uky.edu/BourbonCareerFair.
UK and Jim Beam-parent Beam Suntory are dedicated to the responsible consumption of alcohol and together will develop and expand successful alcohol awareness programs, including programming already funded by Beam Suntory.
Danielle Donham
danielle.donham@uky.edu